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Entry level projector for game room

post #1 of 11
1/13/08 at 3:51pm
Thread Starter 
I am looking for my first projector. I just finished my game room and want to add the projector for the super bowl. I am looking for an entry level projector to be ued mostly for watching Sports. I will also watch movies, play PS2 and Wii but I want to get the best picture with the lights on as possible. I have done some research but I am still very new at this.
I was lookng at the PowerLite Home 20 (refurb about $400). Is this the type of projector I should get? I have read the IN72 was really nice but not sure if it was in the same price range. I would like to stay under $500 which I relize is cheap for a projector but that is my budget. Any advise would be great.

FYI
I would be hooking up a HDTV cable box and progress scan DVD player to the projector. The screen size would be between 80-90 inches.
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post #2 of 11
1/13/08 at 4:17pm
IN72 is a good option (at or around $500) but very hard to find as it's discontinued.

The Benq W100, also 480p, is also a great projector and I grabbed one for $499 new just yesterday. Not as good as the IN72 but damn close (got a Hot Product award).

Other than that, you could just save and go for a 720p machine. The Acer PH530 or Optoma HD70 are good options. Closer to $700-$800 though.
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post #3 of 11
1/13/08 at 4:44pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the info I will check out the Benq W100. Can you tell me where you got it or is that against forum rules?
Is the PowerLite Home 20 any good? I am trying to get a Projector for the super bowl and I know I can get the powerlite for $400 by then....
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post #4 of 11
1/13/08 at 5:06pm
Check out a REFURB Sharp XR-10X at a certain DEPOT.COM that is in your budget. Should be excellent for what you want.
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post #5 of 11
1/13/08 at 5:22pm
Depot.com? They put a projector under "kitchen" because it was white
I'd definitely do a reseller rating check on them...the website doesn't scream "professional" or "yes, we'd gladly accept your return"...

The powerlite isn't bad but the screen door effect is significant on that model and the contrast ratio is half or (more than half) that of the DLP models I mentioned. At $400 it's an OK deal.
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post #6 of 11
1/13/08 at 6:37pm
acer ph530 has $200 replacement bulbs which come in handy when gaming a lot
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post #7 of 11
1/13/08 at 9:28pm
klover,
I checked refurb's seller rating and you were spot on. Just goes to show you when you use google to find something it doesn't mean that the dealer on the other end has your best interest at heart. To bad, that projector would fit the bill just fine.

bguzman
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post #8 of 11
1/14/08 at 9:00am
Thread Starter 
Below are a list of projectors and prices just looking for some opionons on the best deal..

ViewSonic PJ503D DLP Projector $376.40 after rebate + 80 inch screen and mount.
Epson powerlite 20 Refurbished $400.00

Acer PH530 cheapest I can find is $647.00

IN74 used says it has low hours $500 ( I would like to have warranty, not sure if warranty would carry over.)

IN72 can't find one for under $750.00
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post #9 of 11
1/14/08 at 10:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bgw599 View Post

...I am looking for an entry level projector to be ued mostly for watching Sports. I will also watch movies, play PS2 and Wii but I want to get the best picture with the lights on as possible. I have done some research but I am still very new at this...

This is going to be a "minor" issue with any projector, depending upon the lighting. What type of bulbs and how many? What wattage? What about daylight?

If you can do any light control at all, the IN72 will likely be your best choice, given your parameters.
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post #10 of 11
1/14/08 at 3:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bgw599 View Post

Below are a list of projectors and prices just looking for some opionons on the best deal..

ViewSonic PJ503D DLP Projector $376.40 after rebate + 80 inch screen and mount.
Epson powerlite 20 Refurbished $400.00

Acer PH530 cheapest I can find is $647.00

IN74 used says it has low hours $500 ( I would like to have warranty, not sure if warranty would carry over.)

IN72 can't find one for under $750.00

Per my earlier PM, avoid the Viewsonic and IN74 if you are prone to seeing rainbows. 1x colourwheels with single RGB segments make me queasy.
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post #11 of 11
1/15/08 at 9:22am
don't forget that most refurbs come with 90-days warranty which for me personally is a deal breaker.
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