projectors

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
I was thinking of buying a new TV. I was looking into big flat panels to hang over the fireplace. But they are wayyyy out of my price range. So I started looking at projectors and they seem to be a more affordable option. Now I know that one drawback is that the room needs to be dark to use them. That's not a problem. We have a good 32' to watch TV on. I was just planning on using this to watch DVD's (primarily). ANybody have any input or experience with these.
 
Re: projectors

replacement bulds are pricey. mine was $300. So figure out how many hours you have on the bulb that comes with and expect to replace whenever. the more you watch, the dimmer the bulb eventually gets.
 
Re: projectors

i'm definitely going projector next time, there's some 2000 Lumen InFocus $2000 dollar ones, that are nice.

But for the best, My friend has a 4000 lumen projector, we've played DVD's and Halo at 120 inches! the whole backside of his garage door was a tv. and it looked perfect!
 
Re: projectors

I purchased an Infocus X1 back when it was considered the best buy projector in the $1000 range. It has proven to be an absolutely terrific purchase, and I am happy I invested in one every time we watch a DVD. Mount a projector on the ceiling, get yourself a surround sound setup and 80" diagonal screen or more and be amazed everytime. We've watched DVDs and played Playstation and Xbox on it. It's also great for watching your own footage, not necessarily for editing because that would require a better setup, but just to get an idea of how it looks on a larger screen. For the dollar to screen size, I think a projector is the best bet.

If I had the money, I would upgrade to a 16:9 HD capable projector in a heart beat. From now on, wherever I move, I intend to have a projector.

Along with that great site Projector Central, check out AVSForums to give you an idea of how large this community is. Didn't know home theater was so popular! If you're not careful, you can easily spend thousands on a home theater on top of all the DV gear. Some high end screens cost more than $12,000 but that forum also has tips on painting or making your own screen and so on.
 
Re: projectors

Since price was brought up as a concern, I spent about $1500 for both my projector and Da-Lite screen. The DVD home entertainment system I purchased was a simple all-in-one box solution, which set me back an additional $450.

The screen was somewhat expensive, around $500, because I bought a portable model so that I could take my projector to friend's places for the game, etc. Otherwise, you could get one for much cheaper. Check out Da-Lite for more model info or go to B&H Photo to shop for projector screens.

In a quick summary I like projectors because:

- Relatively cheap compared to similar sized televisions
- Takes up less space if set up on the ceiling and if you have a pull down or permanent screen or wall to watch it on (if you have the money to afford a high end 80" plasma television that you can hang on the wall, don't talk to me  :P)
- Potential for huge viewing areas, simply determined by space available
- No need to go to crowded theaters
- Ability to watch your own footage on a large screen, movie style

Some disadvantages that come to mind:

- Need a dark room to watch; absolute dark for best viewing
- Requires some attention for proper setup; DVD player, for example, must be moved close to the projector, which is usually behind where you sit instead of in front like with a regular television
- People always wanting to come over to watch movies! (Okay, good and bad)
 
Re: projectors

I second projectorcentral.com

all good experiences. I bought the x1 last year also and its been great. I think they are on x2 now.
 
Re: projectors

I was looking at the infocus x1 - Supposed to have 3 - 4000 hours on bulb. if true an outstanding buy :) - can you guys let us know when you get to 4000 hours ;)
 
Re: projectors

Technically it doesn't have to be near the projector but remember that the video signal must reach the projector somehow and if you are talking very far away then this could potentially degrade the image. Of course, this depends on how you're connecting it, whether through S-video cable or better, and with what kind of cables (some are more high end then others and therefore more expensive).

For ease and aesthetics, I've decided to centralize everything in one area, which makes cable and power management easier to deal with (and so the woman doesn't complain as much about the wires...)

Some home theater setups can get very customized and complicated with the DVD and entertainment center tucked away in concealed parts of the room, perhaps behind a revolving cabinet, and with stadium style seating. Of course, they're obviously rich >:(

dakotapod, I'll post when that 3000~4000 number comes around ;D

Right now, one of my regrets is that I didn't purchase a region free DVD player. I've been buying a range of films for my DVD collection and it would be a lot easier if I could just purchase a Region 2 or whatever DVD and not worry about if it will play in my DVD player. Something to keep in mind. I purchased both City of God and Hero before they were released to the states for example. Excellent DVDs, the Hero one came in a collector's box that was handed out during the China premiere.
 
Re: projectors

Well I use a NEC HT1000 and it works grate with a contrast ratio of 1:3000. Is a real nice when you wathing DVX footage.

One important factor is if it can handle widescreen. Im wathing anamorfic PAL footage on mine and i need at least 1024*768 in res on a 4:3 projector. PAL stretcehd is 1024*576.

Of course if its only NTSC you dont need as much.
 
Re: projectors

[quote author=Oz link=board=Offtopic;num=1099596714;start=0#9 date=11/05/04 at 01:06:00]Right now, one of my regrets is that I didn't purchase a region free DVD player.[/quote]

You might be able to easily hack it to support multiple regions:

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks.php

This is a great site for DVD info.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top