Darren H
Second Unit
- Joined
- May 10, 2000
- Messages
- 447
I'm a long-time member of this forum but only visit occasionally these days -- usually in moments like this, when I'm seeking feedback on hardware purchases. Nine years ago I outfitted my home theater with an NEC HT-1000 projector (4:3 native) and an 80"x60" Da-Lite motorized, tensioned screen. We sold that house three years ago, and I'm just now getting ready to put a projector into our new place. Also, in that three years we've had two kids, so I'm eager to get the most for my money. I've given myself a budget of around $3,000 for a ceiling-mounted projector and wall-mounted screen, knowing that installation and cabling will add to the cost. ROOM DETAILS 18'x16' 9' ceilings Viewing distance: 12'-13' Throw distance: 10'-17' The room is in a walk-out basement with two windows. The screen will lower into an area directly between the windows. The majority of my viewing will be in near- or total-darkness. The screen will drop in front of a 55" LCD TV that I'll use in daylight and for casual viewing. SCREEN PRIORITIES Wall-mounted Motorized Tensioned 16:9 ratio with a max width of 96" PROJECTOR PRIORITIES None, really, other than the best image for the money. I doubt I'll ever watch a 3D film in my house, so that's not at all a priority. I've been looking at the 92"x52" Da-Lite Tensioned Cosmpolitan Electrol, but I'm open to other suggestions. Based on reviews here and at projectorcentral, it looks like Epson and BenQ are making the best projectors in my price range ($1,500). It's several years old now, I know, but the Epson 8350 can be had for $1,000 and appears to be a bargain at that price. Any suggestions? How would you spend my money? Thanks.