Projector upgrade 1500 budget

EndersShadow

So I know very little about projectors. We are moving a about 6 months give or take to a new place. We have been looking to replace my 56" DLP for a bit and cannot agree on LCD v. Plasma. So we are debating going with a Projector.

The new room is frigging ridiculous (link here). Its 22 x 16 so I have more than enough room for a very decent throw distance to get like a 100" screen.

So I am trying to figure out what make/model I should be looking at for around 1500 bucks, since thats about how much we would spend on an LCD or Plasma in the 55" range. I am pretty sure we can get a decent PJ in that range.

She is under the impression that we wouldnt have as much of a glare problem, which is true, BUT washout is a big problem with some of them as well.

Looking forward to hearing what you guys think.

EndersShadow

bump

kuntasensei

Not sure if you care about 3-D, but if it were me, I'd hold off until next month and look at this:
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=26819&itmname=Epson+Home+Cinema+3010

It isn't their highest-end offering, but... 1080p, 2,200 lumens, and 3-D for just slightly over your budget. That puppy ought to be pretty damn impressive.

EndersShadow

kuntasensei wrote: »

Not sure if you care about 3-D, but if it were me, I'd hold off until next month and look at this:
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=26819&itmname=Epson+Home+Cinema+3010

It isn't their highest-end offering, but... 1080p, 2,200 lumens, and 3-D for just slightly over your budget. That puppy ought to be pretty damn impressive.

Personally I wear glasses and the wife has contacts but wears glasses when she gets home. That pretty much kills 3d for us since i hate wearing glasses OVER my glasses.

So if I was going non 3D, any suggestions? I would think I might be able to get more bang for my buck that way....

CNWDI

Ender, I'd recommend checking out some of the "what projector to buy" threads over at AVSForum - the important pieces of info you'll need in order to sort through those (or post a new request) are (and yes, you already outlined some of them):
- What type of screen do you plan? Most common are 16x9 (~1.78:1) or CinemaScope (~2.35:1 or 2.39:1). The choice is usually based on a combination of the types of video being watched (HDTV sports, movies, etc.) and the room geometry.
- If you want widescreen/CIH, do you plan to accomplish that using an anamorphic lens or zooming? (Anamorphic lens is much more expensive, but zooming either requires manual adjustment or a remote power zoom that only a few PJs have)
- Do you care about/desire Acoustic Transparent (AT) screen material behind which you can put your speakers?
- What's your min/max seating distance planned, and your min/max available wall space for the width of the screen?
- If doing a 16x9 screen, are you allowing enough room above and below for the width of screen you want?
- How good is your light/glare control?

If (as I did) you then realize that there are too many variables, there are some "what if" calculations and scenarios you can do using online tools such as this URL="http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html"]link[/URL and this URL="http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm"]link[/URL.

In my case, for a room that's ~16' wide and over 30' long, but only 7'10" slab to ceiling, where I *wanted* my L/R speakers next to the screen (underneath small casement windows that the wife won't let me block permanently) instead of behind an AT screen, I've ended up with a desire for a non-standard screen size of ~120" wide plus border (biggest that will fit between the casement windows) and ~60" high (biggest that will reasonably fit without going to close to ceiling or floor). That 2:1 ratio means I'll have to mask both for 1.78:1 and 2.39:1 but I'll also have about the same square footage of image on both (Constant Image Size) and the CinemaScope films will be as w-i-d-e as I can get them. I don't really care about 3D at this point, although I might use it if I had it.

Once I'd figured out the screen and seating geometry and the features I needed, *then* I started looking at throw distance and what projectors URL="http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm"]link[/URL would be suitable for my room. Since I want a ceiling-mounted projector and the ability to switch easily between different zooming ratios, I need one with power zoom...which right now is driving me towards the Panasonic PT-AE4000U which will be $1900 + from anywhere reputable.

If you're planning to mount the projector on the back wall of the room, or never change the image zoom (Constant Image Width) then you can likely get a less expensive PJ - the Epson Home Cinema 8350 is about $1300 and also well-regarded.

Good luck!

kuntasensei

Well, these newer Epsons are still gonna be fantastic 2-D projectors as well even if you never touch the 3-D glasses (and the light output is INSANE!)... but in your price range, assuming you also need a screen, you should be able to get something like the Epson 8350 for around $1,300 (head to projectorpeople.com and hit QUICK QUOTE on that model to see an even cheaper price), then have a little jack left over for a decent screen. You might also consider a Panasonic, but honestly, the Epsons have the edge in contrast ratio and light output and you can't go wrong with the current prices.

