Hey guys,
I'm considering a projector under $1000, closer to $600-800, that can run (obviously in a dark room) at 720p or better and has decent lamp life. I plan on running an XBOX360, PS3 and a computer on this but I don't have to have 3 separate inputs as those connections will go through a receiver. HDMI is a plus but not necessary (I'm on a budget).

NOTE: I'm considering this over a 24" LCD for a similar price. The projector is more expensive in the long run but the big screen is a plus for gaming. Any thoughts? PC will primarily run on a 15" CRT monitor and 360/PS3 will only be on projector.

How cheap are lamp replacements?

How is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824006148

Thanks
DShankar

I read about the HD70 Optoma and it seems to be pretty good at $800 in Circuit City. Thoughts? It comes with HDMI (under $1000?! wow!)
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Optoma-HD70-Home-Theater-Projector-HD70/sem/rpsm/oid/160947/catOid/-17021/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do.

hc1500 $800

Your choices.

http://thetechhunter.blogspot.com/2007/03/prey-captured-projectors.html

I really like my projector. I use an Acer PH530 720p DLP projector. Great image. It has a great keystone correction. It is also very very bright which is important when gaming. On the other hand, the theater mode is good for movie viewing. You can find it on most sites for 500-600. I got mine off ebay for 400.

the projector bulbs are only about $200 as well.

Hey guys,
I'm considering a projector under $1000, closer to $600-800, that can run (obviously in a dark room) at 720p or better and has decent lamp life. I plan on running an XBOX360, PS3 and a computer on this but I don't have to have 3 separate inputs as those connections will go through a receiver. HDMI is a plus but not necessary (I'm on a budget).

NOTE: I'm considering this over a 24" LCD for a similar price. The projector is more expensive in the long run but the big screen is a plus for gaming. Any thoughts? PC will primarily run on a 15" CRT monitor and 360/PS3 will only be on projector.

How cheap are lamp replacements?

How is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824006148

Thanks
DShankar

simple Answer.

infocus.SP-7210,,, do some review reading

cheers

Murph:)

How is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824006148

Thanks
DShankar

Not sure if this qualifies as a HD projector, as it's 1024 X 768. That projector is similar to my current setup, HD looks good on it. Even thought it's not true HD. See my HT link!

How does the Benq W500 compare to the Mitsubishi HC1500?

How does the Benq W500 compare to the Mitsubishi HC1500?

you should seriously consider the acer. there is a massive following for it here on AVs forum. and the cost of ownership is much lower than the optoma and benq. It is also really bright too. It is rated at 1000 lumens which is alot for a home theater projector. I can watch movies with the light on with this. but it also can be dimmed for better contrast as well in dark rooms.

here is a link to one for sale

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000K4YUFM?smid=A3KGNLL200UCI2&tag=yahoo-ce-20&linkCode=asn

Tiger has had these as low as $525 before. Check around and I am sure you can find it for under 6

It has composite, s-video, component, vga and hdmi inputs.

you should seriously consider the acer. there is a massive following for it here on AVs forum. and the cost of ownership is much lower than the optoma and benq. It is also really bright too. It is rated at 1000 lumens which is alot for a home theater projector. I can watch movies with the light on with this. but it also can be dimmed for better contrast as well in dark rooms.

here is a link to one for sale

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000K4YUFM?smid=A3KGNLL200UCI2&tag=yahoo-ce-20&linkCode=asn

Tiger has had these as low as $525 before. Check around and I am sure you can find it for under 6

It has composite, s-video, component, vga and hdmi inputs.

It appears that the Benq W500 or the Optoma HC1500 would be significantly better than the Acer PH530. I read a few reviews, notably http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=918516.

you should read this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=772016&highlight=ph530

you should read this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=772016&highlight=ph530

I read that the Acer PH530 is discontinued? I'm not buying a discontinued model! :D

Mits. HC1500 would be my choice.

