Interactive Displays vs. Projectors: Which is Right For Your Space?

In the world of AV, the debate between interactive displays and projectors is one we know well. It’s not as simple as picking the “newest” —it’s about the right fit for the way you teach, meet, collaborate, and connect.

Whether you’re outfitting a new school building, refreshing your boardroom, or bringing consistency across training spaces, choosing between the two can feel like navigating a tech labyrinth. But don’t worry—we’ve got the map.

At Vision One, we work across schools, universities, workplaces and public buildings throughout Melbourne, and we often get asked: “Which is better — an interactive display or a projector?” The answer is… it depends. This blog will break down the pros and cons of each, guide you through real-life examples, and help you make an informed, future-ready decision.

Understanding the Options

Interactive Displays

Why You’ll Love Them (a.k.a the Magic of Interactive Displays)

These sleek screens are like the Swiss Army knife of classroom and boardroom tech. With stunning visuals and intuitive touch, they make everyday collaboration feel like future-tech. No more fiddling with remotes or dimming lights—just tap, swipe, and wow.

• Bright, high-definition images that aren’t affected by ambient light
• No bulbs or filters to maintain—just plug in and go
• Integrated touchscreens for annotation and collaboration
• Works well in small to mid-sized rooms

Heads-Up Before You Dive In:

While they’re impressive out of the box, interactive displays do have some limitations.

• Limited to fixed sizes—if you need bigger than 86″, you’ll be pushing it
• Upfront costs can stack up in large deployments
• You’ll want to plan mounting carefully to suit all users and viewing angles

Projectors

Why They’re Still Seriously Smart (a.k.a. Projectors: The Unsung Hero of Big Ideas)

They may not get all the hype, but a modern interactive projector is still one of the most versatile tools in your AV arsenal. Big screen, big impact, and when paired with a good surface, they’re ready to do some seriously heavy lifting.

• Huge image sizes up to 100″–120″ without increasing costs
• Interactive features and multi-user functionality available on select models (yes, you can still draw on the board!)
• Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and multi-use spaces
• Flexible installation for unusual room layouts

A Few Considerations Before You Commit

There’s a reason projectors remain popular—but they do need a little care and planning.

• Bright light can affect visibility—blinds or good positioning help a lot
• Regular maintenance (filters, firmware) is a thing
• They rely on a solid surface (like a whiteboard or wall) for best results

Real-World Tech in Action

Interactive Displays at Work

At Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, we rolled out 36 Samsung Interactive Displays in the Larkin Centre to create a connected, agile learning environment. Teachers loved the responsive touch interface and seamless integration with Microsoft Teams—making lessons more interactive and less dependent on old-school workarounds.

Meanwhile, at Chisholm Institute, we deployed Promethean ActivPanels across their technical training rooms. These displays delivered a platform for real-time collaboration, on-screen annotation, and clean, modern functionality that reflected the institute’s cutting-edge approach to education.

Projectors In The Field

At Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Epson EB-1485Fi interactive projectors brought vibrant, large-scale projection to classrooms while offering whiteboarding capabilities for group learning. The upgrade delivered impressive functionality while maintaining the flexibility of their existing whiteboard-based teaching.

At Overnewton Anglican Community College, we installed a full suite of Epson projectors paired with JED T440 wall controllers. This simple yet powerful setup gave every teacher reliable, easy-to-use AV control across the entire campus—without a steep learning curve.

So… What’s the Verdict?

Both interactive displays and projectors are fantastic solutions—it just comes down to what you need most. If your space is smaller, your lighting is bright, and you’re chasing a sleek, low-maintenance setup, interactive displays might be your best friend.

But if you need serious screen real estate, want to stretch your budget, or are updating multiple rooms with existing whiteboards, projectors are still incredibly powerful—and far from outdated.

Still not sure which direction to go? That’s where we come in. At Vision One, we don’t just install tech—we design AV experiences. Whether it’s a single room upgrade or a full-campus rollout, we’ll help you choose the right path, install with precision, and support you every step of the way.

🔗 Talk to us today and we’ll help you find the perfect AV solution—no jargon, no pressure, just straight-up tech wizardry.
🖼️ Or take a look through our Project Portfolio to see the magic in action.