Projector Purchase Assistance

[andre32256]

Looking to select a HT Projector. Have a relatively short space and would like 92" screen. Can mount back to 10 feet from screen wall. Looking up to $5000 any advice>

[514329]

I'm not an expert on home theatre but try Infocus, I read good things about it. by the way, you from Jacksonville FL?

[andre32256]

I'm not an expert on home theatre but try Infocus, I read good things about it. by the way, you from Jacksonville FL?

Thanks for the thoughts on In-Focus. Will check. We just moved from Jacksonville a couple of months ago.

[N. Abstentia]

I'm looking at the $1400 ViewSonic 551. Seems to do everything I need, and the price is right. Just curious what more a $5000 projector will do?

[woodman]

See my reply to terpfanatic on this subject at this board.

[jsm88]

more of an av science guy here, came to find out more about the Acoustech speakers, but PJs are something I can talk about.

It depends upon your viewing habits for one
1) What is your viewing split HDTV/DVD/SDTV
2) What is your typical viewing time of day and ambient light preference. You're going to pay a lot more to keep the lights up.
3) Have you checked to see whether you see "rainbows" with DLP (very very few do)
4) What aspects of picture quality are most important to you (ie. black levels, brightness, film-like nature, (lack of) screen door, resolution, etc.)

If you can answer those, I could give you some recomendations. I, being very value focused (see speaker choice above) am the proud owner of an Infocus X1 - I watch a great deal of HDTV on it but still a fair bit of SDTV. There are ways to do better for a price.

[andre32256]

1) DVD 50%/HDTV 25%/DTV 25%
2) Evening
3) Do not see rainbows.
4) Clarity/Resolution, True Blacks and Rich Colors

I have looked at the Infocus projectors but they do not seem to meet the distance criteria. Thoughts?

[nick4433]

Hi Andre, I am not a projector guy but with the help from some fellow members I recently picked up a Infocus X2 and this totally rocks for $950. The colors are phenonenal and no rainbow on top of that. It has a DVI input also for HD viewing.

[magictooth]

1) DVD 50%/HDTV 25%/DTV 25%
2) Evening
3) Do not see rainbows.
4) Clarity/Resolution, True Blacks and Rich Colors

I have looked at the Infocus projectors but they do not seem to meet the distance criteria. Thoughts?

The Sanyo PLV Z2 is a side exhaust PJ that you can shelf mount at the back of your room. Alternatively, you could go a bit more expensive with the Infocus Screenplay 7200. I just checked the specs and it seems that you should be able to get a 92" screen from 10 ft. although that is really pushing it.

[jsm88]

Well, given your criteria (about the same as mine) the X1 can be a good choice, though the Benqs would mean no compromises.

I mount min at exactly 10', and given the viewing distance get as big a picture as I need (ok, not as big as I want, but as big as I need, over 80inches). On all the other issues, yes, you can get better quality for more money, but at present the differences are so limited that I strongly recommend going with the $1,000 PJ and coming back to market for more in 18 months - you will still end up paying less and have a much better long-term experience.

Regardless, given your use/preference I would strongly recommend DLP, take a look at the specs of the various Benqs over at projector central and compare them to the x1 for price/performance.

Also, remember that even DVI PJs will likely need to be replaced before 5 years are out due to the advent of encrypted DVI that will be required for HD-DVD and likely HD boxes by that time. buy for the next 3 years and you won't be stuck.

[kdogg]

Panasonic PT-AE500U ($2500) and the Sony VPL-HS20 ($3500).

Both 3 chip LCD with good reviews for both DVD and HD. Check 'em out!

[depressed]

Panasonic PT-AE500U ($2500) and the Sony VPL-HS20 ($3500).

Both 3 chip LCD with good reviews for both DVD and HD. Check 'em out!

I recently saw these two in a local showroom. IMO, the price is the only diff.
While we are at it, check out the Sanyo PSV-Z2. $2000 and even less on Ebay. If you really insist on a short throw, you can compare the image size/distance for every projector on projectorcentral.com

[aimen]

try http://www.projectorcentral.com




aimen rg

[LDL]

You should check out the Dell models.DLP is the way to go. Compare Lumens and aspect ratio.They compare to many Hi End and high priced models. With 1700+ Lumens and 2000:1 contrast,You cant go wrong.

[depressed]

1. Go find a showroom
2. Figure out if SDE (LCD ) or rainbow effect (DLP) bothes you
3. Think about cables and set up
4.Determine how much you are going to spend
5. Look up the projectors in your price range on projectorcentral.com
6. Laugh at Plasma owners