Projectors?

Pasky M

I have a few questions about projectors, I am going to get one to put in my room that I want to hook my computer up to to play games on a huge screen, i want to wathc movies on it through my computer, and I want to be able to watch local t.v. chaneels on it somehow. (my budget is I'm trying to keep it under $1000 including projection screen; I already have a sound system so that's not in my budget)

Q1: What projector should I get?
Q2: I get that the amount of lumens means how bright it can get, so what would be a good amount of lumens?
Q3: What would be a good contrast ratio? (I know the higher the better, but what is minimum amount the projector should have?)
Q4: What brand?
Q5: Where should I get it (Newegg, Bestbuy, Tigerdirect?)
Q6: Is a projector worth it instead of a tv? (I have enough space for up to 200 inches, so I thought a projecter would be a good idea, because then I could roll up the screen when I didn't need, and use the space, and it's cheaper than a big t.v.)
Ummmmm.. one thing I forgot is: is there anyway I can hook my projector up to local t.v.? (like bunny ears). I also understand that all t.v. will be digital by february of next year, so could I use a digital box to get local channels to play on my projecter?

Answer
Lets see If I can help



Q1: What projector should I get?

You want to make sure that the pj you get has a native resolution of at least 1280 X 720 so you can experience 720p HD. You should be able to find one for less than $800 and I actually just picked up an Optoma HD70 for about $650 after rebate.

Q2: I get that the amount of lumens means how bright it can get, so what would be a good amount of lumens?

Anything between 1000 and 1200 should be good. You get too many Lumens and you risk washing out the picture.

Q3: What would be a good contrast ratio? (I know the higher the better, but what is minimum amount the projector should have?)

I'd look for at least 2000:1

Q4: What brand?

There a gazillion of them but I prefer Infocus, Optoma or Epson and have had good experiences with all of them.

Q5: Where should I get it (Newegg, Bestbuy, Tigerdirect?)

For gods sake not Best Buy. Personally I have bought a few from Tigerdirect, but before I do I will do a search for the specific item on Yahoo Shopping so I can compare all of the online prices.


Q6: Is a projector worth it instead of a tv?

Absolutely! Watching HD on the big screen will BLOW YOU AWAY! I have been slowly replacing ALL my TV's with projection

weeder

projectors?

Matt

I want a projector that you can still see if there is light in the room. aka doesnt have to be super dark in order to see the screen. does this mean more lumens or less not sure any help would be great.

Answer
Here's a true bargain projector overall which can easily be hooked up to cable, satellite, game machines, and is very bright. Check it out at amazon.com - or

http://www.amazon.com/InFocus-Screenplay-Front-Projector-SP4805/dp/B00065H3XQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1216761071&sr=8-1

It comes with a built-in speaker. Read the 15 Customer Reviews.

And here's an actual 96" diagonal movie image [A Good woman].

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/e6/32/22ab225b9da0543f3304f010.L.jpg

Good luck!

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Home theater projectors?

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.

is buying a projector screen worth buying?

HalpME! :D

I'm interested in buying a projector and possibly a screen for it, but is it worth buying? Is the quality much better?

Answer
A screen is not needed if the projector has a high light output (lumens). Just make sure the wall color is white and not glossy. Flat white is best and satin will work. A projector screen will improve the picture as the light is captured onto the screen and the crystals on the screen hold onto the light, but like I said, if the projector is bright enough, you'll be ok.

Screens can limit the picture size, sway with breezes from fans, may not be attractive to the room unless they rise or drop from the ceiling (which can get expensive), and get damaged.

I do have a screen because the paint in the room is glossy white and the reflection from the lamp is noticed when viewing the picture. A screen will not produce a glare. Overall , yes the picture will appear clearer and the whole picture will be even in color and brightness. The wall will "bounce" the image, while the screen will capture it and display it without the glare.

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Define a data projector?

Q.

Answer
A video projector is an image projector that receives a video signal and projects the corresponding image on a projection screen using a lens system. All video projectors use a very bright light to project the image, and most modern ones can correct any curves, blurriness, and other inconsistencies through manual settings. Video projectors are widely used for many applications such as, conference room presentations, classroom training, home theatre and concerts. Projectors are widely used in many schools and other educational settings, sometimes connected to an interactive whiteboard to interactively teach pupils.

what is best power point projector for bright room?

Laura S

We have a small country church. Several windows - white walls. They want a projector but do not want to have to make the sanctuary dark to use it? Any suggestions? Needs ideas for which projector and what type of screen? Thank you!

Answer
lumens are the key, it is the measure orf brightness, look at this page below and decide the number of lumens you will need for your size room and lighting conditions then go from there http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/lumen-guide.asp

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i want to bye a projector for a screen size 15 X20 feets with good picture quality. tell me the best bye.?

rajat s

screen size 15 X20 feet . want to project in day light not in sun light. need a good picture quality. sagest me the brands, model no.& average price in india & us.

Answer
If you really mean a 15' x 20' screen (not room size) you are going to need a very bright commercial grade projector. It will also need a very large room (30'-40' front to back or more). One suitable model would be the Sanyo PLC-XP100 (6500 lumens). The US street price is about $6500.

See the link and check out the projector calculator. It shows the throw distances necessary for a 20' screen and the impact size/distance and screen gain has on brightness. Once you have an idea of the brightness necessary for the size and gain screen you plan to use you could also look at alternatives. You will need to consider brightness first, then lens options and want to keep contrast ratio over 1500:1. The second link has a listing of projectors suitable for conference room/cinema use.

Home theater projectors?

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.

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