Any Budget 3D Projector Advice?

[charlieray1]

It's probably a little odd to be looking for a 1080p 3D projector now, since they've become passe, but I've decided to buy one. I'm not concerned about 4K. Don't have a 4k player, and blu-ray still looks great to me. I'm no expert on picture quality, but I like sharp images, good contrast and vivid color as much as anyone else.

Basically, I'm looking for the most bang for my buck. Here's what I'm considering:

• I'd like it to be 3D
• It's for a 100" - 110" screen (12 x 15 room)
• Viewing in a dark or very dim room
• Less than $1,000 ... much less if possible

Any knowledgeable advice for this projector novice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[charlieray1]

Anybody?

[umich08]

Take a look at Epson projectors at either best buy or you can get a refurbished model on epsons own website. Typicall they have good 3d capabilities and do not require an extra emitter. You can get one for a little over $500. You can look up inexpensive Samsung 3d glasses which will pair just fine.

[charlieray1]

Would that be a better choice than the BenQ 3D models (MW632ST or MH535FHD)? They seem to be getting good reviews, and they're both in the mid $500's. I get really confused on some of these reviews! I want the best picture possible in that price range, with 3D options.

BTW, please forgive my ignorance on this subject - what do you mean by "an extra emiter"? I assumed I needed a player, a 3D projector and glasses. Is there something more?

THANK YOU!!

[umich08]

Some projectors have the emitter built into the unit, others require an external plugin. My previous Epson did 3d out of the box with no additional attachments. BenQ is a DLP projector and while they tend to be a good company, DLP projectors can have a rainbow effect that some people are sensitive to while others are not. You only know if youve viewed one and have seen it...otherwise you won't know until its too late

[GKintz]

If possible, see if a local dealer has a DLP projector that you can view.

I've owned DLP projectors for over 15 years now and while on rare occasion I'll the see a "rainbow" effect, for me the big plus to DLP is the excellent (better than theatrical) 3-D cancellation that is achievable.

DLP users have a great following, so yes, is well worth checking both types out.

[charlieray1]

Originally Posted by GKintz

I've owned DLP projectors for over 15 years now and while on rare occasion I'll the see a "rainbow" effect, for me the big plus to DLP is the excellent (better than theatrical) 3-D cancellation that is achievable.

Our first big screen was a 50" DLP. I did see the rainbows sometimes, but it wasn't a big deal. Other than the rainbow issue, is the DLP a better way to go in my price range. I'm looking now at the one recommended - an Epson and the BenQ. Both get good reviews.

Thanks guys - I really do appreciate your help!

[drmdvl]

The brightest PJ you can afford for 3D

[roar]

I'd look used, lots of people off loading great 1080p projectors as the move to 4K ones, I recently sold a JVC X30 for $800 Canadian that has better contrast and overall better picture than any new <$1,000 projector as far as I'm concerned. The challenge of course is finding glasses at a reasonable price. Check out audiogon, the buy sell over at avsforums or usaudiomart... maybe someone has something local to you. I know California is a big state but I saw a low use Sony HW45ES on usaudiomart for $600, it does 3D and throws a pretty nice picture.

[tms]

I have a MH535FHD and think it's very good for the price. On the first couple viewings, I saw a rare "rainbow effect", but I'v apparently been able to train my eyes to ignore it. Only once has one of my guests commented on it, and it was while we were standing and moving about the room, not seated and viewing the movie.

You might find your room a bit small for a screen that size. You'll probably want theMH535FHD projector to be about 11 feet away from the screen for 100". You're also probably going to want to sit at least 9 or 10 feet back from a screen that size. I went 13 feet back for a 120" screen.

[charlieray1]

Thanks for the advive everyone!

Ended up getting some good deals! I found a new-in-the-box Benq HT 2050a on ebay. The guy works for the factory and it had been given to him, but he didn't want it. Got it for $440 plus tax. Bought a supposedly used Silver Ticket 100" 16 x 9 white screen for $113. If it's used, I can't tell. Everything appeared to be factory sealed.

Really loving it! I still have to fix up the room, but the picture looks great to me, and the 3D is fantastic.

I'm sure I'll want to upgrade eventually, but I picked up some lightly used speakers - Energy Take Classic 5.1 - for $160 and an open box Onkyo amp. I haven't hooked them up yet - I'll do it this weekend. Fingers crossed. The speakers certainly aren't high end, but they're very well reviewed, and it's a small room 12 x 15.

Can't wait to get the room painted and arranged. Thanks for the help -- I'm pretty excited!

[charlieray1]

Hooked up the speakers and amp. I'm VERY impressed! I'm sure that it helps that it's a small room, but it really fills up with sound. The sub might be a little boomy - maybe I can adjust it further - but it sounds really good over-all, IMO. I'm really surprised how full the room sounds with these small speakers. I'm sure some of you guys with high-end AV stuff wouldn't be that impressed, but so far I'm really excited!

Cant wait to paint and fix up the room.

[lucasatakros]

Glad to hear about another 3D enthusiast! Don't forget to check out local Big Lots for deals on 3D movies........... as well as Amazon UK and DE!