I hate being one of 'those guys' but I've got $2000 budget & need help with PJ/screen

[ErinH]

Hey, guys. I'm not new to a forum, so I know how annoying it is to see the same type of 'help' threads... but I'm hoping you fellas are a bit more forgiving than most.

My wife and I are wrapping up our new house and will be moving in at the end of the month. Originally we were going to hold off on the HT (I was), but lately she's been pushing me to go ahead and start getting an idea of what we can do.
Essentially I need the following to complete it on a $3000-3500 budget:
1. L/C/R + sub
2. Front Projector
3. Screen

I'll be upgrading the receiver later this year.

L/C/R + sub isn't a huge concern right now because I have some ideas.

#1 on my list, though is the projector/screen combo.

The room is ~ 17'x23'x8'. I'll have to take measurements later because I really can't recall if that's right or not.
Everything is wired up for 5.1 and a projector set to about 13-14' away from the wall. I added braces at this point to support a projector.
The room is dedicated HT with a window at the back which will be covered completely. Also have an A/V closet on the backside of the room.
A couple pics below:



She asked yesterday if I could finish up with $3000. Well, I probably can't, but I've got some things to sale that can help get me another $500 I think. So, I'm shooting for $1k on L/C/R and the rest of the budget (~$2000-2500) is left for the FP/Screen.

I had read the posts by most of you guys on another thread suggesting the epson 6100 & 6500. Well, the 6500 is probably out due to price. I had originally planned for an Epson 1080ub but you guys said the 6100/6500 would be the better choice.

So, I guess the bottom line is this: is $2000-2500 reasonable to get a quality FP setup in a dedicated room? Any suggestions on combos?

I have no idea on screen size just yet... I'm guessing 100-110" should suffice. I think that choice would come after the projector choice is made, no?


Really, fellas, any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. I really don't stay up on this technology enough, apparently, because what I think is good is typically outdated, lol.

I appreciate it. Thanks,
Erin

 

[ErinH]

trying to do some research on my own:

epson 6100. looks like 14' is a good distance. puts the image diaganol at 104"
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_Home_Cinema_6100-projection-calculator-pro.htm

The best option looks to be back at 16', but I already have bracing at 14'. Could always go above the ceiling and add more bracing since it's left open.

 

[jostenmeat]

She asked yesterday if I could finish up with $3000. Well, I probably can't, but I've got some things to sale that can help get me another $500 I think. So, I'm shooting for $1k on L/C/R and the rest of the budget (~$2000-2500) is left for the FP/Screen.

I had read the posts by most of you guys on another thread suggesting the epson 6100 & 6500. Well, the 6500 is probably out due to price. I had originally planned for an Epson 1080ub but you guys said the 6100/6500 would be the better choice.

So, I guess the bottom line is this: is $2000-2500 reasonable to get a quality FP setup in a dedicated room? Any suggestions on combos?

The price is reasonable, but like we were saying before, you haven't even hit the knee of diminishing returns.

So, tell us if what I'm going to ask is impossible, but can you just wait till have the money to "do it right" the first time? Maybe 6 months before you pull the trigger, in order to save that extra $500?

I have no idea on screen size just yet... I'm guessing 100-110" should suffice. I think that choice would come after the projector choice is made, no?

CORRECT. Please please please please please please please just get the PJ first and fire it at then blank wall. Experiment with size and viewing distance. You DO have a bluray player, yes? If not, I'd borrow one for now. If you already do, your jaw will drop, your heart will skip a beat, and you'll start digging for loose change in the car seats for a good screen...

Really, fellas, any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. I really don't stay up on this technology enough, apparently, because what I think is good is typically outdated, lol.

The above is JMO though. What is nice is that you are a DIYer. You CAN make your own screen. My impressions lead me to think I'd get "good" black levels first before spending much on a screen.

If you happen to think BIG when you throw up the pic at the blank wall, the screen I use Dalite High Power could floor you. The manual screens are very, very affordable. You can avoid any waving by taking this material out and making it a fixed frame. However, the waving is a non-issue to me and all my guests (due to the specifics of this material), for NONE have EVER noticed it (but I have rarely). IIRC, a 120" is roughly $350. The bigger you go, the more you will benefit from its 2.8x gain, but the setup has to be just right (narrower viewing cone).

