Looking into Getting a Front Projector ?

If you're moving from an LCD or LED flat screen, I think you're going to be severely disappointed with the quality of a projector in this price range. I wouldn't touch this with a 10 foot pole.

Understood. Just know that with a $150 projector, you're going to get what you pay for. Bulb on halfway decent projector cost most than this.

If your budget is limited, I would look for a used projector from some of the better known companies. You can probably get some some decent 720p projectors or even a 1080p one with some use on the bulb for a decent amount, but personally I think the budget would most likely need to be in the 600-800 range or so (just off the top of my head).

LOL, you are suffering from a case of wanting to buy something new and flashy to show off with. TVs will last a long time if you take care of them. My mom has a CRT that is about 15 years old and I have a LCD that is 6 years old. They may not have the latest features but both work just fine.

But I digress. I need to teach you something. I have made nearly one thousand purchases off of eBay. You have to know how to read the descriptions and how to play the game. The link you gave is not for a high definition projector. If you read the description closely it says it accepts high definition inputs not that it displays high definition. If you have it in your head that you are going to go this route then at least look at a LED projector that will give you a lot longer life than the two thousand hours this one claims to. BTW, It looks like the project you are looking at displays in 4 X 3 and not 16 X 9.

If you insist on going this route then look at Favi projectors and screens on eBay. It is not professional equipment by any means but does have a decent reputation for what it is. Several people on AVS have Favi screens because they are known for giving you bang for the buck.

You can try this post over in the projector forums as well. I'm not sure what the going rate is these days, but look at some of the earlier Panasonic and Sanyo LCDs.

Something else you need to consider. It sounds like you want to replace your TV with a projector and screen. Most real Home Theater enthusiasts have a TV as well to keep the hours off of their projector and bulb.

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Forums > Display Devices > Digital Projectors Under $3000

Just go to eBay and put Favi in the search box. It will come up with several projector and screen options and even prices on matched sets.

Another thing you need to think about is that most of the inexpensive projectors have low lumens. Are you going to be able to darken your living room enough that, that won't be a problem?

I am not going to recommend any of them but if I were going to get a Favi there is one there in the $335 range for both projector and screen. Look for the one with a T in its name. That stands for Home Theater.

Note that projector isn't even HD.

also note that if this is for a living room, i'm going to guess it is not very light controlled, and a cheap projector is most likely going to give you a washed out picture with all factors in consideration.