Convince me to go Projector Instead of Plasma. All the hassle aghhhh

[bizmord]

All I hear is that to go Projector + screen it's just a pain in the a**.

1) Need full darkness
2) Lost of money $1000 (projector), $400 (screen)
3) All the hassle with wiring and hanging up the projector .... aghhhh.
4) Hanging up the screen


Legitimate fuss or is all of this simply done?

I don;'t have a dedicated room for movies. Room is my living room with 2 windows. Movies I do want in the evening mostly. I sit about 10 feet away from the wall on which now I have my Plasma (50 inch).

Is it worth it? Or am I right that it's not too beneficial for my space with all the extra installation and money spent?


thank you.

[wormraper]

Originally Posted by bizmord

All I hear is that to go Projector + screen it's just a pain in the a**.

1) Need full darkness
2) Lost of money $1000 (projector), $400 (screen)
3) All the hassle with wiring and hanging up the projector .... aghhhh.
4) Hanging up the screen


Legitimate fuss or is all of this simply done?

I don;'t have a dedicated room for movies. Room is my living room with 2 windows. Movies I do want in the evening mostly. I sit about 10 feet away from the wall on which now I have my Plasma (50 inch).

Is it worth it? Or am I right that it's not too beneficial for my space with all the extra installation and money spent?


thank you.

as someone who's had BOTH for many years.... do both. you can get a good projector for dirt cheap nowadays... mount + PJ + screen... you can probably do a nice combo for $1200 -$1500... nothing wild at all. hanging a pj is actually really easy. find your throw distance.. hang the projector to as close to middle as you can. then hang your screen... wiring... NOT that hard unless you're UBER ocd and want them in wall. a few cable tacks , a hammer and you're done.

as for REPLACING a tv... it can be done, but I and many others recommend going both. movie nights, it's all about the projector. on/off tv viewing... use the plasma. much easier and simpler.

[bizmord]

Originally Posted by wormraper

as someone who's had BOTH for many years.... do both. you can get a good projector for dirt cheap nowadays... mount + PJ + screen... you can probably do a nice combo for $1200 -$1500... nothing wild at all. hanging a pj is actually really easy. find your throw distance.. hang the projector to as close to middle as you can. then hang your screen... wiring... NOT that hard unless you're UBER ocd and want them in wall. a few cable tacks , a hammer and you're done.

as for REPLACING a tv... it can be done, but I and many others recommend going both. movie nights, it's all about the projector. on/off tv viewing... use the plasma. much easier and simpler.

biggest issue is how close projector is going to be to the wall it's projecting to and ... issue #2 is wiring power and running HDMI cables from projector to the receiver that's on the opposite end.

Also ... you said good projector at low cost.... care to point to some models? :-) as well as screens

[wormraper]

Originally Posted by bizmord

biggest issue is how close projector is going to be to the wall it's projecting to and ... issue #2 is wiring power and running HDMI cables from projector to the receiver that's on the opposite end.

Also ... you said good projector at low cost.... care to point to some models? :-) as well as screens

how big are you going. for a short throw like that you'd be well off with the Benq w1070 or the w1080ST (most likely the 1080st)

and as for HDMI and power... a good 30 foot redmere HDMI should do you fine... use cable tacks and run it down the corners of the wall to the receiver.

[JeffTheMovieGuy]

Wireless HDMI works if you don't want to worry about cords

[nyraiderfan]

Originally Posted by bizmord

All I hear is that to go Projector + screen it's just a pain in the a**.

1) Need full darkness
2) Lost of money $1000 (projector), $400 (screen)
3) All the hassle with wiring and hanging up the projector .... aghhhh.
4) Hanging up the screen


Legitimate fuss or is all of this simply done?

I don;'t have a dedicated room for movies. Room is my living room with 2 windows. Movies I do want in the evening mostly. I sit about 10 feet away from the wall on which now I have my Plasma (50 inch).

Is it worth it? Or am I right that it's not too beneficial for my space with all the extra installation and money spent?


thank you.

After owning many Plasmas and LCD's I purchased my first projector last Christmas ( Epson 2030 ) I also purchased a 100 inch EZcinema pull up screen, the projector only needs to sit 8ft away and I also have it placed to the side and not dead center and I gotta tell you not only does the picture quality rival my TV's but the size of the picture makes you feel like your in a theatre. I will not be watching movies on anything other than my projector from now on and the cost is lower than a tv, I purchased everything including a Samsung sound bar with a wireless subwoofer for $1300. The projector ,screen and sound system setup takes me a literally a minute to hook up and take down......the projector is the way to go. PS...you do not need the room to be dark to enjoy a great looking picture.....the projector is extremely bright.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by bizmord

All I hear is that to go Projector + screen it's just a pain in the a**.

1) Need full darkness
2) Lost of money $1000 (projector), $400 (screen)
3) All the hassle with wiring and hanging up the projector .... aghhhh.
4) Hanging up the screen


Legitimate fuss or is all of this simply done?

