Hello everyone, I am looking to see properly set up home theatre projectors in San Francisco. Does anyone know if there are any stores or places where I can do this? Or is there anyone who lives in San Francisco who would be so kind as to show me their home theatre? I am looking to see any of the better home theatre projectors in action retailing from $1,000 to $3,000, preferably on a screen that is from $1,000 to $2,000. Basically I'm looking to see setups that cost less than $5,000, although whatever is available to see would be helpful, so I am interested in hearing about whatever showings are available.

Even more specifically, off the top of my head, some specific projectors I am interested in seeing are: The BenQ W5000, Panasonic PT-AE2000, Sony VW-VPL40, 50, and 60 (or even the 200 I suppose if none of these other projectors are on display anywhere), The optoma HD80, or any of the other optoma's in that price range, the Epson Ultra Black 1080p, Sanyo PLV-Z2000 Projector, and the Mitsubishi HC4900. So if you know where I can view any of those projectors especially on (preferably) a $2,000 or less expensive screen (even if it's only $100 that would actually be very interesting for me to see. To see how the picture looks on a really inexpensive screen, instead of just taking people's word for it that it looks terrible), that would be great. Although if the screen is much more expensive I'd still like to see the setup just because I want to view as many of these projectors as possible.

And also, in addition to those projectors, I'm basically interesting in viewing any $3,000 or less home theatre projector in existence. So please let me know if you know where I can view properly set up home theatre projectors.

In addition to that, if anyone knows a good place to buy home theatre projectors and screens in San Francisco (as for a good price, with good warranties, even a limited amount of time to return the projector if you don't like it if possible, from people who will set it up for you and who know how to calibrate it perfectly, and so forth), please let me know.

Thank you so much!

you may want to try fry's around bay area. each fry's have home theaters with seating and everything.

Shark7 -- I just sent you a private message.

You can check out the Magnolia audio/video stores. Since best buy bought them, they are the high end version of best buy and are often located next to a best buy. Their prices are high but of course you wouldnt buy from them. :)

Hello everyone, I am looking to see properly set up home theatre projectors in San Francisco. Does anyone know if there are any stores or places where I can do this? Or is there anyone who lives in San Francisco who would be so kind as to show me their home theatre? I am looking to see any of the better home theatre projectors in action retailing from $1,000 to $3,000, preferably on a screen that is from $1,000 to $2,000. Basically I'm looking to see setups that cost less than $5,000, although whatever is available to see would be helpful, so I am interested in hearing about whatever showings are available.
Thank you so much!

i live here in san francisco, and i have had absolutely no luck finding places with projectors set up, i really wanted to buy at the 1080ub.. but i cant even find a place that sells it around here, pretty lame...the only place i seen the hd80 and i believe a black pearl was at the magnolia best buy store in san francisco on folsom i believe...let me know what happends

It is very hard to find a place that sells PJs and are set-up properly. We went through that frustrating search each time we bought a PJ (we're on our second one now). That means that in order to evaluate whatever unit you are looking at you either end up buying it with the expectation that you may or may not keep it. The only real alternative is to find someone willing to give you a demo in their home. The good news is that some of us are willing to do that. We have done that for other AVS members. I can say with certainty that our set-up (HD80) and environment is light-years better than any store, even the high-end Magnolia (when they where not associated with Best Buy).

It is very hard to find a place that sells PJs and are set-up properly. We went through that frustrating search each time we bought a PJ (we're on our second one now). That means that in order to evaluate whatever unit you are looking at you either end up buying it with the expectation that you may or may not keep it. The only real alternative is to find someone willing to give you a demo in their home. The good news is that some of us are willing to do that. We have done that for other AVS members. I can say with certainty that our set-up (HD80) and environment is light-years better than any store, even the high-end Magnolia (when they where not associated with Best Buy).

whens the private showing fellow videophile :) i would absolutely love to come check out what a good set up looks like, compared to my budget setup

i live here in san francisco, and i have had absolutely no luck finding places with projectors set up, i really wanted to buy at the 1080ub.. but i cant even find a place that sells it around here, pretty lame...the only place i seen the hd80 and i believe a black pearl was at the magnolia best buy store in san francisco on folsom i believe...let me know what happends

Folsom? Or do you mean harrison street by office depot and close to folsom? because the projectors at that best buy/magnolia look absolutely terrible. is that what you're referring to?

besides the poorly set up projectors at magnolia/best buy, and demos from members here, is there anywhere else one can view properly set uup pj's in san francisco?

also, is there anyone else who would be so kind as to give me a demo of their home theatre in san francisco? i'd really appreciate it.

thanks

If you guys can do the drive, head over to the Magnolia Hi-fi Santa Clara, 52 N Winchester blvd next to Valley Fair Mall. They have three 720p pj on active display.

Victor

victor-eyd -- I went there 4 years ago, to see their InFocus DLPs. Their setup was so bad, that their 4805 room made me sick in 5 minutes (waaay too bright and with lots of combing artifacts). Their InFocus 7205 setup was much better, but still too bright and also had some artifacts too (even with a DVD source).

The high-end setups at Century Stereo (Runco, etc.) in Cupertino is much better, see http://www.centurystereo.com/.

Claus, I went there last month for an avs meeting. The displays looked pretty good. But yes, Century does have great units on demo including an anamorphic custom theater. Very nice

Victor