BF2S Forums Does anyone use a projector ?

when my latest LP goes platinum

I use an Epson LCD projector but I needed a longer distance and more brightness for my installation (picture quality is also better) ... it is a 2006 model retailing at $1,800, but I got for about $1,000 slightly used.  From everything I've read,  I believe that most people are content with the performance of DLP technology ... and, the price jump from DLP to LCD is quite significant.  But, if you are a video enthusiast, then you might not be happy with DLP.

Just make sure that the picture quality is what you are expecting before purchasing.

jsnipy wrote:

Screen makes a huge difference also, consider noise and bulb replacement cost.

True ... and screens can be very costly.  I actually went to a fabric store and purchased a bright white fabric with good reflectiveness.  I placed this over a black fabric, stretching both over a frame I built.  Works beautifully.

SEREMAKER wrote:

I'm building a home theater room in my house and I have friend that will sell me a brand new Optoma - XGA DDR DLP Projector for $400

I don't really want to spend big money for a huge plasma/lcd when I would only use it for movies 
http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/im … 214_sb.jpg

make sure if you mount it on the ceiling it has a mode so it can invert view. mounting on the ceiling you need access to buttons and functions on the topside of the projector so view will be inverted. also you need to see installion specs. distance back from screen and thing like that.

2000hours on that bulb so might need to be replaced after 1000 movies. depends on brightness factors.
EDIT this one cannot be mounted so you need 12-17feet back from screen. and something as tall as the midpoint of the screen to set it on.

Last edited by DankmanHightimes (2008-03-07 11:01:08)

SEREMAKER wrote:

jsnipy wrote:

Screen makes a huge difference also, consider noise and bulb replacement cost.

I was just going to buy some basic screen and nail it to the wall ........... noise, how load are those things _{why do electronics have to be loud, look at my 360 thread} ...... bulb replacement cost, if it lasts like my light bulbs then I'm fine with that

very little no noise associated with any screen even the motorized ones. have a few options as screens go..fixed, pulldown, and moterized. and even some that inflate and can be used in a pool but i dont want a grand of electronics next to my pool.

Last edited by DankmanHightimes (2008-03-07 11:08:54)

Projectors are an awesome and excellent value way of watching video. You will certainly want DLP, 'cos the pictures look much nicer (usually lower res than comparable LCDs (though have better dot pitch, which makes for a better looking image), but have much nicer, more natural looking, colours - the focusing is less versatile on DLPs too, but that's fine if you plan your setup properly) and you don't get screen burn, which means it is also suitable for gaming. If you get a DLP one, which you should, make sure it has at least a 4x colour wheel - otherwise you'll end up with a rainbow effect around high contrast edges.

As many people have mentioned bulb costs are a big consideration. You'll only get a bulb life of a few thousand hours. Mine is about to die....
Bulbs are very expensive (very close to the same price you are paying for the whole unit, in the UK they're about £200). You will need to buy/fabricate a decent quality screen, but since 100"+ screens cost absurd amounts of money you'd be best off spending some time making a good one properly.

Bear in mind projectors are usually pretty loud, which means turning the volume up on whatever you're watching. You'll also probably end up watching stuff in ECO mode (I find it usually looks best for movies on most projectors) since you add 50% onto your bulb life.

I bought the Panasonic PT-AE500 when it came for sale. Lamp runtime is on 4329hrs and at startup the projector flashes replace lamp. A new one is 360€. But as cheap as I am, I'm gonna wait until it breaks and then buy a new one A 90" screen sure is worth it Remeber to study plenty of reviews of the one you are going to buy so you don't get dissapointed later on. And at this point I'd say trust a quality brand. The cheapest is not the bestest.