Help me choose a projector

Rob,
Go here and read all the threads on the NEC LT-150. Supposedly best thing since sliced bread within your price range.

http://www.avsforum.com/ubbcgi/forumdisplay.cgi ?action=topics&forum=DLP,+LCD,+D-ILA+Projectors&number=10&DaysPrune=2&LastLogin=

When your ready to buy, support the forum by purchasing here:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/uub/...ML/007856.html

[Edited last by Pete B. on August 09, 2001 at 11:32 PM]

Rob,

When you say you 'got rid' of the SONY, were u dissatisfied or was it malfunctioning in anyway?

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The things we own end up owning us

There's a pretty good comparison of the two NEC projectors you mention at Projector Central .

In your budget you can't go past the LT150. I've owned/tried almost a dozen LCD and DLP projectors in the past year and a half and the LT150 is the best.

There is also a mod being developed that will make it even better, more than doubling the already good contrast.

Steve

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Steve's Toys

Steve:

What does the mod consist of? Do you have to have the projector itself modified or is this something that is an add on?

Parker

Parker, there is info about the modifications in this AVS thread:
Thumper has performed his magic on an LT150!
The mod is apparently similar to what is described in this thread . In addition, there are people who are currently trying to use the computer input on the LT150 to further customize its performance (gamma adjustment in particular). See this thread .

I used to have a Thumper modded Plus UP1100 and it was a big improvement. If a similar gain can be had with the LT150 and a Dillard style calibration done it will be killer.

Steve

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Steve's Toys

[Edited last by Stephen Dodds on August 12, 2001 at 03:55 PM]

I am just looking at getting a new TV but would rather get the projector to use. How are you hookin it up to your DVD player? Will prograssive DVD be ok with it? And sorry for being ignorant, but what does HTPC mean? THanks for the help, I am kinda new to this but picking up and enjoying it greatly. Can;t wait to get the new equipment.

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Michael

Michael,
Progressive vs. interlaced is the recommended way to go for the best quality on this projector. HTPC stands for Home Theater Personal Computer.

Pete

Thank you pete, That is what I thought but was not sure. I am looking at using a Sony 9000ES or a Panasonic RP91 player for it. I am going to put it firing toward a Dalite screen from the back of the room. But I am going to make it portable hopefully to where I can take it with me when I do presentations off my laptop. I have an extra computer but do not know if I want to hook it up to the projector for a HTPC. I think the picture would be much better with the player then the computer anyway. Any thoughts on this? The only part about making it portable is having to reset all the adjustments each time when I take it with me or is there something I can do about this? I kinda need it for both though. Any suggestions or idea on this and the best way to do it? Thanks for the help.

Michael

Michael,
Not owning either a projector or HTPC, I would probably be the wrong individual to give you answers to your questions. I've been reading these forums regularly for sometime now debating on whether to go FPTV or WS RPTV so I've become slightly educated on the pros & cons of both & also recommended hardware choices for DVD, HDTV & analog playback. I suggest you hit the LCD & HTPC forums at http://www.avsforums.com for a lot more detailed info. It's amazing how much you'll learn just going through some of the posted threads! Good luck!

Pete

Michael, an HTPC will almost always outperform a standalone dvd player when hooked up to an XGA or higher resolution projector. This is because the dvd image needs to be scaled to the native resolution of the projector. The scaling performed by a well-built HTPC is usually much better than the scaling performed by the projector itself.
As for settings, there is usually a menu option on most projectors to reset all settings to factory defaults. Beyond this, I would recommend you just write down what settings should be what. It shouldn't take more than a minute to set everything the way you want.

I saw a demo of the Plus HE-3100 "Piano" home theater projector at INFOCOMM:
http://www.plus-america.com

It's a DLP light engine unit based on TI's new Widescreen Component chip set, the 480P 848 x 480 res. They wouldn't divulge pricing, but said it will be very affordable, FWIW.
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"Do you expect me to talk?"
"No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"

[Edited last by Hank Frankenberg on August 14, 2001 at 07:58 AM]