dlp projectors

Re: dlp projectors

I'll hazard a guess (without doing any research) that those are "Multimedia" projectors (ie Business class) and not Home Theater Projectors. They are all 4:3 and not 16:9 with no quality video processing circuitry. They are not particularly well suited for HT use.

You should want a 16:9 PJ with a native resolution that matches HD content. 720p or 1080i at least, or even 480p (864x480p) would be preferable (in my opinion) to an 800x600 unit.

Re: dlp projectors

While I've only owned DLP projectors, I wouldn't rule out LCDs. Is there a reason you were told not to buy LCD?

What size screen are you going to have?

Re: dlp projectors

I am also putting together a "cheap" theater - but due to size I can only fit a 100" screen in my system...but here is my research.

You mentioned you wanted around a 100" screen - those are on sale for $267.00

http://www.projectorzone.com/elite-s...ame-100h1.html

Panasonic PT-AX200U Projector - sale - $949.00

Panasonic PT-AX200U Projector

Total -with 100" screen - $1216.00

Re: dlp projectors

I agree with all that Steve mentioned above - you're better off getting a projector designed for home theater, and there are tons of good options for affordable 720p projectors.

That being said, there really is a lot more to setting up a front projector system than just "picking" a screen size and a projector. The projector you choose, combined with the geometry of the room, often dictate the range of screen sizes that will work for a given room, or vise versa, if you are dead set on a screen size, it will likely limit the projector choices available to you.

One advantage to LCD projectors over DLP is that the optical mechanics in an LCD allow for much more flexibility in placement (LCDs often have both horizontal AND vertical lens shift capability, where DLPs rarely have much vertical shift capability at all).

I have a 720p DLP projector, and due to limitations on ceiling height, throw distance, and the offset inherent to the projector, could not project an image larger than 96" without it nearly touching the floor.

Good luck in your search.

~Jason

Re: dlp projectors

I was worried about the screen door effect as well - but according to the reviews I have read there isn't much of one.

"I found that with both the AX100U and AX200U, when watching movies, I had to remind myself and my viewing partner that were watching an LCD projector and not a DLP projector. There was no sign of the usual screen door effect that can plague LCD projectors. Also, both the AX100U and AX200U have an excellent light output at 2,000 lumens, which produces a bright image on a large screen surface. "

Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD 720p Home Theater Projector - Product Review and Rating of the Panasonic PT-AX200U

Re: dlp projectors

The Panasonic projector that Martino mentions "eliminates" screen door effect by constantly moving the pixels ever so slightly during playback. This method has proven to be quite effective since it was introduced a year or two ago.

It also boasts generous lens shift and zoom options that would (likely) produce a big enough image in almost any room.

One other thing that I recall being an issue with the previous generation of Panasonic projector (the AX1000, I believe, but can't be certain) is that it tended to run extremely hot in order to output the 2000 lumens and there were some reports of the LCD panels warping over time within the unit causing color distortions to intrude on the picture. I saw no mention of this in the review that Martino linked to, so hopefully it's no longer an issue.

If it were me, I would definitely wait until after I buy the house to get the projector. Not only can I be absolutely sure that it will work in the room, but with new models coming out and prices always dropping, I would be sure to get the best bang for my buck.

~Jason

Re: dlp projectors

Yes, I would definitely wait for the reasons Jason just stated.

How much have you planned with how your HT is going to look? Do you have certain dimensions in mind? Figure out your screen size? Know how far back you'll be sitting?

LCDs typically have more SDE than DLPs, but there are many factors that contribute to it in addition to the LCD panels, for instance the resolution of the projector, the distance you're going to be from the screen, and the screen size. And as Jason mentioned, there are ways that LCD projector manufacturers try to lessen the SDE.

When you're picking out projectors in whatever price range you set, don't limit yourself to a particular technology, there are plusses and minuses to all of them and it really depends on what you want out of your projector. Personally, I've always stuck to DLP because I prefer the look I get and I don't suffer from the Rainbow Effect either (something you might want to consider). I also use my projector for gaming and I didn't want to have to worry about refresh rates or any kind of lag. Some feel that LCDs provide a more film-like picture and DLP has more of a digital look.

Some factors to consider as you shop for a projector: ANSI contrast ratio, black levels, lamp life, number and types of video inputs, lumens (Will your room be totally light controlled? Will you have enough to light up your screen? Etc.), do you care about RBE, what will you be using the projector for (Just movies? Gaming? All your video needs?), warranty.

When you zero in on a model, ask a bunch of questions here and be sure to read as many reviews as you can find too. Find out if the model you're considering has any issues, like Optoma had a few years ago with one of their model's lamp failing very quickly, or the Samsung 710AE having start-up problems.

Try to demo some different models in person too to get a feel for what you like best.