So I see one available for $600 and I'm looking for a HD Projector in that price range or lower that can do a good job on a 100" screen sitting about 11 feet away.

Is this a good way to go? Is there anything out there that's better for this price range?

I don't know anything about projectors, all I know is that I want it to be HD (720p) and under $700.

Also what type of screen is recommended? And how much should I expect to pay for a 80 - 100" screen that does a good job?

Thanks!!!

You'll always find a debate about what is best at whatever price. The real question is whether any particular projector meets your specific needs. Getting the correct PJ is not the same as buying a TV. What are your requirements?

Is your room fully/partially/not really light-controlled?
What kind of things will you be watching (movies, sports, HD-programming etc.)
What is the room configuration (will you be ceiling-mounting it & if so, at what height, how far back will you be intending to sit)?

Here is a "calculator" for the DT-510 for placement:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/SharpVision-DT-510-projection-calculator-pro.htm

Also note that there is an image offset which will lower the image (if ceiling mounted) or raise the image (if on a table-top) by about 7" when projecting a 100" image.

For the screen, you can make your own very inexpensively. There is a DIY section in this forum
(http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=110).
There are also impressions of purchased screens there as well
(http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=23).

Having written all of that as the backdrop, I think the DT-510 is a fantastic deal. The question remains whether it is right for your needs.

Also note that there is an image offset which will lower the image (if ceiling mounted) or raise the image (if on a table-top) by about 7" when projecting a 100" image.



Nomad,

Can you expand on that concept (image offset) please? I'm also considering this projector, and I want to be certain it will work in our space. I'm just not sure I understand the offset thing.. do you mean to say, assuming the center of the DT-510's ceiling-mounted lens is, say- 1 foot down from the ceiling, then the TOP of your projected screen will be approx. 1 foot 7 inches from the ceiling?

Thanks for your help, and also to anybody else who jumps in here to help us out.

Nomad,

Can you expand on that concept (image offset) please? I'm also considering this projector, and I want to be certain it will work in our space. I'm just not sure I understand the offset thing.. do you mean to say, assuming the center of the DT-510's ceiling-mounted lens is, say- 1 foot down from the ceiling, then the TOP of your projected screen will be approx. 1 foot 7 inches from the ceiling?

Thanks for your help, and also to anybody else who jumps in here to help us out.

Correct on the image offset understanding - that would be for a 100" diagonal screen. The offset is a percentage of the image height.

The SHarp DT-510 is a good machine and fantastic at that price.

So I see one available for $600 and I'm looking for a HD Projector in that price range or lower that can do a good job on a 100" screen sitting about 11 feet away.

Is this a good way to go? Is there anything out there that's better for this price range?

I don't know anything about projectors, all I know is that I want it to be HD (720p) and under $700.

Also what type of screen is recommended? And how much should I expect to pay for a 80 - 100" screen that does a good job?

Thanks!!!

The DT-510 at that price is a fantastic deal. Get it before you miss it!

Nomad,

Where do you find the offset on the DT510 to be 7 inches. I see it on the DT500 but they do not show it being on the DT510 on the calculator pages.

Nomad,

Where do you find the offset on the DT510 to be 7 inches. I see it on the DT500 but they do not show it being on the DT510 on the calculator pages.


I used DT500 calculator for my DT510 setup. works fine.

The 500 and the 510 are essentially the same machine. The difference is 1280x768 (DT-500) and 1280x720 (DT-510)

I agree...at that price...get it.

Best deal going right now.