Can You Use a Laser Pointer on a TV Screen (LED/LCD)? (2024)

What to Know

  • Traditional laser pointers are ineffective on TV screens due to the screen’s emitted light and anti-glare technology.
  • Digital laser pointers allow on-screen highlighting without external light, designed specifically for LCD and LED TVs.
  • Physical lasers can damage TV screens, making digital lasers the safer and clearer choice.

You’re getting ready for a big work presentation, complete with several detailed charts and graphs.

You decide that pointing a yardstick at the TV screen to direct your audience’s attention to certain points is a little elementary.

Could you, perhaps, use a laser pointer instead?

Will any laser pointer work?

If not, what kind of laser pointer should you use on a TV screen?

Keep reading to find out!

Quick Navigation

  • Why Can’t You Use Traditional Laser Pointer on a TV Screen?
  • What Is a Digital Laser Pointer?
  • Which Laser Pointer Will Work on a TV Screen?
  • Some Recommendations
    • Logitech Spotlight Presentation Remote
    • ASiNG Advanced Digital Laser Presentation Remote
  • FAQs:
    • Will a “Physical” Laser Pointer Mess Up a TV?
    • Does Logitech R800 Work on a TV Screen?
  • Wrapping Things Up

Why Can’t You Use Traditional Laser Pointer on a TV Screen?

Traditional laser pointers will not show up on your TV screen.

Can You Use a Laser Pointer on a TV Screen (LED/LCD)? (1)

At the most basic level, laser pointers are bright streams of light. While they may appear bright on a wall or printed presentation, their light will not be as clear on a television screen.

This is because TV screens are also emitting a considerable amount of light, outshining the laser pointer’s light. This will make your laser appear dim and difficult to see.

Additionally, many TVs are fitted with a polarizing film. This film has anti-glare technology, blocking any external light (e.g. sun rays, lamps, overhead lights) from creating a glare on your television screen.

Since your laser pointer is an external light source, your TV’s anti-glare film will block it, absorbing its light and preventing it from being clearly seen.

What Is a Digital Laser Pointer?

Digital laser pointers direct digital lasers on the screen instead of traditional real lasers.

Can You Use a Laser Pointer on a TV Screen (LED/LCD)? (2)

So, unlike traditional physical lasers which shine an external light on your TV, digital lasers allow you to highlight items on-screen by spotlighting a certain area of the screen.

They’re designed to work with LCD and LED TV monitors, displaying a spotlight or a small pointer (depending on the laser) without the need for an external light source.

The laser’s color, size, and transparency can be adjusted according to your needs and preferences.

Digital laser pointers are rechargeable and connect to your TV via a small USB dongle, making them completely wireless.

Many of them also come with apps allowing you to customize the laser pointer’s features.

Which Laser Pointer Will Work on a TV Screen?

Digital lasers will work with a TV screen.

While traditional lasers won’t work on TV screens, digital lasers will.

Can You Use a Laser Pointer on a TV Screen (LED/LCD)? (3)

You may also find that traditional laser pointers aren’t as effective on projector screens due to the excess light, especially if you’re using a type of light-rejecting screen.

Some powerful, ultra-bright traditional lasers will show up on your TV screen, but these harsh lights can damage your TV.

So, while digital lasers may be a bit more expensive, they will save you in the long run since you won’t have to pay to repair or replace your TV screen in the near future.

Digital laser pointers don’t only work with TV screens, they also work with projector screens!

Since many cooperate meeting rooms are swapping their TVs for projectors, this is a great added bonus.

Some Recommendations

So, now that you know you need a digital laser pointer to use on your TV, it’s time to get shopping. But where should you start?

Lucky for you, we’ve found our top two recommendations for digital laser pointers.

Let’s learn about them!

Logitech Spotlight Presentation Remote

Can You Use a Laser Pointer on a TV Screen (LED/LCD)? (4)

Logitech Spotlight Presentation Remote - Advanced Digital Highlighting with Bluetooth, Universal Presenter Clicker, 30M Range and Quick Charging –...

  • Highlight and magnify on screen - go beyond traditional laser pointing. Use the advanced pointer...
  • Mouse-like cursor control - Use the on-screen cursor to play and pause videos, open links, and enjoy...
  • Smart time management - Spotlight reminds you when it's time to wrap up. The presentation remote...

Last update on 2024-03-21 / Paid Link.

Whether we like it or not, appearance matters, especially during important business presentations. So, why not make sure your remote matches your sleek and modern appearance?

