What are projectors' shortcomings?

[Travis]

1. What will we hate about having a projector?

2. What is a TV better at than a projector?

I can accept the bad if the good is great. My first projector is Optoma U3(DV11 in USA), has built in DVD and speakers; I bought it for work. Brought it home to play with and loved it ... at first.

This is not the best projector, it is SVGA and brightness is not high, contrast seems okay. However, I don't think I can use it to honestly critique 1080p projectors. Before I rush out and drop $2,000 on a 1080p DLP projector, I need to know the downside

3. How is the black level and color?

My Toshiba LCD looks better with the lights on which annoys me because I like movies in the dark or in just a low light. Also it doesn't have the best black levels.

4. Any problems with placement of projector, that can't be fixed? Problems due to height and angles?

My Optoma on a table and is pointed up at an 84" screen. I had to use the keystone correction quite a bit. After I squared up the picture, I had some space on the sides of the screen. I just moved the projector, so the movie fit the screen, but then some light is shining on the wall. If I get a new1080p PJ and mount the projector on the ceiling what problems do I face? Any problems caused from screen placement too? How about framed or pull down?

I understand, it is apples and oranges, and there are so many factors, LCD, DLP, 720p, 1080p, 800x600, lumens, ambient lighting, seating etc. For arguement's sake, what do projectors do badly? Like LCD TVs have lower black levels than Plasmas. It's just a fact. Not just looking for fats also want opinions. What do you hate about owning a projector?

[Brain Sturgeon]

Originally Posted by Travis

1. What will we hate about having a projector?

Not being able to watch it all the time.

JK!

A couple of possible annoyances:

• Projectors will be a bit noisier than your average direct view TV.
• Projectors require much more enviromental light control than your average set to look their best.
• Setup of projectors is a bit more complex than your average set.
• Projector's lamps do wear and lose output over time, although modern projectors are getting better at dealing with this. Bulb life is usually in the 2000-3000 hour range with most projectors now. Although, if you prefer a brighter image, you may want to change bulbs more frequently.
• If you are planning to play games using the projector, motion blur on the projector versus a direct view set can be more pronounced. However, there are projectors in your price range that do frame interpolation (aka "120 Hz" sets, although this is a misnomer) that help to reduce the perception of motion blur.

2. What is a TV better at than a projector?

I can accept the bad if the good is great. My first projector is Optoma U3(DV11 in USA), has built in DVD and speakers; I bought it for work. Brought it home to play with and loved it ... at first.

This is not the best projector, it is SVGA and brightness is not high, contrast seems okay. However, I don't think I can use it to honestly critique 1080p projectors. Before I rush out and drop $2,000 on a 1080p DLP projector, I need to know the downside

Direct view TV's are better at dealing with the daily wear and tear of turning it off and on, particularly if your viewing habits tend to be short stints of viewing during breaks, meals, etc. to catch the news or some short program. Projector lamps tend to last longer if you don't cycle them (turn them on/off frequently).

The best contrast numbers (sequential and ansi) are still produced by direct view sets (particularly Pioneer's Kuro's). However, there are front projectors that produce awesome images that many people will say match or exceed the image produced by a direct view set, regardless of the numbers. Factor in the much larger size of the front projector's typical image, and there's no contest. In a properly set up/designed system, a front projector will produce the most engaging, immersive, and, IMHO, enjoyable experience in a home theater setting.

3. How is the black level and color?

My Toshiba LCD looks better with the lights on which annoys me because I like movies in the dark or in just a low light. Also it doesn't have the best black levels.

Good to excellent, depending on the projector. For most entry level projectors, you probably aren't going to get "Kuro" type blacks. But the black level of most modern projectors in a light controlled enviroment is quite good. If you move up a bit in cost, projectors like JVC's RS line produce excellent blacks, rivalling or exceeding a good direct view set. However, for ultimate blacks, CRT's (direct view or projection) still rule.

If you prefer low/no light viewing, that's where projectors are typically at their best, so a projector would probably fit your taste.

4. Any problems with placement of projector, that can't be fixed? Problems due to height and angles?

My Optoma on a table and is pointed up at an 84" screen. I had to use the keystone correction quite a bit. After I squared up the picture, I had some space on the sides of the screen. I just moved the projector, so the movie fit the screen, but then some light is shining on the wall. If I get a new1080p PJ and mount the projector on the ceiling what problems do I face? Any problems caused from screen placement too? How about framed or pull down?

