[Spanc]

Hello,

About a year ago I was researching to buy a projector and due to circumstances beyond my control I was unable to buy one. Well, I am in the market again and thought this would be the best place to begin my research into purchasing one. Any advice on a projector, new technology, and set up would be great and appreciated.

First, let me tell you a little about the viewing conditions and source material. The room is small, only about 12ft. The screen is 8ft from the viewing position. The light is, for the most part, controlled, so it will be dark when I use it (I do 80% of my viewing at night). My screen will be homemade, in fact, it's made out of foam board painted with Behr Silverscreen paint. The size of the screen is 68.84in diag. or 5ft/60in x 2.81ft./33.75in

I will be using the projector mostly viewing DVDs (almost all widscreen) and with the computer. There will be some TV and VCR viewing, but really, not much in the way of 4:3 content.

Due to the my veiwing habits, I thought that a resolution of at least 1024 x 768 or XGA would be best. 1024 x 720 might be good because it is full throuth for DVDs (16:9 right?) but I'm worry about loss of resolution on a computer. Something with a higher resolution may be better, but if it's not in my price range, I will not spring for it.

Also, as of right now, I like the idea of a LCD over a DLP. Unless someone can convince me otherwise and/or if the technology has improved greatly over a years time LCD is fine with me.

My price cap is $2500 and a good warranty or lamp replacement program or policy would be great.

Finally, it will need composite, component, and some sort of computer connection. Also, some sort of HD or digital connection for future upgrades would be nice. I must admit, I have no idea what kind of connection the average computer needs. But, I would need it on the projector and wouldn't mind if someone could tell me a good place to get ~25ft of it. I believe some other connections I may need would be DVI, HDMI, and VGA. I will be making the composite and component out of RG6 cable and RCA connectors.

I believe this is about it. As I've said, any advice about anything, like my set-up, cables, etc... would be excellent.

Thanks in advance.

Spanc

 

[Chris Gerhard]

I just read as much as I could bear to read about projectors and believe the Panasonic AE700 and Sanyo PLV-Z3 should be at the top of your list to consider. My choice was to spend less and I bought the Panasonic PT-L500U. Your room size and good ambient light condition may indicate you can save some money as well without too great a compromise in picture quality and consider the $1,500 projectors.


Chris

 

[VTGOLFER]

Check out the Sony VPL HS20. Most dealers are blowing them out to make room for the new HS51. My dealer is offering them at $2500 out the door. It is super buy for a $3500 projector. You are right with your price range the LCD is about the only route you can take.

 

[John Ballentine]

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Gerhard I just read as much as I could bear to read about projectors and believe the Panasonic AE700 and Sanyo PLV-Z3 should be at the top of your list to consider. My choice was to spend less and I bought the Panasonic PT-L500U. Your room size and good ambient light condition may indicate you can save some money as well without too great a compromise in picture quality and consider the $1,500 projectors. Chris

I agree. I also have an Panny 500 and have been really happy with it overall. It's not perfect (no projector is) - and it doesn't have lens shift like the Z-2 (which you may not need anyway), but you just can't beat it at the current street price.

 

[Spanc]

Thank you guys for the recommendations. I will look into the projectors you suggested. Also thanks to the person who PM'd me. Any technical advice or info from anyone would be great as well.

spanc

 

[Spanc]

p.s. - Does anyone know where I could find good, quality, yet cheap or reasonably priced video cable, specifically RG6/75ohm? (White outside would be nice too, but not necesary.) I need about 100 ft of it. Also, what is the difference between RG6 and RG6/U?

(And, is there a better board to place this question?)

thanks

spanc

 

[Spanc]

Bump! :^)

(This will be the only time/last time I will do this. Just wanted to fish for some possible new responses.)


Also, the Panni AE700 only has a vertical height of 720 pixels...how will this effect my use of a computer - i.e. the graphic quality? Woundn't I be better served by a regular XGA of 768?


spanc

 

[[email protected]]

Spanc - you might also want to look at the Epson Cinema 200+, its a very nice projector for the money and offers everything you are looking for. Epson also has a zero tolerance warranty policy, meaning that if you have even one stuck pixel or problem, they will replace your projector overnight no questions asked. Since they are dedicated to customer service, they overnight deliver a new projector to you (next business day) and they offer a 2 year warranty as opposed to many other manufacturers who only offer a 1 year warranty and allow 10% pixel failure.


As for the component cable, 100' will cost you a small fortune so your best bet is to simply make your own. RG6 cable is very inexspensive at home depot and you can order the connectors online. I made a 50' cable for approx. $30.


Let us know what you end up purchasing.


[email protected]

 

[mobius]

spanc,


You seem to have made up your mind on an LCD. However, I would recommend demoing a mix of DLP's and LCD's. Some of the newer DLP's have 6 and 7 segment color wheels, thus less liklihood of rainbows (if that is your concern).


Personally, I'm very sensitive to black level. That's why a DLP is the best compromise for my needs. If I had my druthers, I'd be running a CRT because of black level. I game a lot though, so that take's CRT's out of the loop. I think most people would agree that AFA black level is concerned, DLP is the next best and then LCD.


Either way, don't just take other people's advice on which projector you should buy. Listen to people for recommendations, and then, if at all possible go look at the PJ's that interest you the most.


Good luck!

 

[bjamez05]

sony

hs20

 

[AnthonyP]

Quote:

Personally, I'm very sensitive to black level

what does that mean? I can agree with picky, but sensitive means an avers reaction and that just does not make sense

Quote:

Either way, don't just take other people's advice on which projector you should buy. Listen to people for recommendations, and then, if at all possible go look at the PJ's that interest you the most.

agree 100%

 

[mobius]

Quote:

Originally posted by AnthonyP what does that mean? I can agree with picky, but sensitive means an avers reaction and that just does not make sense

To clarify, I mean that DLP's have better black levels than LCD's but not as good as CRT's. Ergo, DLP is the only way I will roll (digitally speaking), because black level is important to me. All three technologies have their shortcomings, it's just what your willing to live with; and what looks best to your eyes.

 

[AnthonyP]

I agree with that, I was just being a bit facetious. Even though I new what you meant I thought the word sensitive to be a bit strong, especially since sometimes the decision is made because of real sensitivity