hello first time projecter dude - Blu-ray Forum

strangerthangs · 07-01-2016, 03:49 PM

hello everyone! so I've finally decided to jump into the projecter game. I've had a 55 inch e series vizio for awhile now and I love it but watching movies on a big screen via projector has been a dream of mine for awhile. I need some advice tho, I have a 133 inch screen picked out and I'm still deciding on what projector to get. My budget is 500 to 700. I was hoping you guys could help me find the best bang for my buck under $700. I would love to have it be native 1080p that's really my main requirement. I've been eyeing the optoma hd141x but f you guys have a better option id love to know and discuss.

ImPulSive · 07-01-2016, 04:11 PM

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

Be careful about brightness. If only 2D then too bright might wash out your black levels. Try the calculator with the screen you have chosen and room placement to see about brightness.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/View...ulator-pro.htm

My guess is around 2200 lumens is what you will need, but I do not know your environment, day time or fully light controlled dark room.

kpkelley · 07-01-2016, 04:15 PM

The Optoma is not a bad projector, but it is entry-level. With that budget, I'd recommend looking at used projector's for sale in your area. You might be able to find someone looking to offload an older generation projector that they're replacing. Epson and Sony are possibilities at that price level. If you find a used JVC for that price, snap it up.

strangerthangs · 07-01-2016, 06:07 PM

I'm essentially looking for the best entry level projector roughly under $700

Hedji · 07-01-2016, 07:15 PM

I would strongly consider 3D in your search. There is nothing like 3D from a projector.

ImPulSive · 07-01-2016, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphdename

I'm essentially looking for the best entry level projector roughly under $700

Personally I think you are wasting your money at $700. Wait a little longer until you have a better budget, and then get a PJ. $700 is not going to buy a lot and you will most likely end up regretting the purchase when for a bit more you have a lot more. At that $500-$700 (new) price point, the contrast levels and PQ are not going to be that great. Yes you will have a big screen, but you will probably be disappointed in the colors and black levels. If you can hit $2000 there is a lot of good stuff to be had for new, cheaper if you have patience for sales and used stuff.

dolphinc · 07-01-2016, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImPulSive

Personally I think you are wasting your money at $700. Wait a little longer until you have a better budget, and then get a PJ. $700 is not going to buy a lot and you will most likely end up regretting the purchase when for a bit more you have a lot more. At that $500-$700 (new) price point, the contrast levels and PQ are not going to be that great. Yes you will have a big screen, but you will probably be disappointed in the colors and black levels. If you can hit $2000 there is a lot of good stuff to be had for new, cheaper if you have patience for sales and used stuff.

Gheez guys it's his first projector, you could throw a 720p up and he would be impressed.

I think you should look at the Optima hd-141, it's what I am currently using on a 135" screen and the whole family loves it, it also does 3D and only costs $550 on Amazon.

Getting into home theater can get very expensive very fast so since its your first venture into the game I would take it slow, if you love it then in a year or 2 you can look at the higher end models but why jump out the gate when you really don't know what to expect.

Just my opinion

Blue Bull · 07-02-2016, 02:43 AM

Dude,

Go for the Optoma hd-141! I got it for $550 and its pure joy. I connected it straight to my Mac mini for a quick run and was blown away. I then connected to my main system and its been jaw dropping. I plan on upgrading but you cannot go wrong with this projector as a beginner.

Robert Zohn · 07-02-2016, 03:59 PM

For those not needing a projector immediately we'll see all of the new 2017 projectors at CEDIA in September.

strangerthangs · 07-06-2016, 03:11 AM

just found out there's a newer version (optoma 142x) coming out in a few weeks so I'll just get that lol

Flatnate · 07-06-2016, 06:14 AM

Saw a bunch of manufacturer refurb Epson and Optoma stuff on eBay in your price range. I'm super sensitive to the rainbow effect that you get with single chip DLP so I would probably lean towards an Epson (despite the DLP projectors having slightly better black levels on these entry level machines).

A used projector with higher contrast numbers is totally achievable in your budget with some homework. Just don't get duped in to one with a high time lamp and then not factor in lamp replacement if you do go that route.

Groot · 07-06-2016, 06:25 AM

I am with Flatnate. Epson refurbs on eBay. I bought one off there a few months ago for outdoors usage and it arrived in brand new condition, but was half the price and came with a year warranty.

strangerthangs · 07-06-2016, 12:22 PM

interesting, is there a model you guys would recommend or I should keep an eye out for? any links too would be highly appreciated

Hedji · 07-06-2016, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flatnate

I'm super sensitive to the rainbow effect that you get with single chip DLP so I would probably lean towards an Epson (despite the DLP projectors having slightly better black levels on these entry level machines).

