Just recently I have consider moving toward a Projector then having a huge lcd tv for my movie pleasures. Now I am just looking for any good sites for beginners or maybe even some good forums post that didn't come across. The thing I am looking for are like types of projectors, maybe certain words or phrases that I may come across. Any thing will help as I am a complete noob to this stuff thank-you in advance

http://www.projectorreviews.com/

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home.cfm

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=753497&page=1

These should, at the very least, get you going and they are chock full of info.

Ofcourse don't forget to check the "Display Devices" area on this forum.

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Front projectors for home theaters are, in my opinion, the best way to go about providing the theatrical presentation/movie going experience. There are a few things I would recommend keeping in mind:

1. Technology is always advancing and prices are always dropping.
2. Once you've gain some knowledge, buy the best projector that will fit into your budget.
3. Have it calibrated to your room. (If not by you, then by an ISF pro).
4. Sit back, watch movies, TV, play games, etc and enjoy your purchase (this sounds very easy in theory, but you'd be surprise...)

Once those are done, STAY AWAY from the forums about projectors until you are ready to upgrade which, at the least, should be about 2-3 years.

I would append that you can come back and visit AVS to see the progression and tweaks in the threads that are dedicated to the projector that you purchased. If you stray out of that though, you may be caught up in the web of upgrades and other projector hype.

The nice thing is that you are coming in at a great time to be buying. All of the current projectors are 1080p so you aren't going to have to play catch-up on the resolution.
Contrast is really good too.
Prices have dropped substantially for the performance that you get.

What a great time!!!

Have fun.

Just recently I have consider moving toward a Projector then having a huge lcd tv for my movie pleasures. Now I am just looking for any good sites for beginners or maybe even some good forums post that didn't come across. The thing I am looking for are like types of projectors, maybe certain words or phrases that I may come across. Any thing will help as I am a complete noob to this stuff thank-you in advance

You are just where I was about a yr and a half ago. I had a 73" Mits dlp rptv, liked it very much, but yearned for a 'really big' screen, so started reading the forums about projectors and screens. It's quite overwhelming at first, but fun (if you have the time for it), and I learned an incredible amount, though it is mainly 'surface knowledge', i.e., I'm really not into the technical level very deeply. It's kind of like learning to swim (or doing research in any field): you just jump in and start flailing around until you get your bearings.

I decided early on to go with a Dalite HP screen because I wanted one as large as would fit my room (126" diag) and also wanted a bright pic. This dictated to some extinct the pj, since it had to fit the throw ratio, etc., to work well with this screen. Fortunately for me, I finally decided to make my move just when JVC's RS1 pj came out; got a great price from AVS, and this pj was truly a 'great leap forward' in performance/price (and had a short throw that would fit my room and the HP screen). And as Cameron said, there are even more good choices now (though the RS1 is still one of them), and the prices keep getting better. So yes, it's a great time to get into this game. Have fun, and good luck!

awesome guys thank you for the info

No problem. Good luck!

Generally you are looking at either 720p or 1080p, LCD, DLP or LCoS (Sony calls it SXRD) and you're looking at lumens (light output of the projector) screen size (how big you can have your image) and throw distance (how far the screen has to be from the projector or vice versa).

You'll also want to know how far your seating distance is, what kind of light you have in the room while watching (ambient light) and whether or not you're ceiling mounting it or shelf mounting.

All these things work in concert to achieve your picture and your "ambience" of your theater.

Reading is great, the forum is full od informaiton. If you'd like to talk about this, I'm sure there's a local dealer in your area specializing in projectors, or feel free to call us at AV Science and we can walk you through some of the information that helps put a projector into your system, but how you might know which projector/screen is right for you.

We'd be happy to help.

Richard

awesome thanks a lot Richard will defiantly be sure to ask you guys if I come across any problems or need any help

Well I guess I am really looking for a experience. 1080p picture, giant screen size 100" plus (home theater size), don't have an exact room measurements b/c I will be building my home and don't have an exact date for that yet so maybe a little while. Don't know what else you are looking for maybe if u guys know what the best projector would be for a budget somewhere around $5,000 or if you guys have any certain brands, makes models that are worth the money. Money really isn't a huge deal but no where more then $10,000. Kinda cluttered together but just random thoughts and ideas.

How much of a DIYer are you? $10,000 total or just for the projector? If you're the DIY type, you could build a blackout cloth covered frame and use Goo Systems CRT white on a 100" screen for under $300. If money is no object, the very best screen, depending on how close you sit would be a Stewart Ultramatte 150 if you sit over 1.5 times the width. 1.5 * 87" (100" screen) = ~11 feet or further away. If you like to sit closer, ~1.2 - 1.0 times the width or closer, a Ultramatte 130 would be perfect. The Studiotek 130 IMHO is over rated. The color accuracy isn't anywhere close to "reference" you must calibrate a projector to that screen. While the Ultramatte series are used in commercial theaters and are rated for even use with CRT projectors. Hey, if you're really into the DIY, why not go read a bit about CRT projectors?

