Projector Spec suggestions

EndersShadow
EndersShadow Posts: 17,584
edited September 29 in Electronics
I’ve got a super cheap projector for my outdoor setup (got it though a work rewards program for 15 years of service). It works decent enough but it’s limited to 720p and not super bright.

I know there have to be some better projectors out there on the used market that can be had for cheap that are MUCH better than this one.

I was hoping to get some suggestions on specs, and brands I should be paying attention to when looking at used projectors outside resolution.

I’m not looking for the most recent or best, rather just a decent good 1080p projector, from a decent brand, that should hold up well, and optionally fit in a 3U server drawer.

Notes:
1. The source for this will be a Xbox One (Xbox 5 version) connected to a 5.1 channel receiver and 2 Mackie pro speakers along with a Rockville 15” pro “sub”
2. I have a cheap 120” screen that this will be projected on (for now)
3. This system normally lives in my garage and I pull it into the backyard for viewing.
"....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
Post edited by EndersShadow on

Comments

  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,648
    Look for Epson business class projectors. I see them all the time on FB Marketplace going for as low as $50. I got mine for $60 and picked up a replacement lamp for it on Amazon for like $50.
    Epson (and most other business class projectors are light canons since they need to be bright in conference rooms with lights on.
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,678
    edited October 1
    ZLTFUL wrote: »
    Look for Epson business class projectors. I see them all the time on FB Marketplace going for as low as $50. I got mine for $60 and picked up a replacement lamp for it on Amazon for like $50.
    Epson (and most other business class projectors are light canons since they need to be bright in conference rooms with lights on.

    I agree with Epson, but be careful of the business class models. Some of them are odd resolutions (not 1080P) and they are super bright, but not great for black levels. They also might not have very good motion playback for 24P. Also, they might not have the correct HDCP for HD content. That is definitely something to look out for. The Home Cinema lineup might be more suited. The HC 3000 series gets generally good reviews for brightness and image quality. The 4000 and 5000 series (including the UB models) are better image quality, but maybe not as bright and they might not be appreciated for an outdoor setup.
    I'd also check to see if OE lamps are still available. Epson seems to discontinue some of its older lamps, or if they are available, they are very pricey. Aftermarket lamps can be a mixed bag so do your research there. I ended up selling my 5030UB because OE lamps were getting hard to find at a reasonable price.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,584
    Thanks for the tips! I have been making sure to look at specs and reviews for any of the cheap ones I find.

    I will pay a bit more attention to Epson as options but also make sure to dig into each model as I find them.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)