Me too. Rainbow effect can be absolutely maddening. If you have a local place where you can try out a DLP, make sure you are not susceptible to it.

Flatnate · 07-06-2016, 06:34 PM

Epson Home Cinema 1040 refurb can be had real cheap but if your budget allows the Home Cinema 2040 buys you a bit better contrast performance for right around $700 on eBay right now. May find some good deals elsewhere online as well.

strangerthangs · 07-07-2016, 05:05 AM

well now that the optoma 141 is releasing a new model on the 20th I've decided to wait which means my budget has expanded, still keeping it under 1000 though. my heart seems to be set on the optoma unless there's something much much better in this price range. I keep seeing the epsons and Ben q projectors but I'm still unsure. this is a painful process lol

Flatnate · 07-07-2016, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphdename

well now that the optoma 141 is releasing a new model on the 20th I've decided to wait which means my budget has expanded, still keeping it under 1000 though. my heart seems to be set on the optoma unless there's something much much better in this price range. I keep seeing the epsons and Ben q projectors but I'm still unsure. this is a painful process lol

Personally, I think you need to get somewhere to see a single chip DLP machine in action so you know if that rainbow effect deal is going to bug you before you pull the trigger on the Optoma or BenQ. Then again, maybe I'm really just a jerk for bringing it up and you would have never noticed had I not said anything.

strangerthangs · 07-09-2016, 09:51 PM

I don't think the rainbow effect will bother me, and I've increased my budget. I want it under 900 though. I'm looking for the best quality and picture but with a throw distance that will be able to fit a 120 inch screen from about 16 feet back, or that can zoom in or something because I'm having it on a stand behind me about 4 or 5 feet tall. the benq 2050 seems awesome but I think from the distance I'm putting my projector the image will be too big.

JeffTheMovieGuy · 07-10-2016, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralphdename

I don't think the rainbow effect will bother me, and I've increased my budget. I want it under 900 though. I'm looking for the best quality and picture but with a throw distance that will be able to fit a 120 inch screen from about 16 feet back, or that can zoom in or something because I'm having it on a stand behind me about 4 or 5 feet tall. the benq 2050 seems awesome but I think from the distance I'm putting my projector the image will be too big.

You can always go with an Epson 2030 it's quite nice it might not be as ultra black as other projectors but I was going to go with BenQ but got an open box deal at Best Buy for 100 dollars cheaper on the Epson, plus I saw the rainbow effect every time I previewed the BenQ. I have no regrets.

It's currently new @749.99 and Refurbished @479.00

strangerthangs · 07-10-2016, 04:09 PM

I don't know much about the whole LCD vs DLP, what I've read so far LCD sounds better. my budget range is now 700-900. I'm currently really into the benq 2050 but if there's something in that same price range that will look much better (lcd or not) then I'll consider it as well. I'm slowly narrowing it down at this point. Also thanks to everyone who has helped so far!

07-01-2016, 03:49 PM	#1
strangerthangs Member Member since:Mar 2014 Location:new york Blu-ray collection:15 Trading Score:1	hello first time projecter dude hello everyone! so I've finally decided to jump into the projecter game. I've had a 55 inch e series vizio for awhile now and I love it but watching movies on a big screen via projector has been a dream of mine for awhile. I need some advice tho, I have a 133 inch screen picked out and I'm still deciding on what projector to get. My budget is 500 to 700. I was hoping you guys could help me find the best bang for my buck under $700. I would love to have it be native 1080p that's really my main requirement. I've been eyeing the optoma hd141x but f you guys have a better option id love to know and discuss.

07-01-2016, 04:11 PM	#2
ImPulSive Special Member Member since:Apr 2008 Location:Chicagoland 4K collection:23 Blu-ray collection:1097 DVD collection:252	http://www.projectorcentral.com/home...projectors.htm Be careful about brightness. If only 2D then too bright might wash out your black levels. Try the calculator with the screen you have chosen and room placement to see about brightness. http://www.projectorcentral.com/View...ulator-pro.htm My guess is around 2200 lumens is what you will need, but I do not know your environment, day time or fully light controlled dark room.

