Hello,
I am new here and have been reading about projectors for a while and I would really appreciate all your opinions about my projector setup plan.

The plan is to use a 720p projector to play games with my ps3. I would choose 720p because there are very few games who are 1080p and so I believe it is not worth it.
My first choice was Optoma HD65 but when I found out the BenQ W600 was going to be released I switched sides because it seemed to be better for the same price.
Pricerange isn't high because I'm a student and it won't be used with 1080p content. The placement of the projector is not a problem.

The room I would likely use is 16' (lenght) and the biggest screen I could use would be 106".
I can darken the room easily to practically pitch dark. Panoview Manual Pull Down (16:9) DS-9106PMG+ is my first choice on this matter.
(I would have posted links with this post but I am not allowed because I don't have at least 3 posts)

My questions (which I hope aren't too stupid):
1. Will the image be too big to have a real advantage of the 106" screen? Will the image be too blown up because it is only 720p?
2. Which projector would you choose and why (HD65 or W600 or ...)?
3. What is the advised size for watching dvd's with a 720p projector?

I apologise as I normally do not write in english.
I am waiting eagerly for your responses.

Jan - zondc

Jan, a 720P PJ on a 106" screen is a beautiful sight, whether it's gaming, blue ray (which your PS3 is perfect for) or HDTV. The only thing I don't care to watch on my HD65 is SDTV.

Obviously, at 720P you have larger pixels than a 1080P, so you can't sit as close to the screen as you could with a 1080P PJ without seeing what called screen door (I see pixels at 6 to 7 feet on my 107" screen), and you lose a bit in clarity (I have hard time telling difference between the resolutions on a 50" plasma, but it is more noticeable with the larger pictures thrown by PJ's) so it is the one technology where 1080P upgrade is worth it - think HD20. But if you are on a tight budget you will still have a lot of fun with a nice 720PJ.

You have strenghtened my opninion on my plan.
Thank you very much for your view on the case and giving your experience with your own situatuation which is very like my future installation.
If anyone else has something to share, i'll be listening :)

Jan, which projector did you end up deciding on (if any yet) and what do you think of it?

For a very long time I was using a XGA projector that was working as a 720P projector. Not even a true 16:9 native. I had a 106" screen, watched HDTV sports and movies, and Up converted DVDs through a momitsu. Did not have a problem with the image.

Recently acquired a 1080P Epson 6100.. The 1080i HDTV images are much sharper and more defined, because they are played to their fullest potential rather than getting downscaled to 720P.

So, if your games are in 1080i, how do you reconcile with them getting downscaled to 720p?

With 1080P projectors now selling for <$1500, why would you go get a 720P, unless there a smaller budget?

I know for me it's the budget, I'm buying my PJ through Amazon.com (got a 100$ gift card) and 750 before the gift card (so 650 out of pocket) is my absolute maximum budget.

I would like to know what u decide to get....I have the same exact question and budget...I was leaning towards the HD65 but for only $250 more after bing cashback the HD20 is very tempting.....but I dont have an extra $250 hehe

It looks like true 720P projectors can handle 1080i (not P) very well...

http://www.projectorcentral.com/true_hdtv.htm

There are not many 1080P TV shows around these days, and so a 720P might make sense... ?

It looks like true 720P projectors can handle 1080i (not P) very well...

http://www.projectorcentral.com/true_hdtv.htm

There are not many 1080P TV shows around these days, and so a 720P might make sense... ?



yes it does thanks a good read....i think for now im gonna save some dough and get a 720p i can always upgrade later and projectors seem to hold their value pretty well