Projector Questions

Early B.

My friend is strongly considering the purchase of a projector in lieu of a flat screen TV and I said I'd help him find one. Of course, that's like the blind leading the blind because neither one of us knows a damn thing about projectors and screens. He has a perfect room for it -- a long, rectangular room in the basement. I'm guessing 12' x 28'.

Here's the scenario: his total budget for projector and screen is around $2K. Here are my questions:

1. With that budget, is it possible for him to get a picture quality that rivals a flat screen TV?

2. If so, which specific projectors or brand names do you recommend?

3. What are the pros and cons of using a projector?

4. What features should he consider for the screen and the projector?

5. Got any good website links for more info?

Thanks, fellas.

Frank Z

FWIW, I'm running and "Older" sony VPL-HS20 LCD HD projector. it's 720p and the picture is stellar. I'm way beyond 4000 hours on the original bulb too. My screen is 106" diagonal DIY using using a Blackout Cloth from the local fabric store stretched over a 1'x3" wood DIY frame.

Take a look on ebay and you'll be surprised at some of the deals you can get on a projector thats not too old.

66chevyIISS

1. It's doable, but it depends on what type of screen and size of screen. You can spend $200-$1000+ on a screen. If either of you are handy there is a lot of DIY screen options out there. I personally don't even use a screen at the moment. Using my wall painted with Behr Ultra White and it looks good enough for me to not be in any hurry to get one.

2. Can't comment on current models. Panasonic and Optoma were the two brands I narrowed my search down to when I was doing my research 2 years ago. Panasonic has really improved the model from the one I have.

3. The biggest con to me is bulb life on most projectors are around 3,000 hours and replacement bulbs are $3-$400. Then the other is obviously a light controlled environment is needed.

4. If he wants to get a pull down/electric screen. He will absolutely want to make sure it is a Tab Tension. Pull downs develope waves and look like crap. If he can, a fixed screen is the only way to go.

I chose Panasonic over other brands because of the Lens shift and zoom feature.

5. http://www.projectorcentral.com/ has a great calculator as well.

Early B.

Yeah, projectorcentral.com is a great beginner's website.

malikarshad

I used a wall before and went to DIY screen using WilsonArt laminate and it's been great so far.
AVSForum has better info on various DIY screen options.
I have Optoma HD70 720p projector and I'm very happy with it so far.
if you are buying DLP projector you might want to consider the projector offset's.

Another review site is projectorreviews.com.

Sherardp

If he can up the budget just a little then he can do wonders with it. The hottest PJs out in that price range are the Epson Home Cinema 1080 and the Panasonic 2000U. Both of these PJs are very nice and throw a stellar picture. One of our very own uses the Epson so you can shoot a PM over to Grimster, the panny is the new kid on the block and has been receiving rave reviews due to its contrast level. As for screen if he wants to go wall mounted then have him take a look at Carada screens, excellent customer service, and prices are outstanding, think of them as the SVS of theater screens. In a room that size, 100 inch screen should work fine. Projectorpeople.com can work a packaged deal if he wants to go with another brand screen, however I do recommend the Carada, which is highly praised as being right on par or better than Stewart but for less money.

hockeyboy

I have a Carada 106" bright white screen and have been very happy with it. The customer service was terrific, but even with the incredible value, it was still $700.

IMO you CANNOT get PQ that will rival a flat screen for 2K. Your friend should do it right and spend a few more bucks to get something really terrific.

Mike Reeter

hockeyboy wrote: »

I have a Carada 106" bright white screen and have been very happy with it. The customer service was terrific, but even with the incredible value, it was still $700.

IMO you CANNOT get PQ that will rival a flat screen for 2K. Your friend should do it right and spend a few more bucks to get something really terrific.

I think this is very true,I'm waiting for todays 1080 models to come down in price a little,to around 1.5K-2K before I make the plunge.

Serendipity

66chevyIISS wrote: »

3. The biggest con to me is bulb life on most projectors are around 3,000 hours and replacement bulbs are $3-$400. Then the other is obviously a light controlled environment is needed.

I'd recommend a good CRT projector simply due to the fact that there are no bulbs to replace. With LCD, DLP, and LCoS projectors, lamp replacement is an issue and can become costly. OTOH, with a CRT projector, the tubes can easily last 10-20,000 hours.

engtaz

Mitubishi Hd1000u is treating my great. 720p and love it. DLP

engtaz

Sherardp

appadv wrote: »

I'd recommend a good CRT projector simply due to the fact that there are no bulbs to replace. With LCD, DLP, and LCoS projectors, lamp replacement is an issue and can become costly. OTOH, with a CRT projector, the tubes can easily last 10-20,000 hours.

