Question on projector

[kiran_sham]

If someone in this world has the least idea about projectors, it would be me.. and my question below would second that statement :D

Do home theater projectors have channels like in a TV? In other words, can a projector be used even if one doesn't have a cable box (non-digital cable TV)?

[Mort Corey]

As one who probably has about the same level of expertise about projectors as yourself, I can definately say..I don't think so. To get over the air reception I think you'd still need a tuner of some type, and an antenna of course, and then run a connection into the projector.

Mort

[jawilljr]

I do not know of any projector that has a tuner. You can always use a VCR as a tuner though. Just route the yellow video out to the projector.

Jerry

[kiran_sham]

Hey yes, I never thought of passing the VCR (I have a DVD recorder) video output to the projector. I had almost dropped the idea of buying a projector assuming that I always need a cable box to receive various channels. Now would reconsider the matter :)
Any suggestions for a good projector and also a place where I could see a few models? I had checked in Bestbuy but they hardly had any! My budget would be about $2K or around...

[Mort Corey]

This site will give you more information than you ever wanted to know....it'll make your head hurt ;)
http://www.projectorcentral.com/

Mort

[BMXTRIX]

There are also some forums they are starting there which are so-so, but can give you some answers that may not be covered on the site. Lot's of people are asking the exact same questions you are - and they definitely have answers.

Keep in mind that 'regular TV' when you blow it up to 8+ feet diagonal really looks like crud. You will play a DVD, then look at TV and go "This sucks!". You may want to look into cable HDTV or over the air (OTA) HDTV with an antenna and receiver. HD on projectors is simply stunning.

Most of all, if you are thinking of putting a front projection setup into your well lit family room and just 'use it everyday' - forget about it. There are much more satisfying ways to spend your money and you will find that front projection simply does not cut it when there is to much light in a room. Unwatchable.

At $2K you can pick up one of several decent projectors designed for HOME THEATER USE (do not look at business projectors!). The Panasonic AE-700U is stunning for the price. Closer to $1,000 you have the InFocus SP4805 or the Optoma H31. All are very good, but the AE-700 gives you over twice the resolution and a lot of mounting options which the H31 and SP4805 do not.

Lots of choices and things still to consider though.

[kiran_sham]

Thanks everyone!

Can someone tell me a store that has home theater projectors on display?

[BMXTRIX]

Where? You can go to Florida and check out the Sim2 warehouse. New York has some stuff. In Washington DC you can see the Qualia several Runcos and some InFocus projectors... or swing by my home and take a look at a Panny PT-L300U. ;)

Really depends on where you are at - pull out the Yellow Pages.