Yeah... perhaps the PJ you WANT, with a DIY screen. Upgrade the screen a year or two from now. I dunno.

Sometimes, if you look around, you might get a tiny bit of an idea with comparative screen shots, like in this 6500 review:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-6500ub/image.php

There's the Mits HC6500, Pana 3000, Sanyo Z3000, Sony HW10, JVC RS1 & RS2 above. (just keep scrolling).

 

[mtrycrafts]

trying to do some research on my own:

epson 6100. looks like 14' is a good distance. puts the image diaganol at 104"
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_Home_Cinema_6100-projection-calculator-pro.htm

The best option looks to be back at 16', but I already have bracing at 14'. Could always go above the ceiling and add more bracing since it's left open.

Are you looking at a fixed screen solution?
While this may be out of your price area, it might give you ideas on finishing things

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55935

 

[ErinH]

The price is reasonable, but like we were saying before, you haven't even hit the knee of diminishing returns.

So, tell us if what I'm going to ask is impossible, but can you just wait till have the money to "do it right" the first time? Maybe 6 months before you pull the trigger, in order to save that extra $500?


CORRECT. Please please please please please please please just get the PJ first and fire it at then blank wall. Experiment with size and viewing distance. You DO have a bluray player, yes? If not, I'd borrow one for now. If you already do, your jaw will drop, your heart will skip a beat, and you'll start digging for loose change in the car seats for a good screen...



The above is JMO though. What is nice is that you are a DIYer. You CAN make your own screen. My impressions lead me to think I'd get "good" black levels first before spending much on a screen.

If you happen to think BIG when you throw up the pic at the blank wall, the screen I use Dalite High Power could floor you. The manual screens are very, very affordable. You can avoid any waving by taking this material out and making it a fixed frame. However, the waving is a non-issue to me and all my guests (due to the specifics of this material), for NONE have EVER noticed it (but I have rarely). IIRC, a 120" is roughly $350. The bigger you go, the more you will benefit from its 2.8x gain, but the setup has to be just right (narrower viewing cone).

Yeah... perhaps the PJ you WANT, with a DIY screen. Upgrade the screen a year or two from now. I dunno.

Sometimes, if you look around, you might get a tiny bit of an idea with comparative screen shots, like in this 6500 review:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-6500ub/image.php

There's the Mits HC6500, Pana 3000, Sanyo Z3000, Sony HW10, JVC RS1 & RS2 above. (just keep scrolling).

I can wait, yes. I mean, at the earliest, I'm talking a solid month before I can do anything anyway.
DIY is just fine with me. IF I could find something put together for a relatively good price, though, I'd prefer to just buy a premade solution.

Thanks for the link!

Are you looking at a fixed screen solution?
While this may be out of your price area, it might give you ideas on finishing things

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55935

Yes, I am looking at fixed screen. Sorry, I should have specified.


Thanks, guys!

 

[tcarcio]

You can check out www.projectionguys.com as they usually have some great combo deals.

 

[Sherardp]

If you could up the ante to lets say 3k even you'd be happier and have a much better image.

 

[rmk]

I think JM's comments above are spot on. If you are not opposed to a demo model you can save some and get youself into a very nice projector at a big savings. I bought a demo JVC HD100 (RS2) for 65+% off MSLP from a JVC distributor and it has been a great unit.

I hate to reccommend that you push your budget and there are a few units under $2K that would produce a nice 1080P picture but if you can push it a bit and get into a really good projector you won't regret it.

The Carada fixed screens are very nice and I think I may have a AH gift cert for $100 off (from Jan 2008) on one that you are welcome to use if it is still good and if we can figure a way to transfer it to you.

 

[lsiberian]

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-PLV-1080HD-Definition-Theater-Projector/dp/B001GCUIK8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1245080930&sr=8-2

http://www.carada.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=PROJECTION-SCREEN-P120P

 

[jostenmeat]

I can wait, yes. I mean, at the earliest, I'm talking a solid month before I can do anything anyway.
DIY is just fine with me. IF I could find something put together for a relatively good price, though, I'd prefer to just buy a premade solution.

