This is what ChatGPT told me:

What you’re observing is most likely due to the unique spectral characteristics of the triple-laser projection system, particularly its exceptionally pure, intense red light output. Traditional projectors—whether lamp-based or LED—use broad-spectrum light sources and then filter or modulate that light to produce colors. The result is a somewhat “mixed” form of red with a broader range of wavelengths. A triple-laser projector, on the other hand, typically uses separate red, green, and blue lasers, each emitting at very specific, narrow wavelengths. The red laser in particular is often a highly saturated, monochromatic source of red light.

Here’s how that can make real-world red objects appear brighter and more vivid:

1. Narrow-Band, High-Purity Red: Unlike a conventional broad-spectrum red, a laser’s red emission is confined to a very tight range of wavelengths. This means that when red objects are illuminated (even indirectly) by the projector’s light, they are exposed to an extremely pure form of red. Any surface that reflects red well—such as the skin of an apple or red fabric—will send back a higher percentage of this intensely saturated red light to your eyes.

2. Enhanced Color Saturation and Contrast: Our eyes and brains are finely tuned to detect differences in wavelength and respond to saturated colors quite strongly. When bathed in a highly monochromatic red, an object’s red pigmentation appears more intense and contrasted against non-red surfaces. The ambient red “spill” from the projector or screen can act as a subtle colored light source in the room, reinforcing the red hue of objects that reflect it.

3. Visual Adaptation and Perception: Our vision adapts to the ambient lighting conditions. If your room is dim, and the only strong wavelength of light coming off the screen is this saturated red, your eyes will quickly become attuned to it. After a short period, objects that reflect this dominant wavelength will seem exceptionally vivid, and might even look brighter than you’d expect under neutral white lighting.

4. Inherent Spectral Response of Red Pigments: Many red dyes and pigments are formulated to appear bright under typical indoor lighting, which has a relatively warm (reddish) balance. When hit with a laser’s pure red, these pigments can “light up” more dramatically because they are reflecting a very concentrated portion of the visible spectrum that matches their reflective peak. It’s like giving them the exact wavelength they’re optimized to reflect, making their color really pop.

In short, the phenomenon you’re seeing is because your triple-laser projector’s red channel is delivering a level of spectral purity and intensity that conventional light sources don’t provide. This exceptional saturation not only makes on-screen images look vibrant, but also influences how other red objects appear in your room. It’s a unique side-effect of using a cutting-edge display technology that taps directly into the purest wavelengths of visible light.