Hit projectorcentral.com's projection calculators for each model to figure out your placement in advance, and an optimal screen size. You should be able to put a hell of a big screen together for around $1,500, and the Epsons are bright enough to view with some ambient light if you have to (though darker is better with projectors).

EndersShadow

kuntasensei wrote: »

Well, these newer Epsons are still gonna be fantastic 2-D projectors as well even if you never touch the 3-D glasses (and the light output is INSANE!)... but in your price range, assuming you also need a screen, you should be able to get something like the Epson 8350 for around $1,300 (head to projectorpeople.com and hit QUICK QUOTE on that model to see an even cheaper price), then have a little jack left over for a decent screen. You might also consider a Panasonic, but honestly, the Epsons have the edge in contrast ratio and light output and you can't go wrong with the current prices.

Hit projectorcentral.com's projection calculators for each model to figure out your placement in advance, and an optimal screen size. You should be able to put a hell of a big screen together for around $1,500, and the Epsons are bright enough to view with some ambient light if you have to (though darker is better with projectors).

Thanks much. Have lots of time to plan and spec so I will def be using those sites.

The wife is curious as to the cost of motorized v. pull down screens. Assuming that you get set screen sizes for the cheaper prices, any thoughts as to how much a morotized screen would go for in like the 100 inch range v. a pull down

mole'

i have been looking at doing this too.

nooshinjohn

The best advice I can give here is to NOT invite PFB over to help set things up... unless you promise to film it for Youtube!

Sherardp

If you need it now then the Epson 8350 would be a great unit. You could even get away doing a larger screen, say 110-120 if you want. Your room is larger than mine and I have a 126" screen paired up with my JVC. So don't be afraid to go slightly larger. The Epson projectors are plenty bright, and offer mounting flexibility with the available lens shift. So you can ceiling mount it, or shelf mount it, and there would be no issue at all. You may even be able to find the higher end Epson 8700 UB in your price range if you shop around. I'm not a big on 3D either, so I just buy what is capable of an excellent 2D image. The Epson's would make you very happy in that regard.

If the budget is just a tad bit flexible then step up to the JVC RS15. It destroys everything out there in the 5K price range. It is a 3-5K priced projector. AVS is having a closeout on them for 1899.00 so if you can stretch it, buy it now before they sell out.

http://shop.avscience.com/JVC-DLA-RS15-LCoS-Projector-B-Stock-Special_p_196.html

CNWDI

EndersShadow wrote: »

The wife is curious as to the cost of motorized v. pull down screens. Assuming that you get set screen sizes for the cheaper prices, any thoughts as to how much a morotized screen would go for in like the 100 inch range v. a pull down

Monoprice has a 106" diagonal 16x9 fixed screen URL="http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10829&cs_id=1082909&p_id=7955&seq=1&format=2"]link[/URL for ~$320 and a 130" diagonal 2.35:1 (CinemaScope)URL="http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10829&cs_id=1082909&p_id=7960&seq=1&format=2"]link[/URL for under $400 plus S/H. A basic 106" diagonal 16x9 motorized screen URL="http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10829&cs_id=1082908&p_id=7337&seq=1&format=2"]link[/URL is ~$565, so almost 2x as expensive as a fixed screen.

The biggest manual pull-down screen I saw at Monoprice is a 92" diagonal 16x9 for $112 URL="http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10829&cs_id=1082907&p_id=7927&seq=1&format=2"]link[/URLand that would at least be an option worth considering--if you decide in a year that you need something bigger or fancier, at least you didn't spend much on the first one.

Another option to consider is that some projector vendors have a bundle price for the projector plus screen--you may get enough of a discount that way that it changes your math, and it's at least worth asking.
Good luck...

Ricardo

One more vote for the Epson; The 8350 is crazy cheap for the image quality it gives. you will NOT regret it.