I don;'t have a dedicated room for movies. Room is my living room with 2 windows. Movies I do want in the evening mostly. I sit about 10 feet away from the wall on which now I have my Plasma (50 inch).

Is it worth it? Or am I right that it's not too beneficial for my space with all the extra installation and money spent?


thank you.

1) yes and no. Most TVs will have an anti-reflective coating and will be extremely bright, on the other hand an FP set-up works with the image reflecting off the screen and it won't be nearly as bright. That means that a TV will support light reflecting off the screen much better than FP would. But even with my TV in the FR on very bright days when the light hits it just right it is unwatchable without the blinds closed. If you have good drapes/blinds.... and you can direct the light away from the screen (if there is light in the room) it is not an issue with an FP set-up.

2)not sure what that means, if you mean a 32" is cheaper, yes, but if you go with a big TV (equal to what you will have with the FP set-up- I sit ~ 10' away from a 10' wide screen) the TV would be much more expensive. Also with FP you have options for the screen (such as just showing it off of a white wall) and you don't need to replace everything when you do (if you want bigger, you buy a new screen, if you want a better projector you can keep the old screen) so it is not all or nothing like the TV

3) it is not that hard, in reality it does need to be harder then a flat screen. But it will depend on the set-up and how hard you want to make it. You did not give info on your room, but I have a friend who's FP set-up is a bookcase in the back of the room, with the projector sitting on the top shelf and the equipment on some of the other shelves, all he did installation wise) was cut a few holes in the back of the book case (so the cables are not visible). It becomes a bit more complicated when you ceiling mount a projector since it is not aesthetically pleasing to have a couple of cables (HDMI/electricity) running across the ceiling and down a wall, and fishing them through the ceiling and wall is a bit more messy. And it can get a bit harder if you want to install a hidden/pop out projector mount or you want nice termination.


4) not an issue at all but this too would depend on the final result. An existing white wall, needs nothing, a portable screen is just a mater of standing it up, a roll up screen needs a couple of bolts/screws.... a motorized screen built into the ceiling with a slit for it to come down from would need power and ceiling work to be done.

[pentatonic]

Originally Posted by bizmord

All I hear is that to go Projector + screen it's just a pain in the a**.

1) Need full darkness
2) Lost of money $1000 (projector), $400 (screen)
3) All the hassle with wiring and hanging up the projector .... aghhhh.
4) Hanging up the screen


Legitimate fuss or is all of this simply done?

I don;'t have a dedicated room for movies. Room is my living room with 2 windows. Movies I do want in the evening mostly. I sit about 10 feet away from the wall on which now I have my Plasma (50 inch).

Is it worth it? Or am I right that it's not too beneficial for my space with all the extra installation and money spent?


thank you.

Basically, if you love movies and want a better experience the answer is yes, and it is as complicated as you want to make of it or as fun and exciting as you please. The last time I set one up at a buddy's place, 2 guys (and note he's not a handy man), permanent screen (much more complicated that a cheap and simple pull down to install with the frame and all) fishing the wires, you get it) it took about 3 hrs (I'm not counting making a custom ceiling mount).

You can even get a pj and screen for just about $1k, not the best but it will kick any similar or even twice as expensive TV's sorry butt anytime.

And Anthony's opinion is a very good one.

But honestly if you're already seeing this as trouble, it might just not be for you, it shouldn't be trouble, it should be really exciting buddy

[bizmord]

Sound I got ... now it's down to the picture. 50in plasma from 8 feet distance is not bad but you're right, with projector it would be much cooler.

Now, question is, what projector would I try? If I don't hang the thing to the ceiling, I can put it on a coffee table just to the right of my 4 people couch that's centered to the wall ... so I am assuming, angle wouldn't be so bad ...

[nyraiderfan]

Originally Posted by bizmord

Sound I got ... now it's down to the picture. 50in plasma from 8 feet distance is not bad but you're right, with projector it would be much cooler.

Now, question is, what projector would I try? If I don't hang the thing to the ceiling, I can put it on a coffee table just to the right of my 4 people couch that's centered to the wall ... so I am assuming, angle wouldn't be so bad ...

As I posted earlier I have my projector set off to the side of my couch on a coffee table and it works just fine.....so you should not have a problem.

[wormraper]

Originally Posted by bizmord

Sound I got ... now it's down to the picture. 50in plasma from 8 feet distance is not bad but you're right, with projector it would be much cooler.

Now, question is, what projector would I try? If I don't hang the thing to the ceiling, I can put it on a coffee table just to the right of my 4 people couch that's centered to the wall ... so I am assuming, angle wouldn't be so bad ...

