Projector Suggestions? ... again

OK - So since there aren't enough threads on the topic of video projectors anywhere on AVS (just kidding of course), I figured I would start my own. I am probably wishful thinking here, because, (A) I doubt I would find a buyer for my existing projector and (B) I can't justify setting my existing projector aside to upgrade. BUT the bug has bitten me and I wanted some feedback.

First, my screen is scope and is 15' wide. The first proj I used in the system was a Highlite Gold High Contrast from Digital Projection (1280 X 1024). I used the lens zoom memories to refocus, zoom and shift between 16:9 and 2.35:1. After unsolvable problems with that unit and not being able to fix it, DPI graciously swapped me out with a Titan HD-250 (1280 X 720), ISCO III and Cineslide. My problem is, for some reason, pixel structure was not visible with the highlite but it is with the Titan. It's not so much that I can't enjoy movies in my HT room but I think I am pushing the resolution beyond it's preferable limits. On a smaller screen, I think I would be fine. In fact, I have zoomed the image down to about 11' wide and it looks stunning. But, hey, I have a 15 foot wide screen, a big room and I want to fill the freaking screen.

Assuming that I can't sell my projector, what would fill a screen that size in the $15000 or under range. The more under the better. Obviously we are looking for 1920X1080. The room is completely light controlled. I will be keeping the ISCO III so that would still push be over the $20000 mark required for this forum.

I can honestly say that if I can get the projector situation ironed out I will be satisfied with my system for at least the next 3 months.

Chris White

My screen gain is roughly 1.5. Forgot to mention that.

Chris White

Alan,
I am about 22 feet back and 28 feet back for the last two rows. The second to last row contains the "sweet spot" for the audio and the D-Box loveseats. If I move to the last row, I can't discern the pixel structure nearly as much.

Art,
That's kind of the way I figured also, BUT, there is a forum member who posted some screen shots over in the theater construction forum. I am trying like hell to find it. He has, I believe, a 14 or 15 foot wide screen and is using a JVC RS1!!! He claims that he has plenty of brightness, but I would really have to see that myself to judge. I would sacrifice some brightness, but not much.

Given the proper budget, I would jump on one of the Barco commercial units, but no one has yet agreed to give me a proper budget

Chris White

Well, I was happy, as I said, with the Digital Projection Highlite, as far as pixel structure. It had brightness to spare, programmable lens settings so doing CIH was a cinch. But it had an intermittent problem that no one could track down. And I will sing the praises of DPI because they had in on three occasions and sent someone down to my place TWICE to try to solve the problem.

With the Titan, I get better contrast, a punchier picture, an ISCO III lens setup, much quieter operation and HDCP compliance. I also get some more visible pixel structure. It's not so bad that I can't thoroughly enjoy my HT room. I know that prices will creep down and sooner or later I will make the move to a 1080 projector.

I can't justify going from a 3Chip to a single Chip. Maybe I would be satisfied if I saw the projector, but even with the increased pixel count, that would, IMO, be more of a lateral move than an upgrade, but thanks for the mention and I will look into it.

What are the opinions of those here on the recommended distance from screen with regards to 720p. I have though about going slightly smaller by masking part of my screen off until I switch to a 1080 unit but I just don't know.

Well, thanks all for the feedback so far. Cheers everyone.

Chris White

Darinp2,
I have a Harkness Hall miniperfed screen with JBL 3677 commercial cinema speakers behind. I don't have need for a wide viewing angle BUT I do have need for an acoustically transparent screen.

Donaldk,
I will have to check that out.

Art,

Yes, that sounds very low indeed. The pictures posted on the construction thread were surprisingly detailed and bright looking, but perhaps in person, things would appear differently. There is one constant in HT that I have found and that is prices will drop. Hey, my original DPI Highlite retailed in the 50K range and now you can find them for 5K. Eventually, there will be a solution I am willing to pay for, but I guess right now, I need to be content with the excellent contrast and brightness of my projector. I think I will do what I mentioned previously and just reduce my screen size a bit. It's either that or find one of those fancy pixel reducing lenses that probably doesn't even work! I remember them from my LCD days. You know what, I could just throw one of my LCD projectors in there for a couple of weeks then switch back to the Titan. After that kind of screen door effect, the Titan would be nothing to complain about

And to think, I started off with a Sharp LCD projector and a Pioneer LD player. I thought it could not get any better than that at the time.

Chris White