First projector, need help coming from plasma blacks

[Abouna]

OK, so we are pretty set on getting a PJ. With a 9 person family the 54" plasma just isn't cutting it size wise.

I'd like to stay well under $3k, well under, if we can.

3D is not important, but getting close to plasma PQ is.

I was looking at the Sony HW30, but I'd rather not spend that much if I don't have to. Plus I'm, not sure it's the best PQ for 2D.

Here's the room (since I have no idea what I'm doing) and am not sure what will work in our space:

[roar]

This room presents some real challenges for front projection. The big windows will be difficult to cover, especially if that top arched one currently let's light in. The throw distance is pretty far to shelf mount on the rear wall and the slanted ceiling will make a ceiling mount more difficult and I'm not sure you want a projector hanging from your ceiling in the middle of the room. Table mounting is a possibility but it will change the layout of the room. Finally the wall where the tv is has a door in it so that could limit the size of screen you use if you fixed one, I suppose a drop down is an option. So... Without considering what projector you can look at in the 3k range I've gotta ask... Is there another room you use?

[seigneur_rayden]

Originally Posted by Abouna

OK, so we are pretty set on getting a PJ. With a 9 person family the 54" plasma just isn't cutting it size wise.

I'd like to stay well under $3k, well under, if we can.

3D is not important, but getting close to plasma PQ is.

I was looking at the Sony HW30, but I'd rather not spend that much if I don't have to. Plus I'm, not sure it's the best PQ for 2D.

Here's the room (since I have no idea what I'm doing) and am not sure what will work in our space:

Your post does not have a question. What do you want us to help you with?

[Mr.Twinks]

Originally Posted by roar

This room presents some real challenges for front projection. The big windows will be difficult to cover, especially if that top arched one currently let's light in. The throw distance is pretty far to shelf mount on the rear wall and the slanted ceiling will make a ceiling mount more difficult and I'm not sure you want a projector hanging from your ceiling in the middle of the room. Table mounting is a possibility but it will change the layout of the room. Finally the wall where the tv is has a door in it so that could limit the size of screen you use if you fixed one, I suppose a drop down is an option. So... Without considering what projector you can look at in the 3k range I've gotta ask... Is there another room you use?

+1 to all of this!

[Abouna]

OK, sorry for the omissions!

First, I want PJ suggestions. Hence the price range.

Second, that's not a door, but another window. As far as windows go, no problems, this will be a night time only PJ.

As far as mounting, I was hoping for ceiling at the rear, not at the apex. So the throw would need to be in the 20' range.

Finally, I definitely want drop down, as we intend to keep the plasma for non-movie watching. The screen will go in front of the plasma.

[crazyBLUE]

As long as those hanging lamps are not in the way I don't see a problem.

First ~ You can find all kinds of ceiling mounts to use to hang the PJ.

Second ~ I can only suggest my opinion on Blacks & a PJ & that would be an Epson That I own, 8700UB (UB stands for ultimate blacks) Have not seen one better but that is my opinion Paid $2K for it.

You can very easily get what you are after for 2500 or less shopping around I think.

[roar]

Originally Posted by Abouna

OK, sorry for the omissions!

First, I want PJ suggestions. Hence the price range.

Second, that's not a door, but another window. As far as windows go, no problems, this will be a night time only PJ.

As far as mounting, I was hoping for ceiling at the rear, not at the apex. So the throw would need to be in the 20' range.

Finally, I definitely want drop down, as we intend to keep the plasma for non-movie watching. The screen will go in front of the plasma.

Good input if the viewing is evening only that's great. Really the options in the 3k range are the Epson 5020, the Panasonic PT-AE8000u, the Sony you've mentioned but there is also this years model HW50 then finally the JVC XLA-30 I'd put in this range as well. The JVC and Sony like you've discovered push towards the 4k mark where as the Panasonic and Epson come in around 3k. Short of the JVC these are all this years models I've mentioned and there is VERY little unbiased/independent reviews of them, so you may have people pushing you to one or another but I would take those recommendations with a grain of salt as I doubt there are many people around who have actually had the opportunit to view all 4 of these projectors in the same setting all dialled in.

As far matching your plasmas blacks... From what I've read you will need to step towards the Sony or JVC to accomplish that. That isn't to say both the Epson and Panasonic wouldn't impress you I'm just repeating what I've read written about these manufacturers in the past. Until this new crop of projectors has been out for a bit and some more reviews surface I'd say its anyone guess which will be best as there could still be a Optoma, BenQ or Mitsubishi to consider.

[cds1834]

The screen technology you choose will play a significant role in getting the most out of whatever projector you go with so keep that in mind. I've been out of the front projection game for a while, but I'm sure others may have suggestions.

