KeithBR
Agent
- Joined
- May 13, 2002
- Messages
- 37
Will I be able to find a good front projector between $3,000 - $6,000 that is HDTV compatible? Doesn't matter if it's ceiling mounted or table top.
Whatever you buy do make sure it's a 16:9 native projector, like the Epson or a Sony VW11 or VW12, or indeed one of the latest batch of DLP projectors to come out (Marantz, Sharp 9000...) HDTV, as you no doubt know, is 16:9.An SXGA projector, such as the Hitachi 5500, still has a higher resolution for 16:9 sources than current projectors with 16:9 panels, even though it's 4:3. The widescreen portion is 1365x768, compared to 1280x720 on widescreen projectors. Only when 16:9 panels reach 1920x1080 will they truly qualify as HD.
The 5500, being LCOS-based, doesn't suffer from the screendoor effect like normal LCDs, and there are no rainbows or artifacts like DLP. The result is a very film-like image. Pair it with a Panamorph or ISCO lens, and you get to use the panel's full resolution for 16:9 sources, making it one of the highest resolution 16:9 digital projectors on the market.
With that much space, I'd consider auditioning the Sanyo 70HT or the Boxlight 20HD (clone of the 70HT) coming out late next month. Prices should be right near the upper end of your budget.I've been anticipating the 70HT as an alternative to the higher priced DLP units that have been getting a lot of fanfare (Sharpvision, Marantz, Seleco). Knew about the Boxlight clone, but going to their site, it appears they sell direct only. Is this correct? I've read over at AVS that the 70HT may be had (once it's out) for less than $6K from local dealers, which is better than Boxlight's posted price. If so, are there any benefits to going the Boxlight route? I still have to find local dealers that will have this set up, but I'm looking for installation / setup done for me, so I'll likely go this route if the 70HT impresses.
Doug
An SXGA projector, such as the Hitachi 5500, still has a higher resolution for 16:9 sources than current projectors with 16:9 panels, even though it's 4:3. The widescreen portion is 1365x768, compared to 1280x720 on widescreen projectors. Only when 16:9 panels reach 1920x1080 will they truly qualify as HD.Actually, the resolution of the 16:9 Sony panels is 1366 x 768 pixels.
Also, that resolution is more than necessary to display 720p HDTV, a legitimate standard. Digital projectors are by nature progressive diplays, too, in that they do not "scan" the picture, making any kind of interlaced signal, even 1080i, undesirable visually. An upconversion to 1080p would be necessary for a 1920x1080 digital panel. It might be a while before we see such a thing, as the technology required currently requires big $$$$.
Cheers
Andrew B.