Why Are Projectors Losing Popularity? The Hidden Downsides You Need to Know

French communication scholar J. Baudrillard once noted that modern consumption is more about the symbolic meaning of objects rather than their practical use. This concept applies perfectly to the rise and decline of projectors. Many people purchase projectors not just for their functionality but for the unique ambiance they create. However, despite their initial popularity, many consumers are now questioning: Why are projectors losing popularity?

Photo of the projector atmosphere (Source: Internet)

The Appeal of Projectors

Projectors became popular thanks to social media showcasing cozy, cinematic home setups. Many advertisements feature a warm room with a projected TV image, a person curled up on the sofa, and a relaxing atmosphere. Some creative users even project images of windows or rain scenes to enhance their home’s aesthetic. These visuals entice buyers, making projectors a sought-after item.

During the recent “Double Eleven” shopping festival, projector sales saw a significant increase. Manufacturers ramped up production to meet demand. According to Aowei Cloud Network, China’s home smart projector market maintained strong growth in 2022, with expected sales reaching 6.45 million units.

Projector sales surge

Advantages of Projectors

The rising popularity of projectors is not solely due to marketing. They offer several advantages that attract consumers.

Cost-Effective Entertainment

A projector allows families to enjoy widescreen movies at home, saving money on frequent trips to the cinema. A typical movie outing for two costs around 100 yuan, while a projector priced between 1,000 and 3,000 yuan can pay for itself within months. This affordability, coupled with the increasing trend of home entertainment, has made projectors an attractive alternative.

Convenience and Portability

Unlike bulky TVs, projectors are easy to set up. They require only a blank wall, eliminating the need for mounting screens or complicated wiring. For renters, projectors offer flexibility—easily transportable without the hassle of moving a large television.

Eye Comfort and Large Screen Experience

Many consumers believe that projectors are less harmful to the eyes than flat screens. Additionally, their large display makes them ideal for family gatherings and movie nights.

For more options on affordable entertainment devices, check out TinyDeals.

Projector (Photo source: Internet)

Growing Market and Industry Impact

The popularity of projectors has fueled industry expansion. According to Tianyancha, China now has over 70,000 projector-related companies, with 60% founded in the past five years. The number of new projector companies peaked in 2021, growing by 62.69%.

Sales data from Luotu Technology shows that China’s smart projection market saw over 20% year-on-year growth in 2022. In the first three quarters, total sales reached 4.29 million units. However, despite the booming market, challenges are emerging, which is why many are asking: Why are projectors losing popularity?

Challenges Facing the Projector Industry

While projectors offer both ambiance and practicality, their rapid growth has revealed several issues:

Short Product Lifespan

Many users report that home projectors often fail within three years. Common problems include Bluetooth disconnection, overheating, and display malfunctions. Repairs are costly—replacing a damaged DMD chip can cost thousands of yuan. Some brands even disappear from the market, leaving customers without support.

Limited Brightness and Clarity

A major drawback of budget projectors is low brightness. Users with projectors under 250 ANSI lumens struggle to see a clear image in daylight. This reality differs from the perfect, immersive experience advertised online.

Noise and Focusing Issues

Fan noise and frequent refocusing disrupt the viewing experience. Movement near the projector often requires manual readjustments, making it less convenient than expected.

High-end projectors solve these issues but come at a hefty price—often ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 yuan. Even then, the performance may not match expectations.

Shipment volume of the top 5 manufacturers in China’s projector market in 2021

Can Projectors Compete in the Long Run?

Although projector exports continue to rise, industry experts believe the market is entering a saturation phase. The “China Projector Market Tracking Report” by IDC reveals that in 2021, total projector shipments in China reached 4.7 million units, marking a 12.6% year-on-year increase. Sales exceeded 21.4 trillion yuan, reflecting a 15.5% growth.

XGIMI, Epson, JMGO, Fengmi, and Dangbei dominate the market. XGIMI leads with a 21.2% market share, maintaining its position as China’s top projector brand since 2018. However, XGIMI’s 2022 interim report indicates a slowdown in revenue growth. While its revenue increased by 20.72%, the growth rate has declined compared to previous years.

The Future of Projectors: Competing with TVs

As brands push for high-end models, projectors face tough competition. On one hand, they struggle to match the quality of TVs at similar price points. A 1,000-yuan projector offers significantly lower clarity than a TV, while a high-end projector costing 4,000 to 5,000 yuan competes directly with mid-to-high-end televisions.

Moreover, TVs serve as decorative elements in home interiors, adding value beyond entertainment. Projectors lack this appeal, making them less competitive for permanent home setups. This shift in consumer preference further explains why are projectors losing popularity.

Conclusion: The Projector Industry Needs Innovation

For projectors to maintain relevance, the industry must address its challenges. Improving lifespan, brightness, and stability will be crucial. Without innovation, projectors risk losing ground to televisions, limiting their market potential.

While projectors offer affordability, convenience, and ambiance, their limitations hinder widespread adoption. To secure their place in the market, manufacturers must push beyond current technology and provide solutions that truly rival traditional TVs.

For more tech trends and smart home gadgets, visit TinyDeals.