[ng12345]

Hey everyone,


the thread title is a quick summary of what I am looking for. We have been using a NEC LT 150 for a long time (we originally had a behemoth of a projector way back when -- like the mid 90s) and we have yet to replace the bulb - i think we are at about 3000hrs right now.


basically we are looking to upgrade the projector to one with 1080p support; and we would like to get a similarly sized projector (~4lbs) though hopefully one that is quieter (right now the projector is directly above the seating area and its very audible if nothing is playing). my understanding is that only the dlp's can come in such small sizes which is why I put that in my title -- if that is not the case; i am open to other technologies too


the projector will be ceiling mounted in a pretty large room, so it can be moved around as necessary to get the right screen size. unfortunately i don't have the exact measurements of my screen on me; but I think its a 10ft 16:9 screen.


budget wise; basically something

 

[ondaedg]

1080p dlp at 4 lbs.... that may not be possible. And you want a quiet one and that may be even tougher. Typically the quiet ones are built like a tank which means 17+ lbs. Why do you want a super light weight projector if you're ceiling mounting it?

 

[ng12345]

its mostly an aesthetic thing. the women in the house don't want a behemoth sticking out of the ceiling (similar to our original setup).


yah i'm seeing a lot of 720p's at that weight with noises around 30db -- but then i don't really see a reason to upgrade our current projector.


the weight isn't as much of an issue as size (but it seems to me that they would go hand in hand).

 

[gwlaw99]

720p projectors will look better with HD material and show less screen door on SD. There have also been big improvements in contrast since you bought your projectors which will make the images look much better especially in dark scenes.


I have no idea where to buy these. I don't think they are sold in the US, but 1080p and 7.5 pounds.

http://www.digitalprojection.com/Bro...0/Default.aspx

List of all 1080p projectors by weight

 

[hayneskr]

This is a tough one.


You may have to choose between the two - size or noise. You mentioned Mitsu and Optoma...


I don't find my HD80 loud - it is rated at 32dB, but I find it much quieter than my Toshiba TDP-S20U that was rated at 33dB (in quiet mode - which it was always in). The HD80 is also on the small end of the scale of 1080p projectors. That said....


NEC LT150 2.1 x 9.4 x 7.7 (in), 3.3 lbs

Optoma HD80 4.6 x 16.0 x 12.2 (in) 10.0 lbs


The Mitsu 6500 is very well reviewed, is on budget, and is really quiet. Rated at 17dB quiet! It is a lot bigger than your old unit though - but right in line with what most 1080p models are at:


Mitsubishi HC6500 6.3 x 16.8 x 17.3 (in) 16.5lbs


In terms of size, the wee midget of a 720p projector - the HD65 isn't far off:


Optoma HD65 2.9 x 10.2 x 7.4 (in) 4.0lbs


The HD65 is loud compared to many other 720p machines (forget about any comparisons to the HC6500), that said it would be WAY quieter than your current machine! And we haven't even discussed picture quality yet...


The LT150 was first shipped in November 2000. It is an XGA machine rated at 800 lumens, 800:1 Contrast, and 39.0dB.


The HD65 is a true 720p projector with 1600 lumens, 4000:1 Contrast, and 29.0dB.


It also costs well less than $1k.


The HD65 would be better in every conceivable way than what you have now - and significantly so. That is no knock against the LT150. DLP tech has moved along a lot since November 2000 (when the LT150 first shipped).


So with that all in mind, if you want quiet - look no further than the Mitsu. I'd really suggest that this be the option you go with. The PJ is right above your head, so you won't be looking at it when you watch a movie but you'll sure hear it!


Now, if your Wife REALLY hates the idea of something that size hanging from the ceiling, don't dismiss the HD65. Yes, it is rated at 29dB. Your old machine is rated at 39dB! You WILL notice a big difference. Also, while it isn't whisper quiet you will have far better colours, contrast, shadow detail, sharpness - everything!


Now as a last point - as I've babbled enough - remember that when you watch widescreen material on your XGA projactor this is the image size:


1024x576 - or 589,824 pixels.


True 720p is 1280x720 - or 921,600 pixels - and that is what you would see with a machine like the HD65.

 

[ng12345]

ok so if we were to include 720p projectors into the mix -- what would your suggestions be for something in a small/quiet package?

 

[hayneskr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ng12345 /forum/post/15496910


ok so if we were to include 720p projectors into the mix -- what would your suggestions be for something in a small/quiet package?

