video projector advice
 

I just decided I'd like to get a video projector. If I move my couch around I have a 10x10ft wall that I could put a screen on, and I can pretty easily mount a projector to my ceiling without too much trouble, I would hope.

I currently own a receiver that has RCA out and it switches between many sources (xbox, DVD, laserdisc, tivo.....) an upgrade to svideo out is not something I want to spend money on now but may want to in the future.

I'd like to spend somewhere between 400-600 dollars for a video projector I can mount on my ceiling. Can I get anything decent for that price? I have no problem getting something from ebay. I just don't know where to start looking.

I should mention that I do have friends who work for Sony so I can get Sony products at a discount if Sony makes something good.

Also, how necessary is a screen and what something in the 10ft x 10ft. range cost?

I am a windscreen geek, but I’m assuming all projectors and screens are 4:3, not 16:9, right?

Thanks

-happymaan

Infocus X1 (link goes to review) is supposed to be the hot shit for value. It is a little more than you indicated - I just saw one on ebay for $860. As far as aspect ratio goes, that is the cool thing about projectors - they show them all, not to mention at large sizes. You'll be displaying 4:3, 16:9, and everything else. Screens are good because they are reflective, which the paint on your wall isn't. This will allow you to run the projector at a lower contrast and brightness, extending the life of the bulb (which can be a factor). You'll get a better picture on a screen. For really detailed info, you might check out the avs forum. The guys there have some high-speed info on projectors. In general, you won't be happy with a projector unless you have serious control over the light in your viewing space. Good luck!

the one thing we look for when we get projectors for work is lamp longevity. The lamps in these projectors aren't cheap, so check that and get one that'll last.

that's the gotcha right there..... bulbs are expensive and only are usually rated to last around 300 hours

I beg to differ, MOST projector bulbs are rated for 1000 hours, and I would NEVER buy a projector that had a bulb rated for less. Some of the newest projectors under $5,000 have bulbs that are rated for 2000 or 3000 hours. However, You are right, those bulbs are REALLY expensive.

BTW.. Sony makes 2 projectors for the home theater market, the HS3 and the HS20. The HS 20 is about $3,500, and the HS3 is about half that, but these will not be around for long, Sony is comming out with some new projectors in the next couple of months.

Good Luck.

I have an HS20 and it's outstanding. 100" Dalite screen and it's like I'm part of the action. :D

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Wow Rekinom, that's great. Is that an X1 you have?

It really looks like the X1 is the only one I'll be able to afford and I havn't seen a demo yet (I plan to) I just hope that I'll be happy with it. But everything I've read about it does say it's pretty great, considering the price.

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Thanks for your help.

Are you happy with the video quality of it? I mean do you see things about where you are like, "Damn, I wish I spent an extra 600 dollars!" or are you overall happy with it?

What is the worst thing video quality about it would you say?

What are other people’s opinions of it?

Also, how bad is the fan noise? I would it have mine mounted on the ceiling but the couch is right under it. How noticeable is it while watching a movie.

How often do you power it down and up? Like if I know I'm gonna watch more TV later in an hour would I want to power off the system to save the bulb or does it have a standby?

How long does it take to turn on?

I would end up getting a UPS. It would be funny to be able to watch TV in a blackout for a couple minutes. It would be nice and dark.

I'll probably end up getting a screen, I'm sure those new light absorbing ones will be pretty expensive for a few years. I do have good light control of the room, and I will make sure to just test it on the wall for a while until I pick up the screen.

How far is your projector from the screen?

Also, how much did you have to correct for keystoning, and did the effect the picture quality much?

Do you ever play video games on it?

What input are you using on it? Are you using the progressive mode for DVD's?


Where did you end up getting yours? Theres's some great prices on ebay but I'm a little nervous about that. I think I'd rather spend an extra 100 and go with a dealer.
thanks for all your help

-happymaan

I'd make this private but I'm assuming other people are interested in this.

NEC LT240K Projector is a great projector for a good price.


http://www.avsforum.com/


This maybe a better site to gather information from.

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I just got a Sanyo Z2. I have it around 15 feet from the wall and it projects to 110 inches. The picture is amazing. I would highly recommend a projector. For the price you pay compared to a plasm, well you can figure it out. Any questions just let me know.