Projectors in the $10,000 to $20,000 Range

[naturephoto1]

I hope that some of you can give me some guidance. I am not ready to make a decision yet. But, I may be considering looking into a 1080P projector in the $10,000 to $20,000 list price range.

If any of you can give me any suggestions, what to look for, reasons to and not to step up into this price range, please let me know. I am probably going to be purchasing a 106" or a 110" electric drop down 16:9 Stewart Screen.

I am not sure if I should just rely on on black bars for other proportion movies and/or purchase an Anamorphic Lens system.

The dimensions of the room are/will be 19' 4" X 14' 7". The projection screen and the big front tower speakers, center channel speakers, and 2 subwoofers will be placed on the long wall. Windows (which will be covered with JC Penny Robert Eclipse curtains) will be behind what I expect to be 5 Berkline 1375 Tangiers seats.

Thanks for any suggestions and help.

Rich

[kingofgrills]

I would suggest asking Brain Sturgeon about higher end projectors. Although his projector setup costs quite a bit more than the top end of your range, he's spent a great deal of time exploring the market and might offer a few suggestions.

Also, here are some reviews to consider. If you look at the "high end" category toward the bottom of the list, the projectors listed fall just below the bottom end of your price range.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyers...ontprojectors/

I would consider the JVC DLA and Sony SXRD projectors, either from this list or higher end models in your search. The LCoS technology they use helps create high contrasts along with deep and accurate black levels.

Here's a web resource you might find useful. You can review model specs, including prices, by manufacturer:

http://www.aboutprojectors.com/

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

I would suggest asking Brain Sturgeon about higher end projectors. Although his projector setup costs quite a bit more than the top end of your range, he's spent a great deal of time exploring the market and might offer a few suggestions.

Also, here are some reviews to consider. If you look at the "high end" category toward the bottom of the list, the projectors listed fall just below the bottom end of your price range.

http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyers...ontprojectors/

I would consider the JVC DLA and Sony SXRD projectors, either from this list or higher end models in your search. The LCoS technology they use helps create high contrasts along with deep and accurate black levels.

Here's a web resource you might find useful. You can review model specs, including prices, by manufacturer:

http://www.aboutprojectors.com/

Thanks King of Grills. Even if I considered spending as much as Brain, and I am not sure if I would; my room is not as large (distance for the short wall). I only expect to have a throw of somewhere between 10 and 13 feet.

I might send Brain a PM if he doesn't make an appearance in the near future.

Rich

[kpkelley]

You can look at the RS-25 or RS-35 from JVC, they retail around 8-10K. Some other options include the Marantz line of projectors or perhaps the new Vivitek with the led bulb, which retails for 15K.

If you don't mind getting a lightly used projector, you could consider a Sim2 C3X. They retail for about 30K. They have a new LED lightsource projector coming as well, but I haven't heard anything on the pricing.

Given the short throw I would not recommend an anamorphic lens simply because most lenses are for throws of at least 1.6. Some are usable with throws as short as 1.3, but typically require a curved screen in order to reduce the pincushion effect.

[Beta Man]

I know there is a large discussion somewhere at AVS regarding the price-to-performance ranges of projectors...... and I know they have forums for < $5,000 $5,000-$10,000 $10,000-$15,000 etc..... so a quick read in those would likely lead you to what 'many' or 'most' believe to be the best within those price ranges......

Also, if you're prepared to spend that type of money, I would consider many options for a screen.....

I don't recall, but you're going electric screen because you want it either out-of-sight, out-of-mind when not viewing....... or you're planning on having your Plasma behind it????

Either way, I expect nothing short of greatness

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I know there is a large discussion somewhere at AVS regarding the price-to-performance ranges of projectors...... and I know they have forums for < $5,000 $5,000-$10,000 $10,000-$15,000 etc..... so a quick read in those would likely lead you to what 'many' or 'most' believe to be the best within those price ranges......

Also, if you're prepared to spend that type of money, I would consider many options for a screen.....

I don't recall, but you're going electric screen because you want it either out-of-sight, out-of-mind when not viewing....... or you're planning on having your Plasma behind it????

Either way, I expect nothing short of greatness

Hi Beta,

The Plasma TV is intended to be on a rolling cart so that it can be rolled closer to the seating or toward, rotated 90 degrees, and placed in front of the media along the wall. The reason for the electric screen is so that it can be raised and lowered and neither the screen nor the TV (including reflection of sound off of the TV screen) will have much of any interference on the 2 channel and multichannel audio performance when I want to just listen to music.

