For a home theater system, what is a good price worthy projector?

musicman

I have been looking at the the Mitsibishi HD 1000u 720p HDTV DLP projector, priced right around $800.00. LIke to keep price below 1000. Any help appreciated.

Answer
Hi.The Mitsubishi HD 1000U 720p is an excellent projector for the money.Another one to consider is the Optoma HD70 DLP 720p for about $930.00.Also the Infocus LP 340B looks like a good buy at $799.00

Check out the specifications below to compare the 3 projectors

http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com/products/projectors/HD1000U.html

http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?ID=938475&ref=FRG1

http://www.shopcol.com/lp340b.html

Looking to buy a Good projector thats not so expensive?

kerse l

Hi everyone im looking to buy a projector for home use to watch movies with my family on movie nights. I am looking for a good qaulity one that is not so expensive. Looking to spend $500 or less. Open to opinions and advice. thanks

Answer
With that budget it's going to be tough unless you look for used. The Projector Central web site is a good resource. http://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater-multimedia-projectors.htm They give top ten list in this link but the cheapest one in the 720p category list for $604. http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-HD65.htm You might be able to get a deal on it someplace. I don't know how good it is. It is noisy at 29 dB and with limited contrast ratio at 4000:1. You may want to think about the noise level, 29 dB is pretty loud during quiet scenes in the movie.

There are a lot of considerations. What do you plan to use for a screen? Screen material comes in different gain and viewing angle so you need to first look at your room and determine what you need. How far off axis will the worst case viewing position be? What are your lighting conditions? Viewing distance? Projector Central has an online calculator you should use before deciding how many lumens brightness you need and what screen gain you need. http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm You can save money on a screen by buying the screen material and stretching it onto your own frame. http://store.cousinsvideo.com/cut-to-size.html This will save you a lot of money over buying a screen! Here is my own DIY screen... http://www.mfk-projects.com/theatre_screen.htm

It takes a bit of research to figure it all out. I knew absolutely nothing about projectors and screens when I started drawing up my own home theater but it was definitely a learning experience. If you take the time to study web sites like Projector Central and do a lot of googling home theater projects you can develop a lot of good ideas. The ultimate is to add an anamorphic lens and do a 2.4:1 screen but that's really going to throw you out of budget. It's something to consider though, a good home theater is a really enjoyable thing to have.

Hopefully Kevin L. will see this question and offer his thoughts. He knows a lot more about projector selection than I do. All I know is what I learned along the way building my theater. http://www.mfk-projects.com/home_theatre.htm

mk

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What is, for the money, the best home movie projector?

Chesterkat

I'm getting a new apartment and I want a projector with the same quality as a tv.

Answer
Bar none the following projectors â all âFull-HDâ, native 1080p designs â currently offer the best performance and value for the money.

JVC DLA-RS1 or DLA-HD1 D-ILA Home Theater Projectors (1920Ã1080)
http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD4207000&pathId=140
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/features.jsp?model_id=MDL101681

Sony VPL-VW50 âPearlâ SXRD Home Theater Projector (1920Ã1080)
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=VPLVW50
CNET Review - Sony VPL-VW50
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_VPL_VW50/4505-3180_7-32069200.html

Panasonic PT-AE1000U Home Theater Projector (1920Ã1080)
http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=102052

Mitsubishi HC5000(BL) LCD Projector
http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com/products/projectors/HC5000BL.html
Product Review - Mitsubishi HC5000 LCD Projector
http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages_b/hc5000.html
Mitsubishi HC5000 HC5000BL Projector Review
http://www.projectorreviews.com/Manufacturers/mitsubishi/HC5000BL/index.asp
Ultimate AV Review - Mitsubishi HC5000 LCD Projector
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/videoprojectors/107mits5000/

Of the current crop of ALL high definition projectors the Sony VPL-VW50 âPearlâ SXRD, the Panasonic PT-AE1000U, and the Mitsubishi HC5000 home theater projectors are arguably three of the best buys at the present time, selling for discounted prices of approximately $4300, $4000 and $4500 respectively. Even at the MSRP of $6300 the JVC DLA-RS1 or DLA-HD1 D-ILA Home Theater Projectors are a bargain for the level of performance they provide.

Projectors and apartments are a fairly unusual combination due to a variety of viewing room constraints associated with apartments. Nevertheless the best choice, especially for apartment use, will be a âFull-HDâ, native1080p projector with the goal of viewing as much source material as possible in the form of 1080p video; 720p being the next best choice. If you'll be viewing a lot of 480-line video source material (DVD-Video, SDTV, etc.,) you will need to make sure you're using equipment that can effectively upscale 480-line video source material to not less than the native resolution of your projector, preferably 720 pixels or greater.

When shopping for a projector I highly recommend that you carefully audition each projector using ALL of the video sources similar to what you will regularly be using, particularly if you will be watching predominantly non-HD video.

You will also need to take into consideration the cost of purchasing a quality projection screen from a company such as Stewart Filmscreen, Da-Lite, Draper, or DNP. For an apartment I would recommend a (16:9) screen no larger than 82-inches (diag.) with a gain no higher than 1.3; if you feel you need a screen with more gain then there may be too much ambient light and you would be better off choosing an alternative to a front projector. Of all the current display technologies front projectors are the most demanding of the viewing environment.

Last but not least you will also need to consider the proper viewing distance(s) for the type of source material you will be viewing. (For more info on proper viewing distances please read my replies from the Yahoo! Answers links below.) If you sit too close you will be constantly distracted by visible picture structure such as individual scan lines or pixels in the video image. Generally the higher the resolution the closer you will be able to sit to the screen before picture structure will become a serious problem.
________________________

Update 2007-04-22
In June of this year Sony plans to release two new 1280Ã720, 3LCD-based, video projectors: the BRAVIA VPL-AW15 and VPL-AW10. The 3LCD equipped BRAVIA VPL-AW15, featuring "auto iris mode" and lens shift along with an estimated retail price of $1,300, may provide consumers an unprecedented price-to-performance ratio in the 1280Ã720 projector range.

http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6431891
 

What's a good projector for gaming at parties?

Side of EP

What's a good projector for Xbox 360 gaming at parties and stuff, nothing permanent, but something that's nice. I don't need anything bigger than what the average projector screen uses. something wide screen preferably, doesn't need to be 1080p, 480p-720p

Answer
If resolution does not matter then I would suggest a Panasonic PT LB3U. You will want a projector that's at least 3000 lumens. The more lumens the brighter the projector.

If you want could always rent a projector instead of buying one to save money.

http://grandavservices.com

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What's a good projector for gaming at parties?

Side of EP

What's a good projector for Xbox 360 gaming at parties and stuff, nothing permanent, but something that's nice. I don't need anything bigger than what the average projector screen uses. something wide screen preferably, doesn't need to be 1080p, 480p-720p

Answer
If resolution does not matter then I would suggest a Panasonic PT LB3U. You will want a projector that's at least 3000 lumens. The more lumens the brighter the projector.

If you want could always rent a projector instead of buying one to save money.

http://grandavservices.com

What is a Good Brand DLP Projector...?

EastCoast

I want to buy a DLP digital projector. ( not the tv). I want to know what brand is the best? Or atleast a good company to buy from?. Thanks!

Answer
This will totally depend on your budget and what type of projection you want to do. Since you posted this in "Home Theater", I will assume that's what you're looking to use it for. For the money, I think Optoma makes some of the best affordable 1080p HD projectors. They sell the 1080p HD20 model for $1000. Epson also has very good HD units. If all you need is 720p, check out the 705hd.

However, if you need high quality and money isn't that tight, Mitsubishi's lineup is hard to beat. Check out www.projectorcentral.com for some details, reviews, and current prices. Pick out a few you like and then check out the user's reviews on sites like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. and you'll get pretty good feedback from actual users and details on what environment they were using it in.

It's pretty crucial that you know what kind of light you'll be using it in, the distance at what you'll be projecting at (throw ratios come into play here), and what you're viewing (computer, movies, gaming).

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What is a Good Brand DLP Projector...?

EastCoast

I want to buy a DLP digital projector. ( not the tv). I want to know what brand is the best? Or atleast a good company to buy from?. Thanks!

Answer
This will totally depend on your budget and what type of projection you want to do. Since you posted this in "Home Theater", I will assume that's what you're looking to use it for. For the money, I think Optoma makes some of the best affordable 1080p HD projectors. They sell the 1080p HD20 model for $1000. Epson also has very good HD units. If all you need is 720p, check out the 705hd.

However, if you need high quality and money isn't that tight, Mitsubishi's lineup is hard to beat. Check out www.projectorcentral.com for some details, reviews, and current prices. Pick out a few you like and then check out the user's reviews on sites like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. and you'll get pretty good feedback from actual users and details on what environment they were using it in.

It's pretty crucial that you know what kind of light you'll be using it in, the distance at what you'll be projecting at (throw ratios come into play here), and what you're viewing (computer, movies, gaming).

Good home theater projector.?

Ryan

My Optoma DLP EZ735 just crapped out (color wheel). I loved it. I was able to return it and now have $1300 looking for the next awesome home projector. The Optoma was 720p with HDMI inputs.

Requirements
At least as good as the Optoma 735
720p (Would love 1080p)
HDMI or DVI inputs
HDCP compliant
I use it mainly for iTunes downloads, DVDs, and XBox
I could spend 3-400 more than the $1300.
OH ... and I want to be able to get a 5 year extended full warranty

Answer
See the recommended 720p models at the bottom of the page at the link. Reviews of all these (and more) projectors are also on this site. For more money you might want to stretch to the Sanyo Z700. The 2nd link is to another good review site.

I don't know about a 5 year warranty ... 3 is more normal. Besides technology changes so quickly you will probably trade the projector for a new model in 3-4 years maximum.

Every projector is different, so read specs and reviews carefully to find one that fits your needs best.

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Is it worth spending the money to buy a blu-ray disc player, or is there really not much difference?

best 720p projector for the money image

lahlahdips

For those who have them, let me know if it's been worth the investment or if I'd be better off waiting another year or two for the prices to drop.

Answer
I don't have a Blu-ray player but do have an HD DVD player ... which -- according to most experts -- gives virtually identical video and audio performance to Blu-ray.

I use a 720p HD projector, a 110" screen and a good 7.2 audio system for movies and HDTV. I tried HD movies and did careful comparisons and found very little difference between HD DVD and upconverted DVDs and, even before HD DVD died I decided not to buy HD DVD disks since DVDs were plenty good enough and far cheaper.

I might see more difference if I had a 1080p projector .... and someday may upgrade ... but with my current setup I'm in no hurry to buy into Blu-ray because the price premium on disks (~$10 vs the same movie on DVD) just isn't worth it.

Everything I read says Blu-ray CAN be great, but often is only a little better than DVD. Furthermore all too many movies are either not available on Blu-ray or don't really justify HD treatment (who needs an HD version of "Jackass" or "Van Wilder", or even "home movie" films like "Cloverfield" or "28 Days"?).

My conclusion is that Blu-ray is in trouble. It's evolutionary, not revolutionary. It isn't going away ... but isn't a sure thing to replace DVD as the mainstream format. Rather, it will continue to coexist with DVD as a premium priced HD alternative.

While prices will come down in the next year or so, Blu-ray will always be more expensive than DVD (more difficult and expensive to master, higher production costs, higher licensing fees).

The judgement as to how much extra it is worth to get Blu-ray quality is a personal one, but at the moment I would recommend anyone other than an "early adopter" (those who must have new technology no matter what the cost) with a 40"+ screen 1080p display and a GOOD audio system stay with DVD until prices come down significantly. The benefits of Blu-ray just are not that compelling for most consumers ... and certainly not at current prices.

What is the best HD Projector and screen to buy?

gregory m

I want HD, or LCD with a good price, that I can watch tv and play games on.

Answer
The consensus is that the best 1080p projector for the dollar is the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB (See first link for a typical review) ... although there are other good choices .. particularly if you are willing to spend more (See 2nd link).

That said, HD projectors include 720p models (not just 1080p) and cost significantly less.

The "BEST" projector is a very personal decision though (which is why I haven't pointed to a specific brand/model ... other than the Epson) because each model has differences that may make it "better" for your needs / tastes than another.

See the reviews at the two linked sites and look for comparative reviews since they point out the relative strengths and weaknesses. I know it's easier to have someone say "buy this one", but you owe it to yourself (given the money involved) to do the work of defining your needs (based on space available, room conditions, budget, intended programming, personal taste, etc) to define your needs then assess available models against the resulting criteria.

Same for screens. The BEST is arguably a Stewart screen, but Carada, Da-Lite and others are better value for the money, and a DIY screen (many options here) may be the best of the lot (on a value for money basis). See the last link for more.

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Blu ray or a upscaling player? Is blu ray disc player worth it to buy?

best 720p projector for the money image

elle

I just bought a LCD 1080i. I"m debating on just buying upscaling or blu ray disc player. Can Blu ray play regular DVDs and play on 1080i format? Or should I just save money and by a upscaling player that plays regular DVDs. How is the output on the upscaling player?

Answer
Not an easy question to answer.

First, you will have to decide based on YOUR priorities ... but let me offer some things to consider.

- Blu-ray is, and will likely remain, a niche premium format for people who can benefit and are willing to pay the premium price (~$300+ for the player and $5-$20 more for disks of the same movie vs DVD).

- Opinion of Blu-ray can vary from "wow!" to "what's all the fuss about" ... depending on how it is being displayed.

- To FULLY benefit you need a 40" or larger 1080p HDTV, with a good surround sound system capable of handling the advanced audio formats.

- You will still get some benefit from Blu-ray with a 720p HDTV (what you have), but you don't mention screen size, where you intend to watch from and whether you have a good sound system ... all of which influence the benefit/cost equation.

- Many Blu-ray films are poorly mastered and don't look much better than DVD even under optimum conditions.

- An upconverting DVD player won't make a DVD look as good as a Blu-ray disk, but on a 720p HDTV under about 40" detail will look fairly close. But picture quality is subjective -- and dependent on more than just resolution -- so you really have to see it for yourself and decide if Blu-Ray is worthwhile. Why not view a DVD and a Blu-ray disk on a HDTV similar to yours and see for yourself?

Personally I can say that I have a 720p projector and a 110" screen, and I tried HD DVD disks (which give essentially identical picture and audio quality to Blu-ray) and found insignificant improvement over upscaled DVDs. Since then I have bought 2 HD DVD tiltes (Planet eart and Sunrise Earth) and over 50 DVDs. I use my HD DVD player as an upscaling DVD player ... and pay about $20 less for movies than if I bought Blu-ray. So I guess I'm biased ... but upconverted DVD look just fine with me.

I should caution that not everyone sees the same thing (which is why I recommended seeing for yourself).

If you do consider an upconverting players note they are only as good as the video processing chip they use ... so avoid the under $60 models. The best are Oppo's models but they are a bit pricy.

BTW, if you do decide an upconverting DVD player is enough the liquidation prices (~$75) in effect on the Toshiba HD-A3 or Venture HD-7000 (Wal-Mart's brand) HD DVD player make them a very attractive option (and as a bonus you can play any of the 400 HD DVD movies available (Noting there will be very few new ones after this month)). But you will have to move fairly fast .. a lot of people have realized the same thing and they are getting snapped up fast.

Finally, if you decide on Blu-ray, other than the PS3, you should wait until near the end of the year to get a Profile 2.0 (BD-Live!) player, and for prices to come down a bit.

Hope that helps.

Is it worth spending the money to buy a blu-ray disc player, or is there really not much difference?

lahlahdips

For those who have them, let me know if it's been worth the investment or if I'd be better off waiting another year or two for the prices to drop.

Answer
I don't have a Blu-ray player but do have an HD DVD player ... which -- according to most experts -- gives virtually identical video and audio performance to Blu-ray.

I use a 720p HD projector, a 110" screen and a good 7.2 audio system for movies and HDTV. I tried HD movies and did careful comparisons and found very little difference between HD DVD and upconverted DVDs and, even before HD DVD died I decided not to buy HD DVD disks since DVDs were plenty good enough and far cheaper.

I might see more difference if I had a 1080p projector .... and someday may upgrade ... but with my current setup I'm in no hurry to buy into Blu-ray because the price premium on disks (~$10 vs the same movie on DVD) just isn't worth it.

Everything I read says Blu-ray CAN be great, but often is only a little better than DVD. Furthermore all too many movies are either not available on Blu-ray or don't really justify HD treatment (who needs an HD version of "Jackass" or "Van Wilder", or even "home movie" films like "Cloverfield" or "28 Days"?).

My conclusion is that Blu-ray is in trouble. It's evolutionary, not revolutionary. It isn't going away ... but isn't a sure thing to replace DVD as the mainstream format. Rather, it will continue to coexist with DVD as a premium priced HD alternative.

While prices will come down in the next year or so, Blu-ray will always be more expensive than DVD (more difficult and expensive to master, higher production costs, higher licensing fees).

The judgement as to how much extra it is worth to get Blu-ray quality is a personal one, but at the moment I would recommend anyone other than an "early adopter" (those who must have new technology no matter what the cost) with a 40"+ screen 1080p display and a GOOD audio system stay with DVD until prices come down significantly. The benefits of Blu-ray just are not that compelling for most consumers ... and certainly not at current prices.

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