The Logitech Spotlight Presentation Remote is chic and stylish, comes in gold or black, and has the capacity to elevate your presentation significantly.

It can keep its charge for up to three months, so you don’t have to worry about it randomly dying in the middle of your meeting.

This laser pointer also has a range of 30 meters (or 98.4 feet), making it a great choice for presentations held in spacious auditoriums. It’s also completely wireless, so you can move freely around your room.

Instead of allowing you to point to objects on-screen with a cursor, this remote highlights an area of your screen. Not only will this allow you to direct the audience’s attention to wider areas of your presentation, but you also won’t have to worry about the cursor blocking any important information on-screen.

The most notable thing about this remote is its time management feature, which vibrates the remote, alerting you when you’re running out of time. The vibration is discrete, so only you will notice it.

These alerts can be custom-set in the remote’s accompanying app, allowing you to customize the remote to your needs.

Finally, it comes with a USB dock for the USB dongle, so you’re less prone to losing it.

ASiNG Advanced Digital Laser Presentation Remote

Can You Use a Laser Pointer on a TV Screen (LED/LCD)? (6)

ASiNG Advanced Digital Laser Presentation Remote - Red Laser Presentation Pointers with Function of Spotlighting, Highlighting, Magnifying, Air Mouse...

  • Advanced Digital Presentation Remote in Mode M2: Used for Spotlighting, Highlighting, Magnifying any...
  • Red Laser Pointer in Mode M1: Base on the traditional laser pointer function, it also has electronic...
  • Smart Timer and Anti-Lost: Countdown alert and time showing help to manage your presentation time...

Last update on 2024-03-21 / Paid Link.

Do you want a digital laser remote that can do it all? If so, then the ASiNG Advanced Digital Laser Presentation Remote is for you!

Presentations are stressful and, if you’re anything like me, your bouts of anxiety are manifested through forgetfulness. Lucky for you, this high-tech remote’s USB dongle also has extra storage!

This means you can upload your presentation files onto the remote’s dongle and open them directly on the TV, so you only have to remember to bring the remote and dongle with you.

The remote comes with three storage options: 8GB, 32GB, or 128GB.

Like the Logitech remote mentioned above, this remote also has a time management feature. However, this one allows you to precisely track how much time is left by displaying a digital countdown on the remote.

The ASiNG remote has two modes: pointer and highlight. The pointer mode functions similarly to a traditional laser, displaying a red dot on-screen.

Highlight mode illuminates one area of the screen and allows you to even zoom in, which is perfect for detailed or busy diagrams.

Long gone are the days of clumsily leaning over your computer to draw an icon on-screen or play a video!

This digital laser has a pencil and air mouse feature, allowing you to draw on-screen and click on icons.

This is great if you want to draw your audience’s gaze to particular items by circling them on-screen or open and play videos during your presentation.

So, while it may not be as stylish as the Logitech remote, its many features make it incredibly efficient.

FAQs:

Will a “Physical” Laser Pointer Mess Up a TV?

Yes, physical laser pointers can damage your TV.

In addition to not showing up on your TV, traditional physical laser pointers can actually damage your TV.

There are several classes of lasers, which are separated by their brightness and power.

Lasers with a wattage of 5 or higher are brighter and, when pointed directly at your TV screen, can cause damage to the screen.

The laser’s bright light can burn your TV’s LED pixels, causing them to die. Dead pixels, which appear black and do not illuminate, are almost impossible to fix.

Not to mention, the repairs can cost you hundreds of dollars.

So, to play it safe, only use digital lasers on your TV. The digital laser will be clearer and easier to see and, as an added bonus, will not damage your TV screen.

Does Logitech R800 Work on a TV Screen?

No, the Logitech R800 Laser will not work on your TV screen.

While this remote does wirelessly connect to your TV, it is not a digital remote since it shines a physical light onto your TV screen.

As discussed, external light sources are not very visible on TV screens. So, you will most likely struggle to see it on your LED or LCD TV.

Additionally, this physical laser’s light could damage your TV screen.

Instead, it’s best to stick to a digital laser, such as the ones listed above.

Wrapping Things Up

Physical lasers won’t only damage your eyes, they will also damage your TV screen.

To make matters worse, it’s unlikely you’ll even be able to see them clearly, especially if your TV screen is fitted with an anti-glare film.

Instead, we strongly recommend using a digital laser pointer.

These new and improved laser pointers wirelessly connect to your TV or monitor, allowing you to point at or highlight items on-screen without shining a damaging light on your TV.

Not to mention, they come with time management, air mouse, and magnification features, which can help elevate your presentation and make it run smoothly.