Generally no, but there are certain projectors (like your Optoma) that may have a fixed offset or limited zoom which will limit your placement options. A lot of modern projectors do feature significant zoom ranges and lens shift (both vertical and horizontal) that make placement much easier. If you spend your $2k on a Panasonic or Epson (those are in your price range), you should not have any problem ceiling mounting it with reasonably flexible placement. Using either a framed or pull down screen shouldn't be a problem. A little educated planning should be able to overcome any setup issues.

I understand, it is apples and oranges, and there are so many factors, LCD, DLP, 720p, 1080p, 800x600, lumens, ambient lighting, seating etc. For arguement's sake, what do projectors do badly? Like LCD TVs have lower black levels than Plasmas. It's just a fact. Not just looking for fats also want opinions. What do you hate about owning a projector?

Essentially, it's the issue of light control, placement issues, and frequency of viewing that make a front projector a good or bad choice for your home theater. If these are manageable for you, then the money you spend on a front projector will typically get you a much better "theater" experience than the money you spend on a direct view set, particularly in the $2k range. But, don't take my word for it-- I'm sure other direct view TV/projector owners can chime in.

[Grevlin]

I was VERY worried that I would miss the LCD "pop" in the image with my new projector.

I don't- the soap opera motion is gone, and I don't miss it a bit. It now truly feels like I have a theater in my house. I decided from the start that I don't mind replacing bulbs, even if it is once a year.

The motion on my new Panny 3000 is excellent, no blur but also no weird soap opera effects as well.

I will say the image is best when the room is DARK. Video games and regular tv look fine with a little ambient light, but when the room is blacked out and the system is dialed in just right- the experience is amazing.

Oh and my Panny is dead silent, I really find it hard to try and hear a buzz coming from it. It is placed above my head at 9 feet high, 3 feet back.

I will have a projector for my HT from now on, no question.

I will say IMO the #1 drawback for a projector is the required light control. If you have a room with huge windows or bright lights and people coming and going- get a big LCD and call it a family room. A more closed in room with available light control and "people traffic" control- throw up a projector and rock

I'm single, so my whole house is "people traffic" controlled.

[Suntory_Times]

I'll jump in and say given that you like watching films in the dark and have a light controlled room (or can make it light controlled and are willing). Front projection is the most theatre like experience available and I doubt will dissapoint.

(Interesting to note each poster after the OP so far has a slighly/significantly worse projector then the poster above him, all are 1080p though and all of us seem to love our projector. ).


One thing to note is the difference between LCD and DLP.
DLP will generally give you deeper blacks then an LCD, but LCD generally gives you better skin tones, so there is a trade off between the two. That bieng said, both can look fantastic.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by Brain Sturgeon

A lot of modern projectors do feature significant zoom ranges and lens shift (both vertical and horizontal) that make placement much easier. If you spend your $2k on a Panasonic or Epson (those are in your price range), you should not have any problem ceiling mounting it with reasonably flexible placement. Using either a framed or pull down screen shouldn't be a problem. A little educated planning should be able to overcome any setup issues.

Good to know. I hope not to have any issues. Thanks for heping with my education.

Originally Posted by Grevlin

I will say IMO the #1 drawback for a projector is the required light control. If you have a room with huge windows or bright lights and people coming and going- get a big LCD and call it a family room. A more closed in room with available light control and "people traffic" control- throw up a projector and rock

Thanks, one more curtain or a new kitchen door and my living room is pitch black.

Originally Posted by Suntory_Times

DLP will generally give you deeper blacks then an LCD, but LCD generally gives you better skin tones, so there is a trade off between the two. That bieng said, both can look fantastic.

Great to know. I think I'm more of a DLP fan; my TV is not black enough. I can't accept that in a projector.

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by Travis

Great to know. I think I'm more of a DLP fan; my TV is not black enough. I can't accept that in a projector.

With DLP just make sure you see one in action, some people still sse rainbows with DLP which makes them dizzy (LCD doens't have this problem). This is quite rare know though (even on the early DLP's I couldn't see rainbows).

I personally think both are great and have had both in the past.

[drago3451]

One problem that I find is the inability to watch "normal" sized programing any longer . I have an entry level 1080p LCD projector that looks fantastic IMO. The black levels are very dependant on the amount of light in the room but it is still quite acceptable for low light TV viewing like sporting events. I like others here will never go back to a direct view TV for my home theater. I will take my entry level projector to a Pioneer Kuro any day.

[killat0n]

Originally Posted by drago3451

I like others here will never go back to a direct view TV for my home theater. I will take my entry level projector to a Pioneer Kuro any day.

Amen!!

