Moving from 1080p DLP to 720p FP?

[househead]

Should I even be considering this? I've had a 1080p Samsung DLP for 3 years now but I'm bored with it. There's a decent amount of ambient light (living room with glass doors) but can put up black out drapes for critical viewing. Don't do much daytime TV watching anyways.

If I sell my TV/stand and throw in some extra $$$ I can switch it out for a 720Panasonic pt-ax200u w/ screen.

Anyone think the decrease in resolution would be a huge downer? Or would 40 extra inches in screen area make me forget about it. Front projection just seems like too much fun. I feel like I'm missing out but don't want to "half ass" it and be disappointed.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by househead

Should I even be considering this? I've had a 1080p Samsung DLP for 3 years now but I'm bored with it. There's a decent amount of ambient light (living room with glass doors) but can put up black out drapes for critical viewing. Don't do much daytime TV watching anyways.

If I sell my TV/stand and throw in some extra $$$ I can switch it out for a 720Panasonic pt-ax200u w/ screen.

Anyone think the decrease in resolution would be a huge downer? Or would 40 extra inches in screen area make me forget about it. Front projection just seems like too much fun. I feel like I'm missing out but don't want to "half ass" it and be disappointed.

1) Not a huge downer..... but you'll notice the decrease in resolution more than likely

2) Size matters


I'd do it.... What price are you finding the Panasonic at? There are a few 720p projectors you can pick up for $600 or so..... maybe try to get a projector AND keep the T.V.

[Tok]

While 720p was fine when 1080p was in the unattainable price stratosphere, I would not go with a 720p FP setup over a RP 1080p system. You would be giving up over 50% in resolution (roughly 2.1M pixels vs. 920k pixels).

I had a Matterhorn DLP (576p) and although the big picture was impressive, I was not satisfied until I had a true 1080p FP setup. My advice would be to wait. The market for 720p projectors is drying up and you will see more 1080p units popping up in the bargain PJ categories.

[Another_Dude]

If you don't want to "half ass" it, my suggestion would be to save up just a little more scratch and go w/ the PT-AE2000U for around $1800 (1080p) or the PT-AE3000U (1080p/120hz) for around $2400.

Do you want to get your FPJ hooked up and have that little voice in your head talking about how cool 1080p would look?

No, you sure don't.

The extra lines make more of a difference on the big screen than on a TV, and you know you want it.

[GregBe]

If you can wait and save for the 1080P front projecter, do this as others have mentioned. But to directly respond to the question, I would without question rather have a 720p front projector over a 1080p DLP.

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by GregBe

If you can wait and save for the 1080P front projecter, do this as others have mentioned. But to directly respond to the question, I would without question rather have a 720p front projector over a 1080p DLP.

I agree, size matters and 720p is still more impressive to me at 100", then 1080p is at 60". The loss in resolution is more then made up for by the increased immersion.

One thing that could be a problem is the amount of ambient light.

[househead]

thanks guys for all the info and advice. I'm torn!

I forgot one of my buddies has a 720p/1080i sony projector. Going to take my BD player over there and see how it looks on that to maybe get an idea.

Would love to save up for a decent 1080p unit, but that never seems to go accordning to plan as something always comes up.

[Tok]

Originally Posted by househead

thanks guys for all the info and advice. I'm torn!

I forgot one of my buddies has a 720p/1080i sony projector. Going to take my BD player over there and see how it looks on that to maybe get an idea.

Would love to save up for a decent 1080p unit, but that never seems to go accordning to plan as something always comes up.

Just remember the prices seem to drop every year. Entry level 1080p projectors may break the $1500 barrier this year.

The initial awe of a large screen quickly wears off. I just don't want you to be disappointed a few months down the road when a 1080p unit hits your price range.

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by CraigW

Just remember the prices seem to drop every year. Entry level 1080p projectors may break the $1500 barrier this year.

The initial awe of a large screen quickly wears off. I just don't want you to be disappointed a few months down the road when a 1080p unit hits your price range.

Agreed, however for the next year (untill prices drop that low) I can't see you bieng dissapointed consider what they sell for in America (720p 100" screen for $500 to $600, I wish the projectors where that cheap in Australia).