Help! Old audiophile new to projection.

[datlocolatino]

I have about a $4000-ish budget.

Lookong for a screen for a room with moderate light which I am planning to eventually get blackout curtains for. I would assume it needs to be black or gray, 100-ish inches, motorized, 4k ready.

The projectir would be ceiling mounted, true/ native 4k AND 3D, interweb/ app ready.

Any ideas you can throw at me would be appreciated. I’ve been trying to read up on projection but it seems to get really confusing. 🤷🏽*♂️

[samlop10]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

I have about a $4000-ish budget.

Lookong for a screen for a room with moderate light which I am planning to eventually get blackout curtains for. I would assume it needs to be black or gray, 100-ish inches, motorized, 4k ready.

The projectir would be ceiling mounted, true/ native 4k AND 3D, interweb/ app ready.

Any ideas you can throw at me would be appreciated. I’ve been trying to read up on projection but it seems to get really confusing. ����*♂️

You might need to adjust your expectations. I believe the cheapest native 4K projector is the Sony VPL-VW295ES and that goes for around $5K.

If your budget is $4K and you need to include the screen in that, your best bet is probably the Epson 5050 if you want a better screen (e.g. one that can reject some ambient light), or an Epson 6050 if you get a cheaper screen and really want a projector with a dark case. Both accept 4K/HDR, do 3D, and display higher than 1080p pixels, but lower than actual 4K. So you still get most of the benefits but not 100% of all the pixels.

But if you want true/native 4K you’d need to stretch your budget higher.

As for the smart features (interweb/app ready), I’d suggest getting an external streaming device. Any serious home cinema projector will not include that. You’re much better off gettting a chromecast, or even better, an Apple TV 4K.

[datlocolatino]

Hey, thanks for the reply!

Okay, so I should be able to find a good screen for about $1000..?


Also, is EpsonTHE preferred brand when it comes to projectors? I was looking at BenQ. Should I scratcch tjat?

[datlocolatino]

Also, can you recommend a screen and maybe recommend a website or two, please??

[samlop10]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

Hey, thanks for the reply!

Okay, so I should be able to find a good screen for about $1000..?


Also, is EpsonTHE preferred brand when it comes to projectors? I was looking at BenQ. Should I scratcch tjat?

Yes. $1000 should be plenty unless you want something very high end in terms of a projector screen. If you’re thinking you’ll have some ambient light present (windows, lights, etc) while watching on the projector an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is highly recommended to help you keep a good image without it washing out. A pitch black room is the absolute best to keep a good image on screen from a projector, but an ALR screen is the best option if you can’t have pitch blackness all the time.

At that price range, yes, the Epson 5050 is the best value projector. I used to own a 5030 and it was an amazing projector given the price. The 6050 is pretty much the same as the 5050 picture-quality wise but it’s more expensive as you do get an extra lamp, a mount, and an extra year of warranty compared to the 5050. The dark case might also be enticing to some people.

The thing with the BenQs is that, while they’re not bad projectors at all, they use DLP technology which limits the contrast quite a bit. They may look sharper to some people but imo the trade off in contrast just isn’t worth it. And you want as much contrast as possible in films to achieve a more realistic picture that has more depth and doesn’t look murky or washed out with blacks that look more like dark grays.

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

Also, can you recommend a screen and maybe recommend a website or two, please??

Let me ask you this first, do you think you’ll be able to watch content on your projector in a pitch black room or do you think you’ll have ambient light present even after you get the blackout curtains (lights inside the house, etc.)? That’ll help give you better recommendations. FYI, in my experience even blackout curtains don’t block all of the lights from windows. Will your ceiling and walls have a dark color or a lighter one (which reflects more light)?

Also, do you want a fixed screen or something that is motorized and drops down? A motorized screen is more expensive but some people prefer it for aesthetic purposes.

[datlocolatino]

Originally Posted by samlop10

You might need to adjust your expectations. I believe the cheapest native 4K projector is the Sony VPL-VW295ES and that goes for around $5K.

