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4. Projectors are PC-friendlyMany HDTVs don't have computer-compatible inputs, but nearly every home theater projector can display computer images straight out of the box. Along with a full selection of standard jacks, most projectors have VGA inputs as well as DVI or the newer HDMI jacks, so they can display just about everything. Even if the idea of a wall-sized Web page or digital-camera slideshow doesn't appeal to you, you can connect your Xbox or PlayStation 2 console for big-time gaming - as if games aren't addictive enough already!

5. See every detailHDTV is made for big screens, and nothing shows off the amazing detail of 1080i (interlaced) or 720p (progressive-scan) high-def programs like a projector spitting out 28 square feet of picture. Smaller direct-view and even rear-projection HDTVs often truncate the resolution of high-def sources to as little as 500 lines of resolution, resulting in softer images. But many new projectors can show every line of resolution in a 720p high-def image. Naturally, the 1080i HDTV format looks great too, but with projectors capable of displaying full 1080i selling for $30,000 and up, affordable models are still a ways off.

6. No more black barsA projector makes the complex waters of aspect ratio - you know, the 4:3 shape of a standard TV screen vs. HDTV's widescreen 16:9 ratio vs. a movie theater's super-wide 2.35:1 ratio, and all the many variations in between - a little easier to navigate. Since most HDTV sets have 16:9 screens, you're stuck with black or gray bars on either side of the picture for 4:3 shows, or on the top and bottom of the picture when you're watching super-wide (2.35:1) DVDs. But a projector can adapt to any aspect-ratio screen or program. If you have a standard 16:9 screen, for example, you can use curtains to crop it for 4:3 shows. More complex - and expensive - installations use motorized masking to crop the screen to any aspect ratio.

7. Create a movie theaterYes, to enjoy a projector's picture you have to dim the lights, and you have to turn them all the way off if you want a really good image, but that can be a good thing. Nothing gets you and your friends in the mood for a movie like settling down to watch a DVD on a huge screen in a darkened room. Many projector owners reserve their light cannons for showing movies and cinematic TV and HDTV shows, and keep a smaller standard set on hand for watching the news, reality TV, and kids' shows.

8. A great way to make friends Anybody who's invested in a home theater knows it's an irresistible draw for visitors, especially during special events - inevitably broadcast in HDTV - like the Super Bowl or the Oscars. Get a projector, and you'll feel like you're the kid with the pool - suddenly, you'll have even more friends. Another great thing about a projector compared with a big-screen rear-projection TV is that there won't be a bad seat in the house. Viewing angles for projectors are typically very wide, especially if you choose the right screen. In other words, the image remains bright no matter where you are in the room or whether you're sitting on the floor or standing up. Also, bigger images are easier to see from just about everywhere. And if you have to make room for more people, a table-mounted projector can be moved without much hassle.

9. You can take it with you Speaking of hassle, have you ever moved your big-screen TV to a new house? They're among the biggest and bulkiest boxes any mover has to deal with - one reason why they're often damaged in transit. The days of ottoman-sized three-tube projectors are gone. Today's compact models are easy to tote, and you can even use them on the road. Taking a projector to your vacation home or over to your friend's house is a lot easier than lugging a TV, and a projector can give you that immersive experience wherever you want. Many models make the job even simpler by including carrying cases and road kits, and upcoming micro versions like Mistubishi's paperback-sized LED-powered PocketProjector (see "CES Showstoppers") will open up new possibilities for road warriors.