Newb question about projectors

Sorry if this has been asked but I am new. Is there a BIG diffrence between a 780p and 1080p projector? Do you have to worry about refresh rates? Does anyone use a PJ every day like a tv?

Re: Newb question about projectors

1080p will look better of course, but how much better depends on screen size and seating distance. If you don't sit too close to screen, you'll be very happy with a 720p projector and HD material. I just use my projector for movies and occasional HD(football games). You cannot use a projector like a TV(turning it on and off during the day). That is terrible for the bulb and will shorten the life considerably.

Re: Newb question about projectors

Are there refresh rates on these? Do I have to worry about fast moving scenes like my rear projection lcd? The PJ would project on a screen in a 2 foot deep niche. As long as that area is dark do I still need to worry about light in the rest of the room? If I got a 720p model there is no need for blu ray?

Re: Newb question about projectors

I don't know about the refresh rates. I know that DLP projectors have no problem with high speed sports, etc. I own the Mitsubishi HD1000, 720p DLP projector. Yes, you still need to keep the room reasonably dark, and the darker, the better. And the room's color scheme should be as dark as possible. Yes, you should get a Blu-ray player to use with a 720p projector.

Re: Newb question about projectors

Anyone else have any info on the refresh issue? Is that only on flat panels? Also why would it be bbad to use a projector like a tv? I turn my rear projection lcd off and on a lot and the bulb has been in there for 2 1/2 years.

Re: Newb question about projectors

Anyone else?

Re: Newb question about projectors

Is there a forum I can go to to get this answered?

Re: Newb question about projectors

hi bob
you are in the correct place.
this question has been answered many many times before, that is why there are been little discussion in this thread.

to recap:
720 p vs 1080p, Basically 1080p will allow you to sit closer and there for give you a more enveloping experience. You never want to sit close enough as to where you can see pixel structure.

Re: Newb question about projectors

Thank you Gregg. If someone could tell me how to search for the rest of my anwers that would be great.

1. Can I use a PJ like a T.V. turning it off and on several time a day.

2. Do I have to worry about refresh rates or blurring with a PJ?

3. Which technology is better at ahndeling some ambient light?

Re: Newb question about projectors

Yes you will have problems with light in the rest of the room.

Turn the projector off. What the screen looks like is what your black will be. Very dark gray, dark gray, somewhat dark gray, etc. will "scale" up from there. When you calibrate the projector for a room where other activities such as billiards are taking place, the calibration will differ from that with the room almost pitch black and you may still be unable to get all the shades in a gray step pattern to be distinguishable..

For a not so dark room, forget about front projection. Use rear projection or direct view.

Over the years, LCD whether front projection, rear projection, or direct view has been on average getting better at crisp (not so smeared) fast motion. Of course some models will be better than others. You will need written reviews or word of mouth or hands on viewing in a store to find out which.

Statistics have it that turning a typical DLP or LCD front or rear projection unit on and off frequently will result in a shortened bulb life. Particularly harmful is turning it back on after less than ten minutes of being off. Meanwhile the bulb also has a finite lifetime being on continuously. I believe that the break even point is when the TV will be off for less than an hour it is better left on.