I can't seem to narrow down my choice of a projector. Just when I think I've made a decision, I read another thread and change my mind. DLP or LCD. 1080 or 720. So I'm here to solicite advice from anyone who wants to give it.

My room is 18x15 with the throw ~18 ft. I will have total light control in the room. As far as screen size, I will probably go with something no larger than 118 inch 16:9. I will use the projector for Blu-ray, HD DVD movies and sports (mainly football).

I'm leaning towards a DLP projector for a couple of reasons. For one I fear LCD motion blur. Also, I have a 5 year old DLP rear projector and I do not suffer from RBE so that isn't an issue.

The whole 1080 vs 720 thing is something I haven't decided on. I would like 1080 because of the blu-ray and hd dvd player...but I'm not sure it's worth the extra $$, especially since most HD tv content is 720.

Again, feel free to give any advice. Thanks.

I'm in nearly the same boat as you in terms of room size, and required throw distance. Also I would prefer to go with DLP as my parents have had DLPs (including the old X1) for years and neither myself or my wife has seen RBE. For the price, the black levels and shadow detail seem better and the motion blur is non-existent.

720P vs 1080P is also something I'm undecided on as well. The big hurdle to going DLP, however, has been the limited throw distance. No DLP projector (720P or 1080p) gives me the zoom ratio that I would need for a 110-120" picture at a 17ft throw. At least not the ones in my price range right now.

I have been in the market for my first pj. I am building a townhouse with a finshed basement. Doing a painted screen about 116" or so. Wanted to keep the cost down as I am buying some furniture and other odds and ends. Using mine for blu-ray and hd sports mostly. I picked up a optoma hd65 after reading good reviews. It is onty 720 and has limited placement flexability. I projected it onto a white wall and I am impressed with the oob performence. I am used to a 51" crt rp tv (hitachi ultravision) and would say the optoma compares favorably. If you could mount it closer than 17' it is worth looking into.

I'm in nearly the same boat as you in terms of room size, and required throw distance. Also I would prefer to go with DLP as my parents have had DLPs (including the old X1) for years and neither myself or my wife has seen RBE. For the price, the black levels and shadow detail seem better and the motion blur is non-existent.

720P vs 1080P is also something I'm undecided on as well. The big hurdle to going DLP, however, has been the limited throw distance. No DLP projector (720P or 1080p) gives me the zoom ratio that I would need for a 110-120" picture at a 17ft throw. At least not the ones in my price range right now.

The Mits HC1500 and HC1600 will work for you. From 17 feet you can have 117" to 142" image.

I can't seem to narrow down my choice of a projector. Just when I think I've made a decision, I read another thread and change my mind. DLP or LCD. 1080 or 720. So I'm here to solicite advice from anyone who wants to give it.

My room is 18x15 with the throw ~18 ft. I will have total light control in the room. As far as screen size, I will probably go with something no larger than 118 inch 16:9. I will use the projector for Blu-ray, HD DVD movies and sports (mainly football).

I'm leaning towards a DLP projector for a couple of reasons. For one I fear LCD motion blur. Also, I have a 5 year old DLP rear projector and I do not suffer from RBE so that isn't an issue.

The whole 1080 vs 720 thing is something I haven't decided on. I would like 1080 because of the blu-ray and hd dvd player...but I'm not sure it's worth the extra $$, especially since most HD tv content is 720.

Again, feel free to give any advice. Thanks.

I would suggest the BenQ W5000.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-W5000.htm
http://www.projectorreviews.com/benq/w5000/index.php

You'll find more reviews at this site:
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=23621&itmname=BenQ%20W5000&tab=reviews

I'm in nearly the same boat as you in terms of room size, and required throw distance.

And location. I'm just down the road from you in Allen.

But you're correct, with the DLP I worry about placement. How's the flexibility of the BenQ W5000?

I can't seem to narrow down my choice of a projector. Just when I think I've made a decision, I read another thread and change my mind. DLP or LCD. 1080 or 720. So I'm here to solicite advice from anyone who wants to give it.

My room is 18x15 with the throw ~18 ft. I will have total light control in the room. As far as screen size, I will probably go with something no larger than 118 inch 16:9. I will use the projector for Blu-ray, HD DVD movies and sports (mainly football).

I'm leaning towards a DLP projector for a couple of reasons. For one I fear LCD motion blur. Also, I have a 5 year old DLP rear projector and I do not suffer from RBE so that isn't an issue.

The whole 1080 vs 720 thing is something I haven't decided on. I would like 1080 because of the blu-ray and hd dvd player...but I'm not sure it's worth the extra $$, especially since most HD tv content is 720.

Again, feel free to give any advice. Thanks.
Since you have Blu-ray and HD DVD movies and your screen choice is a bit on the larger size, you should get 1080p. Prices have come down now to where 1080p projectors are availabe for under $2000. Epson just announced a new projector that will retail for $1999, and that's before street price/rebates. You may find the 720p pixels annoying on a 118" screen.

The Mitsubishi HC1500 is a very nice projector for the money, though. If you want to save $1000 or more, it's a good way to go. The pixels aren't as annoying on it as they are on LCDs.

Your throw will be around 17 feet.

The Benq W5000 reviewed quite well and has vertical lens shift to aid in placement.

Go for 110" to 120" from 17 feet with the Benq W5000.

