Hey Guys,
I am brand new to all of this stuff! I'm interested in buying a projector but I don't even know where to start?! I'm moving to a different apartment, and my T.V is screwed, and I've always wanted to get a projector, because the only reason I watch T.V is to watch movies, off of my laptop/computer/dvd player. So, I have a few questions... Like where should I start? What's the difference between DLP and LCD, I was suggested a INFOCUS.. I'm only a student, so I can only afford something under 500 bucks, and I'm most likely gonna surf ebay to find it. So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Guys!
Blake

Check out ProjectorCentral dot com. It is a good place to read about the different technologies and recommendations on PJs. There are lots of articles so be sure to search properly.

Your questions are so broad, you are not going to get too many answers. ProjectorCentral and this forum helped me learn a lot in the beginning. Actually, I am still learning after owning a projector for 4 years.

Do exactly this. Listen to no one else.


Buy an Infocus IN72
Paint a wall white
Get some kind of cheap sound system
Get Comcast HD
Get a decent refurbished A/V receiver


The projector will cost about $400. Craig's List has lots of Dolby 5.1 systems for about $100. A refurbished Denon receiver is about $200. The Comcast HD cable option costs $5 a month more. You may need some recliners and curtains too. Altogether it should be under $1K.

If you find that you like HT upgrade to something like:


JVC RS-1
A Stewart Screen
A new 5.1 system
A new Denon receiver
An HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player


This system will cost more than 10 times as much. It will be better of course but less so than you might imagine. Keep the IN72 in case the JVC's bulb blows.

Additional instructions:

Your screen should be 8 feet by 4.5 feet. Above a certain size the exact dimensions don't matter so much, but this screeen size makes the arithmetic easier (6 feet wide for 4:3 and 8 feet for 16:9).

PLB's recomendation for the IN72 is a good choice for DVD watching, and a good place to get your feet wet in projectors. Another route would be an all in one machine, like the Optoma DV10. I've seen them for sale new for $500, since the newer model DV11 has been released. I've had one for over a year now and still love the picture it throws. You can't beat the all in one machines for ease of use and setup. Just set it down and aim it at a wall, or the included free screen. Pop in a DVD, or plug your PC into it and your done. The included speakers are fine for most listening, or you can plug it into a receiver with an optical cable for 5.1 sound. My favorite thing about it is that you can take it anywhere with you. To a friends house, on vacation, out in the backyard, anywhere you have power and something to shine it on. I even have mine plugged into my HD Dish receiver and the picture looks awsome, even though it scales the HD feed down to 480p.
As far as Ebay goes, I would suggest you not look for a projector there. A used projector may seem like a bargain, but remember that replacement bulbs usually cost $300 to $400. There are many respected dealers out there, look at the forum sponsors, get something new with a warranty.

I would also suggest reading some of the primers on projectors on this forum and at projector central if you want to learn more on the subject. There are alot of excellent projectors out there, even in your price range. Just try to remember that there is no best projector for every situation. There are alot of variables that have to do with distance, screen size, room light, placement, inputs, resolution, to just name a few. Figure out what you want to watch, where you want to be, how big you want it to be, and start taking measurements. Then come back here and see if you can find what you're looking for. It can be confusing, but the result is worth it.
Good Luck Biersy

Also check out www.projectorreviews.com. Art's reviews are better, and more reliable, than PJCs (www.projectorcentral.com).

BTW, Art is an AVS member too (= presenter).

thanks guys! I'm glad that I started a membership here! You are definately leading me to the right path!

thanks guys! I'm glad that I started a membership here! You are definately leading me to the right path!

That's what you say now... but in 10 years, when you've realized you've spent over 10,000 dollars on home theatre equipment with no end in sight, you won't be thanking this forum anymore... :)