help choosing a projector!?

lynx6201

I'm looking for a home theater projector (~1500$ range or less) for my pool house. The building is about the size of a large living room, and there are a lot windows.

The main thing I've found, is that I probably want something thats pretty bright, a lot of lumens (is 3000 necessary?). I picked out two I thought might work, but since there are so many, I really don't know where to start, but I've been looking at some reviews on cnet..

1. http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater-projectors/dell-2400mp-dlp-projector/4505-7858_7-31878925.html?ttag=rev_spon_prod

2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824248056

Answer
There are a lot of multimedia/presentation projectors that have high lumens but they are typically less than ideal for home theater use. They use 4:3 ratios and generally have pixel counts like 1024 x 768 or 800 x 600 which are lower than high definition's 720p or 1080p.

They may be your only affordable option though as most home theater projector don't go over 2000 lumens and most being under 1500. You could go with one of these and use a high gain screen.

A high gain grey screen would be best when you have more ambient light in your room. Of course then you're talking about a screen that could cost as much as your projector. You will probably need a grey screen to help your black levels anyway.

Ultimately though you are going to have a washed out picture with poor contrast unless you are viewing movies at night. Have you though about buying some blinds or heavy blackout curtains for your windows?

backyard movie projector?

blondiie

How much do they cost, where can i buy or rent one, etc.. everything you know...

all answers get thumbs up

Answer
I've used for different projectors for my outdoor theater including an Epson S3, S4, InFocus IN74 and an Optoma HD70.

Depending on the ambient light in your area (I only have moon and starts with no streetlights) you will need at least 1200 Lumen and as high a contrast ratio as you can find. I get a lot of mine here.

www.tigerdirect.com

One will run from about $500 for 480p, 800 for 720p and $1800 for 1080p.

You will also need something for sound. Below is a great site for newbie outdoor movie enthusiasts, and feel free to email if you need help.

www.backyardtheater.com

weeder

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Projector????

Answer M

I Need a CHEAP Projector that is around 100-300 dollars. I Am 13 and i plan on playing a ps3 on it in my room. So any Suggetions thta would look GOOD on a ps3 would be nice!!!
it doenst nedd a dvd player either

Answer
While you may find a projector on eBay or elsewhere close to your price range (and a refurbished InFocus 4805, as suggested, would be a good choice if you can actually find one), you should be aware of a few things first.

The lamp in a projector needs to be replaced every 2-3000 hrs, so if you use for video games 3-4 hrs/day, that means you will have to replace it in as little as 18 months. And it could be sooner if you are not careful to cool down the lamp prpoerly after each use, avoid quick on-off cycles and protect against power cuts (which can shorten lamp life by ~20%).

The reason I make a big deal out of this is that a new lamp costs $300-$450 (depending on projector model), and usually only has a 90 day warranty.

Furthermore, to get a good picture from a projector rated under about 1500 lumens the room will have to be dark (or at least quite dim), and you need to project onto a screen ($200 or more to buy, $50 or so to make ... if you are handy) or onto a blank white (or light grey) wall.

Finally, make sure any model you find can be table mounted at a distance your room will accommodate for a reasonable picture size (this is not standardized).

So, a projector is a great idea, but go into the purchase planning to spend at least $250-$300 for the projector, more for a screen, and $3-$400 for a lamp in a year or so (or recognize the projector is a throw-away when the lamp goes. If you are OK with that ... happy gaming.

If you have a projector at your house answer this please?

Sam

Im on a budget here, well no so much of a budget but seeing how these projectors can get up to 2, 3, and sometimes more in prices i just wanted to hear the feedback from people that have the 4-6 maybe 7 hundred dollar projectors, hows the value, hows the picture quality and whats a good brand for the money or a good model. some important facts are its for a small room for movies, games and stuff like that, the screen would be maybe 5-7 feet wide
thanks in advance

Answer
These days projectors in the $700+ range are as good as projectors that cost $3000 several years ago. For under $1000 it's difficult (but not impossible) to get an HD (720p) projector (desirable), but even a good lower resolution projector can give a good image in a dark/dim room. You may want to keep the image size under 90" or so (diagonal), but assuming it is well calibrated (colour accuracy and saturation) and has 2000:1 or better contrast it will give a very good picture.

Just remember that projectors use high cost lamps that last 2-3 years (typically 3000 hrs) and cost $300+ to replace.

Personally, I have had two projectors now (720p and 1080p models) and won't go back to a standard HDTV. The BIG picture is just too compelling.

See link sites for some good info / recommendations.

EDIT: A sub $1000 1080p projector has just been announced. See 3rd link.

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