Looking for some beginner projector advice...

[steelbook86]

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[Petra_Kalbrain]

If you are looking to experiment, you might do well to get something like this first: http://www.benq.ca/product/projector/joybeegp2

It's a nice portable unit that can be stored and transported without being intrusive to your living space. It's also a very reasonable price.

My roommate has created a fantastic little viewing area for himself and his computer setup with this unit and an 8' painted piece of some kind of laminate corkboard/plywood.

[jawsfan1975]

I have the Optoma HD20, excellent for the $$$ value. I use it mainly for blu ray but I have also gamed and tv events like the SuperBowl and Oscars.

[MrFattBill]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

I know I wrote a lot but hopefully Ive given all the info needed to get the right advice.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

Are you looking at a 16:9 or 2.35:1 screen because that choice will change the advice I have

Bill

[ImPulSive]

You also need to figure out your PJ placement. If your PJ cannot be placed dead center, it will need lens shift capabilities.

http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/lens_shift.asp

[Stridulent]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I didn't feel like I should start a new topic just for my question. I am doing a 2.35:1 setup. Are there any economical ($800-$1000) 1080p projectors that have the automatic digital zoom?

[MrFattBill]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

^^^ Well I wasn't sure at the moment depending on how much more it would cost for a 2.35.1 setup. I don't even know if you can do it without a anamorphic lens? Anyhow if it is possible via zoom to do 2.35.1 then assume Im doing a 2.35.1 screen. Thanks, Bill!

You can do it without a lens but the black bars will spill over above and below the screen. I personally use masking to remedy this on the top and let the bottom spill wherever it wants. To be honest with the new JVC I have, I don't see the spill over at ALL. With my Panasonic I could make out the bars some what. My room is totally dark so they are easier to see.

The BIGGEST issue is that in order for this to work the projector lens will need to be within the area of the screen. So if the top of the screen is 2' from the ceiling then the projector lens needs to be at LEAST that far from the ceiling. Now with regards to showing a 16:9 image (1.78:1 or 1.85:1) on a 2.35:1 screen, you will want a projector that is capable of digital zoom, shift and focus.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[MrFattBill]

I would try and see the Epson 8350 and Optoma HD20 in action since they are 2 different types of technologies. LCD vs DLP

Bill

[DoUrden]

I just got into projectors a little bit ago and started "small", i guess... went with the HD20 and LOOOOVE IT!!! I game on it and watch BDs on it, both through my ps3... i have about 500 hours on the bulb and it is just killer! PS, I just painted my wall and framed it with black quarter-round and then put some curtains up... it looks awesome! Its not as epic as some of these guys, but it really looks pretty good... I really really need to update my pics.... anywho, love it. and for the price you can't beat it!

I used a mixture from someone on here or at AVS... I can't remember, but it cost about 40 bux and added a bit of grain and gray...

that's what i got to say about it

[MrFattBill]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

Doubt Ill be able to find the Optomo HD20 locally to see but Ill see if I can do that.

Thanks for the input.

Where is "locally"?

Bill

[DoUrden]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

Vancouver... lower-mainland BC area really.

Can you use amazon there? That's where I got mine... got it for 869.00!

[DoUrden]

Originally Posted by DoUrden

Can you use amazon there? That's where I got mine... got it for 869.00!

Shoot! It's 826 now!

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

I think I have it narrowed down for the projector at least somewhat.

So I'm wondering between these three projectors which one would you get if you were using it for bluray movies, ps3 gaming and sports broadcasts in a room with some ambient light:

Epson 8350 $1099
Panasonic PT-AR100U $999
Optoma HD20 $826


It seems the Epson has better blacks but the Panasonic is way brighter. Any thoughts, input anyone?

Thanks!

I would get the Epson myself ~ Maybe because I have one The blacks are incredible on them...

[Vracer111]

For what it's worth the Epson 8350 is more than bright enough for me with a ~ 16' throw, really too bright I think for my current 92" screen - it lights up the room on Theater Black mode with the Projector wall painted black and Black heavy curtains on both sides. It still produces a nice picture that was a noticeable step up from my 720p Epson and on par with my low end Samsung PN43D450 43" Plasma display (except for color rendition, which it is BETTER at!)

[popcornninja]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

Thanks for the reply and input. Im starting to think Epson might be the way to go. So much so even looked at the Epson 3010 which is about $300 more but it seems like the Epson 8350 might actually be better when it comes to 2D material. I also like the two year warranty and 4000 hour lamp rating on it the Epson over the other brands. The lens shift I suppose is handy too.

