Help me pick a projector!!!!!!!!!!

[johnnierocco]

Well I want 1080P, beyond that I have no idea what to get. I would like to keep it at around $2-2.5K with a screen figured in there. Also if I can get a projector for less, that is okay, leaves me more for other upgrades, like more subs.

I am moving into a new house and have a room with no windows, which should be perfect. The room is 10x15ft I believe with standard 8ft ceilings. I have a 42" Panny Plasma for TV viewing and games now. My question is how does a projector compare to the plasma as far as picture quality goes?


Looking for a projector. Budget is $2-2.5k with screen.
What size screen should I get and from whom?
How DO you set up a projector? Do they HAVE to be ceiling mounted?

Thanks in advance.

[Blaumann]

Hi,
this is a vast topic, but a pj setup is very rewarding. I have one since 2003 and i couldn't live without it any more. So go for it!

The impact comes from the size of the screen, it's simply much bigger than TV. If you can fit a big 2.4:1 screen, it doesn't even compare to TV imo.

Compared to a good plasma HDTV, well a pj tends not to be as bright and the black levels of a plasma might be better. But these are just broad generalizations, i won't go into detail.

Currently i have a Panasonic AE4000 LCD 1080p pj, which i recently bought. It's in your price range, it is a good and flexible pj (though not the cream of internet hype, which is probably the current JVC range ). But everyone recommends his own buying decisions, so i recommend you try and checkout out some pj's at a dealer demo, if there are any around your area. Also you can read through site like http://www.projectorcentral.com/ to get some basic knowledge.

Having a dedicated room for the pj is recommended, as you should make the room light controlled. Light control means, that even if the pj is going full throttle (bright daylight scene), the room doesn't reflect a lot of light back towards the screen. These reflections can wash out the projected picture, a light controlled room is often essential for getting good contrast and blacks. YMMW.

[drago3451]

I would start here: http://http://www.projectorpeople.com/ and play around with some of their package deals.

Also, you will be when you see the quality these 1080p projectors throw out at such a large size.

I would also suggest going to see one in action before you buy. Just realize that most stores will not have the optimal setup to display the true picture you can get.

I can tell you that I am sold on the front projection and I only have an entry level 1080p projector. Take a look at my HT.

[kpkelley]

In that price range I would suggest to start by looking at the Epson Home Cinema 8100 ($1599). It's a very good projector and very reasonably priced.

The second projector to consider would be the Panasonic AE4000u($1999), which is a better projector and a closer competitor to the Epson 8500($2599). But at that price it doesn't leave much room within your budget for a screen, mount and/or other goodies.

Another option would be to look at AVSForums or Videogon.com and see if there is a used projector for sale which strikes your fancy, like perhaps a Sony VW-60 or an older JVC model.


As for screen size, the Epson is a very versatile projector, as such from 13'6"(lens to screen) it can project an image from 65"(57x32) to 137"(119x67). For a seating distance of around 10', I'd recommend a screen height of at least 40"(82" diagonal). Something around 92" would be quite nice.