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what are the key points when looking for a projector?

post #1 of 9
1/14/12 at 1:33am
Thread Starter 
so many projectors with different specs, I really have no idea what specs I should be looking at when looking for a good deal.

could you please list a few specs which I should be looking for when searching for a projector?
higher the contrast ratio?
1080p capable
16:9
5x speed wheel

lcd or dlp? why?



but really I don't know what to look for in a machine

thank you for your help.

ohh I will want the projector to do 1080, 2.40:1(wide screen viewing) 16:9
be able to beam a picture at least 150"
the best for under 3000 dollars.
sorry I can't comment on the Ht room at this stage, I am just wanting to know what kind of specs are the most important when looking at a projector regardless of room size or placement.
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post #2 of 9
1/14/12 at 5:42am
Not to come of mean but, the answers you need would take about 2 hours to type out. Since each answer will create another 4-6 questions or contain 5 or more caveats. I would suggest you start reading in this forum and doing searches for question answers. This will net your far more knowledge faster than posting open ended questions.
Start with a google search of DLP vr LCD, you need to learn the difference in the 2 technologies and how they can play into your placement and room environment let along rainbow sensitivity.. This is a bit more complicated than buying a TV, considering all the variables of the room that effect your end image.
Good luck and don't get discouraged, you need to educate yourself and it is going to take some time. You will bet better answers if you ask specific questions related to a specific topic, so gather some knowledge on the basics it will be a big help and prevent a major purchase mistake.
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post #3 of 9
1/14/12 at 5:54am
While I agree 100% with ^....I'm pretty sure you could pick up an Epson 8### and make it work and still come out with an amazing picture. Build your room mount the pj then go from there. Most cases you can make whatever adjustments( room,screen,paint etc) afterwards if needed.
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post #4 of 9
1/14/12 at 8:17am
Many aspects that make a projector right for you can't be expressed in numbers. You need to look at the brightness, black level, placement flexibility, sharpness, etc.

Read a few reviews on http://www.projectorreviews.com/ to get some insight. But I agree with the previous post, the Epson UB series is supposed to be very good.
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post #5 of 9
1/14/12 at 8:27am
Thread Starter 
what I don't get is, some of the more expensive projectors have less contrast ratio than the cheaper ones. how does this work?
I was thinking higher the numbers the better, but in some cases doesn't seem so, also when I compare a 1500 pro, to a 4500 pro sometimes the specs are almost identical, so it's very confusing.
I think I am missing something when I break down the specs.

but I guess a lot of it is marketing BS.
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post #6 of 9
1/14/12 at 8:42am
Don't focus on specs. Read reviews to find out whats best for you.
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post #7 of 9
1/14/12 at 8:44am
Thread Starter 
ok, I have found the answer

in case any other noobs out there.. this is a good place to start,

http://hometheater.about.com/od/tele...bybvidproj.htm
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post #8 of 9
1/14/12 at 8:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by coffeeman101 View Post

what I don't get is, some of the more expensive projectors have less contrast ratio than the cheaper ones. how does this work?
I was thinking higher the numbers the better, but in some cases doesn't seem so, also when I compare a 1500 pro, to a 4500 pro sometimes the specs are almost identical, so it's very confusing.
I think I am missing something when I break down the specs.

but I guess a lot of it is marketing BS.

Specs only tell a small part of the story and yes, LCD with claims of 50,000:1 are marketing crap using a dynamic iris to fudge the numbers.. all things you will learn about if you start reading and doing the needed research. Forget the specs for now, it will all become clear after you have read up on the basics. Sorry there is no one stop shop for this info.. but there is a LOT of it..
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post #9 of 9
1/14/12 at 8:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by afviper View Post

Don't focus on specs. Read reviews to find out whats best for you.

yes will do, just want to get some basic understanding of terms and specs before I start reading. but I am good to start now, I know a few terms so I will be on my long voyage now in deciding which is right for me.
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