Thanks for the link!

No problem. If patience is a virtue of yours, another option is to sit tight, never move from your computer, with wallet out, quit your job, pee in a bucket, have the wife bring your sandwiches, and jump on the next great deal.

Ok, not that crazy, but there have been, and will be GREAT deals to be had. In recent memory did BMXTRIX tell us about refurbed BenQ W5000s going for 1.5k. As he predicted, they didn't last, though they did longer than I thought. I bought my open box JVC from AVS (and I think there was even a sticky at their subforum), but they seriously sold out in 24 hours. One guy didn't pull the trigger, because he wanted to go home from work to double check measurements, but by that time it was already too late.

Not exactly easy, but it's an option! lol. It might take half a year. It could be next month. just bookmark a few sites. I'll PM you if I remember to... if and when I see something myself.

 

[Sherardp]

Actually since Epson is offering the 400-500 rebate the 6500 fits into your budget spot on. Focupix or Carada for a screen and you should be set.

Find yourself some great speakers, an AVR with preouts (Onkyo and Pioneer Elite SC-05 are awesome bargains right now) and you'd be off to a very nice setup. As for sub I would recommend Epik or SVS ( my favorites at least) as those should get some air moving in that room. I'd also recommend you save up and add a second sub down the line.

 

[alan monro]

Hey, guys. I'm not new to a forum, so I know how annoying it is to see the same type of 'help' threads... but I'm hoping you fellas are a bit more forgiving than most.

My wife and I are wrapping up our new house and will be moving in at the end of the month. Originally we were going to hold off on the HT (I was), but lately she's been pushing me to go ahead and start getting an idea of what we can do.
Essentially I need the following to complete it on a $3000-3500 budget:
1. L/C/R + sub
2. Front Projector
3. Screen

I'll be upgrading the receiver later this year.

L/C/R + sub isn't a huge concern right now because I have some ideas.

#1 on my list, though is the projector/screen combo.

The room is ~ 17'x23'x8'. I'll have to take measurements later because I really can't recall if that's right or not.
Everything is wired up for 5.1 and a projector set to about 13-14' away from the wall. I added braces at this point to support a projector.
The room is dedicated HT with a window at the back which will be covered completely. Also have an A/V closet on the backside of the room.
A couple pics below:



She asked yesterday if I could finish up with $3000. Well, I probably can't, but I've got some things to sale that can help get me another $500 I think. So, I'm shooting for $1k on L/C/R and the rest of the budget (~$2000-2500) is left for the FP/Screen.

I had read the posts by most of you guys on another thread suggesting the epson 6100 & 6500. Well, the 6500 is probably out due to price. I had originally planned for an Epson 1080ub but you guys said the 6100/6500 would be the better choice.

So, I guess the bottom line is this: is $2000-2500 reasonable to get a quality FP setup in a dedicated room? Any suggestions on combos?

I have no idea on screen size just yet... I'm guessing 100-110" should suffice. I think that choice would come after the projector choice is made, no?


Really, fellas, any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. I really don't stay up on this technology enough, apparently, because what I think is good is typically outdated, lol.

I appreciate it. Thanks,
Erin

Erin see my article on Diy screens . You can do it and save a fortune . And it will look terrific . It is quick to do . Just try it it will only cost you a couple of dollars for the paint . Alan

 

[ErinH]

bump back up...

projectionguys.com is offering a package deal with the 6100 and 106" screen for about $2100 after MIR.
The 6500 would be about $2700 after MIR for the same package deal.

So, now the deciding factor... if you have the money, but prefer to spend as little as possible, which one would you go for? The nicer one for about $600 more, or the lower one and save money for a good center? My thing is, I won't use this room a whole lot (once a week, or so) and I will be moving from this house in about 2 years and plan to likely leave all my gear there if the buyer wants it (selling point). So, I'm not sure that I really need the latest and greatest 6500, unless it's REALLY a step up.
As you can probably tell, I'm leaning toward the 6100. I'm just wondering if any of you guys view that as a really stupid move.

