[AFryia]

I've decided on a couple of PJs and I'm looking for the best deal. Problem is the HT construction has been slow to date. I plan to turn it up a notch shortly.


But I don't want to miss out on a good deal should it arise.


So when is a good time to buy or when is it too early ?

 

[Art Sonneborn]

AFryia,

Very tricky! I think that technology is changing so rapidly that having a PJ in a box in the closet while the theater is under constructed has major downsides. There are several big changes which seem now to be on the near horizon including HD2 3 chip DLPs but if you have a deal that may slip away and this may make or break your theater then that is another matter.


Art

 

[Glimmie]

Unless your theater is professionally designed by someone (like Dennis) willing to stand behind the math, you should get the projector to size the screen and make sure all the focal legnth measurments are correct.


I bought my Sharp 10K a little early - by about two months but they were offering a one year same as cash deal until Jan 31. Well it's almost April 30 and they still have the program. I should have wiated so I get my tax refund right when the pay-off is due. Oh well, that's life in high tech! That was also just days before Sony confirmed SRXD. But let's just see if tyhat delivers next year as promised.


As it turns out my measurments were dead on. The Sharp posed an issue with the lens shift limitations but with 10 foot ceilings, I can get away with it low hanging.


Another idea if you really want to wait for Sony or a 3chip DLP. Buy a used unit on EBAY. A Sony HT10 should be less than $1500 and could serve you for a year or two. This way you get to use the theater and just think how good the ultimate projector will look when you finally get it. It will be like enjoying your new theater all over again.

 

[AFryia]

Gentlemen,


I'm going the used CRT route 8" high scan.


My theory is that the picture quality and pricing should keep me ahead of the digitals for I hope 2-5 years.


And even if the digitals finally match 8" CRT I'll have a couple more years before they compete on price. (I hope) ??


And 3 chip DLP I don't know if they will ever get down to my price range?? Anyone know what they go for today ?

 

[ScottAvery]

You need to at least be aware of the throw distance range of the various projectors you are considering before beginning construction, else you could have to relocate cables and support bracing you may put in the ceiling.

 

[Swampfox]

Quote:

Originally posted by ScottAvery You need to at least be aware of the throw distance range of the various projectors you are considering before beginning construction, else you could have to relocate cables and support bracing you may put in the ceiling.

You need to really plan for the conversion from CRT to digital since the throw distances may be markedly different unless you buy a digital projector with a short throw lens option.

 

[AFryia]

If I had the machine waiting in the wings I would then be able to lock down the throw distance, mount, support etc. Not to mention one less thing to worry about.

 

[Larry Fine]

AF, it's time to start perusing the CRT forum.

 

[Aggies#1]

I just finished by HT construction!


Upon deciding to go the CRT route (over a year ago), I decided to purchase my projector and screen near the end of framing. This allowed to me to "test run" the setup and insure that I wasn't forgetting something. While I knew the projector was big, it looked even bigger once it was actually hanging from the naked ceiling. (Cries of "it looks like a 'darn' washing-machine up there.." were heard throughout the house.) This horrible sight (and the sour-look of disapproval from the spousal unit) inspired me to change the mounting plan so that the projector mount and a part of the projector (a non-vented portion) would be recessed into the ceiling. Wow! Did this ever make a difference. I was definitely glad I went to the trouble to do this, as the finished product looks really great. I doubt I would have created the recessed pocket if the drywall was already in place...



Good Luck AFryia!

 

[AFryia]

Larry,


I spend about 50% of my time there (CRT Forum) have for some time.


Aggies#1,


Yes, that is exactly some of the first hand experiences I was looking for. Thanks for the insight.

 

[ebr]

I was in much the same position as you in my current project. I fully researched and decided on which projector I wanted before I began construction, but didn't want to actually have the thing on hand until it was ready to go on the ceiling.


There were a few reasons for this:


1) I was building in a new house under construction so I couldn't keep the projector on the job site.


2) I was buying a used CRT like you but with new tubes and I didn't want to waste warranty time sitting in a box.


3) These things weigh 150lbs+. I didn't want to have to move it around much.


Since I knew which projector, I was able to plan for screen size, throw distance, cables and mounting and such and I used unistrut to allow for fine adjustments after the fact.


As far as getting a deal, I ordered the unit a couple of months in advance of when I wanted it to be sure my supplier (Tim Martin, whom I highly recommend) could get me my projector exactly when I wanted it. Tim was great to work with and arranged to have the PJ arrive the day before I was to hang it.


This approach worked out really well for me.