Plasma vs Projector: pro vs con?

[iGlide]

first thanks to all for the kind words and post in my gallery section. Its nice to know that work and dedication is apprecated.
with that said, i would like to give a brief explanation to many of the responses as to why i do not have a projector. and the answer is " I am not sure". i have only seen "projector" screens at theaters and really wanted to get the best PQ that i could. meaning brightest colors and best contrast if that makes sense. I am set on never going to a theater again because i dont like the look of the screens as apposed to my plasma. But i am open to try new things and embrace change if it suits my needs. so, what are some things that would make me consider changeing my setup to a projector? i cant think of anyone local that has a projector to view and compare but i will consider the expert opinions of the masses on this forum. oh boy this should be good!!!

[kpkelley]

Size to Cost Ratio.

Most everything else would favor the plasma. That being said there is nothing like the immersive experience of a projector and screen.

[plowmanjoe]

i always thought about getting a projector too. the reason i don't is because of the bulb issue. i don't want to be thinking about my fading bulb everytime i watch something and the cost of a replacement.

[Another_Dude]

With the size of your room I don't know if I would go w/ a PJ either. Your plasma fills a large portion of the wall and you'll get great colors and picture. If your display wall was 50% bigger it would be a different story, but I wouldn't change anything you have currently.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by plowmanjoe

i always thought about getting a projector too. the reason i don't is because of the bulb issue. i don't want to be thinking about my fading bulb everytime i watch something and the cost of a replacement.

Bulbs last generally around 2000 hours and cost around $300 to replace, on average. That's a cost of about $.30 per movie, assuming an average length of 2 hours. There are projectors that can extend the life of the bulb to about 3000 hours and others that use long life bulbs that can last upwards of 4000 hours.

Unless you use the projector for everyday viewing it can take more than a year or two to expend the life of a bulb.

[gearyt]

most projectors require a darkened room

[Memnoch71]

Projectors are great if you want a 100-200 inch screen size!

[primaz]

With the prices of online sales I would never recommend getting anything but a projection set up. Yes most box stores like circuit city, best buy, Fry's etc. will push the opposite and that is just because they want to sell something cheap and easy with no set up or tuning.

A projector set will always require some tuning to get the same or better picture quality but you can definately get a better picture that is drastically larger in size. Remember what the ladies say but some do not want to believe it "SIZE MATTERS".

You should look at the expensive home theater stores anywhere you can, and not worry about the price tag just focus on picture quality. You can get most of the brands more than half off a local store by buying online, then just tune it yourself if you can or hire a good person to tune it for you. I've seen projectors that sell for $10-15K at a local store sell from $4-7K online! You can get some very good projectors about the same as a plasma, etc. in the $2-3K range.

Also with the increasing quality now many of the system can display great even without complete darkness. To save money you can get screens that are non motorized and just snap in place onto an aluminum frame for $3-600 bucks. Most bulbs online are $250-350 and again once you see it in a 7-15' screen you will likely not go to the movies again and viewing anyones plasma even a 60-70" screen will look weak in comparison.

[JamesKurtovich]

The problem I have with projection set-ups is that they are more for cinema and less for normal viewing like TV or video gaming, right? Most people use their televisions for all sorts of things and not just watching movies.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by JamesKurtovich

The problem I have with projection set-ups is that they are more for cinema and less for normal viewing like TV or video gaming, right? Most people use their televisions for all sorts of things and not just watching movies.

Just like some tv's are better for some things than others so to are projectors. You can find projectors that meet whatever needs you have. There are projectors with high output bulbs and video gaming modes that when paired with a high gain screen can be play video games during the day in a well lit room.

[jessekellum]

Originally Posted by JamesKurtovich

The problem I have with projection set-ups is that they are more for cinema and less for normal viewing like TV or video gaming, right? Most people use their televisions for all sorts of things and not just watching movies.

i always wonder if im getting the same viewing experiance with a projecter than with a plasma do they make hd projecters?

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by jessekellum

i always wonder if im getting the same viewing experiance with a projecter than with a plasma do they make hd projecters?

There are projectors available at higher resolutions than tv's, up to 4k.

[b15nut]

Depending on the company the bulbs are not that bad in cost. If that is a worry then get an Epson projector as they seem to have the cheapest replacement bulbs.

[htgeek]

Projectors are not practical primary displays.That being said there is no other way to get the full benefit of bluray or hd in general.I would recommend a drop down screen for dedicated movie watching and the plasma for day to day stuff. I've seen many of both and believe me you don't sacrifice anything with projected image.It's totally comparable to plasma.

Panasonic PT-AX200U
Panasonic THC-42HD18
Onkyo PR-SC885 Pre/Pro
3 Onkyo M282 Amps
Infinity spks (5.1)
Direct TV HDDVR HR21
Sharp BD-HP20U
Atlantic Tech THX Cert sub 12"

[primaz]

As long as you have good drapes or curtains you can use a front projection for everything. Many of the new models have computer inputs and one of the new hot projections units, I believe the new Epson which has one of the best initial reviews and sells for $2499 to $2800 has a new type of bulb that is supposed to last something like 4000 hours compare to most which only go about 1500 to 2000 hours.

We watch TV, as well as movies on our projection system as that is the only TV in the house and I see no issues with that