There are just too many variables that have to be considered for us to be able to tell you which one to get (for example, rainbow sensitivity, ceiling height/room set-up, ambient light concerns - to name a few). But, almost all newer HD PJ's are great. You really can't go wrong. It seems like if you ask 10 people, you'll get 10 answers...except of course the HC1500, which almost always gets suggested the most when this type of question is asked. If you can handle DLP technology, go for it. Otherwise, I would suggest spending a few more bucks and getting the Panny ax200u.

simple Answer.

infocus.SP-7210,,, do some review reading

cheers

Murph:)

Definitely.
You'll have a plasma-bright picture to play those games on.

There are just too many variables that have to be considered for us to be able to tell you which one to get (for example, rainbow sensitivity, ceiling height/room set-up, ambient light concerns - to name a few). But, almost all newer HD PJ's are great. You really can't go wrong. It seems like if you ask 10 people, you'll get 10 answers...except of course the HC1500, which almost always gets suggested the most when this type of question is asked. If you can handle DLP technology, go for it. Otherwise, I would suggest spending a few more bucks and getting the Panny ax200u.
What do you mean 'can I handle DLP?' I don't quite understand the DLP vs 3LCD thing...

My room is about 13' x 16' x 8' (L,W,H). It has a big L-shaped desk and two large chairs (1 for desk, 1 for future proj). The room has no open windows (blinds) so very little light comes in (nearly pitch black if I want, brighter if I turn on the lights/open blinds). I have one wall (length 13', height 8') that is completely free and where I would like the proj screen.
Therefore, I'm guessing I have a projection distance of about 14' - 15' and a projection screen (white wall for now ;)) dimensions of ~12' long x 7' high = 13' - 14' (diag) projection screen.

I just want the best quality around $600-max of ~$800. I know going to $1500 might get me 1080p but I already have a nice 46" Samsung 1080p LCD in the living room.

I was just reading some stuff and saw frorule's basement setup. It's making me lean towards the Mitsu W1500...Ach decisions!

I'm basically narrowed down to the Optoma HD70 vs Mitsu HD1500 vs Benq W500.

DLP Versus LCD is rainbow versus lower contrast.

LCDs tend to have lower contrast and are more prone to Screen door effect. Their colors are richer, but their colors can fade over time. Their bulbs generally cost less

DLPs are more prone the rainbow effect. Their tends to be less color richness, but their colors never fade. Their maintenance is usually higher as far as bulbs go.

My first projector was an Epson Home 20 3LCD projector (480p). It was a really nice projector, and I like it alot. I used to get dust blobs on the screen every now and then (do a search for it - these are common problems with LCD). I upgraded to an Acer 720p projector this past year for $400. Man it is really a quality projector. The one thing I miss from the Epson was ease of placement. DLPs tend to require more throw distance. The epson also had a manual keystone correction which is far superior to a digital one (Not that the Acer's digital is not impressive and easier to use in some ways).

Thinking of it... you may want to look up for a 720p Epson as well. They are really well known for their quality and have a long warranty. Their bulbs are super cheap as well. The Epson 1080 (1080p) is really one of the best projectors out their for its quality.

I would stay away from BenQ.. I have heard their quality is not what it used to be. The mitsubishi is a good one. I looked at that as well.

DLP Versus LCD is rainbow versus lower contrast.

LCDs tend to have lower contrast and are more prone to Screen door effect. Their colors are richer, but their colors can fade over time. Their bulbs generally cost less

DLPs are more prone the rainbow effect. Their tends to be less color richness, but their colors never fade. Their maintenance is usually higher as far as bulbs go.

My first projector was an Epson Home 20 3LCD projector (480p). It was a really nice projector, and I like it alot. I used to get dust blobs on the screen every now and then (do a search for it - these are common problems with LCD). I upgraded to an Acer 720p projector this past year for $400. Man it is really a quality projector. The one thing I miss from the Epson was ease of placement. DLPs tend to require more throw distance. The epson also had a manual keystone correction which is far superior to a digital one (Not that the Acer's digital is not impressive and easier to use in some ways).

Thinking of it... you may want to look up for a 720p Epson as well. They are really well known for their quality and have a long warranty. Their bulbs are super cheap as well. The Epson 1080 (1080p) is really one of the best projectors out their for its quality.