Almadacr

The Epson is also my choice ( i am on the same way but already have my motorized screen ) i am also going with the 8350 , but just waiting for the new models show up in store for the 8350 to come about 1000$ or less

kevhed72

My vote would be for a DLP. I have had my Mitsubishi HC4000 for about 6 months now and have no complaints. This unit gives very good "picture pop", which means the colors and images jump off the screen even though it is a 2D PJ.
One can be had for around 1000.00 if you do your shopping...:biggrin:

Like someone said earlier, search AVS Forums....there is a TON of PJ info. over there.

polkfarmboy

kevhed72 wrote: »

My vote would be for a DLP. I have had my Mitsubishi HC4000 for about 6 months now and have no complaints. This unit gives very good "picture pop", which means the colors and images jump off the screen even though it is a 2D PJ.
One can be had for around 1000.00 if you do your shopping...:biggrin:

Like someone said earlier, search AVS Forums....there is a TON of PJ info. over there.

I vote for the dlp .You may snag a benq w6000 for you budget

kuntasensei

I still say go LCD, if only for the flexibility of self-installing. DLP gives a very sharp image by nature of using a single DLP panel vs. 3 LCD panels converged in the light path... but also is subject to the rainbow effect since it uses a color wheel to make up for not having a panel for each primary color. More importantly, DLP projectors don't tend to offer lens shift, so placement becomes VERY specific... whereas LCD projectors almost always have lens shift, letting you move the image up to a half-screen-width to either side or up/down to work around placement issues. It used to be that DLP had a huge advantage in black levels, but since Epson started producing the D7 panels used in most 3LCD projectors now, the LCDs are typically the same or better in black level and contrast ratio. Recent LCD projectors also offer higher lumen bulbs than most DLPs, meaning better viewing in ambient light AND the option to run the bulb in a lower mode to extend its life. My Epson 8500UB is near-blinding in Eco mode right now when a mostly-white image comes up, and as the bulb ages, I know I can switch to Normal and get some brightness back if I need to.

Good luck to you, man! Any choice you make, it's bound to look amazing once you get it installed!

cstmar01

I vote for the JVC. I owned the 8350 for a bit and I think the JVC was much better. I have the HD250 which is pretty much the same thing as the RS15. I know there was a guy saying he found demo RS15s at best buy for like 1K. If you can do that snag it quick.

evhudsons

I vote for DLP over anything that gives pixellation. The lcd's tend to be whiter, brighter, have screendoor effect and pixel burnouts, and once you notice a burned out color blip, you will be driven crazy by it. I think the newer ones don't have much of a problem. The rainbow effect, I saw once I think, but only once. It's most likely something that you would not have to consider with modern dlp's, as they have almost gotten rid of the effect entirely. The older slower wheels would have the effect when you move your eyes quickly across the screen. The screendoor effect is always pronounced and visible. You will find that sports bars tend to use the lcd's because they are brighter, but for home theater I am sold on the dlp. The dlp colors never fade, never have burnout or burnin problems, don't have artifact problems in the blacks during moving scenes, and are relatively quiet. LCD's are quiet too, but look at the db output in operation because some of the cheaper projectors are pretty dang noisy. My projector is right behind my head on the couch and it is fine. I'm sensitive to room noise, so I turn down the ac during movies and music.

there are hybrids too, like lycos. I am not familiar with them, but the above advice for research on the projector sites is good advice. I spent three months researching for what I wanted in my budget.

I don't have lens shift, which is where you shift left and right, but I do have keystone adjustments which do allow you to compensate in case your projector is either left or right of center, or below, etc

I doubt you need 3d now, or even 1080p for that matter if money is the issue. Most people could not tell the difference as long as you have at least 720p.

I can't tell a difference between 720p or 1080i
I'm sure the jump is better with 1080p, but for your budget, you can get a better deal by far not worrying about it.

If it was that big a deal I would have upgraded by now.
You can probably find a projector just like mine or better in your budget. I wish I could find a link, but I found a place that had a 150" pull down one gain screen with matting under $200 with free shipping.

I love the screen. I was happy with a blank wall, really, but then I got a real screen.

I attached the pictures above just to show that you can have that very setup in your budget. It's not the best, but it is affordable. I showed my living room by day, what it looks like with a dark scene but ambient light, and a dark scene from the side and a scene from the front. Click on the smaller picture to enlarge. Keep in mind, this is an eleven foot wide screen, so the diameter of the screen compared to how they measure tv's, this would be much bigger. It makes a difference if you have the space. I sit back about 15 feet.

Rock and Roll man, you can do this!!!!!

