Monday, July 1, 2013

Should I get a projector or tv for my home theater?

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the man


I'm building a home theater with surround sound and whatnot, I just need the main part now. I can't decide whether to buy a HD projector or TV. I've heard that the display qualities of the projectors are lower than that of TV's in general, but others say that it's just because the screen is so large. I want to be able to mount the screen in front of a TV so I can watch the news without feeling like I need to get popcorn, so is there a way to mount it from a stand or something? I've also heard that the bulbs need replacing every few years for like 400 bucks...

The main question though, is quality. Compared to, say, and LED set, does a projector's color and 1080p look as good? Or better?

And which company/price range/model should I stick to?
Thanks @Alex, I have the couch about 15 feet away, and there is a window in the room but I'm probably going to be watching movies at night anyways. I'm mounting the screen in front of the TV so I can retract it when I want to watch other things, thanks a lot!



Answer
The answer does depend on factors like the layout of your room.

Will you be viewing from over 12 feet away?
Can you keep out all external light even during daylight hours?
If the answer to both of these is yes, then a projector may be right for you.

I want the best picture quality I can afford.
I can put furnature wherever gives me the best viewing position.
The answer is probably a TV.

To get a cinematic experience from a TV, you need a very big TV and to sit very close to it.
I've got a 60" plasma and a viewing distance of about 8 feet.
If I view it from 18 feet, you can't tell the difference between HD and SD.
From 8 foot, SD looks rubbish. 1080p looks fantastic though.
From 12 feet both SD and HD are watchable, but it's not as cinematic.

I've painted the wall behind the TV black, so when the lights are out there's no light wash from the wall behind, the picture just floats.

Some projectors are very poor, even the HD ones. You get what you pay for. By the time the bulb goes once or twice you'll probably be considering buying your next upgrade anyway, so don't worry too much about that, just factor it in to the purchase cost decision.

Some 50 inch TVs are very good for a sensible price, but make sure to do your research because there are still a few howlers out there, not all of them the cheapest ones.

What size screen will I need for a 15x10x7 room using a NEC vt580 projector?




A_Grove


Trying to create a media room in my home. I already have the furniture and projector, now I am trying to figure out what size screen to purchase. I will like to mount the projector on the ceiling in the back of the room. Not sure if you need more info, but any advice is appreciated. Thanks.


Answer
There are a few things to consider when chosing the right projector screen, when trying to get the best image. There is a huge difference in the quality of image you will get by the choice in screens. First is the type of projector, its light output, preferred aspect ratio, the viewing distances, viewing angles, and overall image quality you like.

Stewart film screens makes the best consumer screens but are pretty expensive, probably more than your wanting to spend. Although you can find some used on like Videogon.com if you choose carefully.

Dalite comes in a close second.

Your projector will output and display a 16:9 image, which would be the recommended aspect ratio, which will give you the "theater" experience. but keep in mind you will have black bars on the top of some movies (which are shot in different aspect ratios) and also black bars on the sides for 4;3 shows or movies, unless you use masking.

To be honest you may not be really excited with the image your going to get from your projector even with a good screen, there are much better home projectors on the market. The best buy in projectors is the Panasonic PT-AE7000 and it will display 2:35 to 1 aspect ratio and has been reviewed as a excellent 3d projector as well.

Ive included a very handy calculator guide just choose the aspect ratio screen you want, and it will help you determine the size screen you can have. Choosing the right size screen for the viewing distances is vital, so choose carefully. To small a screen and it will not give you the theater experience, and to big a screen will amplify the flaws in the image quality, and projector.

Kevin
40 years high end audio video specialist




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