Home Theater - Front Projector

[Paul T]

Anybody have one? I'm thinking of buying myself a little present this year, and the thought of watching high def NFL on a 100 inch screen has got me thinking. I would be putting it in our basement which only has one window, so light control is not an issue. That's really the only thing I have heard is that ambient light can wash out the pic...haven't really started to research these yet, just thought I would see if anyone here has one and is happy.

Then again, maybe I should just save my $ so I can get that 993 I've been looking for!

[cowtown]

http://www.avsforum.com -- If you're the type to research for three weeks, agonize for six, research for seven more weeks, then decide to wait it out until the next generation, which will just be so much better, this is the place for you.

Seriously though, there's a lot of good information there if you can wade through it all.

[smoak]

If you are willing to spend the loot, the new Sony SXRD projector is the REAL DEAL. I have seen this unit installed in a very nice theater and the quality is just amazing, really amazing. However, for the money the car might be the way to go.

[kach22i]

I was at Big George's a few weeks ago. They had these wall mounted screens which took up the whole wall, had black velvet along the edges, impressive ($1,000 to $2,000).

The projectors can be had for less than a plasma TV, and $1,600 will actually get you something. Of course double the price ($3,200) will get you a lot more and be happier to live with.

I remember the price of entry being well over $10,000 for projection systems..................times are changing.

[Paul T]

Originally posted by cowtown
http://www.avsforum.com -- If you're the type to research for three weeks, agonize for six, research for seven more weeks, then decide to wait it out until the next generation, which will just be so much better, this is the place for you.

Seriously though, there's a lot of good information there if you can wade through it all.

So funny! Yes, that is me to a T! I've been to that site before for audio stuff, I'll revisit it, thanks. It's so easy to over analyze this stuff and to be honest, as much as I want to think I'm an audiophile/videophile - I'm not. In a blind test, I probably couldn't differentiate a $1000 amp versus a $20,000 one - and I bet half the experts can't either, though they'll never admit it!

[MysticLlama]

One thing to remember about projectors is the cost of bulbs.

Bulbs for the projector we have at the office run $400-500, and last about 2000 hours. Even if they were still good, the projector quits working and wants you to buy a new one so it doesn't explode or something.

So it's about .20-.25/hr. to run. Just something to keep in mind.

[Paul T]

good point - didn't realize they were so pricey. Hmm, maybe keeping my old rear projection around is not a bad idea and save the front projection for football and movies...2000 hours would last awhile that way.

[jyl]

How much do you gain in perceived size with a front projector and 100" screen?

What I mean is, suppose you get a 42" flat panel screen, there's a comfortable viewing distance, call it X feet, which probably depends on the screen size and screen resolution and whether you have HD-TV programming or not. Now suppose you get a 100" screen with projector, there's also a comfortable viewing distance, call it Y feet, which probably depends on the same factors plus maybe the need to not block the projector beam. So, how much bigger does a 100" screen at Y feet look, relative to a 42" screen at X feet?

[1973911s]

I am in the same boat, and can't decide. I gave myself a 10K budget, and keep going over options and options. I will never do it, as technology is changing daily. With CES in a few weeks, something new is coming out.

Let us know what you decide.


Michael

[imcarthur]

I've been using a computer driven front projector for 4 years or so.

Some minuses:
Projectors aren't cheap.
You have to dedicate a room or live with things that hang there when not in use.
Ambient light is your enemy so darkened rooms only. (Although I saw a new screen 2 weeks ago that broke that rule).
Replacement bulbs are $500 more or less.

Pluses:
Nothing & I mean nothing looks as good at home. Couple it with a decent surround sound & you won't go to a movie theater again.

Ian

[Mulhollanddose]

http://www.infocushome.com/amer/eng/products/screenplay/sp5000.asp

This is what I use as my TV.

So, lets say it lasts for 4 years or less...so?...Plasmas last about that long and technology is moving so fast that you will more likely than not want the newest set within that time frame...The only problem with the projector is diffusion of picture in light. It seems that will not be a problem for you. Great deal, I highly recommend it. Portable too!

[Paul T]

Mul, are you happy with it overall? I've heard good things about Infocus. Any issues with bulb life? Thanks..

[imcarthur]

A couple of points about projectors.

1. Get a home theater projector - not a presentation projector.
2. All projectors are futzy & fragile. All manufacturers have defect & repair issues.
3. Resolution is important but . . .
4. Lumen output is important but . . .

The but? It's really all about the lens. Cheap projectors have cheap lenses. Think cameras. There all about lenses too. Everything else is marketing.

Buy with your eyes, not a spec sheet.

Ian

[Mulhollanddose]

Dude. You won't be unhappy. Pretty amazing the quality you get. When I first witnessed one it was being projected on a light green wall. I was thinking that the picture would be tainted green because of the wall. Suprinsingly that was not the case. HD projects absolutely amazing. You can redirect the picture to another wall, the ground, the ceiling or you can get a cool screen (electric or otherwise) if you are a fanatic about best picture quality. For your application I think it is perfect. Imagine a 90+ inch screen that you can fit into a boot-box.

Like I said before. If the bulb goes you need to shell out 400-500 for a new one. Since this unit will not be the primary television it will most likely last for quite a few years, however, by that time, as technology is moving geometrically, you will want to move forward anyway. Long gone are the days when you would buy a product and expect to use it for 10-20 years, especially technological products. It will certainly last longer than a plasma screen. Remember, this product requires low outside light to get the best quality picture...Naturally a dark room is where it really shines.

[Mulhollanddose]

Originally posted by Paul T
Mul, are you happy with it overall? I've heard good things about Infocus. Any issues with bulb life? Thanks..

Put it this way, the buddy that turned me on to it is a Hollywood computer animator...These guys are all about picture quality and anti-pixilization...Awesome if you are a gamer!

[derek murray]

I'm also a projector fan.... as others have said, if you have a light controlled room and don't intend on using it for day to day tv watching its a ton of fun... you will need big sound with your big picture, BTW.

[Paul T]

Thanks for all the advice guys, I think my decision is made to get one, now I'll have to go see a few in person and decide which one. It looks like for 2-3k I can get something pretty phenomenal. I've already got the sound covered (though I need a sub)...can't wait!

[cowtown]

Originally posted by Paul T
I've already got the sound covered (though I need a sub)...can't wait!

Now there's a fun DIY project. Build yourself a big one and communicate with all the submarines in your area. This one weighs 256 pounds.

(Gratuitous sub pics)

[Paul T]

Nice work on the sub! I've been looking at SVS Subs for years and will probably pull the trigger on one of those once I get the projector.

[Kroggers]

So is a Projector a better deal than an LCD screen?