choosing a projector

[Beta Man]

I've got a pretty limited budget (since the wife is limiting it) but I want the best possible projector I can get on the cheap..... so with that in mind, here's what I want (and I don't know anything about projectors)

I want to throw a 100" or so image

I want 1080p


I can mount the projector from the ceiling up to 15 or 20 feet away if necessary, or as close as needed


I'll be connecting my other PS3, so it'll be HDMI, etc.


If it dictates the price, I'm willing to spend a little more for better quality etc....


so what's out there? What are the entry priced level 1080p models out right now? And what can be had in the earlier price ranges?

I had wanted the "Black Pearl" but the wife thinks $3,000 is too much (we just bought a new house, and I have to suck it up, and get a lower quality projector)


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Colglizity]

I don't know much about projectors either, but my favorite magazine does:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyers...ontprojectors/

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Colglizity

I don't know much about projectors either, but my favorite magazine does:

http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyers...ontprojectors/

I think the prices are dated..... the issue is... there are so many to choose from, I don't know the differences

[Woody]

The best bang-for-the-buck projector IMO is the Epson 1080ub, however the sticker on it is ~$3500.

There are other less expensive options for 1080p I believe. I would look into BenQ and Optoma projectors. I am not familiar with either one, just that they get into 1080p for cheaper tham Epson does.

Check that Epson, makes their "home" series 1080p projector, and I think it goes for somewhere in the range of $2600-$2700.

It is just like anything Beta (as I am sure you know), you get what you pay for. (within reason of course)

[AlaskaDon]

You could check out the Optoma HD80 to start with. Glowing review at Projector Central http://www.projectorcentral.com/opto...tor_review.htm

This was going to be my choice, but couldn't work it into the space I had. It sounds like you could do it though. Pay particular attention to the placement issues with this pj in the review.

I ended up going with a Pearl once I found that the Optoma wouldn't fit. Unfortunately I haven't kept up with pj's that are newer (i.e. the last 6 months) so don't know if there is a better value around. That Optoma was sub-$3000 1080P and DLP which was unheard of at the time

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by AlaskaDon

You could check out the Optoma HD80 to start with. Glowing review at Projector Central http://www.projectorcentral.com/opto...tor_review.htm

This was going to be my choice, but couldn't work it into the space I had. It sounds like you could do it though. Pay particular attention to the placement issues with this pj in the review.

I ended up going with a Pearl once I found that the Optoma wouldn't fit. Unfortunately I haven't kept up with pj's that are newer (i.e. the last 6 months) so don't know if there is a better value around. That Optoma was sub-$3000 1080P and DLP which was unheard of at the time

Looks like I could make it work in the system..... and I found it dirt cheap

http://www.ibuydigital.com/product/?...47878779&sk1=1


but I agree that you get what you pay for, so maybe skimping here isn't in my best interest......

[sterryo]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I've got a pretty limited budget (since the wife is limiting it)

I had wanted the "Black Pearl" but the wife thinks $3,000 is too much (we just bought a new house, and I have to suck it up, and get a lower quality projector)


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The $600-900 rebate on the Sanyo Z2000 make it very economical. very versatile when it comes to mounting projector-central still has it rated 2nd beneath the Panny(more expensive).
I own one and I like it, I've had 2 Sony pj's and a Sanyo z5, I don't think the Z2000 would be a problem unless there is a lot of ambient light in the theater room. We sometimes run ours with a 60watt bulb turned on to make it easier to munch as we watch....

[cathexist]

http://magazine.playbackmag.net/play...804/?folio=147

Has reviews of 4 models. Looking into upgrading from my 720p projector to a 1080p in the future.

[jcdennis]

Originally Posted by sterryo

The $600-900 rebate on the Sanyo Z2000 make it very economical. very versatile when it comes to mounting projector-central still has it rated 2nd beneath the Panny(more expensive).
I own one and I like it, I've had 2 Sony pj's and a Sanyo z5, I don't think the Z2000 would be a problem unless there is a lot of ambient light in the theater room. We sometimes run ours with a 60watt bulb turned on to make it easier to munch as we watch....

Agreed.
If ambiant light is an issue get the Panasonic PT-AE2000U.
If you can make the room a "cave", then just get the the Sanyo PLV-Z2000.

Also, as noted above, projectorcentral.com is a great source in information on this stuff.