Again, someone may have a silver bullet for you but I don't think you can have both.


The small - Optoma HD65 (2.9 x 10.2 x 7.4, 4.0lbs, 29dB)

or

The quiet - Sanyo Z60 (5.0 x 15.0 x 12.0, 11.0lbs, 22dB)


Most other 720p machines are around the size of the Sanyo, and only slightly quieter than the HD65 - if quieter at all.

 

[ondaedg]

I would also throw into consideration any newer Mitsubishi LCD unit as they are among the quietest available. You'll also get a sharp picture.

 

[hayneskr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ondaedg /forum/post/15500483


I would also throw into consideration any newer Mitsubishi LCD unit as they are among the quietest available. You'll also get a sharp picture.

Yah, the Mitsus are pretty amazing, but the OP wants something around the size of an HD65 and have the sound output of the HC6500.


To the OP - how is it going over there? You must be getting frustrated with this!


You are in a tough spot as the quiet machines tend to be LCD models, which are bigger than the DLP models.


The other thing you might try is show pics of the units to your wife, and maybe some of the unit's styling would make her forgive the size a little.


The PT-AE3000 is a pretty "brickish" looking piece, but the Mitsus are kinda "sexy" looking - they will stand out against the ceiling though. The Sanyo Z3000 might be worth a look though. It has a pleasant two-tone look that might make it acceptable. The Z3000 is also really quiet - rated at 19dB. It also has some REALLY cool features.

 

[ondaedg]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hayneskr /forum/post/15505465


Yah, the Mitsus are pretty amazing, but the OP wants something around the size of an HD65 and have the sound output of the HC6500.


To the OP - how is it going over there? You must be getting frustrated with this!


You are in a tough spot as the quiet machines tend to be LCD models, which are bigger than the DLP models.


The other thing you might try is show pics of the units to your wife, and maybe some of the unit's styling would make her forgive the size a little.


The PT-AE3000 is a pretty "brickish" looking piece, but the Mitsus are kinda "sexy" looking - they will stand out against the ceiling though. The Sanyo Z3000 might be worth a look though. It has a pleasant two-tone look that might make it acceptable. The Z3000 is also really quiet - rated at 19dB. It also has some REALLY cool features.

I realize that and was under the impression he was "rethinking" his original requirements.

 

[Bujee1]

I think you can get a Mits in white. Correct?

Less obtrusive.

And the Ax200 is quieter than the Optoma 65 and smaller than the Sanyo.

 

[dobymax]

Just purchased the Panasonic AX200, and couldn't be happier. Do yourself a favor and at least consider this wonderful machine.

 

[hayneskr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ondaedg /forum/post/15506221


I realize that and was under the impression he was "rethinking" his original requirements.

Sorry! I checked back to what I wrote and it looked kinda snarky. That wasn't my intention.


I really think a change is needed in his "original requirements" as I think every poster here would lean more towards quiet than size when it comes to shopping.


That is why I suggested going with showing the pics to his wife - maybe there is something there that wouldn't be offensive to her.


The budget is good - up to $3k - so there is no reason not to look at the uber-quiet 1080p models like the HC6500/HC7000 and PLV-Z3000. The only problem is their size!

 

[ng12345]

appreciate all the comments -- it is definitely frustrating! we have been looking to upgrade for a while.


appreciate all the comments and mits were definitely projectors I was looking at; but as soon as we looked at the weight/dimensions it didn't fly.


i appreciate the recommendations of the optoma and the sanyo; i guess we'll have to reach a compromise;


i'll take a look at the panny as well

 

[Osamede]



Quote:
Originally Posted by gwlaw99 /forum/post/15496846


I have no idea where to buy these. I don't think they are sold in the US, but 1080p and 7.5 pounds.

http://www.digitalprojection.com/Bro...0/Default.aspx

They are sold in the US for sure. Digital Projection also sells/sold product by the name of "Projection Design" in some markets. The they have changed to yet another name in the past year, "Avielo".


Check one of those names.

 

[ng12345]

I was looking at Digital Projection as well -- I can't find any prices online for their projectors. I assume they are more expensive; any ideas on what kind of stores I should be looking at to find their projectors? I searched under all the names you listed to no avail.

 

[hayneskr]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ng12345 /forum/post/15658099


I was looking at Digital Projection as well -- I can't find any prices online for their projectors. I assume they are more expensive; any ideas on what kind of stores I should be looking at to find their projectors? I searched under all the names you listed to no avail.