Each package comes with ceiling mount and (1) free lamp replacement.

http://projectionguys.com/packages_home_theater.cfm

 

[jostenmeat]

Get the 6500. End of story. I mean, if you can afford it of course.

Quick search function exercise brings up an informative post by PJ-guru BMX.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=564665&postcount=2

 

[ErinH]

Thanks, man. I actually saw that earlier when trying to find opinions on the two.

I'll talk with the wife. The combo deal ends tonight, and as far as I can tell, you just can't beat that deal, no way.

I'm not sure I can swing the extra $600 right now, which might be the deal breaker. We'll see. I may wind up just holding off even longer.

 

[jostenmeat]

IMO, when you get to go big with FP, you'll want to feed the hungry beast with a steady diet of blurays. And blurays are mostly with 24 fps. Therefore, IMO, 1080/24 capable unit is a must. This ability is definitely obtainable for reasonable amounts, and while I have no idea how good the pulldown is on the 6100, I would just wait to do it right if I were you. I don't care at all for FI, though I haven't seen it in my home, but that's just me.

Trust me, you're going to LOVE having FP, and you don't want to sit there thinking why didn't I get the better unit? To me, it seems that the 6100 and 6500 are NOT just marginally different. There's reason to believe it is a very significant step up.

 

[lsiberian]

I thought the 6100 did have 1080 24 compatibility. The specs on the projector central review showed it having it. But it uses organic panels.

 

[jostenmeat]

I thought the 6100 did have 1080 24 compatibility. The specs on the projector central review showed it having it. But it uses organic panels.

I should have made my wording more obvious/clear I think. While there are displays that accept 1080/24, what they do with it becomes the question. The 6100 applies 3:2 pulldown, and according to one review I quickly googled, it appears to be acceptable. However, it doesn't do 4:4. Or 5:5 as BMX says, or whatever. The point is that 3:2 is avoided with the 6500.

. . .and while I have no idea how good the pulldown is on the 6100, I would just wait to do it right if I were you.

That is what I meant when I said "right". Obviously, in my post, I DID imply that the 6100 might very well accept/display 24p sources. I think I wasn't extremely clear/obvious about it, because I almost think of 3:2 pulldown to almost equate to not having 24p capability, though that's not exactly true. You see, even with 60hz only type display, AFAIK all bd players already can output with 3:2 applied. Sure, you can then argue that any given display may do 3:2 better than your player . . .

but the whole point of doing it "right" was to avoid 3:2. Sure, maaaybe the OP would never notice, especially if the 6100 was to do it well.... but if he can afford the 6500, I think it's a significant step up for black detail/level AND avoidance of 3:2. Mostly for the blacks, but still . . .

Whew.

 

[ErinH]

The wife gave the OK for the 6500 but I'm still not sure it's what I want to do.

I know, to me, the biggest benefit would be the contrast ratio of 75k over 18k:1 on the 6500 vs. 6100. I'm wondering if the gray matte screen would help to give the blacks more depth. In that case, it's possible the 6100 would be acceptable.

Still don't know... I think I'm just having a hard time parting with that money right now, but believe it or not, my wife is the one pushing me to get it completed.

 

[Sherardp]

The wife gave the OK for the 6500 but I'm still not sure it's what I want to do.

I know, to me, the biggest benefit would be the contrast ratio of 75k over 18k:1 on the 6500 vs. 6100. I'm wondering if the gray matte screen would help to give the blacks more depth. In that case, it's possible the 6100 would be acceptable.

Still don't know... I think I'm just having a hard time parting with that money right now, but believe it or not, my wife is the one pushing me to get it completed.

You live only once, just buy the setup already 1) before you fall out dead due to stroke caused by major confusion, 2) before the wife changes her mind. Let's go Marine pull the trigger and get a round down range. If not stay on the porch and watch a 40" LCD. Make it happen. I kid, I kid, but what's the hold up, if you have the approval and she is wanting the project done, then what else is there. I've seen the 6500 in action and will tell you up front, its a very great performer. You're not losing out at all by spending the extra cash, do it right the first time, yeah.