[Beta Man]

Not so much due to the fact that it's a projector, rather the fact that the screen is so big.... in the sense that DVDs with poor transfers look pretty bad (and satellite T.V. too) on my projector.... The flaws in some transfers are pretty distracting when viewing on a 100+ inch screen.....

I still watch a lot of DVDs on the projector, but for ones that great (transfer wise) I just watch in my living room.


ALSO.... Even though my projector seems to have a pretty good image with some light in the room.... it's best to have complete darkness, and sometimes I like to watch a flick while eating etc.... and it's tough to do that in the dark..... again, I still have 2 other HDTVs, and another Blu-ray player, so I still use the T.V.s for some movies..... but usually if I know I'm going to sit down and watch a movie from start to end.... It's going to be in the movie-room, with the projector...

My wife told her friends "After watching movies on the big screen, you don't really want to watch them on anything else" and she was against the projector, against Blu-ray, against me buying movies etc....... (she's actually pretty "Anti-T.V." in general)

[Pondosinatra]

You pretty much need a dedicated room to watch movies in, ambient light obviously an issue.

And while the size is nice, I've never liked the picture from any of the projectors I've seen (different brands, different technologies). They just seem to lack that 'sharpness' you get with a decent LCD or Plasma.

My 2 cents.

[dolphinc]

I just installed a 720p projector this weekend and it takes a little bit to adust to the size of the images but it really does give you a "movie theater" experience. I have a Samsung 52" 120Mhz LCD in the living room which still has a better picture but I put in "Cars" on the projector and the whole family just sat there in amazement. I will most likely step up to a 1080p projector within a year. The above posts are correct, make sure you have the proper room with correct lighting to install it. Good luck.

[Texitura]

Check http://www.projectorcentral.com/home.cfm for specs and ratings of projectors. DLP projectors may no longer have the big advantage in contrast ratio that they used to. Also, LCD projectors often have a bigger zoom ratio and more lens shift, which can make placement much easier.

The more information you have, the better decision you can make.

[Brain Sturgeon]

Originally Posted by Pondosinatra

You pretty much need a dedicated room to watch movies in, ambient light obviously an issue.

And while the size is nice, I've never liked the picture from any of the projectors I've seen (different brands, different technologies). They just seem to lack that 'sharpness' you get with a decent LCD or Plasma.

My 2 cents.

I beg to differ.

[Grevlin]

Wow, nice pics. I can't seem to get some nice pics of my image quality but my camera is a bit of a POS. I also have a sneaky suspicion Brain, that your camera cost more than my projector

I've seen images that sharp as well when my room is pitch black, depending on the blu. I believe the weakest links in my system now are my contact lenses

[dolphinc]

Originally Posted by Brain Sturgeon

I beg to differ.

Kinda Unfair since your HT would make Speilberg jealous.

[Suntory_Times]

To be fair as good as brains home theatre is, there are 'better', which he has linked images to before. Also imo a picture taken of a projectors image, is never as good as it is in reality. If you where concerned about sharpness, that's one thing you dont have to be concerned about with a 1080p projector (or even a 720p projector). That bieng said, those above image probably argue the sharpness point of view better then any word could.

[Beta Man]

even on lower end projectors the "Type" of image is more desirable to me....

Plasmas look great.
LCD looks great, but not as good of black-levels from my experience
CRTs have a FANTASTIC image.... the colors are just so warm, it's very pleasant
Front Projection systems (although there are many kinds) have an image that just gives you the whole "Theater Feel" and that's the main reason (that and the huge image) that I like them.....

CRT Front Projectors are the best in my opinion, although I don't have one.... I just wish there was a good 1080p CRT Front-Projector that wasn't the size of a tank, and didn't cost three arms and two legs to buy.

[squirrel101]

$4k will get you an awesome pj that makes a beautiful plasma like picture i am COMPLETELY satisfied with mine and have less than 400 in my AT DIY screen my image is very close to Mr. Brains and 2"'s wider

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

CRT Front Projectors are the best in my opinion, although I don't have one.... I just wish there was a good 1080p CRT Front-Projector that wasn't the size of a tank, and didn't cost three arms and two legs to buy.

Correct me if i'm wrong but a CRT screen/projector can not produce a progrissive image, therfore the highest resolutions they can currently accept is 1080i. Forr better or worse I think the time of CRT projectors is close to over.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Suntory_Times

Correct me if i'm wrong but a CRT screen/projector can not produce a progrissive image, therfore the highest resolutions they can currently accept is 1080i. Forr better or worse I think the time of CRT projectors is close to over.

You're probably right..... and that's why you aren't seeing them being produced anymore.