Projector for $2k to $3k, suggestions?

[haastyle]

Hi,
I am looking to purchase a projector with in the next few months, I really would like some input on what you guys think is the best in this price range, I like DLPs, LCDs are fine though. Any suggestions appreciated!

Thanks!
Haas


p.s. room is about 14x10, throw distance would be about 12 to 13 feet

 

[brian32672]

I am assuming that you have checked here http://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater-multimedia-projectors.htm first to get a general idea what you are wanting/looking for. Any particular hookups/special features that you want?

Here is a lot of the manufactures http://www.projectorcentral.com/mfg.cfm

And here are some FAQ's and buyers guide http://www.projectorcentral.com/buyers_guide.cfm

Also start here with your throw distance and or diagonal wants/needs and general features here http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm

 

[haastyle]

Well i want it to be HDTV compatible for sure, take in a component video, and just be the best quality i can get for that price

how about Sanyo PLV-Z4 vs Optoma H79 ? or is there something better?

 

[brian32672]

Well here is a list that will narrow that down a bit.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?mfg_id=any&res_id=any&ar=0&td=&is=&bll=any&bul=any&cll=2500&cul=any&wll=any&wul=any&prll=any&prul=4000&an=0&hdtv=1&component=1&dvi=-1&trig=1
These all have those features, all are under 4,000 MSRP generally MSRP means nothing. Most you can pick-up for well under MSRP. Also all have better than 2500:1 contrast ratio. Have you ever tried a DLP? And see if you are immune to RBE? Or looked at a budget LCD that has a high SDE? DLP's do have SDE, but is minimal. Not like a budget LCD. However with your viewing distance SDE should not be a problem...
You can shorten that list by stating if you want 4:3 or 16:9 native projector. Also what size screen? I am assuming either 96" or 100"

The PLZ4 is probably the best budget LCD projector on the market (however this has not been confirmed, as it is a brand new model)

For the Optoma it is a DLP projector. Also has about the same exact specs as the 78DC3. And the 78 is much cheaper, Majorloser just picked up a 78. So you can ask him about that particular PJ.

 

[df4801]

best current LCD's seem to be sanyo z4 or panasonic 900. Both around $2300.
see reviews at projector central.

For DLP's, check out new mitsubishi (model number 3000, I think) or the infocus 7205 (for about $3700).

Many factors to consider. 1) throw distance needed 2) light control in room 3) ceiling or shelf mount 4) size screen you want.

I personally think that if budget is a concern, you should probably get the panasonic as it will be several hundred under your top end, and you will need those extra hundreds for cables, install, etc, etc

 

[haastyle]

i have seen a DLP tv....and had no problems, haven't tested any DLP projectors yet, and i have seen the screen door effect on LCDs and i hate it

*edit - I have the cables and stuff in a seperate part of the budget so i can spend the full 3k if needed

 

[brian32672]

That 79 may be hard to find under 3K So my first quick suggestion for the DLP would be this one. http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-H78DC3.htm
You should be able to find it about 2,800 to 2,900. If I remember correctly???
EDIT:: Rechecked nope on that price. More like 3,800 Hmm, I think Dave (majorloser) got a great deal talking with a store. Ask him where he got his...

Anyhow, you do realize that these things require fairly expensive bulb changes?
The best warranty on bulbs is Mitsubishi's some have a full 1 year warranty (up to 1,000 hours)
Most companies are 90 day warranty, its pretty standard.

EDIT:: Audioholic members get deals over here. And this looks as though it may be a winner with a free screen as well. Under 3,000.00 (2,874.00 free shipping)
http://www.visualapex.com/audioholics/Bundles_Details_AudioHolics.asp?chPartNumber=AH_H77&MFR=AudioHolics

Here are the specs of that PJ. http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-H77.htm

 

[BMXTRIX]

If you can find a deal on the Optoma H78 - Well, I've heard good thing about that.

The BenQ 7700 is also pretty well regarded for the money in DLP land.

Otherwise? The Panasonic AE900 and the Sanyo Z4 will probably be the two best selling 720p home theater projectors on the market this year. I'm not sure how well the Optoma H31 or the InFocus SP4805 will hold up. HD is becoming more and more prevalent, and LCD is getting to phenomenal levels.

DLP is a bit nicer of an image, but depending on your setup you want to look at the users manual to make sure that your setup allows for proper placement of the projector without using digital keystone correction.

Learn about all you could want to know by spending several hours (days) reading through www.projectorcentral.com and some good info on this site as well.

 

[majorloser]

I recently purchased a H78-DC3. It is the EXACT same projector as the H79. The only difference is the warranty you get from Optoma (which you can add direct through Optoma after you buy it).

I'm quite sure the price is dropping like a rock since the 1080p's are around the corner. Talk to the guys and work out a deal.

I guess I ought to write a review some day......

THE PICTURE IS GORGEOUS! I replaced a Yamaha DPX-1. What a difference! The black levels are a HUGE improvement.