The cart is below:



I know that this may be a little unorthodox, but.....

Rich

[Woody]

Hi there Nature.

It looks like you will be sitting ~13ft from the screen? A 106"-110" 16x9 screen is a nice size for that viewing distance. 110" is a pretty big screen and many pj's will be working hard to make the picture look like it should, but with your budget you should be able to get a pj with enough lumens/contrast to really make it "pop".

It depends on your preference for DLP/DILA. The only thing that makes me hesitate a bit on the DILA is that the lumen output on those projectors is sometime lacking on larger screen sizes combined with ambiant light.

If you prefer DILA I have not seen JVC's new RS35 but judging from the RS20 I am sure it is a winner. It lists for $10,000.

If you prefer DLP we rep for a company called Digital Projection:

http://www.digitalprojection.com/Bro...1/Default.aspx

The company started in commercial projectors and has since moved to residential. They work with a company called Projection Design on some of their models.

ANY theater looking at a projector for 10k+ gets a Digital Projection pj from us. Their new Mvision projector (2 versions 1 coming in at 2000 lumens and the other coming in at 3500 lumens) retails for $8500 and is an excellent projector.

They go up from there in price, we have an ivision (starting around 11k depending on the lumen output you need) on display in our store on an 82" Firehawk and it kills.

In a month or so we will have one of their Dvisions (120hz and 3-d capable) in our main theater.

The bottom line is we have moved to DP for our projectors because of 3 factors.

1. Performance
2. Dependability
3. Relationships with the vendor

The company is great to work with and makes a great product.

Perhaps see if you can find a dealer in your area who has one or two displayed and go check them out. You won't be disappointed.

On side note, I recommend the Firehawk G3 screen material on any application where you cannot control all of the ambient light or if you tend to watch with some lights on (sports, etc). Otherwise the Studiotek 130 is the reference standard for white screens from Stewart.

Happy hunting!

PS: I sit ~11 feet from my 100" Firehawk and it is pretty big. But my Stewart is one of my favorite pieces in my theater!

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Woody

Hi there Nature.

It looks like you will be sitting ~13ft from the screen? A 106"-110" 16x9 screen is a nice size for that viewing distance. 110" is a pretty big screen and many pj's will be working hard to make the picture look like it should, but with your budget you should be able to get a pj with enough lumens/contrast to really make it "pop".

It depends on your preference for DLP/DILA. The only thing that makes me hesitate a bit on the DILA is that the lumen output on those projectors is sometime lacking on larger screen sizes combined with ambiant light.

If you prefer DILA I have not seen JVC's new RS35 but judging from the RS20 I am sure it is a winner. It lists for $10,000.

If you prefer DLP we rep for a company called Digital Projection:

http://www.digitalprojection.com/Bro...1/Default.aspx

The company started in commercial projectors and has since moved to residential. They work with a company called Projection Design on some of their models.

ANY theater looking at a projector for 10k+ gets a Digital Projection pj from us. Their new Mvision projector (2 versions 1 coming in at 2000 lumens and the other coming in at 3500 lumens) retails for $8500 and is an excellent projector.

They go up from there in price, we have an ivision (starting around 11k depending on the lumen output you need) on display in our store on an 82" Firehawk and it kills.

In a month or so we will have one of their Dvisions (120hz and 3-d capable) in our main theater.

The bottom line is we have moved to DP for our projectors because of 3 factors.

1. Performance
2. Dependability
3. Relationships with the vendor

The company is great to work with and makes a great product.

Perhaps see if you can find a dealer in your area who has one or two displayed and go check them out. You won't be disappointed.

On side note, I recommend the Firehawk G3 screen material on any application where you cannot control all of the ambient light or if you tend to watch with some lights on (sports, etc). Otherwise the Studiotek 130 is the reference standard for white screens from Stewart.

Happy hunting!

PS: I sit ~11 feet from my 100" Firehawk and it is pretty big. But my Stewart is one of my favorite pieces in my theater!

Hi Woody,

Thanks for the information. The Digital Projection machines as you go up the line including the HIGHlight, Titan, and Reference series get quite heavy at about 60 to 68 pounds. I am not sure if my ceiling could even support those weights, but it would be something to look into. How expensive are these bigger projectors and would it be overkill to move much further up the Digital Projection line to get into such larger machines for my needs and space?

