....hey guys. I was just curious if anyone would have any helpful input on a projector around $3,000 that has a great image for viewing movies and playing alot of video games on. Thnx for any replies~

First, I assume you mean "$3,000" and not "$3,0000" (=$30,000) :rolleyes:.

Second, everybody asks that question and everybody has their own opinion, based on their experience and/or their own research. Unfortunately, you must do the same - we can't tell you, since we don't know your preferences and what your viewing environment may be.

Every thread in this forum deals with the large number of projectors that satisfy the criteria that you have provided, so far. In addition, there are a number of internet sites that review projectors - my favorite is www.projectorreviews.com.

You say that you want to watch movies (from what sources?) and video games (again, from what PC or which game console?). All of these will effect the decision as to what projector and screen would be the best for you.

Remember, you also need a sound system (projectors do not have speakers - it's not a TV set). So your budget has to include money for a PJ, a screen and a sound system. The rule of thumb is that you should put as much money into you sound system as you do into your projector & screen (sound is 50% of the projector experience).

The best suggestion I can make is for you to read, read, and read some more (research that you have to do). These threads are a good source, as are the various review sites and magazines.

Room size ?
Ambient light?
Throw distance?

The top 2 are the Sony VW-40 and the Epson 1080p "UB"

Here is a full list of suggestions
http://thetechhunter.blogspot.com/2007/03/prey-captured-projectors.html

I use my projector almost exclusively for gaming. Gaming on big screen is an amazing experience, depends on what kind of games you are talking about HD (360, PS3 or PC) or SD (Wii). The former will look amazing on big screen the later won't look so good. For single player w/ less then 14' view distance, I think 100" is the sweet spot. Multiplayer split screen will certainly benefit from a larger screen size 120". Any larger you'll have to consider high gain screen with very bright projector.

Depending on the size you are aiming for, 60" and under you'll be better off with a plasma or LCD. Then you need to figure out whether your viewing environment will be suitable for front projection, mostly light control. Next you need to work out placement, throw distance etc. With all the information you can then work out which projector will meet the requirements and still within budget and remember to factor in the cost of a screen and whatever modification is need to the viewing environment. To work out which technology (DLP, LCD or LCoS) is more suitable you should try to get a demo from local dealers. There are many debates as to which technology is superior but the difference is at best marginal. Whether it is a DLP, LCD or LCoS projector the picture quality will be extremely impressive. You may even want to consider last year's models which are heavily discounted. The difference in image quality between last year's and the current models is very small.

To all that replied back I would like to say thanks for the helpful advice!

Currently building a house with 9' foundation and pretty much told the wife that the basement is all mine!

With that said, Im pretty sure you guys know what im gonna do with it!:D

Planning on doing a HT as soon as the house is done being built. Pretty much have the sound part all picked out. Gonna be doing a 7.1 and Im really liking the Polk brand for stand up front left, right, center....and possibly rears. Dont remember the sub and surrounds I picked out but have em written down somewhere. Really like the Dennon brand for reciever. My other problem is buying a screen. Ive been lurking in here for 2 weeks learning new terms and gaining alot of knowledge but there is still alot to be taken in. These boards seem to be filled with alot of nice, understanding people to talk to for help.

Basically, there will be no windows in the HT room. (Does that mean there will be no ambient light??)...sorry, im a noob. Plan on putting scones, and pot lights. Hoping the dimensions of room will be around 25length, 15-16width and about 8height. I have no damn clue to be honest with you guys about the purchase of a projector or screen. I just know I would like it to be at least 100"-120 viewing. I will be using the Theater/projector for viewing DVD's, Blueray, playing xbox360 (over xboxlive) and Playstation 3.

Another question. Am I going to need a projector that has alot of inputs? Basically, Im going to be viewing DVD's and Bluerays through my xbox360 and PS3. So that would mean I would need at least 2 inputs/outputs for HDMI?!

Anyway, thnx again for all your help and hope you guys dont mind me asking alot of questions because there will be more as the months go by.:D

You can always buy an HDMI switch and connect the xbox and ps3 with short cables to the switch then connect the switch to the projector with a longer cable.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=hdmi+switch&x=0&y=0

That site is also great for buying cables

Thnx again for some helpful info!!!

Well if you are building you home theatre and getting 7.1 speakers you may want to get an av receiver with 3-4 HMDI inputs instead of a HDMI switch. The av receiver can be used as a switch for audio and video, upscaling up to 1080p, analog input (composite, s video, component) to digital output (HDMI) conversion, Dolby True HD and other HD audio decoding.

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/avreceivers/907onk875/index.html

If you already have a receiver but require additional HDMI inputs you may want to keep an eye out for the soon to be released Gefen Scaler Pro.