Best HD projector under $1,000

You've got virtually no options with that SUPER LONG throw distance. You have to move the projector way forward(maybe the 15' range).

I am talking about the newer projectors. You need to shorten your throw distance big time.

Jim is right. The only "New" PJ out there that even comes close is the 8350, a $1200 .00 - 2000 lumen 1080p unit whose Focal Length at 24' would provide that 104" x 58" screen with a rightly sized image. However you'll have to watch everything in severely restricted lighting conditions...or total darkness for a good image because the Foot Lamberts will only be 9fls, even with 2K lumens.
At 20' the Fls increase to 11fl, which doesn't sound like much....but is significantly better than 9 fls

You can't afford an axillary Long Throw Lens option for any newer PJs, they all start at $500+. It sounds like your older PJs were Presentation PJs anyway, some that had Long Throws and plenty of Lumens.

It would be well worth your effort to relocate your Mounting location. If you move up to 20' somehow, you could also pick up a "Like New" Reconditioned Epson 6100 or 8100 for a Grand or slightly less and squeak into 10 fls

However, if you take the previously suggested advice to breast and move "way up" the image quality and dynamics with any of the aforementioned units will be awsome. Once again...well worth the effort.

There are now available High Quality HDMI cords for $1.00 ft, so don't let that aspect be a hesitation factor. Barring expense...or simply inconvenience, is there any over riding circumstance that disallows your relocation the PJs location? Is the PJ mounted off the Ceiling? Or on a Stand? Another thing, the Optoma HD20 is a "sub-$1000" 1080p unit, but it doesn't have anything remotely like the available throw distances of the Epsons I have mentioned, nor does it posses Lens Shift...something really advantageous for anyone not familiar with, or experienced with accurately placing a PJ that does not have such an advantage.

If your options are not constrained to any really high degree, and you provide so really explicit details as to the Room's attributes....or failings, you can be certain we can get'cha hooked up and wowed in no time, and at the least possible expense.

Agreed...at 30' that is a 3.46x throw...virtually nothing can do that, especially in this budget range. Try and stick to more like 2.5x max (22'ish)...that will open up many more options...

Is there a reason why you can't throw it from a shorter distance?

Excellent advice so far. One point I'd like to make is not to get too hung up on brightness levels. There is lots of talk about accepted minimum brightness levels, but some people like bright pictures, and some like dim pictures. I myself am quite happy with the 4-5fls I get from my setup. Do I sometimes wish for more brightness? Yes, but rarely. Keep in mind that I watch in a completely dark room. If there is ambient light, you will need more brightness. How much more? That is beyond the realm of my experience.

Rob

Highly advised to move closer since you stated you can...you will have many many more options to choose from.

Instead of the w1000 you should consider the w1000+, its the better version and probably the same price.

If I were you I would look for a local HHGregg store. And see if they will give you the 20% off deal on the Epson 8350. If you dont have a store locally they have a website you can visit.

I can add that I have put my Epson 8350 at 23' just on my bar(temporary placement) and I have a 122" screen. Just on a gray painted wall. This picture is great. I have also put the projector at 12' and thrown the same picture. The 10 foot difference is huge in picture brightness. As MississippiMan has stated in other threads. I would go to the link below and mount the Projector within 6" of the minimum throw.

Minimum throw for 106" screen for the Epson 8350 is 10' 4". So anywhere around 11' should be great.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epso...ulator-pro.htm

Okay, HOLD ON. There has been discussions about your 30' throw... however, now with your picture it seems like this is in fact a LARGE ROOM with lots of lights.

What is the purpose of this projector going to be for? Movies? Or presentations for education or something like that cause you said it's a Youth center. It's important because if you're going to be making presentations or BOTH, that means during some occasions there will be lights on, correct? It is important that you gives us the detail scenarios of the usage for this or these projectors.

1) Is this room a basement, cause I can't see any windows?
2) Is the room 100% light controlled = if you turn off the light it's pitch black (i.e.: basement)?
3) What is the main usage for this projector?
4) While the projector is being used, will there be ambient light in the background?
5) Are there any windows?

The HD2200 is basically a slightly beefed up version of the HD20. More lumens and better contrast + ISF certified calibration controls. 3 year warranty, 2 years on the lamp, zero dead-pixel guarantee. Sweet little machine, and I would probably own it if you didn't have to go through an AVAD dealer/installer to get it.

It helps a lot...and it also suggests that you really need to zone in on a PJ with the correct specs and feature set for the money.


His advice means well, but it hinders your installation options.

The HD2200 does not have Lens Shift, and it has approx a 3.5" Lens Offset, which means it (...the center of the lens....) absolutely MUST be placed 3.5" above the top edge of the Screen.

The HD2200 has a limited Zoom range, combined with a relatively short throw potential (13' - 15.6') Everything about it suggests that you'll need to mount it closer to the screen than your were ever expecting to, and have it be down as far as to make it seem to be almost in front of the Screen.

If 1080p is a factor (nice to have...but hardly so in a Church environment) the Epson 3850 is your best choice. You can mount it close (12') but 2' above the top of the Screen ($1200.00)

You could fall back to 1280x800 resolution and get the Optoma EW536

• 2700 Lumens @ 3000:1 CR Good specs for your application.
• HDMI input 3D Ready
• 4000 hour Bulb on Econo (...you should be able to run it on Econo)
• DLP ... No Filters to change....sealed Light Engine
• Longer throw. Mount it at 16'
• Greater lens Offset. Will mount sufficiently high above the Screen (14.2")
• A LOT less expensive ($750.00)

Or this one for even less! ($539.00)
Optoma EW1610
http://www.deltacamera.com/ProductDe...tCode=OpEW1610

.......although it's throw distance is shorter, it still has a significant Lens Offset (12") and it's incredibly bright (2700 lumens )
Contrast specs are lower, but that's not as big a concern IF you are in fact controlling your ambient light.


Perhaps most important....both Optomas are at lest 2/3rds as small as the Epson.
The biggest difference between the two is the EW1610 has a Digital DVI input. The EW536 has HDMI

The TH1060 would be great, but yes, it does not have lens shift so placement flexibility would be limited. But its great for it's high lumen 3600, 1080p, and 3 years of warranty!!!!

However, it does only have 2500:1 which honestly I don't think will be a big considering factor for you as in most church related settings you're not going for quality but more of size and practicality for the masses, correct?

However, once again, the TH1060 lacks placement flexibility.