Ever gone from projector down to a flat panel and been happy? - Blu-ray Forum

CasualCat2001 · 06-02-2008, 10:01 PM

I say down because of the size decrease.

I currently have what I would consider to be a small front projection setup at 84" which has definitely spoiled me. I'm going to be relocating soon to a new job and plan on leaving the proector and screen with the house when I sell it.

I'm considering getting a 52" - 57" flat panel in my new house, but am worried I will come to regret it.

For background, there are some disadvantages with my current setup. My projector is my main display. That means I go through bulbs like water (1 every 6-8 months). I've also had some issues maintaining proper framing on my screen. I have to adjust the mount every 3-6 weeks because the picture is no longer framed properly on the screen, having shifted slightly. I have a light controlled room, using black-out shades, though it sometimes feel like I live in a cave.

With the flat panel I don't have to worry about framing, bulbs, or light control. I would sacrifice significant size though (short of spending 5 figures for a comparable flat panel). Whichever I choose I'd want to go ahead and spring for a 1080p display.

I'm thinking I might start with a flat panel with the intention of adding a projector and a tensioned drop screen for nighttime movie viewing at a later time. If I do go with a projector I'd also probably increase my screen size to 100-110", so there is some additional size "opportunity cost" when you compare a 52" to a 100+" screen.

So that all said, has anyone else ever gone from a front projection setup to a flat panel? I'd be interested in your experience.

Thanks.

allstar780 · 06-03-2008, 12:50 AM

theres always good ole' rear projection

Samsung 72" 1080 $3000
http://www.epinions.com/Samsung_HLT7...splay_~reviews

blitz6speed · 06-03-2008, 12:57 AM

I went from 106" Projection to 42" LCD.

I AM happy because i realize i cannot put a PJ where i live atm (buying a house soon and will go back to projector) and i sit really close to the 42" 1080p (like 2-3 feet max) and it still feels very emmersive.

theater-one · 06-03-2008, 01:00 AM

how about both. i have a 40 inch lcd for during the day and a 106 inch screen that comes down in front of the 40 inch lcd for movies and playoffs. its the best of both worlds.

ryoohki · 06-03-2008, 01:13 AM

The funny thing is when i move, fitting the projector is a must because it's mostly the only thing i do LOL!

I have a screen witch is easy to pack (DaLite Hi Power, Permwall)

AlaskaDon · 06-03-2008, 09:25 AM

I couldn't imagine being happy going back to a flat panel. If I were to move, then I'm with ryoohki in that having a place to set my pj up would be a major consideration in where I am moving to. Can't do without my HT room

I do have a 55" Plasma in my living room still, but I never watch anything on it except TV shows. I also use it for PS3 and Wii games, but If I want to watch a BD, I always do it on the pj.

Beta Man · 06-03-2008, 05:36 PM

Where you live? you won't get your money out of the projector by adding it to the sales- amount...... I'd sell it before you move..... that being said...

where do you live? how much? what projector

bhampton · 06-03-2008, 06:32 PM

Hey,

It's an interesting topic. I've wondered myself If I would be happy with something different. I currently have a projector and 81" screen (72x40.) I was trying to help my stepdad pick out a big screen HDTV and began to wonder if I would like something like that better. It's got to use less energy I would imagine and there's less wear and tear likely.

I couldn't go with LCD though. Well,.. Maybe 3 chip LCD but I think LCD wouldn't work for me at all.

If ever I replace my current pj I would hope it's with a Sxrd pj.

EDIT- Forgot to mention I became a home "owner" about 3 years ago and making sure the house would work nicely with a HT was one of the big criteria when shopping. I wound up making a dedicated HT in the basement. So... I guess I never have to ponder this question but it's still an interesting subject.

-Brian

CasualCat2001 · 06-03-2008, 10:56 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm actually considering now a dual setup with a slightly smaller screen for regular tv viewing/gaming.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Where you live? you won't get your money out of the projector by adding it to the sales- amount...... I'd sell it before you move..... that being said...

where do you live? what projector

I live in NC. I wasn't planning on adding the cost of the projector to the selling price of the house, but I figured it would be a unique feature to make the house stand out and then I figured people wouldn't want a house with a random outlet in the ceiling unless there was something useful (like a projector) actually using it.

