TV vs. Projector

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Marlboro_Man
Marlboro_Man Posts: 12
edited February 2008 in Electronics
I posted a previous thread about max TV sizes for my viewing distance, (13 - 15 feet). Another member brought up the possibility of using a projector, possibly the well priced Epson 1080. I won't pretend to know much about projectors although I like the idea of having one. My question is this, knowing that replacement lamps are expensive, is a projector the right choice for someone that will watch alot of movies as well as hockey, football, baseball, playstation........ you know where I am going with this! Any feedback would be great. Any thoughts on the Epson or other high def projectors in the 2000 - $2500 dollar range would also be appreciated.

Thanks
Polk RTi8's
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PSW505
Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K
Samsung 67" LED
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  • zx_toth
    zx_toth Posts: 417
    edited February 2008
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    I dont have a projector myself. Im assuming you would be using this in a light controlled environment and you like watching your programming all in the dark?

    I just looked up on CNET re: anything on the Epson 1080 and could only find what I am assuming is its older uglier brother ...

    I wasnt too impressed with the life of the bulbs needless to say

    Epson PowerLite 765c


    Bulbs are rated for 3,000 hours in low-brightness mode, which is about 500 more hours than we typically see, but replacements cost $450 each--$250 more than the Hitachi CP-RS55's bulb, which lasts for 2,000 hours. The expensive bulbs significantly contribute to the 765c's high maintenance cost of 15 cents per hour of use.

    Seems like you would burn through quite a few bulbs if you were an avid gamer/sport watcher though. In the end no doubt STILL cheaper than getting a $30, 000 70 inch SOny XBR4 !!

    Good luck.

    Zsolt
    My Home Theater Rig
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  • BradimusMaximus
    BradimusMaximus Posts: 60
    edited February 2008
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    Well for an Epson Powerlite Pro Cinema 1080P The cost of a bulb directly from Epson is $350 dollars. The bulb itself is good for up to 3,000 hours. How long is that? How much are you in front of the TV? All the same for the average DLP TV or any other TV with a replaceable lamp the life is between 2,000-4,000 hours anyway. And most are between 200-400 dollars. Its really about the same. The projector just costs more because its portable and can project to a larger size. You will need a good screen to get a good picture...so don't skimp there.
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P980BT
    Alpine SPX-137R
    Alpine SPR-69LP
    Panasonic CY-PA4003U
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  • zx_toth
    zx_toth Posts: 417
    edited February 2008
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    I dont watch much TV but a lot of people watch 2 hours of TV on weekdays and 4 hours each Saturday and Sunday which equates to about 18 hours a week. After I crunched the numbers that worked out to approximately 3.2 years which isn't really that bad. Grab 3 bulbs plus the one in it and you should be good for almost 13 years!

    Personally Im would be weary of not having extra bulbs on hand (if I owned a projector) because whos to say in 10 years time Epson will still make replacement bulbs for its projectors? Not sure how long any manufacturer supports replacement items ... perhaps someone can comment on an older projector they have.

    Zsolt
    My Home Theater Rig
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited February 2008
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    zx_toth wrote: »
    I dont have a projector myself. Im assuming you would be using this in a light controlled environment and you like watching your programming all in the dark?

    This point cant be stressed enough. If your not in a light-controlled room (i.e. basement, dungeon, missile bunker, etc), then forget about a projector.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • Marlboro_Man
    Marlboro_Man Posts: 12
    edited February 2008
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    This set up is in my newly refinished basement. The room is as bright or as dark as I want. I figure 2 hrs of viewing on weekdays, 5 on weekends, 20 hrs approx per week. If a bulb lasts approx 2000 hrs, I should be able to squeeze approx. 2 yrs out of it. Not bad I guess.
    Polk RTi8's
    Polk CSi3
    Polk FXi A4's
    PSW505
    Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K
    Samsung 67" LED
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  • 66chevyIISS
    66chevyIISS Posts: 857
    edited February 2008
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    BradimusMaximus wrote: »
    You will need a good screen to get a good picture...so don't skimp there.

    While I'm sure a screen can make an improvement I would have to disagree with your statement.

    I've put samples up against my painted wall and I hardly see a $1000 improvement. I think my no screen looks amazing.

