assassinat
Hi All!
I'm looking to buy a home theater projector and get off of television once and for all.
I'm looking to spend about $1000, and a used one is ok. I'm looking for quality of picture, how well it works with the lights on, and reliability.
Thanks!
Answer
In general projectors -- like most TVs -- give the best picture in a dark/dim room. If you leave lights on contrast suffers and the "pop" is reduced. That said, bright projectors (which unfortunately also mean you risk shorter lamp life) will work (particularly with a suitable screen) to give a good picture even in a moderately bright room.
I commend you on proposing to replace your TV as the primary display --- it's the best way by far to get a big picture and get an overall movie (or HDTV) watching experience that can even beat a movie theatre. Although ... it's worth noting that keeping a small TV is probably advisable for watching the news or things that don't warrant turning on a projector.
This is because lamps in projectors do wear out (Typically they last 3-4000 hrs) and cost $300 or so to replace. The life of the lamp is maximized if on/off cycles are minimized (particularly short cycles and if the lamp isn't allowed to cool properly). See the 1st link on maximizing lamp life.
Now to projectors. Since needs vary widely I'm going to reference a list of recommended home theatre projectors (2nd link). Many are outside your price point, but there are some that fit your budget. Do some reading on this (and other sites, such as projectorreviews.com) to learn more before you make a decision.
Hope this helps.
In general projectors -- like most TVs -- give the best picture in a dark/dim room. If you leave lights on contrast suffers and the "pop" is reduced. That said, bright projectors (which unfortunately also mean you risk shorter lamp life) will work (particularly with a suitable screen) to give a good picture even in a moderately bright room.
I commend you on proposing to replace your TV as the primary display --- it's the best way by far to get a big picture and get an overall movie (or HDTV) watching experience that can even beat a movie theatre. Although ... it's worth noting that keeping a small TV is probably advisable for watching the news or things that don't warrant turning on a projector.
This is because lamps in projectors do wear out (Typically they last 3-4000 hrs) and cost $300 or so to replace. The life of the lamp is maximized if on/off cycles are minimized (particularly short cycles and if the lamp isn't allowed to cool properly). See the 1st link on maximizing lamp life.
Now to projectors. Since needs vary widely I'm going to reference a list of recommended home theatre projectors (2nd link). Many are outside your price point, but there are some that fit your budget. Do some reading on this (and other sites, such as projectorreviews.com) to learn more before you make a decision.
Hope this helps.
what is a good theater projector for a home?
Donald
Just looking for good brands and maybe good places to look for home theater projectors. And what lumens i should look for and contrast ratio andor anything else. THanks
Answer
There are a few questions you may want to ask yourself to determine if a front projection system is practical way to go.
What distance will you be viewing it from ? This will determine the best screen size and weather a projection system or direct view HD TV is the best choice.
(Remember a direct View HD TV is going to provide a better image overall especially if on a budget than a projection system, your simply limited by the size screen with Direct View TV's. So if your within approximately 15 ft a direct view HD TV is a better way to go)
Can you control the lighting ? Projection systems really need to be viewed in rooms where light can be controlled.
A good quality screen is also needed to get a good image, and the quality of the screen makes a HUGE difference and they are not cheap. So a screen has to be considered in the budget.
There are many cheap projectors on the market, and honestly none that produce a very good image, so unless your looking to spend $2500 or more I would not recommend a projection system.
Granted a large screen projection system is fun, and does provide a more movie theater experience, but budget, lighting, and viewing distance is the determining factors which is the best system to go with.
As for brands, Epson, Panansonic, JVC, Runco, Barco, Wolf (in order of performance and price) are the better brands.
You cannot buy a projector on specifications, and honestly it tells you very little to nothing about its performance, so your best bet is to go by reviews. Since reviewers can compare to other models directly, have more controlled tests to know which projectors are better.
It would be impossible to to compare models are stores, as they don't have the best environment to addition projectors, they are rarely calibrated correctly, and they don't use high quality screens.
UNLESS you go to one of the high end audio video stores who specialize in projection systems. That is certainly your best option if you want to see first hand why the better projectors are more expensive.
Projector Central and Widescreen Review are good sites for reviews on projection systems.
And lastly if you do decide on a projector, having it properly calibrated is essential. You can either learn to do it yourself with the right tools (good calibration disc, like the video essentials blu ray) or you can even have it professionally calibrated by a certified ISF technician in your area for around $400 (just go to ISF's website and look under dealers near you)
Kevin
40 years high end audio video specialist
There are a few questions you may want to ask yourself to determine if a front projection system is practical way to go.
What distance will you be viewing it from ? This will determine the best screen size and weather a projection system or direct view HD TV is the best choice.
(Remember a direct View HD TV is going to provide a better image overall especially if on a budget than a projection system, your simply limited by the size screen with Direct View TV's. So if your within approximately 15 ft a direct view HD TV is a better way to go)
Can you control the lighting ? Projection systems really need to be viewed in rooms where light can be controlled.
A good quality screen is also needed to get a good image, and the quality of the screen makes a HUGE difference and they are not cheap. So a screen has to be considered in the budget.
There are many cheap projectors on the market, and honestly none that produce a very good image, so unless your looking to spend $2500 or more I would not recommend a projection system.
Granted a large screen projection system is fun, and does provide a more movie theater experience, but budget, lighting, and viewing distance is the determining factors which is the best system to go with.
As for brands, Epson, Panansonic, JVC, Runco, Barco, Wolf (in order of performance and price) are the better brands.
You cannot buy a projector on specifications, and honestly it tells you very little to nothing about its performance, so your best bet is to go by reviews. Since reviewers can compare to other models directly, have more controlled tests to know which projectors are better.
It would be impossible to to compare models are stores, as they don't have the best environment to addition projectors, they are rarely calibrated correctly, and they don't use high quality screens.
UNLESS you go to one of the high end audio video stores who specialize in projection systems. That is certainly your best option if you want to see first hand why the better projectors are more expensive.
Projector Central and Widescreen Review are good sites for reviews on projection systems.
And lastly if you do decide on a projector, having it properly calibrated is essential. You can either learn to do it yourself with the right tools (good calibration disc, like the video essentials blu ray) or you can even have it professionally calibrated by a certified ISF technician in your area for around $400 (just go to ISF's website and look under dealers near you)
Kevin
40 years high end audio video specialist
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Title Post: Home theater projectors?
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Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thank FOr Coming TO My Blog
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