Sherardp

If I were to choose a DLP unit it would be an Infocus model. They would give the best image sub 5K price range. The BenQ is supposed to be pretty good for the money. Anything over those two and your talking Runco and Sim2. Both of which has prices in the 6K-30K price range. That JVC RS15 kills anything out sub 5K, like I said for 1899.00 tis' a steal. Either that or purchase last yrs model, which are still excellent units. The Panny 4000U is another contender but over your budget.

kevhed72

Sherardp wrote: »

If I were to choose a DLP unit it would be an Infocus model. They would give the best image sub 5K price range. The BenQ is supposed to be pretty good for the money. Anything over those two and your talking Runco and Sim2. Both of which has prices in the 6K-30K price range. That JVC RS15 kills anything out sub 5K, like I said for 1899.00 tis' a steal. Either that or purchase last yrs model, which are still excellent units. The Panny 4000U is another contender but over your budget.

Sherardp....would you recommend a gray screen for him due all the ambient light his room(s) seems to have?
+, if he would go with a DLP, I would think a gray screen would help the black levels a bit....

Ricardo

8350 at Amazon for $1,127. Free shipping and no tax. I'd be clicking add to cart right now

Sherardp

I would stick with a white screen. The Infocus/BenQ can do good blacks on their own. If he is going for the Epsons, Panny or anthing LCD/LCOS, he would still be good with a white screen. Check out HTdepot for screens as well as Monoprice.

la9ers

I actually have the epson 8700 ub and a sammy plasma 58" with an electric screen that comes down in front of the plasma. Its up to you and room/enviroment conditions.

dvran

If you're on a $1500 budget, you must factor in all the other things you'll need to get this thing up and running.

I just bought an Epson 705HD and a 106" screen from Newegg and love it. I got the projector for $550, plus the screen was $130, but you need to add in the tax ($52) and shipping ($25) for the screen. Then, all of these things:
- 50 foot of HDMI cable $45 plus shipping
- 50 foot of extension cable $20 plus shipping
- projector mount $50-100
- TV tuner, if you'd like to watch TV from cable if you dont have a DVR $90

It seems cheap at first but unlike a regular TV, it all adds up. You could you'll easily spend another $150-200 on top of the projector and screen price just for mounting equipment. This is DIY too.

EndersShadow

dvran wrote: »

If you're on a $1500 budget, you must factor in all the other things you'll need to get this thing up and running.

I just bought an Epson 705HD and a 106" screen from Newegg and love it. I got the projector for $550, plus the screen was $130, but you need to add in the tax ($52) and shipping ($25) for the screen. Then, all of these things:
- 50 foot of HDMI cable $45 plus shipping
- 50 foot of extension cable $20 plus shipping
- projector mount $50-100
- TV tuner, if you'd like to watch TV from cable if you dont have a DVR $90

It seems cheap at first but unlike a regular TV, it all adds up. You could you'll easily spend another $150-200 on top of the projector and screen price just for mounting equipment. This is DIY too.

I am aware of the extra costs involved. But the cost of a decent 60" LCD is right around 2k (for the good ones) so 1500 gives me 500 to play with. She was pretty dead set against Plasma's which we could comfortably get a 60" for around 1500.

After stopping by Best buy to look at projectors (they had the Epson 8350 on display) we looked at some of the TV's. The wife said she liked the 60" Panasonic Plasma's (models in the S30, ST30, and GT30 line). I get a discount through work that takes a little bit off and puts one of these within reach.

So we will probably wait till around christmas to purchase one, BUT will be going Plasma simply due to washout with ambient light. I also think a large problem is the off angle viewing we have with the DLP. The location she sits at is at like a 35-45 degree angle to the screen so its not as bright which means it shows reflections better. With the MUCH improved off angle viewing of a Plasma I think she will be much happier.....

dvran

Whatever you're family is happy with!

Just my 2 cents though: My buddies 65" LCD doesn't even compare to a 106" screen. I've watched movies and played games on some awesome TV's, but nothing can "shake a stick" at a 106" screen. It's just amazing man.

EndersShadow

dvran wrote: »

Whatever you're family is happy with!

Just my 2 cents though: My buddies 65" LCD doesn't even compare to a 106" screen. I've watched movies and played games on some awesome TV's, but nothing can "shake a stick" at a 106" screen. It's just amazing man.

I agree, but my wife is ADAMANT that she not have to live in a "Bat Cave" to watch TV. With the location of everything window/door wise in the new place the screen would get pretty washed out unless said "Bat Cave" is created.

And while a 106" screen KILLS a 60" screen. A washed out 106" screen DOES NOT :eek:

Sherardp

^ Just say NO to WAF!!! It's like drugs man............:sad: