Best projector under $1500

[GMichael]

What projector do you think is the best for under $1500. I see that N. Abstentia is getting an Optoma H31 DLP. These are going for just arround $1000USD. They look like a good model and have high review grades. Does anyone know of a better model without going crazy? Let's keep it under $1500.

[MCH]

It's hard to catagorize something as the best. It's better to evaluate what you are requiring. Like throw distance/screen size, throw angle, 720P or 480P, light control, hookups etc. Then you have to do a lot of finger work on the internet to address your projector requirements. Things should start to narrow down at this point. Then you'll get into the quack-mire of subjective input. There'll be comments of how wonderful a product is to how terrible it is.
In the end the best suggestion I can make is narrow your choices down to 1 or 2 possibilities. Then buy them at place that has a good return policy. Give them a spin and see if you get what you expected.
To wrap things up. I bought a Optoma H27 that I'm very pleased with for $1250 CAD. It fills my needs very nicely. I only wish I would have added the enhanced/extended warranty for peace of mind. Electronics can be very buggy and it can be a pain to get satisfactory warranty service. Hopefully I won't have to deal with problems.
hope this helps.

[GMichael]

Thanks,
Just started this quest yesterday. I have a long way to go to be able to narrow it down. All input is appreciated at this point. I was originaly looking at HD rear projection TV's. The Toshiba 65H83 was on the top of that list.
I looked at the Optoma H31 but wondered about the 480 res. Then I looked at the InFocus ScreenPlay 5700. Higher res but at 3 times the price. I don't think I want to spend that much yet. Maybe my next system.
I have been going through this site http://www.projectorcentral.com/home...projectors.htm

I haven't found anything in the 1500 to 2000 range other than more 480 res projectors.

[edtyct]

The H31 and the InFocus ScreenPlay 4500, which incidentally is on sale for about $1000 at TV Authority as we speak, seem to be the ones to beat at this price and resolution. I don't think that you'll find HD front projection at less than $3000 list. But these days the Sony Cineza VPL-HS51 LCD projector, which is a giant killer, is available on the web for $2500 or so. Who knows what kind of deals ebay might have for it? It'll get you into Dark Chip territory and then some. But it's still $1000 more than you want to spend.

Ed

[GMichael]

Thanks Ed,

Take a look at the Sanyo PLV-Z3. The price has dropped to 1500. It's WXGA-H (1280 x 720) res. The Z4 is coming out so pricing is taking a dive.

[Kam]

Thanks Ed,

Take a look at the Sanyo PLV-Z3. The price has dropped to 1500. It's WXGA-H (1280 x 720) res. The Z4 is coming out so pricing is taking a dive.

hey gm, i just got the sanyo plv-z3 (upgraded from the infocus lp340b) if ya have any questions, let me know! am hoping to post some pics of my system soon, waiting to borrow a friends digital camera.

peace
k2

[robert393]

What projector do you think is the best for under $1500. I see that N. Abstentia is getting an Optoma H31 DLP. These are going for just arround $1000USD. They look like a good model and have high review grades. Does anyone know of a better model without going crazy? Let's keep it under $1500.

What ever you do, get at LEAST Native: 1280x720 Pixels, so you can view HD TV, and having a 16x9 native chip(s) is a progressive step (with the evolution of HD content which is broadcast in 16x9)
Couple things to be considering:
1) What kinda light will be in the room? ie, controlled lighting or direct uncontrolled. This makes a HUGE difference in the kind of projector you will wnat to be getting.
2) What kinda mounting will you have & what will be your throw distance?
3) What size screen will you be having. http://www.projectorcentral.com/screen_size.htm http://www.projectorcentral.com/proj...ens_review.htm
4) What will be the seating arrangement & seating distances?

Projectors to choose from:
LCD:
Pro's- Least expensive, huge selection, high contrast ratio, "black" blacks, can use in a room with more uncontrolled lighting because of the high contrast ratio
Cons-can suffer from "burn-out" pixels an especially the color blue http://www.projectorcentral.com/lcd_dlp_test.htm
Of the 3-major technologies LCD suffers the most from "screen-door" effect.

DLP: (I will be talking about single chip units here).
Pro's-Less screen door effect, vivid colors, sharp picture, high brighness
Con's-Less "black" blacks, can have a "rainbow" effect if you get anything less than 4x speed wheel, even then you may be susceptible. Sharpness of picture is off-set by some "jaggies" and in general a sharpness/hardness to the picture quality

LCOS:
Ok, I have a bias here, because this is my personal favorite. It gives the best of each of the above technologies, the absolute smoothest picture with the most vivid colors you could ever imagine, and without ANY "screen-door" effect from ANY distance. They are all 3-chip as well. So, instead of telling outlining the pro's & con's you can read the review & explanation of the technology here:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/lcos.htm

You will find tons of info on this page:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/projector-reviews.cfm

I definately think you are on the "right track" by going with front projection as opposed to rear-projection. Forget that huge foot-print and say HELLO to a picture 2-3x the screen size and with prices what they are today, it is simply a "no-brainer". But, do your homework and get all the measurements correct ie, throw distance, seating distance, screen size, etc...it will be well worth the time when the day arrives that you turn your projector on for the first time!

Congratulations and welcome to the fun that is coming!~
Robert