If your budget is $4K and you need to include the screen in that, your best bet is probably the Epson 5050 if you want a better screen (e.g. one that can reject some ambient light), or an Epson 6050 if you get a cheaper screen and really want a projector with a dark case. Both accept 4K/HDR, do 3D, and display higher than 1080p pixels, but lower than actual 4K. So you still get most of the benefits but not 100% of all the pixels.

But if you want true/native 4K you’d need to stretch your budget higher.

As for the smart features (interweb/app ready), I’d suggest getting an external streaming device. Any serious home cinema projector will not include that. You’re much better off gettting a chromecast, or even better, an Apple TV 4K.

Originally Posted by samlop10

Yes. $1000 should be plenty unless you want something very high end in terms of a projector screen. If you’re thinking you’ll have some ambient light present (windows, lights, etc) while watching on the projector an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is highly recommended to help you keep a good image without it washing out. A pitch black room is the absolute best to keep a good image on screen from a projector, but an ALR screen is the best option if you can’t have pitch blackness all the time.

At that price range, yes, the Epson 5050 is the best value projector. I used to own a 5030 and it was an amazing projector given the price. The 6050 is pretty much the same as the 5050 picture-quality wise but it’s more expensive as you do get an extra lamp, a mount, and an extra year of warranty compared to the 5050. The dark case might also be enticing to some people.

The thing with the BenQs is that, while they’re not bad projectors at all, they use DLP technology which limits the contrast quite a bit. They may look sharper to some people but imo the trade off in contrast just isn’t worth it. And you want as much contrast as possible in films to achieve a more realistic picture that has more depth and doesn’t look murky or washed out with blacks that look more like dark grays.



Let me ask you this first, do you think you’ll be able to watch content on your projector in a pitch black room or do you think you’ll have ambient light present even after you get the blackout curtains (lights inside the house, etc.)? That’ll help give you better recommendations. FYI, in my experience even blackout curtains don’t block all of the lights from windows. Will your ceiling and walls have a dark color or a lighter one (which reflects more light)?

Also, do you want a fixed screen or something that is motorized and drops down? A motorized screen is more expensive but some people prefer it for aesthetic purposes.

Ok, so I'm going to need an ALR screen. I plan on getting bkackout curtains at some point, but for now or maybe even afterI dont think a white screen will cutit. I want to keep my tv, so I was thinking I would mount a motorized wall screen for movie nights.

Hmmmm. Any idea on an estimate of the cost of an extra lamp and mount for the 5050 would be? Im going to neeed those and 3D glasses regardless. I have a drop ceiling and plan to mount about 11-13ft away.

Also, where is the best place to purchase the glasses?

[datlocolatino]

Also, I just measured, it looks like I can only do a 90-ish inch 16:9 screen.

[samlop10]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

Ok, so I'm going to need an ALR screen. I plan on getting bkackout curtains at some point, but for now or maybe even afterI dont think a white screen will cutit. I want to keep my tv, so I was thinking I would mount a motorized wall screen for movie nights.

Hmmmm. Any idea on an estimate of the cost of an extra lamp and mount for the 5050 would be? Im going to neeed those and 3D glasses regardless. I have a drop ceiling and plan to mount about 11-13ft away.

Also, where is the best place to purchase the glasses?

It really depends on the mount. What’s the height distance between where the mount will hang from on top and where the projector will be? The height level of the projector itself is usually close to where the top of the edge of the projector screen will be. Most aren’t expensive though. You can usually find a pretty decent one for less than $100.

The bulb for the 5050 seems to go for around $~115.

The 3D glasses range from around $30 for a single pair to around $120 for a 4 pair pack depending on the brand you get (and if rechargeable or battery replaceable).

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

Also, I just measured, it looks like I can only do a 90-ish inch 16:9 screen.

You’ll probably end up with a 92in then (and the projector being 11-13 ft away from the screen does seem like it’ll work with that screen size). Unfortunately adding the motorized feature on an ALR screen does add quite a bit to the price. The cheapest one I’ve been able to find is around ~$1400 (Elite Screens Starling Tab-Tension 2 Series, with CineGrey 5D material, and 92in in size).

