Projectors

[stampsx2]

Wondering if anyone could recommend a good projector? I'm not that tech savvy and I'm not entirely sure what to look for in a good projector. I know I would like it for watching tv not computer presentations.

If you have one, what do you like/dislike about it and what kind do you have? Appreciate the help.

[photon]

What kind of budget are you thinking of?

I've got a Sanyo PLV-Z5 that is very nice to work with, though it's only 720p.

The Epson ones are what I'd probably buy right now, or the Sony one if I had some more $$ to spend.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home...projectors.htm

[McG]

i bought the optoma hd-200x-lv from costco for 1199. here is the link to the datasheet: http://marketing.optomausa.com/PDFs/..._Datasheet.pdf

i have to admit that i am still in the process of mounting it to the ceiling so my experiences are pretty limited. everything so far seems to work well from my playing with it.

i would actually add to photon's comments. you need to consider the room, the viewing distance, seating, the size and type of screen, the lighting in the room, and where you would put the projector.

from there, you can start to think about dlp v lcd and the benefits of each.

i can tell you though that nothing beats sports and movies on the big screens...and if you play video games...wow you are in for a treat.

[fundmark19]

second for sanyo plz z5 love mine best 500 dollars I have ever spent

[dre]

I have the Panasonic PT-AX200U. One reason I went with this projector is because I did not want to have the screen door effect.

This site helped me with my decision: http://www.projectorreviews.com/

[stampsx2]

Thanks. This helps. I was thinking of a BenQ DLP 720P or 1080P. Sounds like people who have projectors only have good things to say. Good to hear. Wondering which gives a better picture LCD or DLP.

[photon]

Some people can't stand the screendoor effect from LCDs, while others see the rainbow effect from DLPs and can't stand them.

The only negative I have to say with mine is I wish the fan was a bit quieter because the unit is right above my head. It's not bad in most movies, but still noticeable.

[puckluck]

I'm sure my friend will sell you his

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=93663

[fundmark19]

Photon I don't notice the fan noise at all with mine over my head. It is probably 3 feet above my head though. Luckily I cant see the screen door effect even though I am sure it is there I would still take a projector over a tv in my basement any day

[photon]

Yeah I've got 9 foot ceilings in my basement so it's quite a ways above my head, I'm really really picky about noise though, I spend extra on making sure my PC is silent, etc.

It's never really been a distraction, just something to consider in my next projector to make sure it's at least as quiet if not (preferably) quieter.

[fundmark19]

For someone looking to get a projector I also recommend shelf mounting if you are in a newer home since everytime someone walks it roof shakes and so does your picture. Might change if your basement is developped though

[photon]

Yeah I get that shaking whens someone on the main floor is stomping around.

However the opposing wall to my screen is 33' away, so shelf mounted wasn't an option.

Light control is the other thing to remember, if you want to be able to watch it in the summer before midnight. I have big windows in my basement, so I got the cellular blackout blinds and there's still enough seepage on the sides to make me want to put curtains on too.

[Thor]

Epson 8350 is getting great reviews, awesome price point too.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epso...inema_8350.htm

[bubbsy]

i have the optoma hd20, which gives me a 112" full HD screen.

Watch it for blu ray movies at my condo and HD tv.

i was very tight on space (distance from screen), on a tight budget, but didn't want to sacrifice too much on image quality. I am extremely content with my set up.

I did TONS of research on it, if you want some guidance or have questions feel free to PM me.

[stampsx2]

Shelf mounting? You mean making a shelf under your ceiling instead of hanging it with a ceiling mount? This might be a good way to reduce the noise as well but I would be a bit worried about overheating.

Has anybody used paint instead of a screen. With a screen your display placement is permanent but with paint you have options. Although I think the quality of picture is reduced. Am I right?

[photon]

Paint can be pretty good from what I've heard.

I went with a screen but placement isn't permanent, I just built a frame, bought the screen material off eBay, wrapped the frame in black felt and screwed that into the wall.

[photon]

[Thor]

I went without a screen, bought one and when I was testing out the projector on the wall I was blown away by its quality.

My colour on the wall was a greyish and it worked nicely for me, but I had intended on putting some frames around it to make it look cooler but never got around to it. This image shows it but looks bad because of all the light on in the room, rest assured with the lights dimmed it looked fantastic.

[fundmark19]

You have all seen my make shift basement in the home theater section but here it is again if anyone missed it



I moved the chairs back to the back of the room now to not make it so tight and of course those speakers on the floor have now turned into a home theater in a box 7.1 system

my sceen is just canvas over wood with matte white paint on it

[8sPOT]

I am 100% sold on getting a projector for the basement. The wife however is 100% against it. Is there anywhere in Calgary where I can take her to see one in person? I thought Vision's might have some sort of projector room but when I went there all the guy could do was tell me that I should get a flat panel tv instead.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!