I have been searching the forums trying to find someone in a similar situation and didn't have much luck. I apologize if this question seems simple but I could really use some sound advice.
Basically I am looking to purchase a projector that I can use in my garage. I will not be converting the garage into a dedicated home theater. I am just hoping to find something that I can bring into the garage after our Thursday night softball games to watch the baseball game or play some video games with the other neighborhood dads. I'm trying to do this on a budget in order to save some money in the long run (versus going to the bar after the games). It would be great to get something that displays HD (even 720p if not 1080i) new/used or refurbished at $500 or less.
Although the projector would be displaying on the back wall INSIDE my garage, my main concern is the possibility of ambient lighting COMPLETELY ruining the picture quality. The garage door will be open and there is a street light about 200 feet away that barely illuminates some of the garage. If the inside garage light is off you have to be careful walking around because it is still dark even with the street light in the distance. I don't need the picture quality to be a perfect home theater type of quality but I think it would be a waste of time if the picture was very faded or washed out.
I was reading in some prior posts that people were recommending the Optoma EP1691 as an affordable "outdoor" projector option but do you think I would need an "outdoor" quality projector? I'm looking to achieve a 120" - 150" screen if possible and was looking to purchase a 1.3gn projector screen material to place on the back wall.
I really respect the opinions and expertise of everyone within these forums and wanted to ask for your help before making a bad decision. Thank you so much in advance for any and all help you can offer!
Basically I am looking to purchase a projector that I can use in my garage. I will not be converting the garage into a dedicated home theater. I am just hoping to find something that I can bring into the garage after our Thursday night softball games to watch the baseball game or play some video games with the other neighborhood dads. I'm trying to do this on a budget in order to save some money in the long run (versus going to the bar after the games). It would be great to get something that displays HD (even 720p if not 1080i) new/used or refurbished at $500 or less.
Although the projector would be displaying on the back wall INSIDE my garage, my main concern is the possibility of ambient lighting COMPLETELY ruining the picture quality. The garage door will be open and there is a street light about 200 feet away that barely illuminates some of the garage. If the inside garage light is off you have to be careful walking around because it is still dark even with the street light in the distance. I don't need the picture quality to be a perfect home theater type of quality but I think it would be a waste of time if the picture was very faded or washed out.
I was reading in some prior posts that people were recommending the Optoma EP1691 as an affordable "outdoor" projector option but do you think I would need an "outdoor" quality projector? I'm looking to achieve a 120" - 150" screen if possible and was looking to purchase a 1.3gn projector screen material to place on the back wall.
I really respect the opinions and expertise of everyone within these forums and wanted to ask for your help before making a bad decision. Thank you so much in advance for any and all help you can offer!