Thanks.

Rich

[Woody]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi Woody,

Thanks for the information. The Digital Projection machines as you go up the line including the HIGHlight, Titan, and Reference series get quite heavy at about 60 to 68 pounds. I am not sure if my ceiling could even support those weights, but it would be something to look into. How expensive are these bigger projectors and would it be overkill to move much further up the Digital Projection line to get into such larger machines for my needs and space?

Thanks.

Rich

Yeah the Titan and the reference pjs are not in the price range you are looking for. They are 40k-90k depending on lens choices, anamorphic lens and sleds.

The mvision and ivisions are the ones in your wheelhouse price-wise.

[Trogdor2010]

You could also consider some of the other alternatives, such as the Samsung SP-A900B ($13000) if you are more into an accurate picture and not too worried about contrast and rainbows, or the Sony VPL-85 ($8000), which is very good in contrast. Of course the JVC projectors mentioned are great projectors for their value and contrast. If you are interested in the new LED technology, the Vivitek 9080HD is a great LED projector, even if it isn't the brightest and does cost a heavy penny ($15000) but the LEDs last far longer than typical bulbs (20,000 hours LED vs 2000-3000 hours mercury bulbs). Just some suggestions.

[naturephoto1]

Hi Woody,

If I could darken my room sufficiently to use the Stewart Studiotek 130 screen material, would one of the Digital Projection International M-Vision 600 lumen projectors put out sufficient light to project to a 106" or 110" screen for my room?

I would appreciate any other suggestions that you have. I would like to get the best color that I can from the projectors. But, I am not sure about a single chip DLP model. It would be nice for a 3 chip DLP, but that may cost more than I would like to spend.

Rich

[Woody]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi Woody,

If I could darken my room sufficiently to use the Stewart Studiotek 130 screen material, would one of the Digital Projection International M-Vision 600 lumen projectors put out sufficient light to project to a 106" or 110" screen for my room?

I would appreciate any other suggestions that you have. I would like to get the best color that I can from the projectors. But, I am not sure about a single chip DLP model. It would be nice for a 3 chip DLP, but that may cost more than I would like to spend.

Rich

All of the Mvisions are new. I will check into it, but I believe the 600 lumen model is the LED version. To answer your question I would say no, for that screen size 600 lumens is not sufficient unless you can completely darken the room and don't mind the lights off. LED tech is cool, but has a long way to go.

The best color is surely from a 3-chip unit. But you are correct they are pricey. I know with at least Runco and DPI you are jumping significantly from your budget.

Are you a victim of RGB (rainbow effect)? This is a BIG concern if you are looking at a single chip DLP.

They really have come a long way on single chip DLPs and great color. Any DLP worth it's salt has excellent color reproduction using multi-segmented color wheels. Single chippers also have 0 convergence issues.

The good thing about the DPI pj's are that the specs are legit (lumen and contrast). You wont see the ridiculous (and mostly unattainable) numbers you will hear from most manufacturers.

Let me talk to an engineer and get their opinion on that pj with that screen.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Woody

All of the Mvisions are new. I will check into it, but I believe the 600 lumen model is the LED version. To answer your question I would say no, for that screen size 600 lumens is not sufficient unless you can completely darken the room and don't mind the lights off. LED tech is cool, but has a long way to go.

The best color is surely from a 3-chip unit. But you are correct they are pricey. I know with at least Runco and DPI you are jumping significantly from your budget.

Are you a victim of RGB (rainbow effect)? This is a BIG concern if you are looking at a single chip DLP.

They really have come a long way on single chip DLPs and great color. Any DLP worth it's salt has excellent color reproduction using multi-segmented color wheels. Single chippers also have 0 convergence issues.

The good thing about the DPI pj's are that the specs are legit (lumen and contrast). You wont see the ridiculous (and mostly unattainable) numbers you will hear from most manufacturers.

Let me talk to an engineer and get their opinion on that pj with that screen.

Hi Woody,

Thanks very much and if you can, also check with the Engineer (and also your opinion) as to which alternative single chip DLP model and lens in the DPI line might be a great alternative for my room size, distance (projector and seating) possible screen and application. I am quite reluctant to consider something in the $20,000 to $30,000+ range especially with the speed with which the technology is advancing. Unfortunately everything that is chip and computer based is advancing so quickly for improvements.