This is a good place to start:
http://curtpalme.com/CRTPrimer.shtm

If you're willing to spend $5,000+ on a digital, you can get a very good CRT which in many ways even $30,000+ DLP projectors can't touch. You don't have to buy from Curt, there are plenty of other reputable people out there. There are even some professional installers left who can do the whole setup for you. CRT are risky though, and I wouldn't do like I did and go with "hey I have a CRT for you CHEAP!!!" You'll most likely end up with a headache. Just ask around the forum for recommended people.

No matter what you decide on, make it intimate. This is like your baby. Don't try to make any rash decisions. Think hard about what you want. Know what you want ahead of time. Then all that's left is to buy and install. It's so much harder to "make things work".


Well I already have my reciever, speakers, blu ray player figured out, so I am thinking that my limit would be 10,000 for the projector and the screen. Now what are the pros and cons of those crt never seen them, I think i am leaning towards digital. I am willing to look at crt but like i said dont know anything about them.

How much of a DIYer are you? $10,000 total or just for the projector? If you're the DIY type, you could build a blackout cloth covered frame and use Goo Systems CRT white on a 100" screen for under $300. If money is no object, the very best screen, depending on how close you sit would be a Stewart Ultramatte 150 if you sit over 1.5 times the width. 1.5 * 87" (100" screen) = ~11 feet or further away. If you like to sit closer, ~1.2 - 1.0 times the width or closer, a Ultramatte 130 would be perfect. The Studiotek 130 IMHO is over rated. The color accuracy isn't anywhere close to "reference" you must calibrate a projector to that screen. While the Ultramatte series are used in commercial theaters and are rated for even use with CRT projectors. Hey, if you're really into the DIY, why not go read a bit about CRT projectors?

This is a good place to start:
http://curtpalme.com/CRTPrimer.shtm

If you're willing to spend $5,000+ on a digital, you can get a very good CRT which in many ways even $30,000+ DLP projectors can't touch. You don't have to buy from Curt, there are plenty of other reputable people out there. There are even some professional installers left who can do the whole setup for you. CRT are risky though, and I wouldn't do like I did and go with "hey I have a CRT for you CHEAP!!!" You'll most likely end up with a headache. Just ask around the forum for recommended people.

No matter what you decide on, make it intimate. This is like your baby. Don't try to make any rash decisions. Think hard about what you want. Know what you want ahead of time. Then all that's left is to buy and install. It's so much harder to "make things work".


The studiotek 130 isn't even close to reference? Where do you come up with this? Also, what gain the screen has shouldn't be determined by how close you sit.

To the OP, these boards are useful but there is a lot of misinformation on here. Take your time and do your research. See as many as you can before making a decision. You could read for months and still not know everything so don't be intimidated. The guys at AVS are great. Give them a call and they can help as well.

Reio-ta. Nothing you have just posted supports your conclusion that Ultramatte 130 is better than the Studiotek 130. I also wouldn't quote Evan Powell on these boards to support your position. The fact remains that gain implies hotspotting. It is best to use longer focal lengths to minimize hotspotting. The perception of hotspotting does not change the farther you are from the screen unless your eyes are not able to see detail from longer distances.

I guess you are saying that you should get a high gain screen if you are going to be sitting far enough away to not notice sparklies/screen texture? Not all gain screens have sparklies. Choosing screen gain should be dependent on the foot lamberts you want off the screen, not how close you sit to the screen.

The studiotek has a wider viewing angle than the ultramatte 130, meaning it will have better white field uniformity (less hotspotting). Check the website.

I don't know why ultramatte material is used in commercial theaters but I would bet it has to do with cost and size limitations. If you noticed on the website, you can get the ultramatte seamless in size up to 40' X 90'. It says to contact the factory for Studioteks size limitations.

Your posts are a perfect example of the misinformation on this forum. You know enough to sound like you know what you are talking about and to lead people who are new to this the wrong way. That is what scares me. I wouldn't want someone to rely on your advice as most of what you say is incorrect and exaggerated.

Cheers,
Noah

And the Studiotek 130 is considered the reference screen. What do you think "endorsed by JKP" or "certified by ISF" means? Why do you think Greg Rogers uses one? Have you ever seen one? I used one with an 8" barco CRT I had 6 or 7 years ago. I still have the screen although it is in storage. I have also had a Stewart Grayhawk, a dalite unity gain screen, a black out cloth screen, and a highpower.

Uhm, the StudioTek 130 is measured as part of the QC process to RGB white. Cant' get much more reference than that.

I would recommend looking at projectors in your local dealer showrooms. Look at single chip DLP which has higher ANSI contrast, something that gives "pop" to colors like cRT. Look at LCoS, black level contrast, and then look at some LCD projectors.

It will give you an idea of what can generally be expected from the different technologies to your eye. Then you start reading and talking to dealers about what they offer and what you can expect in performance.

I know with a $10,000 budget you'll be able to find something that rocks. Haha I'm sure I could do some damage with that. But then again, my wife said I have to wait until we get a bigger house.

Richard

thx again for all the info guys, i will be sure to ask u guys if anything arises.

You've God Mail

I just pm'd you with some personal insights re your question