CRTs are just to bulky, and time consuming. With the quality of digital pjs coming out today its a no brainer. My JVC throws CRT black levels, minus the weight and space that one takes up. Dont get me wrong, CRT is still king, a G90 or Barco stack throws a sick picture but then youre talking upwards of 20k price range easy. No need to wait to jump into 1080p the Epson is 2300 bucks. Now is the time.

Serendipity

Sherardp wrote: »

CRTs are just to bulky, and time consuming. With the quality of digital pjs coming out today its a no brainer. My JVC throws CRT black levels, minus the weight and space that one takes up. Dont get me wrong, CRT is still king, a G90 or Barco stack throws a sick picture but then youre talking upwards of 20k price range easy. No need to wait to jump into 1080p the Epson is 2300 bucks. Now is the time.

Sure, I can understand that. The only thing is that I'm not the only one that watches my projector. Mom, Dad, Grandma, friends, and family watch it too. So if I had a digital projector I'd be replacing bulbs every 3,000 hours!

But yes, something like the Epson is a GREAT choice for a starter projector.

ben62670

CRT projectors still use bulbs correct? One thing to check is bulb life, and price. Louthewiz nows about this stuff. Hopefully he will chime in.

Frank Z

ben62670 wrote: »

CRT projectors still use bulbs correct? One thing to check is bulb life, and price. Louthewiz nows about this stuff. Hopefully he will chime in.

No they don't. CRT= Cathode Ray Tube.

ben62670

Frank Z wrote: »

No they don't. CRT= Cathode Ray Tube.

I know what CRT stands for. Many of the CRT projection TV's used CRT's, but I thought they still had bulbs? They can't just project directly onto a screen. I was under the understanding they had to be projected onto a phosphorus screen?

Serendipity

ben62670 wrote: »

CRT projectors still use bulbs correct? One thing to check is bulb life, and price. Louthewiz nows about this stuff. Hopefully he will chime in.

No, CRT projectors don't have bulbs. For example, check out the following link: www.thecrtshop.com (no affiliation) if you want to see some CRT projectors.

Serendipity

ben62670 wrote: »

I know what CRT stands for. Many of the CRT projection TV's used CRT's, but I thought they still had bulbs? They can't just project directly onto a screen. I was under the understanding they had to be projected onto a phosphorus screen?

They can be used with any matte white video screen, just like you would use a LCD or DLP projector.

ben62670

appadv wrote: »

No, CRT projectors don't have bulbs. For example, check out the following link: www.thecrtshop.com (no affiliation) if you want to see some CRT projectors.

Thanks for the link. I need to get a little reading on.

Serendipity

ben62670 wrote: »

Thanks for the link. I need to get a little reading on.

No problem. Check out the CRT Primer in the FAQ's, Tips, and Manuals section.

Was just a little scared when someone said CRT projectors have bulbs - I was 99.99% sure MY projector didn't have any bulbs

ben62670

appadv wrote: »

No problem. Check out the CRT Primer in the FAQ's, Tips, and Manuals section.

Was just a little scared when someone said CRT projectors have bulbs - I was 99.99% sure MY projector didn't have any bulbs

I'm glad it doesn't. No expensive bulb replacement:)

Serendipity

ben62670 wrote: »

I'm glad it doesn't. No expensive bulb replacement:)

Yeah, if I owned a LCD or DLP projector I'd be on my 2^nth bulb now

Sherardp

I didnt think they had bulbs just the tubes, hence some CRT guys referring to them as 8 or 9inch guns which is an indication of the CRT tube length. Dont get me wrong, they are capable of outstanding PQ, however digital is getting very very close. Just my 2 pennies, thats all.

And yes buying bulbs can add up, but its all apart of maintaining the hobby.

ben62670

I have an Epson10+. It is only 480, but so is my current video source (DVD only). The screen door effect isn't a problem till you get about 5 feet from it. They are about $400 new, and the bulbs are only $150. I bought a screen for the wall 102" wide for about $70. I did do some research before getting this. I was mainly getting this for my girls 2, and 4. I wasn't expecting much, but projectors have come a long ways in the last couple years. I enjoy it, the PQ is very good for DVD viewing. Most people that see it are quit impressed.

Frank Z

Just changed my bulb out for the first time this afternoon. Here's a pic of the counter showing the hours (5117)...


I have been using my PJ for movies and everyday TV duties for around 5 years. $300 after 5 years seems like a bargin to me. YMMV.

Serendipity

Frank Z wrote: »

Just changed my bulb out for the first time this afternoon. Here's a pic of the counter showing the hours (5117)...

That's some exceptional bulb life!

Most LCD and DLP units I have seen are rated for 2000 or 3000 hours lamp life.

Frank Z

FWIW...
http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?ec=BC-EC10608-Cat28314&pos=0&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=28315&eCat=BC|79|28314|28315&lang=en-US