Thank God the same is not the case at least for amps, 2 channel preamps, CD players, Turntables, Phono Preamps, and speakers.

Rich

[desmond]

JVC RS25 works great on 110" screen in my theater. Outstanding image quality. You really don't have to spend more for screen of that size.

[fpierre]

Are you still looking? I am trying to sell a Samsung A900B for 12500 (12874 through paypal). It is the most highly rated and most sought after projector and the industry standard. This is brand new. MSRP is normally 12,999 and you have to go through one of Samsung's authorized dealers. Thanks for your time.

Please check the reviews and specks below.

CNet: The bottom line: The new chip in Samsung's SP-A900B helps it to outperform every projector in its class, including its step-down Joe Kane-designed brother, and to compete favorably against significantly more-expensive three-chip DLP projectors.

Projector Central: Conclusion: The latest collaborative effort between Samsung and Joe Kane is a true videophile's projector, optimized for pure home cinema use in a totally light-controlled environment. Its contrast is solid and competitive if not leading edge, but the overall picture quality is something to behold. To the videophile with nothing more than the most film-like and natural image money can buy, the SP-A900B is a dream come true.
Manufacturer: Samsung
Part Number:SPA900BX/XAA

General
Device Type DLP projector
Width 16.9 in
Depth 18.4 in
Height 7.8 in
Weight 21.6 lbs Projector / Panel
Image Brightness 1000 ANSI lumens Image Contrast Ratio 12000:1
Image Size 40
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Max Sync Rate (V x H) 85 Hz x 91 KHz
Front Panel Controls Power on/off
Video Input
Analog video signal S-Video , DVI , Component video , Composite video Digital video input format HDTV Input Device
Type - Cable
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 2 x HDMI , Component video , Composite video , S-Video , DVI , 15 pin D-Sub , RS-232C , USB
Power
Power Consumption Operational 390 Watt Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 2 year warranty
DLP
DLP/LCD technology statement Instead of having glass panels (LCD) through which light is passed, the DLP chip's surface is made up of thousands of tiny mirrors each representing a single pixel.

[Trogdor2010]

Originally Posted by fpierre

Are you still looking? I am trying to sell a Samsung A900B for 12500 (12874 through paypal). It is the most highly rated and most sought after projector and the industry standard. This is brand new. MSRP is normally 12,999 and you have to go through one of Samsung's authorized dealers. Thanks for your time.

Please check the reviews and specks below.

CNet: The bottom line: The new chip in Samsung's SP-A900B helps it to outperform every projector in its class, including its step-down Joe Kane-designed brother, and to compete favorably against significantly more-expensive three-chip DLP projectors.

Projector Central: Conclusion: The latest collaborative effort between Samsung and Joe Kane is a true videophile's projector, optimized for pure home cinema use in a totally light-controlled environment. Its contrast is solid and competitive if not leading edge, but the overall picture quality is something to behold. To the videophile with nothing more than the most film-like and natural image money can buy, the SP-A900B is a dream come true.
Manufacturer: Samsung
Part Number:SPA900BX/XAA

General
Device Type DLP projector
Width 16.9 in
Depth 18.4 in
Height 7.8 in
Weight 21.6 lbs Projector / Panel
Image Brightness 1000 ANSI lumens Image Contrast Ratio 12000:1
Image Size 40
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Max Sync Rate (V x H) 85 Hz x 91 KHz
Front Panel Controls Power on/off
Video Input
Analog video signal S-Video , DVI , Component video , Composite video Digital video input format HDTV Input Device
Type - Cable
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 2 x HDMI , Component video , Composite video , S-Video , DVI , 15 pin D-Sub , RS-232C , USB
Power
Power Consumption Operational 390 Watt Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 2 year warranty
DLP
DLP/LCD technology statement Instead of having glass panels (LCD) through which light is passed, the DLP chip's surface is made up of thousands of tiny mirrors each representing a single pixel.

As much as I would want this projector. I don't have even close to the amount of money to buy it. I spent $1200 on my projector and not that much on audio equipment (not even set up for lossless audio). Still a lovely projector.

[curse]

You are probably not interested in this but you can get a cine 9 for that price. 3200x2560 resolution

http://curtpalme.com/CRTforSale_HighPerformance.shtm all the way at the bottom.