720p Projector

[Nielsb90]

IM thinking about buying a projector, and my question is:
Will 720p be a visible upgrade from DVD, or do I need 1080p? I couldnt afford 1080 now, only 720p... Im looking at the Optoma HD700x.. Any experinces with this projector ? Thanks

[Big Daddy]

Read reviews and advice in the following sites:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/1080p_720p.htm
http://www.projectorcentral.com/home...projectors.htm

http://www.projectorreviews.com/reviews.php

[Tok]

Originally Posted by Nielsb90

IM thinking about buying a projector, and my question is:
Will 720p be a visible upgrade from DVD, or do I need 1080p? I couldnt afford 1080 now, only 720p... Im looking at the Optoma HD700x.. Any experinces with this projector ? Thanks

Personally I would not buy a 720 model. Save the cash now and wait for 1080p to hit your range. A 1080 model has over a 100% increase in the number of pixels compared to a 720 model. 720 is okay and SD will look okay, but BD quality jump won't be nearly as apparent as it would be on a 1080 model.

Again wait another year or look for some end of the model cycle closeouts.

[Beta Man]

The difference is HUGE..... and many higher end 720p projectors are nicer than lower model 1080p ones.... Theres more to Picture Quality than lines of resolution..... contrast etc are important.


but yes... the difference is HUGE, even on a 720p model.

[SkillzthatKillz]

how big of a screen are you looking to project on? im guessing around 100' mark, right? at that size i would wait and get the 1080p model because it would look better and you'll be more satisfied in the long run. you dont wanna doubt your system, do you?

[Deadset]

I have a 40" LCD TV and 720p is perfect, but from what I've heard if you run a large screen there is a big benefit to running 1080p. The older models may be going on sale soon... Specially the sanyo z2000, I've got my eye on that one...

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by SkillzthatKillz

how big of a screen are you looking to project on? im guessing around 100' mark, right? at that size i would wait and get the 1080p model because it would look better and you'll be more satisfied in the long run. you dont wanna doubt your system, do you?

Front projection is the same as televisions....you have to factor in viewing distance........

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Front projection is the same as televisions....you have to factor in viewing distance........

right... it's playing a big factor into my selection for a projector, it also played a big factor in my older tv, our distance was only about 8'...small basement in our old house

[wiredmass]

If you can find an Infocus IN72, buy it. It is a great and reliable projector. It will accept a 1080i signal but it's max resolution is 720p. I'm using this projector with my PS3 bluray and a HD receiver. It looks better than most of the TVs at Best Buy. You may have to pick up a refurb unit, but it will be worth your money and won't break the bank either.

The unit has HDMI, component, and S-video ins.

[Beta Man]

Also, in case you don't know....... this is what I did.....

Check ALL of your local best-buys (don't call, you gotta go there, they don't know what's going on if you call them!) The Mitsu 1500 projector (720p) can be had for $599 NEW.... some have it at other prices, but many have it at $599 (if they have it) also you can swing by the post office and get a "Mover's pack" and get an extra 10% off that, so it's a dirt cheap HD projector.... and it's a pretty good one at that.


EDIT: all the thanks goes to 09Camaro

[Nielsb90]

Hehe no Best Buy here in Denmark I love Best Buy though.. But yeah, im gonna go see some at stores and have them test them for me... Then I can see for myself.. But thanks for your replies..

[TurboGuru]

Originally Posted by Nielsb90

IM thinking about buying a projector, and my question is:
Will 720p be a visible upgrade from DVD, or do I need 1080p? I couldnt afford 1080 now, only 720p... Im looking at the Optoma HD700x.. Any experinces with this projector ? Thanks

Maybe this screenshot from my Z5 720P projector will help:



I think you'll agree that 720 is a MASSIVE improvement over standard DVD, 720p at this price and quality is insane! .... does make you wonder how much better it could look if the projector was 1080p native!

* screen size is 92" diag.

[Kenshiro]

Originally Posted by TurboGuru

Maybe this screenshot from my Z5 720P projector will help:



I think you'll agree that 720 is a MASSIVE improvement over standard DVD, 720p at this price and quality is insane! .... does make you wonder how much better it could look if the projector was 1080p native!

* screen size is 92" diag.

That looks Great!

I love my 720p Sony VPL-AW15 that I bought like a year and a half ago for about $800. It accepts and downscales 1080/24p nicely, has good detail, and solid contrast. Today though with the prices coming down on the 1080p projectors, I would probably try to shop around for a good 1080p deal.

[Nielsb90]

Now that is just beautiful! Theres no doubt in my mind that im getting one!! I cannot see how that could be any better either

[Blaumann]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

The difference is HUGE..... and many higher end 720p projectors are nicer than lower model 1080p ones.... Theres more to Picture Quality than lines of resolution..... contrast etc are important.


but yes... the difference is HUGE, even on a 720p model.

I have an "old" Marantz 720p DLP fp and imo that statement is very true. The resolution alone isn't what makes a good display.

I'd recommend to the OP to get a decent screen as well and giving light control some thought. (Light control as in: The room stays "dark", even when the projector lights up).

[lncomp]

Absolutely beautiful

[Zeus]

Hey man,

i've just completed the research / decision cycle that you're starting off on. Without going into a long spiel, here's my recommendation

BUY the PT-AX200U (720p)
If you have extra money now or later - invest in a good screen!! (Stewart or Da-Lite)

2 years time, the cost of 1080p projectors will come down significantly, which is the time when you'll be replacing the lamp on your panny. Just upgrade to a 1080p instead of buying a new lamp (throw in the extra dough). If you go 1080p now, you won't have much left for the screen, and trust me, the most underestimated component of good Projector based home theatre is the SCREEN!! it matters

I'm currently using a HCCV Da-lite screen (140'') and the picture is near theatre quality on the good BRs.

[Blu Man]

I have a 720p projector and it looks amazing

[NeverHappy]

Beta Man you are the man I took your advice and check all best buys near me and found the mitsubishi HC1500 for $499. I plugged it in and holy sh*t I don't know how 1080p can be that much betterthan this 720p it rocks. Maybe it's because my screen is small only 80 inches but it looks incredible it's a huge difference from my old infocus 1xa standard def. @ 1600 lumens i can even watch with the lights dim not completely off and still get a good picture I can't afford 1080p yet but this will def. keep me happy until then. I strongly recommend it great 720p.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by NeverHappy

Beta Man you are the man I took your advice and check all best buys near me and found the mitsubishi HC1500 for $499. I plugged it in and holy sh*t I don't know how 1080p can be that much betterthan this 720p it rocks. Maybe it's because my screen is small only 80 inches but it looks incredible it's a huge difference from my old infocus 1xa standard def. @ 1600 lumens i can even watch with the lights dim not completely off and still get a good picture I can't afford 1080p yet but this will def. keep me happy until then. I strongly recommend it great 720p.

Glad you found one! I happened to find ANOTHER ONE.... yesterday for $599 (wife said "NO" to another one though I don't know where I'd put it! ) I was thinking about using it for "Back-yard Cinema" during the summer with the neighbor kids..... but she's right....that's over-kill!!!!!!


EDIT

NO SPEAKERS were set up yet during this picture, and my photography skills stink..... but here's my humble screen shot....





I'll try to get some new pictures today.... the theater is "taking shape"


What screen are you using?

Originally Posted by NeverHappy

Beta Man you are the man

You can say that again..... and again...and again.... and again.....