Hopefully in the near future ill moving out of my parents house and getting a house of my own but if that doesn't happen im going to try to move my room into our finished basement. Either way i think i should have enough room to have my own 1080p Projector setup.

My total budget is $1700 (and thats really stretching it)...

Im not too familiar with projector setups and everything i would need to make one. So far ive been looking at DLP Projectors and wall mounted fixed screens.

The InFocus X10 seems to be a pretty nice, but is DLP the way to go? Is the X10 a good choice for a DLP Projector in my price range? If not, what are some better options?

What are some good screens? what size?

Basically, Im asking....What do i need to buy for the best possible projector experience in the $1700 range (and remember thats pushing it)?

Also, you should probably know that i already have the sound taken care of and i would be using it for X360, PS3, and HD Digital Cable.

does the size of screen effect what projector to get? Obviously 1080p is going to be better for larger screens but im talking about lumens....

if i had a 1200 lumens projector would it perform better on a smaller screen rather than a bigger one or does it not matter?

The X10 is an excellent projector (I own it). It surpasses the 720p projectors I have experience with and compares favorably with the 1080 projectors I have seen in person. Is DLP the way to go? That depends on whether you prefer it's picture to the LCD alternatives and if it will fit in your environment. The latter is a concern due DLP projectors general lack of lens shift. Picture wise I would suggest actually seeing the projectors in person if possible.

To better answer your question, you really need to provide the room dimensions (including ceiling height) and your intended screen size.

@jeahrens

1) What would i need lens shift for? and what are some good LCD alternatives in the same price range?

2) I would try to get the biggest screen possible without losing performance/quality.

@jeahrens

1) What would i need lens shift for? and what are some good LCD alternatives in the same price range?

2) I would try to get the biggest screen possible without losing performance/quality.

1. Lens shift allows the projector to shift the image both vertically and horizontally making it more flexible in placement. So if your room dimensions require the projector to be placed in a certain area you may require lens shift to get it to work. DLP's generally do not have this feature and are harder to place.

2. Again your room dimensions will tell us what will and won't work.

1. Lens shift allows the projector to shift the image both vertically and horizontally making it more flexible in placement. So if your room dimensions require the projector to be placed in a certain area you may require lens shift to get it to work. DLP's generally do not have this feature and are harder to place.

2. Again your room dimensions will tell us what will and won't work.

1) Lens shift seems pretty useful, any suggestions on a 1080p LCD Projector for around $1500?

2) for the sake of argument lets say that i want a 106" screen, what would be the ideal distance and height for the projector?

1. Lens shift can be useful. Although if you have the ceiling height and room dimensions for a DLP projector, it's a non issue. Especially if you prefer DLP's, picture as many do. The Mistubishi 5500 and Epson 6100 are two that spring to mind as LCD's in this price range.

2. With infinite room dimensions any projector would work with that screen size. The reality is that they all have different zoom capabilities, which means the room dimensions may or may not allow them to throw a 106" pictures. My Infocus X10 throws a 110" image from about 16'. Do you have 16'?

1. Lens shift can be useful. Although if you have the ceiling height and room dimensions for a DLP projector, it's a non issue. Especially if you prefer DLP's, picture as many do. The Mistubishi 5500 and Epson 6100 are two that spring to mind as LCD's in this price range.

2. With infinite room dimensions any projector would work with that screen size. The reality is that they all have different zoom capabilities, which means the room dimensions may or may not allow them to throw a 106" pictures. My Infocus X10 throws a 110" image from about 16'. Do you have 16'?

yea thanks man i really appreciate the help, i think i have 16' to work with. Ill take dimensions of the room at some point and then do some more research based on what i have to work with.

Another thing....any suggestions for screens? what are good brands? I am looking for a fixed screen but there seems to be all different kinds/colors (silver, white, etc.).

As long as the projector has enough lumens (brightness), I would suggest a high contrast or matte screen to help with blacklevel. I'm using a Da-Lite 110" 16:9 high contrast cinema vision (HCCV) screen. It was inexpensive and performs very well with the X10.

For LCD with lens shift, Epson is having a Memorial Day Weekend Sale, a Refurbished Epson HC1080 can be had in your price range with a coupon code.

Use discount code 9WAMASE

As long as the projector has enough lumens (brightness), I would suggest a high contrast or matte screen to help with blacklevel. I'm using a Da-Lite 110" 16:9 high contrast cinema vision (HCCV) screen. It was inexpensive and performs very well with the X10.

"As long as the projector has enough lumens (brightness)"..... What is enough? 1200? 1600? 2000?

Can you post a link to where you bought the 110" screen if not, how much was it? Is this a good screen? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4398392&CatId=2447

Would i be over paying, under paying, or is it reasonable?

For LCD with lens shift, Epson is having a Memorial Day Weekend Sale, a Refurbished Epson HC1080 can be had in your price range with a coupon code.

Use discount code 9WAMASE

Where can i find this deal at...not on epson web-site

I found that promo code on the Epson website but couldn't locate a refurb'd 1080UB...

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/BuyEpson/ccProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-13264


Its for the Epson HC1080, not the UB model....

I am currently projecting on a tan wall. I just bought a very cheap screen from Fotodiox on ebay, about $70 for a 115" fixed screen. I will let you know how it is, I get it next week. My wall has some imperfections I can see while viewing, I figured even a cheap screen couldn't be any worse.

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/BuyEpson/ccProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-13264


Its for the Epson HC1080, not the UB model....

whats the difference between the 1080 and the 1080UB?

EDIT: Nevermind its "Ultra-Black"

The main difference is the fact that the 1080ub can display in multiples of 24fps, whereas the 1080 cannot. I believe the 1080 displays in multiples of 30fps. This causes an issue with 24fps content, like Blu Ray's, because motion may not be as fluent due to the extra processing required to display the signal. The HC1080 throws a nice picture, but if you're displaying 1080p/24 content you might want to pass on it. Then again it may not be a big issue for you. Some people don't mind it, some hate it.

1) Lens shift seems pretty useful, any suggestions on a 1080p LCD Projector for around $1500?

2) for the sake of argument lets say that i want a 106" screen, what would be the ideal distance and height for the projector?

mitsubishi hc5500 is around 1400.00 refurbed. great projector

http://www.projectorcentral.com/used_projectors_details.cfm?classified_id=19864

btw. you can get up to 5000 hours out of a HC5500 bulb in econo mode. very nice indeed.

i STRONGLY suggest a Benq W5000 (in your price range) the DLP's have better contrast, and much better blacks normally across the board than LCD projectors. the W5000 is very sharp, bright at 1200 lumens, and an all around awesome projector with great reviews. i have a W9000 and let me tell you for the money it is by far and away the best projector i have seen in it's price range (i paid $1700.00 USD brand new) anyway, if you go over 100" screen i strongly suggest 1080p, but if you are staying say around 80-96" then 720 would be ok too.