Let me get something straight about projectors...

[DeNoN_MaN]

Ok,

Lemme start out by saying I want a projector that displays a 16:9 image on a 16:9 screen.

Now, I was looking at the Mitsubishi XD300U. This is a 4:3 native aspect ratio. However, it says it can project in 16:9 also.

Is this "16:9 projected image" the same as my 4:3 TV displaying a 16:9 DVD? Or is it a total change - something to the effect of a 16:9 widescreen TV?

Very puzzled, would like to know the answer to this.

As always,

~DeNoN_MaN

[IsmaVA]

Ok,

Lemme start out by saying I want a projector that displays a 16:9 image on a 16:9 screen.

Now, I was looking at the Mitsubishi XD300U. This is a 4:3 native aspect ratio. However, it says it can project in 16:9 also.

Is this "16:9 projected image" the same as my 4:3 TV displaying a 16:9 DVD? Or is it a total change - something to the effect of a 16:9 widescreen TV?

Very puzzled, would like to know the answer to this.

As always,

~DeNoN_MaN

4:3 native aspect ration means that the image generator is 4:3.

A projector is just a projector, it will project whatever image it is feed (within its capabilities of course).

So, a 4:3 projector will produce a 16:9 image, however it will not be using the complete image generating chip. In that sense it will be the same as a 4:3 tv displaying a widescreen image, there will be black bars at the top and bottom of the chip.

[spacedeckman]

1) Get a native 16:9 projector. If you are on a budget, get an LCD. If you can dump 10K, get a DLP. If you want cheap, Sony has one that isn't bad for $3k, the Yamaha LCD just dropped to $4500 according to my local custom install buddy who is a dealer. I've seen it and like it a lot, he is pretty rabidly attached to that one. He has one in his showroom. Toshiba has a pretty good one at about $4k.

2) Don't get a projector designed for computer presentations and expect it to work for movies. Processing is what separates the men from the boys

3) Don't get hung up on light output ratings.

4) Unless you are going to be WAY back, don't go over 106" screen with a fixed pixel display projector. (LCD or DLP) That is about the limit for an 8' wall anyway.

That is most of the important stuff I know about projectors.

[Geoffcin]

Hi Denon,

I've done some homework in this area, and you have several good options, depending on how much you want to spend. Remember, you have to allow for a good screen too, and those can cost quite a bit!

Here's some reccomendations;

Panasonic PT-AE300 native 16:9

NEC HT1000 native 16:9

Mitsubishi XD300U 4:3

Yes, it will display 16:9, but you will have bars on top & bottom, so you will have to mask the screen if you want it to be not noticable.

[DeNoN_MaN]

Hi Denon,

I've done some homework in this area, and you have several good options, depending on how much you want to spend. Remember, you have to allow for a good screen too, and those can cost quite a bit!

Here's some reccomendations;

Panasonic PT-AE300 native 16:9

NEC HT1000 native 16:9

Mitsubishi XD300U 4:3

Yes, it will display 16:9, but you will have bars on top & bottom, so you will have to mask the screen if you want it to be not noticable.

Hmm...

I think I will only go with a native 16:9 projector. I want to spend around $3000 for the projector.

Say I want an 84-100 inch screen, how much is a decent quality screen going to run me?

I was looking at the NEC that you mentioned and it seems like a pretty good deal except that it's a 4:3 native. And I would prefer the Mits. over it in that case.

I went shopping yesterday and found a dealer who had the $10,000 Runco on display and I was blown away. Apparently he has an LG projector that is very good and competes with the image of the Runco. He ordered a new bulb for it and will be able to show it to me on Saturday.

I've never heard anything about LG projectors. They dont have much information on them at projectorcentral.com, which is suprising, because they normally have all the major options handy.

So basically, if I get a native 4:3 projector, I'll need a 4:3 screen. From now on, I'll only be looking at 16:9 then.

Also, which resolution is the screendoor effect on LCDs visible at? Is this an issue at all anymore? I like the DLP technology more than LCD because from what I've read it has less shortcomings (higher resolution, no screendoor, etc.)

~DeNoN_MaN

[spacedeckman]

Don't go near a $3k DLP, it'll be nasty. I haven't seen any of those projos, but was impressed with the $3k Sony I mentioned. A screen, depending on what you want will run you anywhere from $350 to 800 or more if you want fancy. Please, dear God, don't buy a gray screen like a lot of people will tell you to do. They are awful. The make people look dead and kill colors, taking all of the "snap" out of the picture.

Modern LCDs don't really have the screen door thing anymore unless you try to go too big on the screen size and sit too close. DLPs will do it too, since both are fixed pixel displays. Also, make sure you are getting HD compatibility.