Front projector advice requested - Blu-ray Forum

arsnlrob · 02-23-2008, 02:54 AM

We're buying a new home and one thing the owners are including is the screen for their front projection theater. They are taking the projector with them. I was wondering what were some good models for a decent price? I'm looking only at 1080p and really want to stay below 2k. Thanks

MouseRider · 02-23-2008, 04:41 AM

Did they leave the mounting point in their room with the wires leading to it?

The size of the screen and the position of the mounting point might be a factor in choosing the projector as the lens throw comes into play.

At your price range, which is entry level for projectors, you could look into InFocus, Optoma, Epson. If you can toss in another grand, you could look into Sony's VPL-VW40 which is pretty impressive for the price.

Big Daddy · 02-23-2008, 04:48 AM

The best projectors under $5,000 are Sony, Epson, and Panasonic. All three perform very well.

As far as looks are concerned:
Sony: A+
Panasonic: D
Epson: B

Before you make your final decision, check the following sites. They review most popular projectors.
http://www.projectorreviews.com/reviews.php
http://www.projectorcentral.com/projector-reviews.cfm

The Sony VPL-VW60 is an excellent projector. It costs over $4,000.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665192796

The newest Sony VPL-VW40 projector has the same beautiful appearance as VPL-VW60, but it only costs $3,000.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665307855

Sony VPL-VW40 and VPL-VW60 Reviews:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony_vw40_review.htm
http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony..._projector.htm
http://www.projectorreviews.com/sony/vpl-vw40/index.php , Hot Product Award
http://www.projectorreviews.com/sony/vpl-vw60/index.php, Hot Product Award

Epson has a brand new projector (Home Cinema 1080UB and Pro Cinema 1080UB). The Pro Cinema is black and comes with a spare lamp and a ceiling mount and is more expensive.

The 1080UB projector includes the new D7 C2Fine LCD panels. The LCD panels in Panasonic PT-AE2000U ($2,600) are also made by Epson.

The following sites review the Epson Home Cinema 1080UB. The reviewers also compare it with Panasonic and Sony:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epso...80ub/index.php , Hot Product Award
http://www.projectorcentral.com/epso..._ub_review.htm , Editor's Choice Award

You can purchase Epson Home Cinema 1080UB for ($2,999):
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/c...s&oid=63073679

Epson Home Cinema 1080 (Last Year's model for $2,200):
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/c...s&oid=63068239

JVC also makes an excellent projector, but it is more expensive.
Last year’s model: JVC DLA-RS1 or JVC DLA HD1 ($5,500).
New model: JVC DLA-RS2 or JVC DLA-HD100 Pro ($6,500+).

Sanyo has a new 1080p model, PLV-Z2000. It is priced in the low $2,000.
http://www.sanyo-projector.com/index.htm

ryoohki · 02-23-2008, 12:06 PM

I suggest reading

http://www.projectorreviews.com/

The guy does several comparison and compare other machine to each other showing it's + and -

lncomp · 02-23-2008, 12:19 PM

All of the above posts are about right, Projectorcentral.com is a great place for reviews on various projectors, but another thing, your budget isn't going to get you a 1080p projector, you can however get a decent 720p projector (I recommend the Mitsubishi hc1500) One of the top rated 720's by projectorcentral.com and a decent price from newegg.com for 950ish, The picture is amazing, and me personally, I don't see how much better it can get, a 1080p-720p projector doesn't have much of a difference unless your projecting on a pretty large screen, the human eye can only notice so much detail, so if your projecting on a moderately sized 50' screen, then you really won't notice any difference at all between the 2 resolutions. Personally, I'd get a 720 now since the prices are so decent, and wait till the prices for 1080p's go down before settling down with one of those.

JamesN · 02-23-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lncomp

... and me personally, I don't see how much better it can get, a 1080p-720p projector doesn't have much of a difference...

Have you actually done a side-by-side comparison between 720p vs. 1080p projectors to back up this claim? I'm not trying to be confrontational, I really want to know because I currently have a 720p Sony front projector and I'm saving up for a 1080p. From everything I've read, I'm expecting as dramatic an improvement as I experienced when I went Blu and moved from 480p to 720p.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lncomp

...unless your projecting on a pretty large screen, the human eye can only notice so much detail, so if your projecting on a moderately sized 50' screen, then you really won't notice any difference at all between the 2 resolutions...