I would stay away from BenQ.. I have heard their quality is not what it used to be. The mitsubishi is a good one. I looked at that as well.
Thanks. I'm leaning to the Mitsubishi HD1500 simply because it appears to have an awesome build quality and it's the second generation of one of the best projectors in my price range.

I had this exact situation a few months ago.

I won a $1000 gift card from work and wanted an awesome projector that would meet all my needs as a first time home theartre enthusiast.
I looked @ all the possibilites...

and ended up going with the Benq w500.

the simple fact that it is SUPER versatile and adjustable makes it the definate instant satisfaction winner. Take it out of the box, plug it in, and BOOM ! instantly AMAZING picture !....no external processors, no messing with projector placement due to Lense shift...it also has digital keystone correction incase you can't get her perfect.

The offset was also rather low and was perfect due to my 6' 6'' cieling...

The hollywood video processing is simply awesome. and the image is SUPER bright, crisp and clear.

BUT, other things to think about...

if you have external processing...
is your ceiling high? how far is your PJ placement from the screen?

definatly go check out the PJ calculators, they will tell you your exact screen size from all PJ distances and placements.

ALSO, the 1080 PJs are coming down below 1500 bucks now...

you can get an hc4900 1080P for 1400 bucks now !
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12541325#post12541325

Infocus 7200

The hc4900 is an LCD 1080p. Still have not found an LCD to match the DLP PQ.

HC1500...awesome picture...99.9% chance you will not see "rainbows"...out of 200ish people that have seen my PJ, none have seen anything but an excellent picture according to the responses.

After about a couple weeks of reading reviews and posts from other people, I decided on the HC1500. I was leaning towards the Sanyo PLV-Z5 (An LCD model), but the idea of gradual image deterioration in LCD projectors finally made up my mind. So I went to XXXXXX XXXXX last night to get the projector, and...

I had heard from someone that feeding a computer signal through VGA was the worst case scenario, so I figured I might give that one a try first and see how bad it was. I setup my Thinkpad T23 (an old model) on the floor, and connected its headphone out to my Stereo system using a Y connector (mini to RCA stereo), then connected it to the projector, and without even turning off the lights, I decided to turn on the HC1500. I have to say that I was immediately surprised by how bright this thing was, and how rich the colors were. I repeat: I hadn't turned off the lights. I am also projecting to a wall that has a faint yellow color, and a slight texture to it, but that doesn't matter, the quality is excellent!

I turned off some of the lights, set the lamp to the economy mode, lowered the brightness (this makes blacks just black), and increased a little the contrast, and WOW! No issues with the VGA input as someone mentioned. No rainbow effect. Just a beautiful, rich, theater-like picture. And this coming from a non-HD source. I can't wait to try it with my DVD player. My wife was trying to convince me to get a plasma TV, but after last night she is happy she let hubby do his thing. ;)

I have no reservations in recommending the HC1500. If you are willing to wait for it to be delivered, XXXXX is the best deal. I was willing to pay XXXXX more in XXXXX XXXXX not to wait for it, and for the peace of mind of being able to exchange it or return it. And...don't buy the extended warranty, it's a joke. :D

Edit: I deleted pricing and mention of retailers. Sorry about that.

The only thing i REALLY know about PJ's is that my wife hates the fact that she was wrong about them.

HAHAHAHAHA :p

I read that the Acer PH530 is discontinued? I'm not buying a discontinued model! :D

That is Totally wrong ,
look here and you tell me if it's discontinued.:rolleyes:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Acer-PH530.htm

I just received and set up my Mits HC1500. I gotta say I'm impressed. My last pj was the sp 4805...loved it until it died at about 900 hrs. Luckily I bought it at that store that shall remain nameless....prior to their switch to the current 90 day return policy. Anyway, got the HC1500 w/ 92" screen for what I feel is a GREAT price! I'm still waiting for my VE HD-DVD disk. But out of the box this pj looks really good. Can't wait to tweak it. BTW, 92" not bad for a bedroom tv!

How's the Sharp DT-510??

Sharp DT-500