Projector Questions

[Cosmo Kramer]

I've been looking at HD projectors lately and find that they might be the best value for me because I have an enormous basement with dark walls and dark carpet and I can keep the room dark. However, I was looking at ultimateelectronics.com and they have the Sony projector there with this:

Component Inputs- 1
VGA- 1
Composite Inputs- 1
Picture Formats- 1280x720 (720p)
40"-200" size
S-Video Inputs- 1
TV Technology- LCD
Contrast Ratio- up to 6000:1
HDMI Inputs- 1
Price- $3,499.95

Is this a good projector for the price? They also had Epson projectors for a couple thousand less, but I don't know anything about Epson. Also, what are the negatives of a projector? I have a Sony 700watt surround sound system and an Xbox 360. Replacement bulbs? How expensive? How often do I change them? Need feedback on projectors...

 

[majorloser]

If I may suggest, since you are looking at a LCD projector, look at the:

Sanyo PLV-Z4
or
Panasonic AE900U

If you want to go with an affordable DLP projector in the same price range look at the:

Optoma H78-DC3

www.projectorcentral.com

This site will give you ratings and reviews. There are new 1080P LCD projectors (like above) that are around the same price as DLP. The Optoma should be had at a good price, though.

Edit: I almost forgot. Lightbulbs run between $300 and $400 each. They last between 2,000 and 3,000 hours.

 

[Cosmo Kramer]

so do I have to buy a separate "screen" for it or does that come with it? or what would be a good alternative to a separate screen? i know this may sound stupid or cheap, whichever, but would a white king size bed sheet due?

what are other costs that add up? you mentioned bulbs, and 2,000 hours is what about every 12-16 months?

please tell me what i should look for specifically with projectors because i am new to them- all i want to do is play Xbox 360 and watch ESPN and watch sweet DVD's like Lord of the Rings, Band of Brothers, etc...

 

[BMXTRIX]

Cosmo - Definitely take a few HOURS reading through www.projectorcentral.com and take a look at the forums/FAQs and screens forum there. Some good info to be had.

1. The Sony Cineza that you looked at is good, but I wouldn't classify it as good as the Z4 or AE900 which can be had for around $2K from Visual Apex.

2. A projector has the same qualities as any other display... It needs good color, good processing, good motion handling, good scaling, etc. Just like a plasma, CRT, or rear projection unit.

3. A screen needs to be a screen. You CAN use a bed sheet, or your white wall, or any number of other things. But, if you can swing $3,500.00 for the projector, it would be far better to get a $2,000.00 projector, and a $900.00 screen (www.carada.com) and then still have $600.00 left over to buy a couple of new bulbs.

4. Expenses: You need to mount the projector and a ceiling mount, if you go that route, runs about $120.00 for a really good one. You need to run cabling to your projector - the minimum I recommend is HDMI, Component, and Composite which may run you about $200.00. Replacement bulbs, definitely depend on usage, but a few hours a day and you can expect a new bulb ever 1-2 years or less. 2,000 hours is optomistic in my experience, though some do get that, and more. 1,500 is much more realistic. But, at 3 hours of use every day for a year, you still are only around 1,000 hours.

Other expenses? None really. Once the projector and screen is up, you have the projector mounted and cabling from your receiver to the projector, you are set!

Other considerations? The projector is a video only display, like your computer monitor. So, you must use your A/V receiver all the time. This is normal. Your room MUST BE LIGHT CONTROLLED! Sounds like it is, so no worries there, but that is singularly the most important thing.

Anyway - good questions, spend a few hours a Proj. Central - ask more should you need to.

 

[majorloser]

2,000 hours should last you about 2 years with everyday watching in the evening. Hey, be glad! My old Yamaha only got 1,000 hours and the bulbs cost $579 each

Yes, you will need to buy a screen. Some companies give package deals with projectors that include a screen. There is also a type of paint that can be used on the wall. (somebody will chime in)

There are plenty of good screens that are reasonably priced. You should read a little more on this site to get reviews. Projector Central has a good size calculator to help you determine what size to get. Screen prices range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars.

In your case, projector choices are related to price, must have inputs, screen format/size and need for HD programming. In your case, I'd say you need a projector that is at least 720P native (1280x720). The choice between DLP and LCD is getting tough these days since LCD's are now coming out in 1080P for around the price of a mid model 720P DLP.

 

[jcPanny]

The paint is called Screen Goo from Goo Systems. The paint will cost about $100 depending on the screen size in addition to the cost of plywood, trim, and border materials.

DaLite is another manufacter that makes a wide range of screens. For $100 manual pull down screens to $1K fixed HT screens. I recommend that you get the projector first and shine it on the wall to determine the optimal screen size in your room and lighting conditions.

 

[westcott]

And dont underestimate, like I did, the cost for light control.

This can improve PQ more than anything.

I envy those with basements and no\small windows.

If this is a shared room, it can be a challenge.

 

[pelvis70]

some projectors can be run in a low light mode to get longer life out of the bulbs also. Panasonic rates there bulbs at 3000 hours for high light setting and 5000 hours at low light settings. Bulbs in Canada are about 500.00

 

[BMXTRIX]

some projectors can be run in a low light mode to get longer life out of the bulbs also. Panasonic rates there bulbs at 3000 hours for high light setting and 5000 hours at low light settings. Bulbs in Canada are about 500.00

DO NOT BELIEVE MANUFACTURER SPECS!

Plan on your bulb going at 1,000 to 2,000 hours regardless of setting and regardless of what the manufacturer states.

Panasonic, I know from others, and my own experience, often goes well before their rated time even in near ideal conditions. My bulb, rated to 5,000 hours? Gone at about 1,300 hours. Now I keep a spare bulb, but my replacement lamp has lasted more than 1,600 hours so far and seems to be doing fine.

 

[majorloser]

Probably the secret to good bulb life is ventilation. Keep the projector clean, clear from obstruction and have cool air flowing over it if possible (AC duct).

Also, I'm sure like every bulb, the on and off cycles get take away life from a bulb.