The Mits HC1500 and HC1600 will work for you. From 17 feet you can have 117" to 142" image.

I'm big on black levels and from what I'm reading these two probably won't fit the bill for my needs. Good to know that DLPs can have decent zoom levels though.

Since your room is 18x15, the mount distance should be around 17', BenQ W5000 should work in your room. It has a throw distance of 14' and 17' for 106" and generous vertical lenshift. I suggest to download the W5000 user manual and see whether it answers all your question. I doubt BenQ will be releasing any new projector until 09.

Your throw will be around 17 feet.

The Benq W5000 reviewed quite well and has vertical lens shift to aid in placement.

Go for 110" to 120" from 17 feet with the Benq W5000.

Benq is a great choice...unfortunately because its 1080P its probably beyond my price range. I'm really looking around the $1000-1500 range. Thats primarily why I was open to 720p.

I know the saying that if you keep waiting for the next projector/price drop you will never get to enjoy it NOW.

But right now it is really the time to WAIT for a few months. With the next gen upgrades all comming out very soon. Expect price drops/sales on the older models soon. Also the holidays are coming as well.

If i have to pick one right now, i will go with the planar 720p darkchip3 for around $850. Then wait a year, sell it for $500 and buy a 1080p for $1k.

I know the saying that if you keep waiting for the next projector/price drop you will never get to enjoy it NOW.

But right now it is really the time to WAIT for a few months. With the next gen upgrades all comming out very soon. Expect price drops/sales on the older models soon. Also the holidays are coming as well.

If i have to pick one right now, i will go with the planar 720p darkchip3 for around $850. Then wait a year, sell it for $500 and buy a 1080p for $1k.

The Planar 7060 has the black level and the right price, but it can't throw a 110" to 120" image from 17 foot throw. From 17 feet the smallest image is 133". He said he was on a budget and wanted 110" to 120" image from 17 foot throw, that is why I suggested the Mits 720p projectors.

Do not just read the specs and think that the black levels on the Mits are bad compared to what you read for LCD projectors. The black levels are not bad on the Mits projectors.

To the OP, whats tying you to the long throw for placement? I spent some time in my attic today where my projector cables were pre-wired and found that given enough time and patience I could move my wiring at least 2-4 feet forward if needed. The electrical outlet will be a little tougher but I'm okay with having a wire along the ceiling.

Now its a toss up whether its a better idea to pay to have the wiring moved or just buy a more expensive long throw projector.

Decisions decisions :(

To the OP, whats tying you to the long throw for placement? I spent some time in my attic today where my projector cables were pre-wired and found that given enough time and patience I could move my wiring at least 2-4 feet forward if needed. The electrical outlet will be a little tougher but I'm okay with having a wire along the ceiling.

Now its a toss up whether its a better idea to pay to have the wiring moved or just buy a more expensive long throw projector.

Decisions decisions :(


The builder did not pre-wire for a projector. In fact the pre-wire for the speakers, electrical outlets and the data port led me to believe they just assumed someone would put a flat panel vs. projector in the room (even though it's a dedicated media/theater room). I looked around in the attic and realized it wouldn't be easy for me to wire it due to the crawl spaces, etc. So the plan is to install the projector on the back wall.

I guess the alternative is to pay someone to wire it for me, but no telling how much that would cost.

Is 18 ft. consider a long throw?

The builder did not pre-wire for a projector. In fact the pre-wire for the speakers, electrical outlets and the data port led me to believe they just assumed someone would put a flat panel vs. projector in the room (even though it's a dedicated media/theater room). I looked around in the attic and realized it wouldn't be easy for me to wire it due to the crawl spaces, etc. So the plan is to install the projector on the back wall.

I guess the alternative is to pay someone to wire it for me, but no telling how much that would cost.

Is 18 ft. consider a long throw?

Yes, 18' is long throw.

Yes, 18' is long throw.

What range is consider optimal for throw?

What range is consider optimal for throw?

For a 110" screen the optimum throw is around 16' for the BenQ W5000.
See http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-W5000-projection-calculator-pro.htm

What range is consider optimal for throw?

There is no such thing as optimal throw. Every projector has a throw range based on screen size. If you place a projector on the short side of that range then you get maximum lumens and a slight decrease in sharpness. Placed toward the long side you lose lumens, but gain sharpness. Usually the better the lens in the projector the less effect it will have on the sharpness of the image. Since gain brightness looses sharpness and vice versa projector throw is a compromise. Pick your poison.

Have a look at the Panasonic AX200 if your budget is constrained but you want long throw. Yes, it is an LCD but this PJ has worked well for games and was designed to do so. You can put it on the back wall and have a screen from 84" to 168" in size.

The builder did not pre-wire for a projector. In fact the pre-wire for the speakers, electrical outlets and the data port led me to believe they just assumed someone would put a flat panel vs. projector in the room (even though it's a dedicated media/theater room). I looked around in the attic and realized it wouldn't be easy for me to wire it due to the crawl spaces, etc. So the plan is to install the projector on the back wall.

I guess the alternative is to pay someone to wire it for me, but no telling how much that would cost.

Is 18 ft. consider a long throw?

Honestly the cost to have someone wire it may not be as bad as you think. I would get a quote on that before you force yourself down the long throw path where your value-priced options are pretty limited.