    3 screen samples vs my wall:

    300.jpg
    My Home Theater (WIP):
    Panasonic AE900 Projector - 126" screen, XBOX 360, Pioneer BDP-320 Bluray
    Receiver: Denon AVR-1905
    Fronts: RTi6's, Center: CSi5, Surrounds: RTi4, Rears: Denon
    Dual Subs: PSW202, and behind the couch Denon 8"
    My showcase link:
    Media Room pics
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  • BradimusMaximus
    BradimusMaximus Posts: 60
    edited February 2008
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    Perhaps instead of using the word screen I should say 'surface' I didn't intend on anyone buying a thousand dollar screen. I mean to say don't project it onto your textured yellow wall at home unless you like everyones face to be yellow and lumpy. A nice smooth white wall works just fine. I think if you look around there are supposed to be special paints that you can use to paint your wall so you get better brightness and contrast. I've never seen this magic paint, but I've heard rumors of its existence.
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P980BT
    Alpine SPX-137R
    Alpine SPR-69LP
    Panasonic CY-PA4003U
    Kenwood KAC-X520
    Polk SR124     :D
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  • 66chevyIISS
    66chevyIISS Posts: 857
    edited February 2008
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    knock down I could maybe see being an issue, but I have textured walls and just used home depot behr white paint. :D

    The paint you're refering to is http://www.goosystems.com and still costs a lot of money.

    Malboroman, I would look at Sanyo PLV-Z2000 and Panasonic PT-AE2000U two of the top 1080p projectors right now. the Panny is running around $26-$2700 so its on the edge of your budget. If your looking at the Epson check out visualapex.com they are having a free lamp replacement special right now.
    My Home Theater (WIP):
    Panasonic AE900 Projector - 126" screen, XBOX 360, Pioneer BDP-320 Bluray
    Receiver: Denon AVR-1905
    Fronts: RTi6's, Center: CSi5, Surrounds: RTi4, Rears: Denon
    Dual Subs: PSW202, and behind the couch Denon 8"
    My showcase link:
    Media Room pics
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,675
    edited February 2008
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    Projector baby. Go big or go home. My family loves outs. Xbox 360 and Gears of War are Sweet. My setup is not ideal but the projector works great. I have a screen but prefer the picture on the white wall. Yes the wall is textured but that does not show in the picture quality. Glass beaded screens can darken the picture deepening on the reflection back to the seated position. Yes the goosystems is nice but I do not use it. The projector are portable too. Take it outside for block party and show it on the garagedoor. Just put a white sheet up and enjoy. Friend of mine does this and also take it with the family on vacations in the mountains. All you need is a DVD palyer.

    Good Luck,
    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • Marlboro_Man
    Marlboro_Man Posts: 12
    edited February 2008
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    Thanks for the feedback everyone. I will have to do some more research, and a little saving before I make a final decision!
    Polk RTi8's
    Polk CSi3
    Polk FXi A4's
    PSW505
    Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K
    Samsung 67" LED
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,577
    edited February 2008
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    Marlboro_Man, if you have any questions about the Epson 1080P projector please feel free to ask. I currently own the Epson and couldn't be happier. When I purchased my Epson, Projector People had a pretty good deal going which forced my hand in that direction, got 5-year warranty plus 3-year buld replacement warranty for free. I'm using an Elite 92" fixed screen which is half the cost of some of the other brands out there and to be completely honest with, when compairing samples of other brands, I didn't see a difference. If you click my signature there are some screen shots in my showcase. Like I said, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

    Rob
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited February 2008
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    I agree with the rest of the crew, in your room the PJ would do the job just fine. Nothing better than that 100 inch display with Hi Def media in all its shining glory. Dont worry about ambient light, since you can control it, its a no brainer. My thoughts are in line with both Grimster and Chevy; Epson, Sanyo (havent seen it personally), and the Panny are stellar performers. I've demoed most of the new machines out right now, you cant go wrong with either. I do recommend a screen, so you can check out Carada(www.carada.com) and still hit your budget dead center.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited February 2008
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    66chevyIISS wrote: »
    kIf your looking at the Epson check out visualapex.com they are having a free lamp replacement special right now.

