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Help me pick a high projector for indoor and outdoor use

post #1 of 10
1/14/13 at 11:40am
Thread Starter 
I've read a ton of posts on here but figured I'd ask some advice on a projector that I plan to use for both an outside theater and in my game room.

My specs are:

Outdoor Theater
150 Inch Elite Screen (already own)
Distance from screen: 15-20 feet

Indoor Game Room
110 inch Elite Screen (open to other brands)
Distance from screen: 20-22 feet (Shelf mounted)

My budget is up to $3500 but if I can get by with something cheaper that would be great. I plan mostly to watch 2D content from my HTPC. I would like deep blacks/nice contrast, does well for 3D viewing and can be used for occasional gaming.

So far I've looked into the BenQ W7000, Panasonic AE80000, Epson 3020/5010/5020, Sony hw30/es50 and JVC RS45 but open to other models. I am fairly new to the projector scene and mainly prefer to get something that will last a while and provide an excellent indoor/Outdoor viewing experience. Any advice or recommendations you could give on projector and a 110 indoor screen would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ravex911
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post #2 of 10
1/14/13 at 11:55am
Will you be watching outside only when it's completely dark out? Or do you intend to watch while there's still light? If the latter, none of these will work and you'll need to look into something on the order of 4k+ lumens, probably more.

If the former, I'd recommend the W7000. You'll have to mount at 18ft when outdoors, and 19.5ft when indoors. You'll have more flexibility with the 5020, but less brightness in the best mode. It IS, however, much brighter in 3D mode and still throws a pretty good image in a slightly-less-than calibrated image, but at around 1600 lumens if my memory serves me.

The JVC will be the best image, but is poor for gaming and likely won't be bright enough for outside.
Panny is good, but possibly not bright enough, especially in best mode.
Sony is a great PJ, but won't be bright enough or have enough placement flexibility.

You may want to instead look at getting two projectors: a JVC to satisfy your black cravings for indoor viewing, and a less expensive one for outdoor viewing. The Viewsonic PRO8200 is a cheap and bright model. However, like I said, nothing in the $3500 range will be adequately bright for daytime or even evening viewing. There's simply too much light outside.
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post #3 of 10
1/14/13 at 8:57pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the info! For outside use, I had planned to use it when it's mostly dark. And I have blackout shades for the game room so that should have adequate darkness. I found some good deals on the W7000, but wasn't sure how well it would perform for both indoor and outdoor use. In a perfect world I would get 2 projector's but need to keep the wife happy. It's easy to justify if I can use it for multiple locations.

For distance, I won't be able to go any further than 19.5ft when indoors, I think the room is closer to 21-22 but need to double check the exact measurements.

Thank you again for the reply.
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post #4 of 10
1/14/13 at 9:11pm
If that's the case then get the 5020. It has more flexibility and is still very, very bright. Bulbs are also cheaper and Epson has a kickass warranty program.
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post #5 of 10
1/15/13 at 1:27pm
Thread Starter 
Actually, the spot where I plan to use the projector for the gam room is 18.5 FT, so looks like either projector will work. I think I am leaning torwards the BenQ W7000 since I can get it a lot cheaper than the 5020. Now I need to find a nice 110 inch screen to pair it with! smile.gif

Thanks
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post #6 of 10
1/15/13 at 2:48pm
You could also go for the 5010 which is very similar to the 5020.
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post #7 of 10
1/15/13 at 3:56pm
You note in your original post that you want something with good black levels and contrast. You aren't going to get that with the W7000. You'll get mediocre contrast perfomance and a black level pretty high. The Epson would destroy the W7000 in that regard. Unless you have your heart set on DLP, the Epson is a fantastic machine overall.
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post #8 of 10
1/15/13 at 5:40pm
Thread Starter 
So the picture quality for 2D and 3D, as well as contract and black levels will be better on the Epson? Would you go for the 5020 rather than the 5010? How does the Epson compare to the Panasonic 8000? I read some good things on the forum in regards to the BenQ on Zombie's shootout thread. If the Epson is a better pick over the BenQ though, I do not mind spending a bit more if the results speak for themselves. Thanks again for the info.
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post #9 of 10
1/15/13 at 5:45pm
As far as 3D goes, the BenQ is about as good as it gets. 2D the Epson has a real advantage in contrast. The Epson is no slouch at 3D, the BenQ will just be a bit better (less ghosting/crosstalk ect). Many will argue that the Epson is better than the Panasonic. Check out some reviews. Personally I'd stick with the 5010 and save some money. The only big feature the 5020 has over the 5010 is the use of the dynamic iris in 3D mode. The others are negligible.
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post #10 of 10
1/16/13 at 8:25am
Thread Starter 
I will check out some prices on both the 5010/5020, and hopefully I can find a good deal. It would be nice to get one under 2K and save the extra for a decent screen. Thanks again for the replies, being new to projectors there is a bit of a learning curve, but I see now once you go projection watching media on my 64" plasma is just not the same!
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