Totally new to CRT Projectors but wanted one that would be good for playing just SD DVD's. So on craigslist there is listed a Sony 1042 for 350.

Firstly, is the price a good price for this projector ($350), and Secondly, how good will SD DVD's look?

I currently have a Sanyo PLVZ4 and wanted to get into the warmth and film like PQ that only a CRT can deliver. Is this the right projector for me?

Thanks!

That's a total, unqualified ripoff. In the scheme of projectors, it's kind of like paying $15,000 for a beat to hell 1981 Escort.

That PJ is video only, which means it can't take a progressive signal, let alone an upscaled DVD. As such, you'll just see a flickery, scan-line-covered mess. It won't come anywhere near to giving you the film like PQ you're after - and $350 should easily buy that quality. You ought to be able to get one of the higher end Sonys (which are well-regarded) that can do 1080i for less than $350, easily.

Take a look at www.curtpalme.com; read the primer and check out the projector ranking page. That'll give you a much better idea where you stand.

I wouldn't go as far as saying it's like paying $15,000 for a POS escort. It's more like paying $2000 for the same '81 escort. You over paid, but if it drives and get's you from point a to point b for a few months, maybe a year, you could say you got your money out of it. And if it blows a head gasket on day one, you wouldn't loose too much sleep over the 2g's. Go into it knowing you will have to upgrade, you won't win any car shows, or drag races, and you wont be disapointed.

However, you could spend that same $2000 on a sportier car that is least built on a good platform and is fun to drive.

Those old sony's, from what I have read, are not fun to set up due to having all analog controls. You should be able to find a nice Sony 12xx series projector for $350 or less. These have all digital controls (think easy "for a CRT" installs), are very reliable, and are very available. They will do HD (1080i) and have great colors. I have purchased 2 12xx's for $300 for the both of them, a 1272q for $250 and a 1251q for $50. I actually sold the 1272q and I run the 1251q at 1080i @ 102" diag.

No...

A fair price would be less than $50

NO, don't pay that for the 1042:eek:

For that cash grab up a Sony 1270,1251,1552,1271, or 1272- in ascending order. Try to get pics of the tubes first though.. You can definitely get a great machine that will do 1080i maybe 720p for that price no problem.

For what it's worth I really like my Sony D50. Smaller and maybe a little more quiet, has component inputs built in, most all of the adjustments are on the remote, does 1080i okay directly from the cable box, SD DVDs look great, and it was only $150.
Good for entry level.

Yes,

A D50 would also be a good choice and possibly a step up from the 12xx series. However they are harder to find and it looks like less parts are avalable for them.

Per my PM to you I will give you my 1000q or 1042q as long as I don't have to spend much time getting it to you. Where do you live? I'm in San Diego. I think they are useful training machines that can get you started in crt. Once you get one of these set up you will have a much better understanding of how these things work. :)