Looking at HD projectors

[Matt34]

These are the two I'm looking at so far...

Optoma HD70
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=21351&itmname=Optoma+HD70

Mitsubishi HD1000U
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=21278&itmname=Mitsubishi+HD1000U

I'm getting ready to step into the HD world but don't want to blow the bank on a 1080p projector. The Optoma has a $200 mail-in rebate which makes it a real bargain right now and the extra lumens that the Mitsubishi has won't really be too noticeable in my room.

Throw distance will be 15'
Screen size is 92"
I have complete light control.

One important concern I would like addressed is how much noise each of these make(in low-output mode). My current SP4805 is some what obtrusive during quite scenes since it almost sits directly over the listen position.

 

[mtrycrafts]

These are the two I'm looking at so far...

Optoma HD70
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=21351&itmname=Optoma+HD70

Mitsubishi HD1000U
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=21278&itmname=Mitsubishi+HD1000U

I'm getting ready to step into the HD world but don't want to blow the bank on a 1080p projector. The Optoma has a $200 mail-in rebate which makes it a real bargain right now and the extra lumens that the Mitsubishi has won't really be too noticeable in my room.

Throw distance will be 15'
Screen size is 92"
I have complete light control.

One important concern I would like addressed is how much noise each of these make(in low-output mode). My current SP4805 is some what obtrusive during quite scenes since it almost sits directly over the listen position.

I am biased. I cannot recommend going hi def at only 720p which these are.
hidef DVDs are 1080p on the disc. I would save and get a 1080p projector.

 

[Matt34]

I am biased. I cannot recommend going hi def at only 720p which these are.
hidef DVDs are 1080p on the disc. I would save and get a 1080p projector.

Currently, the 1080p projectors are twice, almost three times as much. It's not something I'm convinced where the extra performance merits the major price difference.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have to agree; if you are going big get a 1080p. The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 w/Extended has a 300 buck rebate right now.

 

[Matt34]

I have to agree; if you are going big get a 1080p. The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 w/Extended has a 300 buck rebate right now.

Cut the price of that in half and that is what I'm looking to spend.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Done, just send me the $1350-CASH and your PJ will be delivered before you know it.

I am considering going PJ too and to me it makes more sence to go with 1080P if I am going to spend any more money on this bad habit.

Cut the price of that in half and that is what I'm looking to spend.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Throw distance will be 15'
Screen size is 92"

No, your throw distance is at most 12' 8" with the HD70 or it is 13' 3" with the Mits. if your screen is 92" diagonal.

You don't get to pick your throw distance, the projector's zoom lens determines where it will fall. Also, both these projectors have a fair bit of lens offset and no lens shift, similar to the 4805 I believe, so you will have to either place the screen low, the projector high, or tilt the projector. Tilting the projector is highly NOT recommended.

IMO, one of the best bang for the buck projectors remains the Panny AX100U which is a few hundred more but delivers far more installation versatility.

Also, 92" sounds a bit on the small side. You didn't mention your viewing distance, but typically 92" is about a 10' primary viewing distance. If you have two rows of seating, and it's 10' to the front row, I would go bigger than that - likely 106 or 110 inches diagonal.

If your screen size is 92" diagonal - then that is close to ideal for many setups.

 

[Matt34]

No, your throw distance is at most 12' 8" with the HD70 or it is 13' 3" with the Mits. if your screen is 92" diagonal.

You don't get to pick your throw distance, the projector's zoom lens determines where it will fall. Also, both these projectors have a fair bit of lens offset and no lens shift, similar to the 4805 I believe, so you will have to either place the screen low, the projector high, or tilt the projector. Tilting the projector is highly NOT recommended.

IMO, one of the best bang for the buck projectors remains the Panny AX100U which is a few hundred more but delivers far more installation versatility.

Also, 92" sounds a bit on the small side. You didn't mention your viewing distance, but typically 92" is about a 10' primary viewing distance. If you have two rows of seating, and it's 10' to the front row, I would go bigger than that - likely 106 or 110 inches diagonal.

If your screen size is 92" diagonal - then that is close to ideal for many setups.

I confused throw distance, what I meant was the distance from the projector to screen is 15', seating distance is 13' and the screen is 92" diagonal.

Thanks for Panny recommendation, I wondered if it was worth the little extra cost.

 

[The Dukester]

Hey, Matt,

The distance from the projector to the screen is the throw distance.
FWIW I like the DLP units better than the LCD, also. Like BMX said, they (the ones you listed) are limited on throw distance and large lens offsets, but if you can fit them into your room, I like the pic better on average than the LCDs, plus there is less maintenance; no dusting.

What is your ceiling ht and how are you mounting your pj? I would be tempted to reccomend the HD72 (which I have) if you can afford it over the 70, if you plan on keeping it a couple years or more as it has a better pic than the 70.