Unless your primary criterion is portability, there is not much reason to opt for front projection if you plan to project at less than 50". Otherwise IMHO a direct view would be sufficient and at the moment cheaper. Heck, I'd be surprised if any of the major screen manufacturers even made fixed screens < 80".

lncomp · 02-23-2008, 12:58 PM

There is alot of debate over this subject, of course 1080p is better than 720p, but you won't be able to notice much of a difference when your sitting far from the screen, sure some can tell the difference, but its not as big unless your 2 feet away from it carefully examining it, the expos that show the side by side comparisons use the lowest quality 720p projector to compare to, and the screen size is much larger than most people project at, (I project at around 70 atm)

the bigger you project though, a 1080p projector would be best, that I do agree on, so its really situational. keep in mind the person who wanted to know is on a limited budget (2k) so, its up to him whether or not 1080p is worth the extra couple thousand.

MatrixS2000 · 02-23-2008, 01:01 PM

I have the Sanyo PLV-Z2000 and am very happy with it. You will need a light controlled room as it's weakness is brightness.

Here is a sample pic:

Let me know if you want a full res. image or more info on the projector.

BLUFANIK · 02-23-2008, 01:30 PM

Since your budget is under $2000, you should give serious consideration to the Mitsubishi HC4900. It's 1080p. It is being heavily discounted at just under $2000. Plus they are now offering a $500 mail in rebate. It receives a very favorable review at Projector Central. I have not seen this projector but the man at Projector Place highly recommemded it.

arsnlrob · 02-23-2008, 03:08 PM

Wow, thanks for all the posts! I think I can get the owners to leave the mounting bracket and cabling, so that should help in the setup. They are leaving the blackout curtains but light will probably be a bit of an issue since one wall is West facing with a few windows and skylights and it's usually sunny here in FL.

Got some off site reading to do!
Thanks again!

jomari · 02-23-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arsnlrob

Wow, thanks for all the posts! I think I can get the owners to leave the mounting bracket and cabling, so that should help in the setup. They are leaving the blackout curtains but light will probably be a bit of an issue since one wall is West facing with a few windows and skylights and it's usually sunny here in FL.

Got some off site reading to do!
Thanks again!

although this is great news, you have to consider
1. what the previous pj was,
2. keystoning
3. variable lens shift
4. pj placement.

all can be found here...

http://www.projectorreviews.com/adviceinfo.php

before making the jump, do a lot of research, and consider asking a LOT of questions. as usual, this isnt a pj, its an investment you are placing your money on.

do give us your room dimensions, your ideal screen size, and as much info as you can.

jd213 · 02-24-2008, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

You may want to wait for the new Sony VPL-VW40 projector. It looks the same as VPL-VW60, but it only costs $3,000.

The VW40 actually has most of the same specs as the VW50. Still a good projector, but it might be worth shelling out a bit extra for the VW60.

Big Daddy · 02-24-2008, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd213

The VW40 actually has most of the same specs as the VW50. Still a good projector, but it might be worth shelling out a bit extra for the VW60.

Read the newest review of VPL-VW-40.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony_vw40_review.htm

jd213 · 02-24-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Read the newest review of VPL-VW-40.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony_vw40_review.htm

What am I supposed to be looking for? The review doesn't have any comparisons with other Sony projectors.

Look up the specs for yourself. The VW40 and 50 have a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, the VW60 has 35,000:1.

syncguy · 03-15-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd213

What am I supposed to be looking for? The review doesn't have any comparisons with other Sony projectors.

Look up the specs for yourself. The VW40 and 50 have a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, the VW60 has 35,000:1.

Also, vw40/50 900 Lumens while vw60 1000
No panel alignment in vw40; panel alignment in vw50 and 60
vw60 has new panels. But not sure about the advantages.

syncguy · 03-17-2008, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syncguy

Also, vw40/50 900 Lumens while vw60 1000
No panel alignment in vw40; panel alignment in vw50 and 60
vw60 has new panels. But not sure about the advantages.

Another key difference, vw40 vs vw60:
vw60 has anamorphic stretch and vw40 hasn't. So vw40 cannot be used with an anamorphic lens unless an external scaler is used.

02-23-2008, 02:54 AM	#1
arsnlrob Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray collection:172 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:3	Front projector advice requested We're buying a new home and one thing the owners are including is the screen for their front projection theater. They are taking the projector with them. I was wondering what were some good models for a decent price? I'm looking only at 1080p and really want to stay below 2k. Thanks

