Might have missed it but I didn't see anything when I searched so I'll ask.

I'm looking at possibly getting a projector, very inexpensively, as I've only have at most around 650 to spend on the projector.

It would be used for mainly Standard def content. Think for gaming party nights of older game systems, dreamcast, Gamecube, maybe eventually a Wii. Though would watch some DVDs on it too.

Because of my price range most projectors tend to be 800X600, 800x480, 848X480,etc. at least for their native resolutions. In theory would like to make an image of about 70"-92".

I guess my question is, is there simply any point in getting a projector with specs like this for the above uses or is it going to be too shoddy use it for anything like the above?

I use an Optoma DV10 for DVDs and Wii. It's 854x480 with a built in DVD player. It throws a large image with a very short distance, with a large offset. This combination seems great for Wii as you have room to move around and not block the picture. I'm not sure if this is a real issue with other projectors or not. Also the built in DVD player is of course digitally connected to the projector and produces a much better image than I could get with other players and a HDMI equiped DVD player.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_movietime_dv10.htm

I'm touting my own projector here so take it as you will. I picked one up recently on Craigslist for $350 with 20 hours on it. Good hunting.

Other question. Any idea how often the lamps tend to meet their life/hour span?

Just from reading various forums it seems to be that I should expect less than the rated hours, say 2500 if rated 3000. Is about accurate?

Just watch WOOT for the next 2 weeks and you should be able to snag an INfocus refurb pretty cheap... as in not much more than a replacement lamp cheap...

:D

Just thinking aloud, here...I wonder if the Lumenlab LCD PJ might be decent for gaming in 480i or 480p? The main problem with a PJ for gaming is that it might eat bulbs pretty fast, but the Lumenlab bulbs are like $40 and last 6,000 hrs. Just a thought.

You can get a Sharp X10 576P XGA machine for that price. Terrific PQ for the money.

Just thinking aloud, here...I wonder if the Lumenlab LCD PJ might be decent for gaming in 480i or 480p? The main problem with a PJ for gaming is that it might eat bulbs pretty fast, but the Lumenlab bulbs are like $40 and last 6,000 hrs. Just a thought.

heh, I came from the lumenlab forums. that is how I found this one.
I know nothing of the "eVo" the projector they make.

I had made my own Projector using a 17" LCD and a 150w ceramic MH bulb. Then after playing around with it for a few weeks, found out it wasn't really what I was looking for. Mainly because it doesn't have any inputs other than VGA.

Anyway. I plan to buy the Hitachi PJ-TX100 and watch movies/game on it.

sorry for the long pointless post. Just thought I'd chime in when I saw LL brought up.

Ya actually was one of the ones I was looking at(the Evo) but seems the dBs are pretty high on the fan at least when it first cranks up. Haven't seen anyone post numbers once its in quiet mode.

Evo has good amount of hook ups(anything I needed anyways even component) and screen doesn't seem as bright but some pretty good results some have been able to get in my opinion. Cheap bulbs too. If only that fan was quieter...

Yup, I hung around the LL forums long enough to find out that most people modded the fans. Which wouldn't be much trouble at all. It all really depends on the person.

I myself won't go with anything other than 720p projector. So, I am fairly limited in my options. As of now, I am looking at the panny PT-AX100U, and the hitachi PJ-TX100.


Ya actually was one of the ones I was looking at(the Evo) but seems the dBs are pretty high on the fan at least when it first cranks up. Haven't seen anyone post numbers once its in quiet mode.

Evo has good amount of hook ups(anything I needed anyways even component) and screen doesn't seem as bright but some pretty good results some have been able to get in my opinion. Cheap bulbs too. If only that fan was quieter...

You can get a Sharp X10 576P XGA machine for that price. Terrific PQ for the money.

The sharp XR10X is in your price point and is native 4:3 @ 1024x768.

If you view HD or 16:9 DVD’s on it the pixel area used will be 1024x576.

I have one and watch a lot of SD content. Going from 800x600 to XGA is a noticeable improvement. The 10X being a business machine has a lot of lumens and does a good job with ambient light. It also does a great job at crossing over into home theater. :D

There is a long running thread on the 10X here that’s a few pages back now.