Real Big TV vs Projector

[photon]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

Also looks like your basement ceiling is finished. How do you play to run the cables for the projectors?

I put in a conduit when I finished my basement, putting one in after would be a royal PITA and would probably make me decide on the LCD 100%.

I also discovered when I went to pull the cable there is a special lube just for that job!

http://www.idealindustries.com/produ...s/velocity.jsp

Even with that stuff I felt like I was going to pull the ceiling down, no way I'd have ever pulled the HDMI cable without the lube.

[The Yen Man]

Depends what you like. If you like having big windows and natural light while you watch TV, then don't go with the projector. My uncle has it in his walkout basement, and he has to cover all his windows to make sure minimal light gets in. It's perpetually dark in his basement. I dunno, I'm not a big fan of that. I like having natural light and not feel like I'm in cave, especially when I'm watching tv during the day.

Oh, and if you have young kids and want to watch tv with them, then I'm not sure it's a good idea. My cousin had his toddler down there when we were watching a Flames game, and he got freaked out because it was so dark. He started crying when the Flames scored because of the sudden cheer along with the darkness of the room.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

Don't forget that the projector bulbs are very expensive to replace. Also looks like your basement ceiling is finished. How do you play to run the cables for the projectors?

Honestly I get amazed everytime I go down into my basement to watch tv. I don't do it nearly enough anymore since I put a TV in my upstairs room as well. I personally love the 104" and the fact the screen takes up the whole wall. Bulbs aren't that bad at under 400 and you can sometimes pick up a projector with a spare included. My projector is old and not even 1080p sanyo plz-5 I can't even imagine how awesome a new projector would be

[darklord700]

Sorry guys, this is not my basement. Just my imagination of what my basement's layout will be once it's done. My basement is not finished in any manner right now.


http://photos.myrealpage.com/wps/res...512779-14.jpeg

[boosterjuice]

+1 for the projector!

I have an Epson 3010 3d projector. LOVE IT! It is very bright and will do well in partially lit rooms. I have it on a 106" screen and watching hockey is amazing.

The 3d is awesome too. This projector only costed me around $1500.

The technology of projectors has really improved over the past 4 years. If you have had negative experiences with projectors, give them another chance. 1080p on a 106" screen will knock your socks off.

[Flacker]

The new Panasonic 1080p projectors are amazing. With a good reference screen you are looking about the $4000 mark.

http://www.eastporters.com/estore/ca...product_id=681

[J Diddy]

Got $11K to spare?

Sharp 90" LED
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-t...-35332514.html

[TorqueDog]

I measured the wall in my place where my 52" currently sits - I could fit a 70", an 80" would be uncomfortably close to the window frame and patio door, and 90" is HAH GFY NOOB.

This essentially disqualifies a projector screen for that wall, which sucks because it's the one most immune from ambient light screwing up the picture.

[Sliver]

Yeah after having a projector with a 10' screen, I can't imagine going back to a normal TV. We have a pretty large LCD TV in our bedroom, and I feel like I'm watching an iPad compared to the projector. I have two smaller windows in my basement that I made black-out blinds for, but I've never even put them up as the projector can handle it. In fact, you can even watch it just fine with all the lights on.

80" is too small IMO. Go with the projector.

[stampsx2]

Originally Posted by Old Yeller

Just my opinion, but having been in a buddies house who has some ungodly huge screen for his projector, he had to hang up blankets over his windows because any light that leaks in completely ruins the experience.

That and the fact that he finished his basement really nicely but has BLANKETS hanging from the windows.

With the new giant Sharp LCD's coming out, I don't really see the point of a projector anymore... but I haven't really researched the latest TV's or newest projectors.

Completely disagree with this post. I got a projector and wouldn't go back. There's nothing like watching the stanley cup finals on a 100‘ screen.

I have a projector that handles a bit of light very well. There's some really good blinds out there that block out light if you got a projector with low lumens. With a walkout it may get a bit pricey.

I find i watch more tv when it's raining out, in the evening or in the winter when days are short anyway.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by darklord700

At first, I was thinking of putting a projector and 96" screen in.

Psssshh. Only 96? (just kidding)

I was a hater of projectors for many years (based on reviews of very outdated equipment). I put one in my walkout (with blackout shades, mind you) and love it. Have a gander at the ongoing/massive/mega home theatre thread, I (and many others) have some pics in there.