If you stretch your budget to around $~4500 you’d be able to get the Epson 5050 and an ALR screen with the motorized feature. Otherwise you’ll have to compromise on something. Either getting a cheaper projector, forgoing the ALR feature, or forgoing the motorized screen and getting a fixed one. I’d recommend, if you can, stretching your budget to $4500 and getting the Epson 5050 and an ALR screen with the motorized feature. And then later on buying the 3D glasses.

[bhampton]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

Also, I just measured, it looks like I can only do a 90-ish inch 16:9 screen.

At that size, I would get a direct view set. A lot of big screen TVs are going to be on sale for Black Friday in a week or two.
I mean, I love projectors quite a lot so if your heart is set on one then don't give up but you really want to go bigger with the screen if you can.

You should be able to get a great used projector when the new JVCs finally arrive. A TON of folks are upgrading and therefore parting with great PJs used right now.

No better source of info for all of that and more --- AVSFORUM.

http://www.avsforum.com

[datlocolatino]

Ok, so Im leaning toward the 6050 with a manual ALR screen. I feel like the manual screen may end up a victim of human error. What are the ups & downs of a manual screen from your experience??

[samlop10]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

Ok, so Im leaning toward the 6050 with a manual ALR screen. I feel like the manual screen may end up a victim of human error. What are the ups & downs of a manual screen from your experience??

Which specific manual ALR screen are you thinking of?

I honestly haven’t seen a manual ALR screen. Only fixed ones and motorized ones that are tab-tensioned.

[datlocolatino]

Originally Posted by samlop10

Which specific manual ALR screen are you thinking of?

I honestly haven’t seen a manual ALR screen. Only fixed ones and motorized ones that are tab-tensioned.

Okay, brother. Let me start off by saying thank you SO much for all your help.

After researching everything you mentioned, I decided on getting the 5050ube with that elite screen. I perused the pricing on the internet and the pricing was linear, so I looked up the local stereo shop and they were an Epson distributor, so I figured I would go talk to them and more than likely purchase from a local small business then order the screen online.

After looking at that, he mentioned there was a bundle they are selling with a native 4k laser Epson short throw and a 100" ALR fixed screen and would include the glasses for 5000 s oI ordered that. Looks like Im nixing the tv and motorized screen because this seemed too good to pass up.

Apparently, I'm one of the most knowledgable people theyve had in there when it comez to projecters. So again, I thsnk you. 😆

What do you think of this setup..? Hope I made the right call. 😬

https://www.projectorscreen.com/epso...projector.html

[samlop10]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

Okay, brother. Let me start off by saying thank you SO much for all your help.

After researching everything you mentioned, I decided on getting the 5050ube with that elite screen. I perused the pricing on the internet and the pricing was linear, so I looked up the local stereo shop and they were an Epson distributor, so I figured I would go talk to them and more than likely purchase from a local small business then order the screen online.

After looking at that, he mentioned there was a bundle they are selling with a native 4k laser Epson short throw and a 100" ALR fixed screen and would include the glasses for 5000 s oI ordered that. Looks like Im nixing the tv and motorized screen because this seemed too good to pass up.

Apparently, I'm one of the most knowledgable people theyve had in there when it comez to projecters. So again, I thsnk you. ��

What do you think of this setup..? Hope I made the right call. ��

https://www.projectorscreen.com/epso...projector.html

I think it’s a pretty solid projector to start off with. It does seem more streamlined than the 5050 and you do not have to worry about the light source dimming over time like a lamp projector (i.e. the 5050). You do trade that in quality a bit though. The ls500 does not have the contrast (or black levels) of the 5050 and in that way it is actually closer to DLP in terms of contrast/black levels, and the color gamut is smaller too; but at the same time it does get brighter (which is better for rooms with ambient light), and again, it is more of a ‘set it and forget it’ projector. As you get more into projectors you might find you prefer more contrast/better colors, or you might be fine with more brightness and convenience but less contrast/black levels and a smaller color gamut.

