Budget starter projector

[Asdqqq]

I'd like to set up a very basic home theater in our basement for as little as possible to start, and then work on upgrading from there if it actually gets used. I'm going to start with an Epson Duet screen (~80" diagonal) that I already have, though I'd like to eventually move up to something 120" or more (the wall is 130" wide). The room is really long, 20' plus, so I don't think throw distance should be an issue. Passive 3d would be cool, but is not necessary; active 3d would never be used. So here's my question:

Is there any projector out there worth buying that I could get for around $200-300, new or used? If not, what's the cheapest option worth buying? I don't really know anything about home theater projectors, so thanks for any help

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by Asdqqq

I'd like to set up a very basic home theater in our basement for as little as possible to start, and then work on upgrading from there if it actually gets used. I'm going to start with an Epson Duet screen (~80" diagonal) that I already have, though I'd like to eventually move up to something 120" or more (the wall is 130" wide). The room is really long, 20' plus, so I don't think throw distance should be an issue. Passive 3d would be cool, but is not necessary; active 3d would never be used. So here's my question:

Is there any projector out there worth buying that I could get for around $200-300, new or used? If not, what's the cheapest option worth buying? I don't really know anything about home theater projectors, so thanks for any help

At $200-$300, your best bet is to try the local craigslist. You may stumble across a deal.

Otherwise, Epson has some good options below $1000, and entry-level 1080P projectors from Optoma and BenQ are good options if you aren't susceptible to the DLP rainbow effect. Most of these would start at least double your current price point.

[samlop10]

I would say a more realistic budget for an entry-level home theater projector would be somewhere between $600 and $800. Maybe even $900 depending on what you might need from it (if it needs to be short throw, for example). BenQ Is probably the best brand for an entry-level home theater projector.

[Asdqqq]

Thanks for the advice. It looks like a BenQ w1070 or an Optomo HD141X might be the best bet. I'll have to see if I can get budget approval for something along those lines. Maybe I'll try one of the Amazon Warehouse open box deals, unless someone talks me out of it.

[samlop10]

Originally Posted by Asdqqq

Thanks for the advice. It looks like a BenQ w1070 or an Optomo HD141X might be the best bet. I'll have to see if I can get budget approval for something along those lines. Maybe I'll try one of the Amazon Warehouse open box deals, unless someone talks me out of it.

I recommend the BenQ w1070. It has better shadow detail than the Optoma. It is actually not a bad idea to try Amazon open-box; as long as you test it and make sure it works within the 30-day window.

[slimdude]

It's best that you save enough money to buy what you really want the first time around, then you'll be completely satisfied, then you won't have to suffer buyer's remorse afterwards. If you keep continually upgrading your projection screen you will be spending twice the amount of money, than what you've expected. For instance, if your heart is set on, and want to buy a Lexus, don't go out and buy a Ford, because you're not going to be satisfied until you get the Lexus.

[AmishParadise]

The BenQ W1070 can be had on EBay at present for as low as $600 used and directly from BenQ for $700. I own the short throw version, the W1080ST. Purchased it a couple years ago. It's been running like a top for me and sports a beautiful image, even on my cheap $200 portable projection screen. Amanda Seyfried has never looked so good. :-P