I also haven't decided whether or not I will purchase or rent a house in the new city. If it is a rental, I'm not sure I could do a projector setup.

allstar780 · 06-04-2008, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhampton

Hey,

It's an interesting topic. I've wondered myself If I would be happy with something different. I currently have a projector and 81" screen (72x40.) I was trying to help my stepdad pick out a big screen HDTV and began to wonder if I would like something like that better. It's got to use less energy I would imagine and there's less wear and tear likely.

I couldn't go with LCD though. Well,.. Maybe 3 chip LCD but I think LCD wouldn't work for me at all.

If ever I replace my current pj I would hope it's with a Sxrd pj.

EDIT- Forgot to mention I became a home "owner" about 3 years ago and making sure the house would work nicely with a HT was one of the big criteria when shopping. I wound up making a dedicated HT in the basement. So... I guess I never have to ponder this question but it's still an interesting subject.

-Brian

to go from a projector (average i found for 3LCD projectors is about 280W power consumption) for anything made in the last few years (i dont know what you have so i could be off) to a 50" energy star certified plasma (about 750W power consumption) or LCD (the only company i could find to list consumption is panasonic so i had to go with a measly 37" with a power consumption of 222W)

you really only gain in the fact that it can go in any room in the house and most any lighting condition

jd213 · 06-04-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasualCat2001

I live in NC. I wasn't planning on adding the cost of the projector to the selling price of the house, but I figured it would be a unique feature to make the house stand out and then I figured people wouldn't want a house with a random outlet in the ceiling unless there was something useful (like a projector) actually using it.

You could always keep it and buy a cheap SD projector or something to install.

mkelley · 06-04-2008, 11:56 AM

As you say, getting a flat-panel to combine with a projector gives you the best of both worlds -- no problem with burning out bulbs, and no dim-room requirements (although one thing to be said FOR a dim room is that it makes it part of the theater experience -- no matter how nice a screen you have it just ain't watching a movie if you can look around and see the cats cleaning themselves :>)

I have a large scale system (9' screen) and can't imagine watching a movie any other way. Our best friends bought a top of the line Sony 55" and always tell us they don't want to watch movies except on our system. I do like watching "tv" at their house, but can understand why it's not a theater experience.

We only watch movies and I figure our bulb will still last another 4-5 years (we watch about two movies a week). And our system never needs adjustment (can't imagine why yours does except maybe your heavy usage is causing the alignment to get off).

06-02-2008, 10:01 PM	#1
CasualCat2001 Member Member since:Dec 2007	Ever gone from projector down to a flat panel and been happy? I say down because of the size decrease. I currently have what I would consider to be a small front projection setup at 84" which has definitely spoiled me. I'm going to be relocating soon to a new job and plan on leaving the proector and screen with the house when I sell it. I'm considering getting a 52" - 57" flat panel in my new house, but am worried I will come to regret it. For background, there are some disadvantages with my current setup. My projector is my main display. That means I go through bulbs like water (1 every 6-8 months). I've also had some issues maintaining proper framing on my screen. I have to adjust the mount every 3-6 weeks because the picture is no longer framed properly on the screen, having shifted slightly. I have a light controlled room, using black-out shades, though it sometimes feel like I live in a cave. With the flat panel I don't have to worry about framing, bulbs, or light control. I would sacrifice significant size though (short of spending 5 figures for a comparable flat panel). Whichever I choose I'd want to go ahead and spring for a 1080p display. I'm thinking I might start with a flat panel with the intention of adding a projector and a tensioned drop screen for nighttime movie viewing at a later time. If I do go with a projector I'd also probably increase my screen size to 100-110", so there is some additional size "opportunity cost" when you compare a 52" to a 100+" screen. So that all said, has anyone else ever gone from a front projection setup to a flat panel? I'd be interested in your experience. Thanks.