 

[Hi Ho]

I own a Mitsubishi HD1000 and I am very happy with it. I just got an HD-DVD player and even though the projector is "only" 720p the results are absolutely amazing. The projector is virtually inaudible at anything more than 2.5 feet away.

 

[jcPanny]

Optoma HD70

Great price on the Optoma.
Check out the review and throw distance calculator on projectorcentral.com. One of the limitations of the HD70 is no lense shift and a very limited zoom range. Due to the lense offset you will probably need to ceiling mount it. Do a few measurements before you buy.

In contrast, the Panny and Sanyo 720p projectors have extensive zoom and lense shift for flexible table top, ceiling, or shelf mounting options.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I confused throw distance, what I meant was the distance from the projector to screen is 15', seating distance is 13' and the screen is 92" diagonal.

Thanks for Panny recommendation, I wondered if it was worth the little extra cost.

Getting closer to solid room specifications information.

1. If you already own the screen, then stick with it, but if you don't own a screen, then 92" is to small. At 13' I would recommend no less than 110" diagonal - maybe 120".

2. You can't throw 92" from 15' with either projector. Refer back to my original numbers.

3. Would I call the Panny better than the Mits. or Optoma? Not for image quality, but there is no question that setup of the Panny is far better. With a 92" diagonal you can put the projector anywhere from about 9 to 18 feet from the screen. You also have a fair bit of lens shift so a bit off to the top, left, right, or bottom - or anywher inbetween, and you can get the image square on screen without having to resort to digital image keystone correction.

4. Finally, the brightness of the AX100 allows for some lights to be on in the room while enjoying sports with friends. Movies are still killer, but added versatility for the price point is a huge bonus.

I personally feel like if they get the AE1000 upgraded with brightness next year I may go that route. 1080p strictly in my next purchases, but Panny is a great product.

 

[TVJon]

I'm in the same research mode. I've been holding out - for months - for the Mits 3100 but the company apparently thinks it's okay to release the machine to the rest of the world but not the U-S. The reviews on this machine are great. The lack of availability in the US is maddening. If this keeps up much longer, I'll go another way. It'll be 1080p... when I decide.

 

[Matt34]

Thanks for the advice guys, unfortunately it seems my 6yr old TV(Sony 32" CRT) in the living room is on it's last leg. Green bars running horizontal across a black and white screen. Replacement projector is on hold for now.

 

[The Dukester]

Hello 50" Pioneer plasma!!!

Thanks for the advice guys, unfortunately it seems my 6yr old TV(Sony 32" CRT) in the living room is on it's last leg. Green bars running horizontal across a black and white screen. Replacement projector is on hold for now.

 

[eracicot]

hello, defintly a newbie at this
will need some help
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[sftl97]

NooB here, been lurking for awhile. Greetings to all, and please be gentle with my dumb questions, as i said i'm new.

I'm in a similar situation with setting up a home theater. The area i have for the HT is approx. 23' x 14' with 9' ceiling and total control of lighting. Want to setup a PJ, but haven't been able to find anyplace with projectors on display. Also trying to decide whether 1080p is the right way to go or just do 720p for now and wait and see what comes out in the next yr or so. My viewing habits are mostly broadcast and DVD's, will be upgading my dvd player to BluRay/hd dvd hopefully by xmas.

Suggestions welcome.



Thx.

 

[mtrycrafts]

NooB here, been lurking for awhile. Greetings to all, and please be gentle with my dumb questions, as i said i'm new.

I'm in a similar situation with setting up a home theater. The area i have for the HT is approx. 23' x 14' with 9' ceiling and total control of lighting. Want to setup a PJ, but haven't been able to find anyplace with projectors on display. Also trying to decide whether 1080p is the right way to go or just do 720p for now and wait and see what comes out in the next yr or so. My viewing habits are mostly broadcast and DVD's, will be upgading my dvd player to BluRay/hd dvd hopefully by xmas.
Suggestions welcome.
Thx.

Suggestions are tough with a number of good projectors, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
However, I strongly encourage you to go 1080p and with a projector that will do 24 frames as well, 60 frames being standard. With a large screen I am sure you are considering to project, at least 100" wide, forget 720p, even if you don't buy into one format or the other right now. By the winter season, there will be another interesting dual format player out on the market. Hi def is really stunning on large screens.

 

[sftl97]

Suggestions are tough with a number of good projectors, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
However, I strongly encourage you to go 1080p and with a projector that will do 24 frames as well, 60 frames being standard. With a large screen I am sure you are considering to project, at least 100" wide, forget 720p, even if you don't buy into one format or the other right now. By the winter season, there will be another interesting dual format player out on the market. Hi def is really stunning on large screens.

Thanks i appreciate the response. I've been reading some reviews and the Epson home cinema sounds good and not too expensive, also some good stuff about the panny ae2000u. But before i decide i would like to see them in action..
Guess I'll also need to match it up to a screen somewhere around the 100" to 120".
Would like to have it all done before the holidays.




Fred