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Can I get FP and retractable screen under $1K that will rival the pic on a CRT RPTV? (1 Viewer)

Rolando

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title says it all:

Can I get FP and retractable screen under $1K or $1500.00 that will rival the pic on a CRT RPTV?

I mean really rival it, I am fairly picky...

mostly for DVDs and cable HDTV
 

Joseph Bolus

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It depends on what you mean by the word "rival".

The Infocus 4805 can be had these days for around $999. Toss-in a $300 hang-on-the-wall screen (say, a 76" 16:9 Da-Lite 1.0 gain), and you're in the ball park.

The 4805 does an *incredible* job on standard definition anamorphic DVD; and I truly believe that if you can get 10 feet back from a 76" 16:9 screen, it will look as good as a CRT-based RPTV in the 50" range. The 4805's contrast ratio is really that good!

However, I would still give an edge to the RPTV for standard definition cable simply due to the fact that kind of source just doesn't blow up all that well. And with a true HDTV source, the RPTV could potentially have a resolution advantage.

So the answer to your question is ... "Sometimes".

I will tell you this: Once you've experienced FP you'll never be able to live with a puny 50" screen again; especially when viewing DVD.
 

Rolando

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Well here is the thing, maybe rival was a poor choice of words.

I guess for that I would need a CRT RP and I know that is way beyond my budget. Thing is I am getting tired of finding a compromise between SD TV for wife and theater feel for me.

I am thinking of getting a 32" TV for TV viewing and and then for movie time just pull out the screen and use the FP.

just not sure how it would work...

Now I am picky about picture so I know it would require a $40K FP set up for me to be wowed. however I am hoping for something in the 50" to 70" range and for DVDs to be close to RPTV standards and at least same or above a 42" to 50" LCD OR DLP RPTV.

oh yeah, never heard of Infocus, can I get that at the usual Brick and Mortars? is it HD? as in 1280 X 720 rez or more?
 

AjayM

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You can pick up a 55" Mitsubishi for around $1500 (65" for about $500 more) and I can't think of a single item on the picture quality check list it will not be equal or better at than a budget projector, and in many cases the differences will be pretty far apart.

I have an InFocus projector now and I love it, but if you're "picky" about picture quality I'd stay away from "budget" FP setups, in the end there isn't much of a comparison.
 

Scotty P

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That's the direction I am going, and you might be able to do even a little better on price than that if you shop around.
 

Rolando

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funny enough have been impressed with Mits reviews over last 4 years or so but darn it they are not available in Canada!
 

ChrisWiggles

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No, a CRT RPTV for picky eyes will certainly be objectively way superior to an entry digital projector. However, you can't deny the impact of a large-screen for movies. But the low-resolution, contrast, and color of the entry digitals can't touch a well-setup CRT RP. If the CRT is crappily set up, then it might be close...
 

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