To find info on those suckers you'll need to go into the over $3000 threads:

http://www.hemagazine.com/node/proje...ielo_optix_DLP


Those projectors are VERY expensive, and are sold only through dealers. The easiest way to go about finding one is to email the manufacturer.


Have you given any thought into finding a more attractive projector? It is a lot easier having to look at something if it is "pretty". Maybe one route is to show this link to your wife, and see if she sees anything she likes? (Just don't tell her how big they are!)

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home...projectors.htm

 

[ng12345]

yup just found more information on the dpi projectors via e-mail


"Thank you for your inquiry regarding Digital Projection Projectors. The

iVision 30 series is available in numerous configurations. Most of our

home cinema sales of the iVision 30 series are based around the iVision

30-1080p-C which is ideal for screens up to about 8' Wide. It offers

1,200 ANSI Lumens at 5,000:1 Contrast. The list price on this projector

is $11,995.


If you would like more info, please feel free to email or call me. In

addition, you can reach out to one of my dealers. If you would like

dealer names, please let me know who you may be talking to or a dealer

who you're interested in and I'll let you know if they are a DPI dealer.

We are not available on the internet or through chain stores."


funny thing is i'm trying to throw a 10' screen -- so i would probably need a "more expensive" model. unfortunately, i'm not that much of a videophile.


i will be rethinking my requirements, thanks for your input!

 

[ng12345]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hayneskr /forum/post/15496898


This is a tough one.


You may have to choose between the two - size or noise. You mentioned Mitsu and Optoma...


I don't find my HD80 loud - it is rated at 32dB, but I find it much quieter than my Toshiba TDP-S20U that was rated at 33dB (in quiet mode - which it was always in). The HD80 is also on the small end of the scale of 1080p projectors. That said....


NEC LT150 2.1 x 9.4 x 7.7 (in), 3.3 lbs

Optoma HD80 4.6 x 16.0 x 12.2 (in) 10.0 lbs


The Mitsu 6500 is very well reviewed, is on budget, and is really quiet. Rated at 17dB quiet! It is a lot bigger than your old unit though - but right in line with what most 1080p models are at:


Mitsubishi HC6500 6.3 x 16.8 x 17.3 (in) 16.5lbs


In terms of size, the wee midget of a 720p projector - the HD65 isn't far off:


Optoma HD65 2.9 x 10.2 x 7.4 (in) 4.0lbs


The HD65 is loud compared to many other 720p machines (forget about any comparisons to the HC6500), that said it would be WAY quieter than your current machine! And we haven't even discussed picture quality yet...


The LT150 was first shipped in November 2000. It is an XGA machine rated at 800 lumens, 800:1 Contrast, and 39.0dB.


The HD65 is a true 720p projector with 1600 lumens, 4000:1 Contrast, and 29.0dB.


It also costs well less than $1k.


The HD65 would be better in every conceivable way than what you have now - and significantly so. That is no knock against the LT150. DLP tech has moved along a lot since November 2000 (when the LT150 first shipped).


So with that all in mind, if you want quiet - look no further than the Mitsu. I'd really suggest that this be the option you go with. The PJ is right above your head, so you won't be looking at it when you watch a movie but you'll sure hear it!


Now, if your Wife REALLY hates the idea of something that size hanging from the ceiling, don't dismiss the HD65. Yes, it is rated at 29dB. Your old machine is rated at 39dB! You WILL notice a big difference. Also, while it isn't whisper quiet you will have far better colours, contrast, shadow detail, sharpness - everything!


Now as a last point - as I've babbled enough - remember that when you watch widescreen material on your XGA projactor this is the image size:


1024x576 - or 589,824 pixels.


True 720p is 1280x720 - or 921,600 pixels - and that is what you would see with a machine like the HD65.

thanks for this reply -- so after much consideration, we have decided to go with one of the mitsubishi projectors -- we are actually going with the hc5500. while it is a step down from the 6500, i could not find any brick and mortar type stores that carried the 6500 in the north central nj area. thanks for your help!


additionally the hc5500 is coming with a $300, and free lamp rebate

 

[hayneskr]

Good for you!


Compared to your old PJ, your Mitsu is going to be silent! Also, while it is a little big I'm sure the picture quality and lack of noise will quickly erase any ill feelings towards the thought of having something so big hanging from the ceiling!


Have fun!