[fiftyincher]

I'm an IT guy in charge with purchasing a new ceiling mount projector for our conference room. I've been researching but it seems the more I read the less I know. We're currently using a ViewSonic PJ656 on a table - the vga connections need a lot of fiddling to make work so it's time for a new one. Here's what I know:


$700 budget but could go to $1000

Screen is 6' x 6', ~90" diagonal - already mounted

Electrical outlet in the ceiling is ~8 ft from the screen (drywall ceiling)

Laptop resolution is WXGA


Any recommendations?


Thanks,

Tim

 

[BuffaloJim]

For 700 bucks, my choice would be Optoma's EP1691. It's a DLP. If you would rather have an LCD (I would not), take a look at the Epson EX71 or the Home Cinema 705HD; I think they're actually the same projector.


Jim

 

[Sheridan1952]

You have other expenses besides the projector. There is the ceiling mount and hardware, and the cost of cabling which, if going through the ceiling, has to be plenum-rated by code.

 

[fiftyincher]

Thanks, I was looking at the ex-71, I'll take a look at the Optoma. I know there's other expenses, budget is just for the projector. I have other money available for mounts/cabling. I believe the ceiling cabling only has to be plenum rated if there's air handling involved for fire safety reasons, correct? Above is just space in the rafters, no air handling, just realized I didn't mention the ceiling is drywall.

 

[Sheridan1952]

Correct, plenum if the space is used for air handling.

 

[chumpchange21]



Quote:
Originally Posted by fiftyincher /forum/post/18198680



$700 budget but could go to $1000

Screen is 6' x 6', ~90" diagonal - already mounted

Electrical outlet in the ceiling is ~8 ft from the screen (drywall ceiling)

Laptop resolution is WXGA

Tim

Definately check out BenQ models as they have a wide range of educational/business projectors. For your price range I'd look at the BenQ MP670 as it is only around $800 dollars. With that you get a high lumen of 3,200, 3,000:1 contrast ratio, wired networking for more central control, and USB port for quick access. The projector also comes with a 3-D ready function, but I'm not sure if that'd be useful, it's always a bonus though!


I use the MP772ST for my office/leisure, and with only 2,500 lumens I find it displaying great brightness and it has never failed on me yet! The newer business/educational projectors from BenQ that came out in 2009 seem to have quietor fans so they do not disrupt your viewers while presenting. Definately worth checking out

More stats can be read here:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-MP670.htm

 

[bron]



Quote:
Originally Posted by BuffaloJim /forum/post/18201100


For 700 bucks, my choice would be Optoma's EP1691. It's a DLP. If you would rather have an LCD (I would not), take a look at the Epson EX71 or the Home Cinema 705HD; I think they're actually the same projector.


Jim

+1 on the Epsons, very bright, nice hookups, flexible, small, very portable, good warranty and service, easy setup and use, and so on.