07-01-2016, 04:15 PM	#3
kpkelley Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Framingham, MA 4K collection:385 Blu-ray collection:2478 Digital collection:113 Blu-ray reviews: 152	The Optoma is not a bad projector, but it is entry-level. With that budget, I'd recommend looking at used projector's for sale in your area. You might be able to find someone looking to offload an older generation projector that they're replacing. Epson and Sony are possibilities at that price level. If you find a used JVC for that price, snap it up.

07-01-2016, 06:07 PM	#4
strangerthangs Member Member since:Mar 2014 Location:new york Blu-ray collection:15 Trading Score:1	I'm essentially looking for the best entry level projector roughly under $700

07-01-2016, 07:15 PM	#5
Hedji Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jan 2015 4K collection:10 Blu-ray collection:944 DVD collection:73 Trading Score:17	I would strongly consider 3D in your search. There is nothing like 3D from a projector.

07-02-2016, 02:43 AM	#8
Blue Bull Senior Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:San Diego, CA Blu-ray collection:184 DVD collection:2 Blu-ray reviews:2	Dude, Go for the Optoma hd-141! I got it for $550 and its pure joy. I connected it straight to my Mac mini for a quick run and was blown away. I then connected to my main system and its been jaw dropping. I plan on upgrading but you cannot go wrong with this projector as a beginner.

07-02-2016, 03:59 PM	#9
Robert Zohn Retailer Insider Member since:Nov 2009 Location:Scarsdale, NY Trading Score:2	For those not needing a projector immediately we'll see all of the new 2017 projectors at CEDIA in September.

07-06-2016, 03:11 AM	#10
strangerthangs Member Member since:Mar 2014 Location:new york Blu-ray collection:15 Trading Score:1	just found out there's a newer version (optoma 142x) coming out in a few weeks so I'll just get that lol

07-06-2016, 06:14 AM	#11
Flatnate Power Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2010 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:26 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:208	Saw a bunch of manufacturer refurb Epson and Optoma stuff on eBay in your price range. I'm super sensitive to the rainbow effect that you get with single chip DLP so I would probably lean towards an Epson (despite the DLP projectors having slightly better black levels on these entry level machines). A used projector with higher contrast numbers is totally achievable in your budget with some homework. Just don't get duped in to one with a high time lamp and then not factor in lamp replacement if you do go that route.

07-06-2016, 06:25 AM	#12
Groot Banned Member since:Aug 2015 Location:Thanos Cock Trading Score:14	I am with Flatnate. Epson refurbs on eBay. I bought one off there a few months ago for outdoors usage and it arrived in brand new condition, but was half the price and came with a year warranty.

07-06-2016, 12:22 PM	#13
strangerthangs Member Member since:Mar 2014 Location:new york Blu-ray collection:15 Trading Score:1	interesting, is there a model you guys would recommend or I should keep an eye out for? any links too would be highly appreciated

07-06-2016, 06:34 PM	#15
Flatnate Power Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2010 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:26 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:208	Epson Home Cinema 1040 refurb can be had real cheap but if your budget allows the Home Cinema 2040 buys you a bit better contrast performance for right around $700 on eBay right now. May find some good deals elsewhere online as well.

07-07-2016, 05:05 AM	#16
strangerthangs Member Member since:Mar 2014 Location:new york Blu-ray collection:15 Trading Score:1	well now that the optoma 141 is releasing a new model on the 20th I've decided to wait which means my budget has expanded, still keeping it under 1000 though. my heart seems to be set on the optoma unless there's something much much better in this price range. I keep seeing the epsons and Ben q projectors but I'm still unsure. this is a painful process lol

07-09-2016, 09:51 PM	#18
strangerthangs Member Member since:Mar 2014 Location:new york Blu-ray collection:15 Trading Score:1	I don't think the rainbow effect will bother me, and I've increased my budget. I want it under 900 though. I'm looking for the best quality and picture but with a throw distance that will be able to fit a 120 inch screen from about 16 feet back, or that can zoom in or something because I'm having it on a stand behind me about 4 or 5 feet tall. the benq 2050 seems awesome but I think from the distance I'm putting my projector the image will be too big.

07-10-2016, 04:09 PM	#20
strangerthangs Member Member since:Mar 2014 Location:new york Blu-ray collection:15 Trading Score:1	I don't know much about the whole LCD vs DLP, what I've read so far LCD sounds better. my budget range is now 700-900. I'm currently really into the benq 2050 but if there's something in that same price range that will look much better (lcd or not) then I'll consider it as well. I'm slowly narrowing it down at this point. Also thanks to everyone who has helped so far!

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