Hello!
First post to this forum but "lurked" for the past month or so.
I am currently using a Lightware vp800+ from my HTPC. ( it is better than the 19 ntsc TV, a 21 viewsonic CRT I used previously)
I need suggestions on new or at least more recent projectors to take the place of the VP800. The main drivers is higher resolution and lumens. The vp800 is a SVGA and lumens is 270-300.
I'm checking the popular Projectors mentioned here and I see that the throw distances are too long. But I focuesed on only the DLP types which appears to be not suited for my room size. I checked the model with projectorcentral's calculator
interestingly the projectorcentral calculator is off by a foot in the throw distance based on my personal measurements (see next paragraph) concerning the VP800 (probably Lightware's Fault).
My problem is throw distances. My living is 12.9 ft across and viewing area is between two windows is approx 100/101 inches diag and 76 1/4 inch across. This is a DIY painted surface. The VP800 is about 10.9/10 ft away from the wall and it can give me 95 inch diag picture. the opposite wall opens to the kitchen so it can't be used and I prefer to use the DIY screen I made anyway.
There are 3 windows (two east, one south) so lots of ambient light during the day BUT I do my viewing at late afternoon/evening which is why the VP800 was acceptable.
I mainly watch media from my media server of various formats/quality. Other viewing is websites like youtube, movie trailer sites. And some PC games hence the need for higher resolutions.
Are there any projectors will fit my need based on the summary?
Summary:
1) display a image with the size/throw distance like the VP800 (my measurements not projectcentral's)
2) Under $2k, if possible
3) Is HTPC friendly as it will be the only thing connected to it.
4) Xvga or higher
5) I know that widescreen is the trend but as long unit can do 4:3 I'm happy.
6) For LCD types: The "screendoor" effect does not bother me as I barely
notice on the VP800
7) Higher lumens too of course. How high? Well since the VP800 is 270-300.
any improvement would be great
I have no delusions about the VP800. It is a business projector that is about 10 years old, though on ebay some sellers sell them as as "Home Theatre" projectors, I was lucky that the marketing dept at my workplace was tossing out old projectors and the lightware was the one that worked for me the best. I got a box full of EVD bulbs that can last me for years so I can keep buying VP800s off ebay if I wanted to BUT I would like to be pointed to better alternatives out there.
I will considered recent discontinued types as well
Thank you very much
First post to this forum but "lurked" for the past month or so.
I am currently using a Lightware vp800+ from my HTPC. ( it is better than the 19 ntsc TV, a 21 viewsonic CRT I used previously)
I need suggestions on new or at least more recent projectors to take the place of the VP800. The main drivers is higher resolution and lumens. The vp800 is a SVGA and lumens is 270-300.
I'm checking the popular Projectors mentioned here and I see that the throw distances are too long. But I focuesed on only the DLP types which appears to be not suited for my room size. I checked the model with projectorcentral's calculator
interestingly the projectorcentral calculator is off by a foot in the throw distance based on my personal measurements (see next paragraph) concerning the VP800 (probably Lightware's Fault).
My problem is throw distances. My living is 12.9 ft across and viewing area is between two windows is approx 100/101 inches diag and 76 1/4 inch across. This is a DIY painted surface. The VP800 is about 10.9/10 ft away from the wall and it can give me 95 inch diag picture. the opposite wall opens to the kitchen so it can't be used and I prefer to use the DIY screen I made anyway.
There are 3 windows (two east, one south) so lots of ambient light during the day BUT I do my viewing at late afternoon/evening which is why the VP800 was acceptable.
I mainly watch media from my media server of various formats/quality. Other viewing is websites like youtube, movie trailer sites. And some PC games hence the need for higher resolutions.
Are there any projectors will fit my need based on the summary?
Summary:
1) display a image with the size/throw distance like the VP800 (my measurements not projectcentral's)
2) Under $2k, if possible
3) Is HTPC friendly as it will be the only thing connected to it.
4) Xvga or higher
5) I know that widescreen is the trend but as long unit can do 4:3 I'm happy.
6) For LCD types: The "screendoor" effect does not bother me as I barely
notice on the VP800
7) Higher lumens too of course. How high? Well since the VP800 is 270-300.
any improvement would be great
I have no delusions about the VP800. It is a business projector that is about 10 years old, though on ebay some sellers sell them as as "Home Theatre" projectors, I was lucky that the marketing dept at my workplace was tossing out old projectors and the lightware was the one that worked for me the best. I got a box full of EVD bulbs that can last me for years so I can keep buying VP800s off ebay if I wanted to BUT I would like to be pointed to better alternatives out there.
I will considered recent discontinued types as well
Thank you very much
