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How to Pay for a Laser Projector and Screen

How to · Tech

How to Pay for a Laser Projector and Screen

Upgrade your home theater with a laser projector and screen by spreading the cost over 18 months without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $122.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Ultra-short-throw projectors turn a living room into a theater without the need for ceiling mounts or long cables. These units sit right against the wall and can last for over 20,000 hours of viewing. Since this is a ten-year purchase, we want to buy a high-quality 4K laser engine rather than a cheap bulb version that will dim over time.

The best time to buy is November when retailers clear out current inventory. Last year's flagship model is usually a better deal than a new entry-level unit. You get better brightness and color contrast for the same price just by waiting for the holiday sales cycle.

The 0% interest window is a deadline. If you still owe money after 18 months, the standard interest rate will apply to the remaining balance, which makes your purchase much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Choose your screen first

    A laser projector needs an Ambient Light Rejecting screen to look its best. Without it, your image will look washed out if a single lamp is on. Measure your wall space to ensure a 100 or 120-inch frame actually fits.

  2. 02

    Watch the holiday sales

    Major electronics brands drop their prices significantly during the weeks around Thanksgiving. You can often find a projector and screen bundle for $2200 that would normally cost $3000. Keep an eye on tech deal sites starting in early November.

  3. 03

    Apply for the 18-month window

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to handle the purchase. It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you split the cost without the immediate sting of a huge bill.

  4. 04

    Automate your monthly plan

    Divide the $2200 total by 18 months to get your target. That comes out to $122.22 each month. Set this up as a recurring transfer from your bank so you never miss a beat.

  5. 05

    Check your ventilation

    Laser projectors generate some heat and need room to breathe. Ensure your media console has enough ventilation so the hardware doesn't throttle. A little bit of airflow helps the internal components last for that full decade of use.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Can I just use a white wall?

You can, but you shouldn't. A standard white wall scatters light in every direction, including toward the ceiling. An ALR screen reflects the projector's light back at you while absorbing light from other sources.

Is 4K really worth the extra cost?

Yes, because at 100 inches or larger, you will see the pixels on a standard HD image. Since you keep these for years, 4K is the floor for a good experience.

When do new models usually come out?

Most brands announce new tech in January. That is why November is the sweet spot for clearing out the current year's inventory at a discount.

Do laser projectors get loud?

They have fans to keep the laser cool, but they are usually much quieter than old-school bulb projectors. In a normal-sized room, you likely won't notice the hum over the movie audio.