    Yes, and a $300 MIR + free ceiling mount, total $2099. I just sold my old projector to a friend so I can get one for myself. His earlier post made me spend even more money when I searched for the Epson 1080p... :)

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63692

    "Visual Apex had it for $2100 after rebate:

    Included Extras
    # $2099 After Rebate
    # FREE Lamp Rebate
    # FREE AV-818U Mount
    # FREE Dust Cover
    # FREE Ground Shipping on Projector

    http://www.visualapex.com/lcdproject...FShsGgodcCD9Dg "
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  • NeilGabriel
    NeilGabriel Posts: 1,487
    edited February 2008
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    engtaz wrote: »
    Projector baby. Go big or go home. My family loves outs. Xbox 360 and Gears of War are Sweet. My setup is not ideal but the projector works great. I have a screen but prefer the picture on the white wall. Yes the wall is textured but that does not show in the picture quality. Glass beaded screens can darken the picture deepening on the reflection back to the seated position. Yes the goosystems is nice but I do not use it. The projector are portable too. Take it outside for block party and show it on the garagedoor. Just put a white sheet up and enjoy. Friend of mine does this and also take it with the family on vacations in the mountains. All you need is a DVD palyer.

    Good Luck,
    engtaz


    You know what they say about men with big projectors! Eng, do you use projector for movies or also for TV? If so, sports, or general veiwing?
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  • Marlboro_Man
    Marlboro_Man Posts: 12
    edited February 2008
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    Grimster74 wrote: »
    Marlboro_Man, if you have any questions about the Epson 1080P projector please feel free to ask. I currently own the Epson and couldn't be happier. When I purchased my Epson, Projector People had a pretty good deal going which forced my hand in that direction, got 5-year warranty plus 3-year buld replacement warranty for free. I'm using an Elite 92" fixed screen which is half the cost of some of the other brands out there and to be completely honest with, when compairing samples of other brands, I didn't see a difference. If you click my signature there are some screen shots in my showcase. Like I said, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

    Rob

    Hey Rob,

    Unfortunantely I was just made aware that I need a new roof!!!! All the money I have put away for a projector or TV is going into that! Oh well, I will watch the price on this projector. Projector people has it on for $2,200 plus a free bulb. Maybe it will come down more in the next couple months. Do you watch much TV on your Epson? How does it look on the standard def channels???
    Polk RTi8's
    Polk CSi3
    Polk FXi A4's
    PSW505
    Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K
    Samsung 67" LED
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  • kuntasensei
    kuntasensei Posts: 3,263
    edited February 2008
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    I got the Sanyo PLV-Z2000 recently and am loving it. Paid $2,249, and now Sanyo has a rebate deal running until end of March where you get $300 by mail now and $300 more later. I hear you can find the Z2000 cheaper if you hunt, so when you factor in the $600 you'll get back by mail, that's a pretty sweet deal. If that rebate deal works in Canada, that is.

    Sanyo bulbs run over 3,000 hours if you run them in eco mode (which should be bright enough in a light-controlled room for most applications). My previous projector (Sanyo PLV-Z3) got 3,300 hours on a bulb before I replaced it for fear of the bulb popping.

    My only issue is that my 92" Da-Lite HCMW screen has a grid pattern to it that clashes with the grid thrown by the Z2000, causing a nasty moire pattern in solid colors. Since I blew all my money on the projector, I'm snagging a $103 EliteScreens 100" screen next week that should take care of that (and BIGGER IS BETTER ANYWAY!).

    Another advantage to going Sanyo: 3 year warranty. My Z3 served me well for the full 3 years, and when I did have a problem, Sanyo fixed it. Hoping to get as much life out of the Z2000.
    Equipment list:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 9.2 AVR
    Emotiva XPA-3 amp
    Polk RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi38 surrounds, RTi28 rears and heights
    SVS 20-39CS+ subwoofer powered by Crown XLS1500
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player
    DarbeeVision DVP5000 video processor
    Epson 8500UB 1080p projector
    Elite Screens Sable 120" CineWhite screen
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited February 2008
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    Grimster74 wrote: »
    I currently own the Epson and couldn't be happier.
    Rob

    Rob, do you have the 1080 or 1080UB? I'm thinking of replacing mine and the 1080UB is $2700 w/o a free replacement bulb. I think I'll just bite the bullet and get it, 50000:1 contrast ratio vs 12000:1, and 1600 lumens vs 1200.
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,577
    edited February 2008
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    I just have the 1080P, the UB hadn't come out yet, if it had, I would own that one.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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