Flat panels are getting bigger.
But in modern offices, schools and hybrid workspaces? Bigger doesn’t always mean better.
If you’ve ever tried mounting a 98” screen on a plasterboard wall—or lugged it to another meeting room—you’ll know what I mean.
Enter: laser projectors.
They’re bright. Portable. Maintenance-free. And with the 2026 EU ban on mercury lamps looming… they’re about to become the new standard for business, education, and hybrid meetings.
Let’s break it all down.
Flat Panels Are Growing — But Their Flexibility Isn’t
Yes, 85–100” displays are becoming standard in corporate boardrooms and classrooms.
But there’s a snag:
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They’re heavy.
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They’re wall-mounted.
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They’re a nightmare to move.
That’s fine if you’ve got one permanent setup. Not so great for hybrid teams, mobile educators, or shared spaces.
Laser projectors, on the other hand?
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Project 100”+ images with ease
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Sit on a table, shelf or ceiling
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And can be packed up and moved in minutes
Perfect for today’s dynamic, hybrid-first environments.
Why Laser Projectors Are Made for Modern Workspaces
Here’s why laser projectors are turning heads in classrooms, boardrooms and beyond:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Portability | Lightweight and travel-ready. Great for roaming educators or consultants. |
| High Brightness | Clear, vibrant visuals—even in well-lit rooms. |
| Built-in Videoconferencing | Project Teams and Zoom calls at life-size scale. |
| Instant On/Off | No warm-up delays. Just plug in and present. |
| Low Maintenance | 20,000+ hour laser life. No bulbs. No faff. |
Whether you’re teaching, pitching, or hosting global meetings, laser projectors give you the clarity and flexibility flat screens can’t match.
Trusted Expert Picks: NEC and Epson Lead the Pack
At VideoCentric, we’ve tested and deployed more AV gear than most people will ever see in a lifetime.
And when it comes to laser projectors? Two brands consistently stand out:
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NEC
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Epson
Why them?
Because they’ve nailed what modern environments need:
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Excellent image quality (crisp text, natural colour reproduction)
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Quiet operation (no annoying fan noise mid-call)
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Proven durability (less downtime, fewer support calls)
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Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and hybrid setups
We’ve kitted out everything from classrooms to global HQs using these—and they deliver, time and again.
If you’re wondering which model’s best for your space or software stack, we can recommend specific models based on real-world installs.
Heads-Up: EU Lamp Ban Hits in 2026
This bit’s not optional.
The EU Regulation 2023/2049 will ban mercury-based projector lamps starting 1st January 2026.
Here’s what that means:
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You won’t be able to buy or import new lamp-based projectors.
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Replacement bulbs? They’ll become scarce. And expensive.
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Ongoing support for legacy units? Risky.
If your estate still relies on lamp-based kit, now’s the time to switch to laser or LED. Don’t wait until stock dries up—or prices shoot through the roof.
Real-World Wins: Laser Projectors in Action
Need some inspiration? Here’s how laser projectors are already making life easier across industries:
| Environment | How Laser Projectors Help |
|---|---|
| Teams/Zoom Rooms | Present remote participants and shared content at room-filling scale. |
| Education | Crystal-clear visuals + ultra-low maintenance = more teaching, less faffing. |
| Corporate | Reliable projection for training, town halls and hybrid meetings. |
| Portable Use | Compact enough to take on the road or rotate between meeting spaces. |
Whether you’re a tech lead, headteacher or event manager, laser projection gives you maximum visibility with minimum hassle.
The Bottom Line: Laser Projectors Are the Future
Here’s the reality:
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Flat panels are getting bulkier, not smarter.
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Mercury-based lamp projectors are on their way out.
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Hybrid work isn’t going anywhere.
Which makes laser projectors the smartest upgrade you can make in 2025.
They’re:
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Scalable: One unit, any room size
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Flexible: Move them between spaces in seconds
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Reliable: Zero bulb failures, minimal downtime
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Future-proof: Already compliant with upcoming regulations
And with brands like Epson and NEC offering enterprise-grade reliability, you’re not taking a gamble—you’re making a smart, strategic investment.
Get Expert Help (No Guesswork Required)
We’ve been helping businesses, schools and government teams make better AV decisions since 2001.
So if you’re:
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Unsure what’s compatible with your Teams or Zoom setup
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Not sure how laser compares to your current screens
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Curious what model will suit your space and budget
Let us help.
You can book a free consultation or live demo where we walk you through side-by-side comparisons—so you can see the difference before you spend a penny.
Book a Product Demo
Book a Free Consultation
Need help planning your migration before the 2026 lamp ban? Just drop us a line—we’ll map it all out for you.