02-23-2008, 04:48 AM	#3
Big Daddy Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:79 Blu-ray collection:122 Trading Score:1	The best projectors under $5,000 are Sony, Epson, and Panasonic. All three perform very well. As far as looks are concerned: Sony: A+ Panasonic: D Epson: B Before you make your final decision, check the following sites. They review most popular projectors. http://www.projectorreviews.com/reviews.php http://www.projectorcentral.com/projector-reviews.cfm The Sony VPL-VW60 is an excellent projector. It costs over $4,000. http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665192796 The newest Sony VPL-VW40 projector has the same beautiful appearance as VPL-VW60, but it only costs $3,000. http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665307855 Sony VPL-VW40 and VPL-VW60 Reviews: http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony_vw40_review.htm http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony..._projector.htm http://www.projectorreviews.com/sony/vpl-vw40/index.php , Hot Product Award http://www.projectorreviews.com/sony/vpl-vw60/index.php, Hot Product Award Epson has a brand new projector (Home Cinema 1080UB and Pro Cinema 1080UB). The Pro Cinema is black and comes with a spare lamp and a ceiling mount and is more expensive. The 1080UB projector includes the new D7 C2Fine LCD panels. The LCD panels in Panasonic PT-AE2000U ($2,600) are also made by Epson. The following sites review the Epson Home Cinema 1080UB. The reviewers also compare it with Panasonic and Sony: http://www.projectorreviews.com/epso...80ub/index.php , Hot Product Award http://www.projectorcentral.com/epso..._ub_review.htm , Editor's Choice Award You can purchase Epson Home Cinema 1080UB for ($2,999): http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/c...s&oid=63073679 Epson Home Cinema 1080 (Last Year's model for $2,200): http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/c...s&oid=63068239 JVC also makes an excellent projector, but it is more expensive. Last year’s model: JVC DLA-RS1 or JVC DLA HD1 ($5,500). New model: JVC DLA-RS2 or JVC DLA-HD100 Pro ($6,500+). Sanyo has a new 1080p model, PLV-Z2000. It is priced in the low $2,000. http://www.sanyo-projector.com/index.htm Last edited by Big Daddy; 02-24-2008 at 01:12 PM.

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02-23-2008, 04:41 AM	#2
MouseRider Active Member Member since:Aug 2007	Did they leave the mounting point in their room with the wires leading to it? The size of the screen and the position of the mounting point might be a factor in choosing the projector as the lens throw comes into play. At your price range, which is entry level for projectors, you could look into InFocus, Optoma, Epson. If you can toss in another grand, you could look into Sony's VPL-VW40 which is pretty impressive for the price.

02-23-2008, 12:06 PM	#4
ryoohki Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2007 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:6 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:5	I suggest reading http://www.projectorreviews.com/ The guy does several comparison and compare other machine to each other showing it's + and -

02-23-2008, 12:19 PM	#5
lncomp Member Member since:Feb 2008 Blu-ray collection:9	All of the above posts are about right, Projectorcentral.com is a great place for reviews on various projectors, but another thing, your budget isn't going to get you a 1080p projector, you can however get a decent 720p projector (I recommend the Mitsubishi hc1500) One of the top rated 720's by projectorcentral.com and a decent price from newegg.com for 950ish, The picture is amazing, and me personally, I don't see how much better it can get, a 1080p-720p projector doesn't have much of a difference unless your projecting on a pretty large screen, the human eye can only notice so much detail, so if your projecting on a moderately sized 50' screen, then you really won't notice any difference at all between the 2 resolutions. Personally, I'd get a 720 now since the prices are so decent, and wait till the prices for 1080p's go down before settling down with one of those.

02-23-2008, 12:58 PM	#7
lncomp Member Member since:Feb 2008 Blu-ray collection:9	There is alot of debate over this subject, of course 1080p is better than 720p, but you won't be able to notice much of a difference when your sitting far from the screen, sure some can tell the difference, but its not as big unless your 2 feet away from it carefully examining it, the expos that show the side by side comparisons use the lowest quality 720p projector to compare to, and the screen size is much larger than most people project at, (I project at around 70 atm) the bigger you project though, a 1080p projector would be best, that I do agree on, so its really situational. keep in mind the person who wanted to know is on a limited budget (2k) so, its up to him whether or not 1080p is worth the extra couple thousand.

02-23-2008, 01:01 PM	#8
MatrixS2000 Power Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Toronto, Canada 4K collection:48 Blu-ray collection:305 Trading Score:6	I have the Sanyo PLV-Z2000 and am very happy with it. You will need a light controlled room as it's weakness is brightness. Here is a sample pic: Let me know if you want a full res. image or more info on the projector.

02-23-2008, 01:30 PM	#9
BLUFANIK Junior Member Member since:Oct 2007	Since your budget is under $2000, you should give serious consideration to the Mitsubishi HC4900. It's 1080p. It is being heavily discounted at just under $2000. Plus they are now offering a $500 mail in rebate. It receives a very favorable review at Projector Central. I have not seen this projector but the man at Projector Place highly recommemded it.

02-23-2008, 03:08 PM	#10
arsnlrob Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray collection:172 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:3	Wow, thanks for all the posts! I think I can get the owners to leave the mounting bracket and cabling, so that should help in the setup. They are leaving the blackout curtains but light will probably be a bit of an issue since one wall is West facing with a few windows and skylights and it's usually sunny here in FL. Got some off site reading to do! Thanks again!

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