How are you doing guys I am new to this forum. The reason for this Thread is because I am in the market for a projector to use as a tv on my wall. I am not looking for something too expensive, but something around $1000-$1200 at most with everything I need Included. I have a dish too, and would want to be able to hook it up also.

First of all, What Projector would you recommend? The lower the price the better.

Will I need a Tv Tuner? if so what would you suggest?

also, I will be painting my room white. do i need special paint for the wall for better picture?

All advise would be greatly appreaciated.

Thanks

Hi oemjdm,

Welcome to the forums. Read the HD70 and HD1000 master threads. They are both sub $1000. Last year's Panasonic AE900 and Sanyo z4 can be had within your budget as well if you prefer LCD, and / or need more setup flexibility.

If $1,200 is the top of your budget, then I would stick with the HD1000 / HD70. Does that budget include sound as well? Projectors don't have speakers, so, you'll have to use a stereo, or surround system. A minimum price for a low end Home Theatre In A Box type surround system is about $300.

By a Dish, if you mean a Digital Satellite service, then you would just hook your satellite decoder up via HDMI ( or DVI using an DVI - HDMI cable ), or component video. If it's an old analogue dish, then you would feed compostie video from the satellite receiver to the projector ( won't look great )

You only would need a tuner if you have an off-air antenna. If so, you could use a VCR ( not too great ) as a tuner and feed composite or S-video to the projector. It's better to get a DVD Recorder, as you could feed component video ( these are about $300 though ).

You can easily build a screen yourself to save money. Check out the DIY screen forum. You could either use a 'screen paint' forumula, or build a wooden frame and use blackout cloth or artboard.

Goto monoprice.com ( a forum sponsor here ) for inexpensive good quality cables.

Your budget might be stretched a bit beyond $1,200 if you have to buy everything listed here, but not by too much.

Jonathan