So, say “goodbye” to the red laser pointer of the past and “hello” to the sleek, digital laser pointers of the future.

Your coworkers won’t only be impressed by your high-tech presentation aid, but they’ll also be relieved you aren’t damaging company televisions by shining a bright laser at them.

What’s your experience using a digital laser pointer? Did you know that physical laser pointers could damage TVs?

Let us know in the comments below!

Yesenia Achlim( Technical Writer )

Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.

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  3. How to Use Laser Pointers for Impactful Zoom Meetings
  4. Why Does My Laser Pointer Go Dim? How Do I Fix It?
Can You Use a Laser Pointer on a TV Screen (LED/LCD)? (2024)

FAQs

Can I use a laser pointer on a TV screen? ›

Either you'll see a green dot on the screen, or it may be absorbed. Either way, a legal green laser pointer won't harm a TV screen.

Why does a laser pointer not work on a TV? ›

But most TV's have reflective glass surfaces so when you point any laser pointer at the TV a good bit of the light from the pointer will be reflected away from the glass panel of the TV. This reduces the brightness of the laser pointer that shows up on the screen.

What kind of pointer works on an LCD screen? ›

Any green laser pointer with good brightness will work.

Do laser pointers use LEDs? ›

Laser pointers should not be confused with lamps containing light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which emit a much more diffuse beam (with much lower spatial coherence, similar to that of an incandescent lamp) and can also emit light with different colors, or white light.

What kind of laser pointer works on a TV? ›

Amazon Live - Green Laser Pointer for TV LED LCD Screen.

What color laser pointer works on LCD screen? ›

The green laser works on surfaces where red lasers won't display. It appears nicely on bright projector or LCD/LED HD screens.

Do TVs use lasers? ›

Laser TVs are essentially just laser-powered ultra short throw (UST) projectors. But if you're shopping for one, you may notice that this definition doesn't always apply. Different brands include different features and accessories with their laser TVs, which means you'll need to do your homework before you buy.

Are Laser TV worth it? ›

Laser TVs are easier on your eyes than traditional TVs. With a standard TV, you are looking directly into the light source, causing strain and potential eye discomfort after a binge session. Laser TVs on the other hand are taking the light source and projecting it.

Is Laser TV better than LED? ›

They're far brighter and last a lot longer than conventional LEDs and high-pressure bulbs. The very best IMAX theaters use laser projectors — sometimes two at once. Laser TVs are now within the reach of almost anyone shopping for a large TV, and they offer several advantages over their flat-panel cousins.

Are touch screens LCD or LED? ›

Touchscreens are commonly found in smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices. The display is often an LCD, AMOLED or OLED display.

What is the size of the dot on a laser pointer? ›

This means that, at the laser pointer itself, the beam diameter is about 1.5 mm. As it travels, the diameter increases by 1 mm for every 1 m away from the laser pointer. Here is the spot at 1 m. It is 2.5 mm in diameter.

What allows you to control the pointer on the screen? ›

A mouse allows you to control the and move around the screen very quickly. Making the same movements with the arrow keys on the keyboard would take much longer. As you the mouse on your desk, the pointer on the screen moves in the same direction.

Why are laser pointers illegal? ›

In common usage, these phrases refer to drugs or guns which may meet all manufacturing and safety standards, but which are illegal for the public to own or use. But “illegal laser pointers” are the opposite: they are legal to own and use; the problem is that they do not meet manufacturing and marketing standards.

Why are blue lasers illegal? ›

Safety concerns have been raised about photo- biological effects from blue light laser pointers (400-500 nm) and they should be avoided. Due to the eye's sensitivity to green light, and also green lasers carry a risk of IR exposure, green laser pointers should not be used.

What is the difference between LED and laser pointers? ›

Characteristics of Lasers versus LEDs

LEDs can be much more powerful than LEDs and produce a brighter beam of light. However, they are not necessarily more powerful; for example, the laser in a laser pointer is not very powerful, producing less than 5 milliwatts of energy.

What not to use on flat screen TV? ›

You should never use any type of window cleaner, soap, scouring powder, or any cleanser with solvents such as alcohol, benzene, ammonia, or paint thinner. Never use abrasive pads or paper towels.

What is smart Laser TV? ›

The use of pure color lasers beaming at an ambient light rejecting screen from just inches away gives you a beautifully bright picture with true-to-life color. Add to that built-in Dolby Atmos Sound, 4K Resolution, Smooth Motion, and a Smart TV OS, Laser TV will quite literally change the way you watch TV.

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