06-03-2008, 06:32 PM	#8
bhampton Blu-ray Count Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:981 Blu-ray collection:2537 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews: 6 Trading Score:18	Hey, It's an interesting topic. I've wondered myself If I would be happy with something different. I currently have a projector and 81" screen (72x40.) I was trying to help my stepdad pick out a big screen HDTV and began to wonder if I would like something like that better. It's got to use less energy I would imagine and there's less wear and tear likely. I couldn't go with LCD though. Well,.. Maybe 3 chip LCD but I think LCD wouldn't work for me at all. If ever I replace my current pj I would hope it's with a Sxrd pj. EDIT- Forgot to mention I became a home "owner" about 3 years ago and making sure the house would work nicely with a HT was one of the big criteria when shopping. I wound up making a dedicated HT in the basement. So... I guess I never have to ponder this question but it's still an interesting subject. -Brian Last edited by bhampton; 06-03-2008 at 06:36 PM.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
ameriwood Flat Panel TV Stand	Home Theater General Discussion	zodiak	0	07-22-2009 02:19 AM
Flat panel mounting height	Home Theater Construction	Hammie	2	03-09-2009 04:24 PM
Flat Panel Mounting Height?	Home Theater General Discussion	DrinkMore	33	12-21-2008 07:47 PM
Won a Flat Panel... What would you do?	Home Theater General Discussion	Kayne314	21	01-30-2008 05:50 PM
Flat panel TVs	Home Theater General Discussion	Gamekid	2	05-10-2007 07:41 AM

06-03-2008, 12:50 AM	#2
allstar780 Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Grande Prairie, Alberta Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:115 Blu-ray reviews:2	theres always good ole' rear projection Samsung 72" 1080 $3000 http://www.epinions.com/Samsung_HLT7...splay_~reviews

06-03-2008, 12:57 AM	#3
blitz6speed Blu-ray Guru Member since:Oct 2006 Location:Anaheim Hills, CA Trading Score:8	I went from 106" Projection to 42" LCD. I AM happy because i realize i cannot put a PJ where i live atm (buying a house soon and will go back to projector) and i sit really close to the 42" 1080p (like 2-3 feet max) and it still feels very emmersive.

06-03-2008, 01:00 AM	#4
theater-one Junior Member Member since:Jan 2008	how about both. i have a 40 inch lcd for during the day and a 106 inch screen that comes down in front of the 40 inch lcd for movies and playoffs. its the best of both worlds.

06-03-2008, 01:13 AM	#5
ryoohki Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2007 Home Theater Gallery:6 Blu-ray collection:6 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:5	The funny thing is when i move, fitting the projector is a must because it's mostly the only thing i do LOL! I have a screen witch is easy to pack (DaLite Hi Power, Permwall)

06-03-2008, 09:25 AM	#6
AlaskaDon Special Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Tennessee Blu-ray collection:-	I couldn't imagine being happy going back to a flat panel. If I were to move, then I'm with ryoohki in that having a place to set my pj up would be a major consideration in where I am moving to. Can't do without my HT room I do have a 55" Plasma in my living room still, but I never watch anything on it except TV shows. I also use it for PS3 and Wii games, but If I want to watch a BD, I always do it on the pj.

06-03-2008, 05:36 PM	#7
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Where you live? you won't get your money out of the projector by adding it to the sales- amount...... I'd sell it before you move..... that being said... where do you live? how much? what projector

06-04-2008, 11:56 AM	#12
mkelley Active Member Member since:Dec 2007	As you say, getting a flat-panel to combine with a projector gives you the best of both worlds -- no problem with burning out bulbs, and no dim-room requirements (although one thing to be said FOR a dim room is that it makes it part of the theater experience -- no matter how nice a screen you have it just ain't watching a movie if you can look around and see the cats cleaning themselves :>) I have a large scale system (9' screen) and can't imagine watching a movie any other way. Our best friends bought a top of the line Sony 55" and always tell us they don't want to watch movies except on our system. I do like watching "tv" at their house, but can understand why it's not a theater experience. We only watch movies and I figure our bulb will still last another 4-5 years (we watch about two movies a week). And our system never needs adjustment (can't imagine why yours does except maybe your heavy usage is causing the alignment to get off).

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals