iamthejan
I don't watch much TV and don't have cable, but occasionally like to watch tv shows or dvds on my laptop. I'd like to get rid of my hulking tv & dvd player (used for watching movies), and just plug the laptop into a projector when we want to watch something as a group on the "big screen". I'd just run the HDMI cable from computer to projector, & show it up on the wall. Is this a feasable plan? What kind of projector would be recommended for this? Thanks!
To add more info- first rate quality is not much of a concern for me. I wouldn't bother with blue-ray, and don't notice the difference with high-def. Of course I don't want a terrible picture, but low-tech, "regular-def" is fine with me. The living room is the only place I have to use it, and would not have a super dark "theater" atmosphere.
Answer
It's doable, but note that most projectors don't have any audio capability (some have a small mono speaker but it would be totally inadequate for what you want). You need to have either computer speakers or to be able to feed audio from the laptop to suitable speakers.
Note that projectors cover a wide range of types and prices. In general, for video you want one with as high resolution as you are willing to pay for (I'd recommend one capable of projecting a 720p or higher image), and with a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1. Note that while "regular def" may be oK to you on a small screen, because of the big image on a projector screen you won't be satisfied with it on a projector ... hence the recommendation of 720p minimum. You will need to use it in a dim/dark room to get a good picture (some light is acceptable -- particularly if the projector has a bright lamp -- but as with HDTVs light tends to wash out the picture.. Expect to pay $700+ for anything reasonable ... and note that lamps have to be replaced (a $250+ item) about every 3000 hrs of use.
As to brands/models there are many good brands and the selection of brand and model depnds very much on what budget and features you value. I suggest doing some reading at the links.
It's doable, but note that most projectors don't have any audio capability (some have a small mono speaker but it would be totally inadequate for what you want). You need to have either computer speakers or to be able to feed audio from the laptop to suitable speakers.
Note that projectors cover a wide range of types and prices. In general, for video you want one with as high resolution as you are willing to pay for (I'd recommend one capable of projecting a 720p or higher image), and with a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1. Note that while "regular def" may be oK to you on a small screen, because of the big image on a projector screen you won't be satisfied with it on a projector ... hence the recommendation of 720p minimum. You will need to use it in a dim/dark room to get a good picture (some light is acceptable -- particularly if the projector has a bright lamp -- but as with HDTVs light tends to wash out the picture.. Expect to pay $700+ for anything reasonable ... and note that lamps have to be replaced (a $250+ item) about every 3000 hrs of use.
As to brands/models there are many good brands and the selection of brand and model depnds very much on what budget and features you value. I suggest doing some reading at the links.
what is a 230" Home Theater Projector Kit HD TV 1080p LCD ESPN?
Adam Hoste
Answer
Sounds like an ht plus hd projector/screen combo. I don't know what espn means.
Sounds like an ht plus hd projector/screen combo. I don't know what espn means.
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