Looking for projector with HDMI input and 720p or greater res

BjornB17

Now that i have a blue ray player, and HDMI capability through my receiver, I am thinking about upgrading my projector. I'm looking for something that has:

-HDMI input
-720p resolution or greater
-Native 16:9

Budget is the biggest concert for me.... if I could find something for around $600 - $700 I'd be happy but cheaper is better.

Can you please make a recommendation to me?

Thanks!

Sherardp

Need more info other than budget, what size screen are you using? Whats the seating distance? What's the current PJ? Do you have ambient light or total light control? Also and this isnt to knock you at all but you shouldnt expect much with that budget, but based on what you're working with I would say the Mitsubishi HC1600 or Epson 720. I looked up your pj and it supposedly will do 720/1080i and has component input. If you can save some more coin I would make the upgrade worthwhile and go full 1080p. You'd notice the upgrade since you're on a larger screen also. I would suggest finding an Epson 1080UB or a Panasonic 2000/3000U that would hold you for a very long time. No need to upgrade to another 720p and only getting subtle differences in the PQ if you know what I mean. Just my thoughts.

The UB would probably hit way more outside of your budget, but the Epson 1080 hits right at 999 after rebate and you would be in full HD glory. Worth a look and definitely a significant upgrade. I've seen this model in Grimsters model and it throws a gorgeous picture, plenty bright, looks excellent during BD playback and for gaming. You'd like it.

http://www.visualapex.com/Epson/Projector-Specifications.asp?For-The=Home-Cinema-1080

BjornB17

Sherardp wrote: »

Need more info other than budget, what size screen are you using? Whats the seating distance? What's the current PJ? Do you have ambient light or total light control? Also and this isnt to knock you at all but you shouldnt expect much with that budget, but based on what you're working with I would say the Mitsubishi HC1600 or Epson 720. I looked up your pj and it supposedly will do 720/1080i and has component input. If you can save some more coin I would make the upgrade worthwhile and go full 1080p. You'd notice the upgrade since you're on a larger screen also. I would suggest finding an Epson 1080UB or a Panasonic 2000/3000U that would hold you for a very long time. No need to upgrade to another 720p and only getting subtle differences in the PQ if you know what I mean. Just my thoughts.

The UB would probably hit way more outside of your budget, but the Epson 1080 hits right at 999 after rebate and you would be in full HD glory. Worth a look and definitely a significant upgrade. I've seen this model in Grimsters model and it throws a gorgeous picture, plenty bright, looks excellent during BD playback and for gaming. You'd like it.

http://www.visualapex.com/Epson/Projector-Specifications.asp?For-The=Home-Cinema-1080

Hi there.... thanks for all the info. I would definitely prefer 1080p but couldnt find anything in my price range. I may be about to swing $999 though... just to squash the future upgrade bug.

My screen is 100" and i sit about 16' away. My current projector does indeed have component input but that is only via a component to vga adapter since it does not have component plugs on it.

It seems that my current projector is not compatible with component connections on newer equipment... using both my receiver or ps3 only, the colors come out all jacked up with both, although it works fine with an older component dvd player i have. Any ideas what could be causing that? A temporary workaround this is to use composite video but that sort of sucks.

Also i would like to have the Master Audio capability through HDMI which i currently cant use on my PS3 with component or composite video. Is there a workaround that as well?

Sherardp

PS3 will only give you PCM since its doing the decoding via HDMI. Not sure what BD player you have(PS3?) but you will need a player that can bitstream to your receiver that has to be able to decode the latest and greatest via HDMI. Your AVR will decode the newest HD codecs but since your PS3 is decoding you will only see PCM on the PS3. Other PS3 owners may chime in.


I would highly suggest you bite the bullet and go for the 1080p front PJ if you can swing it. SBPolk mentioned an upgrade to the newer Pioneers, perhaps you can shoot him a PM and see if he has any intent to sell his current Epson. Nothing wrong with buying from a forum member as long as its been taken care of. If you plan to buy new then seek visual apex or projectorpeople as they both offer excellent customer service and can sometimes offer a lower price not shown on the website.

Go for the Epson you'll be very happy. First impressions gave me a good feel for a vivid picture and good color. Gaming was fun as I got to experience it on an Elite screen in Grimsters theater on a 92" screen. It's a great PJ, ok shutting up now...................;)

engtaz

I have bought from projectorpeople.com. Good deals and I do recommend bulb warrenty.

BjornB17

Sherardp wrote: »

PS3 will only give you PCM since its doing the decoding via HDMI. Not sure what BD player you have(PS3?) but you will need a player that can bitstream to your receiver that has to be able to decode the latest and greatest via HDMI. Your AVR will decode the newest HD codecs but since your PS3 is decoding you will only see PCM on the PS3. Other PS3 owners may chime in.


I would highly suggest you bite the bullet and go for the 1080p front PJ if you can swing it. SBPolk mentioned an upgrade to the newer Pioneers, perhaps you can shoot him a PM and see if he has any intent to sell his current Epson. Nothing wrong with buying from a forum member as long as its been taken care of. If you plan to buy new then seek visual apex or projectorpeople as they both offer excellent customer service and can sometimes offer a lower price not shown on the website.

Go for the Epson you'll be very happy. First impressions gave me a good feel for a vivid picture and good color. Gaming was fun as I got to experience it on an Elite screen in Grimsters theater on a 92" screen. It's a great PJ, ok shutting up now...................;)

My receiver (HK AVR254) does HDMI 1.3 and will handle DTS/DD TrueHD/Master Audio. How will this receiver integrate with PS3?

Sherardp

Since PS3 will handle the decoding, your receiver will display PCM via HDMI. It wont be any loss in SQ at all. If you want to see your AVR light up saying DTS Master, DD+ you will need a player to pass the audio via bitstream over HDMI. I wouldnt worry about in your regard, the PS3 is a great unit, spring for the 1080p projector and you'll be good. HDMI>AVR>HDMI>projector +speaker wiring and youre set.