Depends on how big a screen size you'd want. And u want the PJ to be as near the center of the the screen as possible. Not off to the side of your couch. And for long term stability. Shelf hang it on the wall or ceiling mount

[MovieFanatic2010]

I bought my firs projector about 4 years ago and i am sure glad i did. Watching movies is a joy with a big screen. You just do not get that movie theater feeling when you watch movies on a 50 or so inch plasma. I have no doubt in my mind that you will absolutely love it when sit down for your first flick. How big of screen can you fit on your wall ? Down below are a couple of lower priced options for a set up. I have the Epson 2030 and for the price it is an incredible deal. The 3D on the 2030 is stunning and the picture quality is WAY better than i expected. I have an elite 100" screen and it has worked out just fine for me. You can check out my gallery to see my basement set up. Good luck and post some pictures when and if you get a projector...Get one you will not regret it.

http://www.amazon.com/Epson-V11H561020-PowerLite-Cinema-Projector/dp/B00EO96W2I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397991036&sr=8-1&keywords=Epson+2030


http://www.amazon.com/Screens-ER120WH1-SableFrame-Projection-Screen/dp/B00366S0UW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1397991373&sr =1-2&keywords=elite+120+projector+screen

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by bizmord

Now, question is, what projector would I try? If I don't hang the thing to the ceiling, I can put it on a coffee table just to the right of my 4 people couch that's centered to the wall ... so I am assuming, angle wouldn't be so bad ...

On the cheap side I like Epson, but the 2030 does not have lens shift so you can't place it to the side.

For a permanent installation(instead of I will bring it to a friends room/conference room for a one time use) I would go with up high (ceiling or wall or book case....) because if it is on a coffee table (or similar low instillation) it could be bumped a bit more a drink might spill on it and if people need to pass in front of it , they will block a large part of the image.

[bhampton]

Originally Posted by bizmord

All I hear is that to go Projector + screen it's just a pain in the a**.

1) Need full darkness
2) Lost of money $1000 (projector), $400 (screen)
3) All the hassle with wiring and hanging up the projector .... aghhhh.
4) Hanging up the screen


Legitimate fuss or is all of this simply done?

I don;'t have a dedicated room for movies. Room is my living room with 2 windows. Movies I do want in the evening mostly. I sit about 10 feet away from the wall on which now I have my Plasma (50 inch).

Is it worth it? Or am I right that it's not too beneficial for my space with all the extra installation and money spent?


thank you.

Just stick to plasma... you don't sound like you really want the projector.

I have both here. A projector and a plasma. I use the projector (mostly for movies) and my wife tends to use the plasma to watch streaming tV shows... it's fine for that the way she uses it.

[bizmord]

Maybe I've been living under rock ... just saw that there are "Wireless" projectors ... meaning, wireless HDMI connectivity ... very cool. That means the source (bluray player) has to be on the network as well or just the receiver as everything goes into a receiver and one cable goes out to my TV right now.???

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by bizmord

Maybe I've been living under rock ... just saw that there are "Wireless" projectors ... meaning, wireless HDMI connectivity ... very cool. That means the source (bluray player) has to be on the network as well or just the receiver as everything goes into a receiver and one cable goes out to my TV right now.???

never used wireless. But it is the same as HDMI from a set-up perspective, if everything goes through the receiver and from it the video to the display you need wireless from the receiver to the display, if you would piull the cable from the BD player to the display then you need wireless from the BD player to the display (for example if someone does not have a receiver, or if someone has an older receiver and wants 3D.....)

Also I see wireless as a bit of joke. Why? the projector needs power and chances are where you will place your projector you won't already have power that is easily accessible so adding an HDMI is not that big of deal if you already opened up the job.

[bizmord]

Originally Posted by Anthony P

never used wireless. But it is the same as HDMI from a set-up perspective, if everything goes through the receiver and from it the video to the display you need wireless from the receiver to the display, if you would piull the cable from the BD player to the display then you need wireless from the BD player to the display (for example if someone does not have a receiver, or if someone has an older receiver and wants 3D.....)

Also I see wireless as a bit of joke. Why? the projector needs power and chances are where you will place your projector you won't already have power that is easily accessible so adding an HDMI is not that big of deal if you already opened up the job.

True ... good point.
Unless I place the projector on a table near couch a bit to the side, there would be no need to run long wires other than for HDMI

[RWoods]

A projector and 110" screen is the main TV in my recently completed finishing basement project. Installing the Projector and screen did take me awhile, but the finished product is the payoff. I ran wires before drywall was done so I saved myself the hassle there. Im glad I went this route.

I have the Epson 2030 also, best of all the replacement lamps are only $100 so Im not really concerned about the hours counting up on it whether im watching just a show, sporting event or movie.

[kurtis21]

Thought I would jump into this projector conversation. IMO...Once you get a projector & screen...you won't want to watch movies ANY OTHER way!! And...it's not really hard to setup...does it take longer to setup than a new tv would? Sure. But it's worth it once you experience it! If you truly LOVE movies....than the only way to go is with a Front projector system!!

[Badas]

Put the effort in and you will get rewarded.

There is nothing so fantastic in HT at the moment like a huge screen.