I look at them this way: The ls500 is better for a room with ambient light (even with the lower contrast and smaller color gamut) and more convenient in the long run too (and it is easier to use it as a TV replacement). The 5050 looks better overall in a darker room with better contrast/black levels and wider color (and it is cheaper), but you do have to put more ‘effort’ into its setup and maintenance (i.e. replacing the lamp after a while). At end you have to pick where you prefer to compromise. Personally if I were the one needing to pick one or the other, I’d go with the 5050 as I put picture quality over convenience and do not mind the relatively low maintenance. But again, you’re the one spending the money so it comes down to your preference.

Another alternative, is to get the 5050 (which is almost $1000 cheaper; the 5050 is $3K, the ls500 is $4K without the screen/glasses), and use that money to get a relatively cheap 65” 4K/HDR TV with good quality like this one (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hisense...?skuId=6457437). I’d use a fixed ALR screen (https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Screens...0151JJ4J2?th=1), and put the 4K HDR TV on a stand with wheels to move it in front of the TV when needed and move it out of the way when using the projector. And then buy the 3D glasses and blackouts curtains separately. You’d roughly end up paying the same, but with the 5050/4K TV you’d end up putting more effort into the setup and usage, but at the same getting better picture quality in both the TV and projector vs the ls500. With the ls500 it is more streamlined and ‘set it and forget it’, but you end up with lower picture quality for a dark room. Again, it just depends on what you prefer and where you want to compromise.

Price breakdown:

Ls500 setup:

• Projector: $4000
• Glasses & Screen: $1000

Total: ~$5000

Pros:

• ‘Set it and forget it’
• Light source lasts longer (i.e. no lamp replacement)
• Can essentially replace a TV even if picture quality is not the same

Cons:

• Contrast and black levels are worse
• No wider color gamut

5050UB setup:

• Projector: $3000
• ALR Fixed screen: ~$500
• Projector mount: ~$100
• 3D Glasses: ~$150 (4 pair)
• 4K/HDR TV: ~$1100
• Mount with wheels: ~$150
• Blackout curtains: ~$100

Total: ~$5100

Pros:

• Better black levels/contrast (on both TV and projector)
• Wider color gamut (on both TV and projector)

Cons:

• Will need a lamp replacement after a while
• You need to move the TV back and forth in front of the projector screen depending on use
• More effort in setting it up

So you end up paying roughly the same overall, but with the 5050 it is more effort/maintenance, but at the same time, you do get a better picture with both the TV and the projector (plus go do you get another TV). With the Ls500 you set it up and forget it (basically using it as a big TV), but you won’t get the same picture quality.

If you were to go with the 5050, in the long run (after awhile) you could also get a motorized ALR screen and mount the TV such that when the screen drops it does so in front of the TV and that way you do not have to move the TV back and forth. Again, more planning and effort but it might be worth it depending on what you prefer.

And if end up preferring the 5050 with-a-TV setup and you already bought the ls500, but have not yet opened it, you should not have any problems with a return or order cancellation. Either way, they’re both solid projectors, just more options for us depending on preferences.

[sapiendut]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

After looking at that, he mentioned there was a bundle they are selling with a native 4k laser Epson short throw and a 100" ALR fixed screen and would include the glasses for 5000 s oI ordered that. Looks like Im nixing the tv and motorized screen because this seemed too good to pass up.

Apparently, I'm one of the most knowledgable people theyve had in there when it comez to projecters. So again, I thsnk you. 😆

What do you think of this setup..? Hope I made the right call. 😬

https://www.projectorscreen.com/epso...projector.html

There is no such thing a native 4K Epson projector. It simply doesn’t exist.

[datlocolatino]

Gor my projector in today. Spent the last week giving my home thester a major overhaul and purchasing 4K blus in my spare time. �� $4500 turned into $5300_then $6000+ REAL effin quick. I'll post my thoughts and some pics hopevully by the end of the weekend!

Thanks again for your help, fellas!

[Barry_NJ]

Originally Posted by datlocolatino

... I'll post my thoughts and some pics hopevully by the end of the weekend!

Thanks again for your help, fellas!

So, it's been over a month, too busy watching movies to post your thoughts? 🤣