Get a decent projector for ambient light (I'll recommend the Mitsubishi 6800, as that's what I picked up for the same problem), and some half decent window coverings and light is not an issue.

If you're interested in seeing a similar setup in a walkout drop me a PM. I'd be more than willing to help.

The 80" Sharps are impressive size wise, but I've found the picture quality lacking.

[darklord700]

Where do you go buy the screen and projector in Calgary? I had been to K&W and Sound of Music and they all want to sell me a $3000 Stewart screen and Runco projector.

I only budgeted $500 for the screen and maybe $3000 for the projector.

[photon]

I got screen material off eBay and built my own screen. Just wood, fabric to wrap the frame, staples and screws. $80 for the screen material I think I paid, it's not as good as some of the really expensive screens, but good enough for what I want.

There's also paints you can buy, paint the screen right on the wall.

Costco has some as well:

http://www.costco.ca/Common/Category...n-CA&whse=BCCA

EDIT: Projector I ordered online.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by darklord700

I had been to K&W and Sound of Music and they all want to sell me a $3000 Stewart screen and Runco projector.

Hahaha I got my speakers from KW, but man did they push the Stewarts. Yes they're fantastic screens, but that was well beyond my budget at the time. They basically refused to price out any other screen (that they carried) for me so I went with the speakers and that was it.

I picked up a Grandview screen from Radiocrafts. A fixed screen (112") ran me around the $700 mark. The build of the screen seems to be much sturdier than some of the other 'budget' screens I was looking at, reading reviews on.

They also beat KW's price on the projector by about $400, IIRC. Pretty happy with both thus far.

[darklord700]

Thanks for the Radiocrafts and Costco tips. They are my kind of stores, at least until I win the lottery. Then I'll go buy a $5000 screen and a $10000 Runco projector.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by darklord700

Thanks for the Radiocrafts and Costco tips. They are my kind of stores, at least until I win the lottery. Then I'll go buy a $5000 screen and a $10000 Runco projector.

The $7200 Stewart Cabaret is the way to go if you win the lottery. Motorized, LED mood lighting, and custom colours to match your house.

[fundmark19]

I got a cheapo power retractable screen from tiger direct for 200 bucks. Works great for me. Not sure what the difference would be compared to an actual brand name screen because when Kunk ripped me off buying my theater chairs he said he would invite me over and never did

[Flacker]

Originally Posted by darklord700

Where do you go buy the screen and projector in Calgary? I had been to K&W and Sound of Music and they all want to sell me a $3000 Stewart screen and Runco projector.

I only budgeted $500 for the screen and maybe $3000 for the projector.

These screens are amazing value for the money. I have seen a side by side with a Stewart reference and I think the Elune may have looked better.

http://www.eastporters.com/estore/ca...product_id=681

Fixed 16:9 would be my recommendation for most people unless you are exclusively watching movies on it, then 2.35:1 would be the way to go.

I have purchased from them personally and they provide amazing service, I am in no way affiliated with these guys, just very impressed with both the product and their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Here is a pretty comprehensive review of the Elunevision Reference series:
http://magazine-hifi.info/elunevision-screens/
It is compared against a $3700 reference screen and comes out looking pretty good.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by fundmark19

I got a cheapo power retractable screen from tiger direct for 200 bucks. Works great for me. Not sure what the difference would be compared to an actual brand name screen because when Kunk ripped me off buying my theater chairs he said he would invite me over and never did

Yeah, one of the seats doesn't recline all the way so I retracted my offer.

LOL the seat shakers still aren't hooked up yet, and it's still kind of in progress. Whenever you want to stop by just say the word. Beer's always cold. Although you definately lost some cool points by ditching your bike.

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

Yeah, one of the seats doesn't recline all the way so I retracted my offer.

LOL the seat shakers still aren't hooked up yet, and it's still kind of in progress. Whenever you want to stop by just say the word. Beer's always cold. Although you definately lost some cool points by ditching your bike.

Sounds like a transportation problem you tested them in the garage! Stop being lazy and get them set up!

If anyone wants to check out what the cheapo screen can do let me know and we can set something up. I believe Silver bought one like mine as well just not retractable