[cathexist]

http://www.panasonic.com/business/pr...promotions.asp

Promotions for the panasonic...just a Blockbuster thing, but kinda cool

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by jcdennis

Agreed.
If ambiant light is an issue get the Panasonic PT-AE2000U.
If you can make the room a "cave", then just get the the Sanyo PLV-Z2000.

Also, as noted above, projectorcentral.com is a great source in information on this stuff.

The Sanyo PLV-Z2000 would work great for me!!!! I have no issues with light, since I'm starting from scratch (I plan on getting heavy curtains for all the windows, to compliment the accoustical treatments) I'll shop around for this one!

thanks!

[jcdennis]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

The Sanyo PLV-Z2000 would work great for me!!!! I have no issues with light, since I'm starting from scratch (I plan on getting heavy curtains for all the windows, to compliment the accoustical treatments) I'll shop around for this one!

thanks!

No problem, just my two cents anyway....
Keep in mind that light really does effect it. I've got the Sanyo in my HT - love it -, and even a little light really affects the picture. (Not trying to talk you out of it, just want to make sure you understood my comment above, and didn't get upset when you can't watch sports with your buddies, and have the lights on!)

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by jcdennis

No problem, just my two cents anyway....
Keep in mind that light really does effect it. I've got the Sanyo in my HT - love it -, and even a little light really affects the picture. (Not trying to talk you out of it, just want to make sure you understood my comment above, and didn't get upset when you can't watch sports with your buddies, and have the lights on!)

I'm actually planning on connecting it to the PS3 with no television/dish/cable inputs... so it'll be BLU-RAY/DVD ONLY (since I only have one game that I'm trying to get rid of) Plus, My bulbs will last longer that way. It's a dedicated theater, so I'll go to ALL LENGTHS to block out the light, so it's not an issue. (it even has a storage room (great for movies!) and a bathroom (great for too much beer!) off of it)

Once we take possession of the house, i'll put up some pictures.... it's a good room for a theater.... I think I might put a fridge/microwave up there too.

[AlaskaDon]

Once you have it narrowed down to a couple choices, you should head over to AVS and check out the dedicated threads on the pj's that you're considering.

I know AVS left a bad taste in people's mouths with regard to the format war, but for this kind of stuff they are still a very useful resource

[jcdennis]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I'm actually planning on connecting it to the PS3 with no television/dish/cable inputs... so it'll be BLU-RAY/DVD ONLY (since I only have one game that I'm trying to get rid of) Plus, My bulbs will last longer that way. It's a dedicated theater, so I'll go to ALL LENGTHS to block out the light, so it's not an issue. (it even has a storage room (great for movies!) and a bathroom (great for too much beer!) off of it)

Once we take possession of the house, i'll put up some pictures.... it's a good room for a theater.... I think I might put a fridge/microwave up there too.

Sounds pretty much like what I have (other than I plan on getting more games, not less).

Enjoy. You'll love it, and it's IMHO the best bang for your buck in 1080p.

[Grubert]

I've heard about reliability issues with the Epson so read up on it.

Personally, I've had a Sony VW50 (the Pearl) since October 2006 and I'm very happy with it. It is discontinued, but the VW40 is identical and has an MSRP of $2999.

Before that I had a BenQ DLP and a Sanyo LCD.

Note that new models will be announced in CEDIA (early September) so you can get discounts on old models.

In the meantime, here is a very interesting comparison report of 1080p projectors:

http://www.projectorreviews.com/Best...2008/index.php

[syncguy]

I cannot resist saying this.

vw60 is an amazing projector. Very good value for money. vw60 produces a breathtaking picture when coupled with the PS3. It is worth another try for approval. Price Japan could be an alternative source if you are willing to take some risk.

Failing that vw40 could be a good alternative.

[Beta Man]

This one is good for a Dark Theater?


http://www.buy.com/prod/Mitsubishi-H...204090595.html

[ryoohki]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

This one is good for a Dark Theater?


http://www.buy.com/prod/Mitsubishi-H...204090595.html

Any new projector will do in a Dark Theater, it's a matter of screen and tweaking the power of light output, not really compicated..

[gvortex7]

You may want to look into the Optoma HD80 as well. It's a solid 1080p projector, and since you seem to have plenty of distance from the screen, you won't have any installation issues. The reason I pointed that out is because the HD80 only offers a 1.2:1 zoom ratio, meaning that if you wanted to view it on a 100" 16:9 screen, then you need to mount it at least 13.4' from the screen. That's its biggest limitation, otherwise its projected image is stellar. You can get it online for around $2300.