[z-man99]

Looks to me like you might consider a few gallons of paint in your plans as well. You could spend 10k for a top end Sony or JVC projector with the best contrast ratio but if all all those white walls are bouncing stray light back on your screen you'll have muddy greys, not blacks.

Agree with previous poster about projector opinions. I enjoyed the high contrast ratio my Epson "UB" projector for 800 hours, then the main board failed. $1200 to repair out of warranty and Epson's customer service response was weak. I moved on to JVC. So you can guess my opinion on brands right now. I will tell you that if you shop for JVC "B" stock projectors you can get a lot of bang for the buck.

[eljay]

AVS has B-stock JVC DLA-HD250s for ~$1,300 (vs. $2,500 at Amazon). If the warranty's there, I'd snag a B-stock unit.

I've had my DLA-HD250 for ~5 months and I'm still wowed by the PQ (colour, detail and black levels). And I continue to enjoy its other features, like motorized shift/focus/zoom, super-quiet operation, and intuitive menu system and remote.

[EMAGDNIM]

That's actually a great deal OP. The B-Stock items overall are a steal right now over on AVS.

I've recommended the RS40 to others (B-Stock) with positive results as well.

[Trogdor2010]

Originally Posted by EMAGDNIM

That's actually a great deal OP. The B-Stock items overall are a steal right now over on AVS.

I've recommended the RS40 to others (B-Stock) with positive results as well.

That's a sweet deal on the RS40 and HD 250. Let me check my bank account...

[Show spoiler]...nope, can't do, not even at that low of a price

They are still sweet deals.

[Abouna]

OK, where are you guys seeing the B stock? I can't find it.

Forget it. Found them.

What about the 40U? A bit more money but still in my range.

Also, wasn't there some kind of bulb issues with these JVCs?

[Badas]

Originally Posted by Abouna

Also, wasn't there some kind of bulb issues with these JVCs?

Blown waaaay out of proportion. They loose a lot of brightness in the first 500 hours. Guess what all lamps do. I just replaced my first at 2100 hours and it was still bright enough to make my eyes squint on bright scenes. I got the occasional flicker that was easily fixed by putting into high lamp mode for an hour. After that it would not flicker for another 500 hours.

Ta Dono

[z-man99]

Originally Posted by Abouna

OK, where are you guys seeing the B stock? I can't find it.

Forget it. Found them.

What about the 40U? A bit more money but still in my range.

Also, wasn't there some kind of bulb issues with these JVCs?

Put in a phone call to Mike or one of the other salesmen. They have a good reputation for keeping their customers happy. JVC has been pretty good about it as well. Mine's not installed yet but if 2d movie viewing is most important to you, from what I've been able to gather from my research the rs40 can't be beat without spending another $2000.

I still think you need to do something about all those white walls, though!

[Abouna]

OK, well I talked for just a short while to Mike. Sounds like the 40U is likely the answer (I'd prefer the 45 but he has no more stock).

I'm a little foggy on 16:9 vs 4:3 screen though. I mean I get it all for HDTV purposes, but I know nothing about projectors.

One last thing that came up, Mike mentioned motion and that alerted me to one of the main reasons I went plasma on my TV. I'm extremely sensitive to motion blur on traditional displays. Should this be a major concern?

[Flatnate]

Originally Posted by Abouna

OK, well I talked for just a short while to Mike. Sounds like the 40U is likely the answer (I'd prefer the 45 but he has no more stock).

I'm a little foggy on 16:9 vs 4:3 screen though. I mean I get it all for HDTV purposes, but I know nothing about projectors.

One last thing that came up, Mike mentioned motion and that alerted me to one of the main reasons I went plasma on my TV. I'm extremely sensitive to motion blur on traditional displays. Should this be a major concern?

You'll want to go go with the 16:9 screen without question. The 4:3 aspect ratio is a hold over from standard definition televisions of days yonder.

To your second point, I too am very susceptible to motion blur. Outside of my projector, I own two plasma displays for that reason. On my JVC RS20u I don't notice any motion blurring at all. The newer JVC's do have some frame interpolation picture modes that you may or may not find to your liking but you can turn all of that off as well.

[Abouna]

Well, I missed all the B stock, so I guess the search goes on!

[EMAGDNIM]

Keep checking with them. They come and go so you have to be a bit vigilant...

[z-man99]

I just installed my new B stock RS40 tonight. Awesome service from AVS. The unit came double boxed and aside from a few scuffs on the bottom of the unit it looks new. Brand new 3rd series lamp already installed so I don't expect any premature lamp failures in my future either.

Picture quality is dramatically better than my recently deceased UB series Epson. It's brighter, much sharper, more saturated colors. Just all around better. Plus it looks completely badass on my ceiling!

If you aren't in a hurry, I'd continue to check back with them. When I placed my order they also mentioned some B Stock Sony's coming in soon. I hear they are a great all around projector as well.