I'm looking to buy a projector to view UFC PPV streams(which aren't always the best quality) and dvd watching. The projector would always be connected to my computer which has a VGA and DVI output. I want to spend around 700ish, but would be willing to spend up to $1000 if its worth it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Look at the mitsubishi 1000u or the mitsubishi hc1500. They're the same projector just the 1000u is an older model. You can find it for around $800 or a little less.

Is using a DVI connection better then using VGA?

I'd think so since DVI is digital so it's equal to an hdmi cable where VGA is analog which is equal to component cables.

Would the Optoma EP749 be a good first buy projector?

No plans to use it for any HD?

If its possible for under 1000, then yeah

Sure I got my 7210 for $999 but that was a very luck shot. Still there are quite a few option under $1000 for 720P.

How important is a projectors lumen rating when you can control the light in the room?

Their rating is not really important in the sense that those numbers are always taken from some unrealistic setup..when calibrated those numbers will be different. If you can check REAL tested and calibrated lumens then yes it will be important if you dont have total light control and also so you can determine how big you can go screen wise to keep you desire fL target (how bright you want the image to be). Based on that you can also determine if you want or need screen with gain or not.
Just some ideas....

Not important. Some ambient light or daytime viewing? Very important.

My Sharp 20000 has an average calibrated or 'best mode' of only around 300 lumens from the screen in 'high contrast-low lamp'. In my bat cave it looks fine.

Luis is dead on correct.

Not important. Some ambient light or daytime viewing? Very important.

My Sharp 20000 has an average calibrated or 'best mode' of only around 300 lumens from the screen in 'high contrast-low lamp'. In my bat cave it looks fine.

Luis is dead on correct.

No daytime light. The only light would be my computer monitor.

All ( not just some ) modern projectors have more lumens than you will need in a batcave environment. Pick one and enjoy.

Go here and check this out.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1013981

Richard

Here is another option (http://thetechhunter.blogspot.com/2008/04/mitsubishi-hc1500-720p-projector-735.html)

I'm concerned about aspect ratio because I have no clue how it will affect the content I watch. Most of my DVD viewing would be in widescreen(16:9, right?), but what issues would I have watching television and video streams from PPVs(which I believe are 4:3)?

The HC1500 only supports an aspect ratio of 16:9

Their's no trouble watching 4:3 you just have the black bars on the sides of the image.

I purchased the HC1500 today. I read nothing but good reviews on it and it certainly meets my needs. Now all I need is some HDMI cable. I want to thank everyone for their help

I'm looking to buy a projector to view UFC PPV streams(which aren't always the best quality) and dvd watching. The projector would always be connected to my computer which has a VGA and DVI output. I want to spend around 700ish, but would be willing to spend up to $1000 if its worth it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

you buy the HC1500 for $769 at 6th Avenue Electronic "couponcabin" for discount.