Been looking at a 92" Elite fixed Screen in Cine-White to pair with the projector. Finally it looks a plan is coming together and "I love it when a plan comes together" (A-Team reference), LOL.

Any place where I can find the Epson 8350 for a better price then $1099 ?

If you're willing to get a refurbished unit straight from Epson you can save some money.
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/j...u=V11H373120-N

I believe it comes with the 2 year warranty still.

I owned the Epson 8100 originally but recently had trouble with my original unit and then even had some issues with replacement. Epson sent me the 8350 at no cost. Their warranty is the real deal and I've never had service like I have from them. Best ever in my opinion, knowledgable and nice people. I had some bad luck I believe but they have made it well worth it. The 8350 is very much like my 8100 but a little brighter, slightly higher contrast.

I think you're making a great choice if you go with it.

[popcornninja]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

Cool! Thanks for the link to the refurb. I think Im pretty happy with settling on the 8350 as well. I was thinking of spending a bit more and getting the 3010 but then I saw the test results for lag time and the Epson 8350 is actually better! For gaming purposes that makes it a no brainer. Also it seems the blacks are actually a tad better on the 8350 over the 3010 in 2D mode. Since 3D is not a requirement it was a much easier choice for me.

The only thing I need to decide on now is the screen. Sadly within the space where this setup is going for the time being I can't go over 92". So Im looking for best option for a 92" screen that fits the budget and provides a reasonable level of performance. I saw some reasonably priced fixed set up 92" Accuscreen screens but Im not sure if there any good. Elite screens in comparison is double the price. But I don't wanna skimp out on the screen if there is a significant quality difference in PQ from screen to screen. So Im looking for advice on a screen now since the projector is decided.

Anyhow, posting here actually really helped. So Thanks!

There are a lot of different options with screens.
I built mine for just under $100.

Are you looking for a fixed frame, manual, or electric screen?

[popcornninja]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

Looking for a fixed frame. For under $100 on your own eh? Do DIY screens rival store bought ones in PQ quality ?

I'm far from an expert on the issue, but from the research I've done there are several DIY that would at least rival the entry level screens.

Mine is a Do-able board from Home Depot (Google it, there is a lot of information/testing thread over at AVS). Then some smaller pieces of wood for framing and black velvet.

The other one I've heard that is good is the WilsonArt laminate screens, which can also be made for around $100-200 mark if I remember correctly.

Accuscreens appear to be nice, some have had issues with creases from reading reviews.

Really it boils down to your budget. For me it was easier to get the board and everything cut and save some money, instead of forking out $200+. At some point if I ever have the money and space, I'd like to invest in a bigger (106" to 120") and more professional screen.

[Vracer111]

Originally Posted by steelbook86

The only thing I need to decide on now is the screen. Sadly within the space where this setup is going for the time being I can't go over 92". So Im looking for best option for a 92" screen that fits the budget and provides a reasonable level of performance. I saw some reasonably priced fixed set up 92" Accuscreen screens but Im not sure if there any good. Elite screens in comparison is double the price. But I don't wanna skimp out on the screen if there is a significant quality difference in PQ from screen to screen. So Im looking for advice on a screen now since the projector is decided.

My screen is a fixed 92" Elite Screens Silverframe with the Cinewhite material. I'm sure a DIY screen will not be any worse in quality if you do a good job with it. Have been thinking about going the DIY route for upgrading to a 110" screen but it's tempting to just buy a screen and be done with it.

8350 and 92" Elite Screen capture - 1

8350 and 92" Elite Screen capture - 2

[Vracer111]

It's an older EZ frame model they don't have listed anymore (silver bezel). I believe the price was around $300 and it was bought along with my first projector (Epson HC 720).

...picture of it...

[Stridulent]

I just built my own DIY screen yesterday. I got the material from here: http://www.carlofet.com/ for $30 (5ft x 9ft piece). I made it into a 2.35:1 screen, with dimensions of 107.7" width, 45.8" height, and a 117" diagonal.

Screen material: $30 + $15 shipping
Construction material (Home Depot): $30
3 1" x 4" x 6 ft boards
8 corner brackets with screws
2 hanging hooks


Total: $75

I need to get a better camera to take pictures. The ones in my gallery were taken with my iphone 4 and the screen PQ looks much better in person... and I'm not even using a 1080p projector (older 1080i/720p model).