Projector Selection

[Bryce_H]

I have been playing around on projectorcentral and using their image calculator and seem to be having some difficulty. I will be replacing a Sony VPL-400Q. When I enter in my information, I keep getting "REcommend lower brightness" and to go with a lower gain screen or increasing screen size. The info I am entering is as follows:

Screen Gain = 1.3 Da-lite Da-mate
Screen Size = 106" diaganol
Throw distance = 14' (I built a mounting point in the ceiling at this location when I built the theater)

Room is 15'6" X 23' and has complete light control. First row seating is about 13' and second row is about 19' on a 11" riser.

Projectors I have played with are:

BenQ 7700
Pana AE-9000U
Sharp Z3

Am I missing something or are the projectors too bright for my screen - will I need to get a new screen? If I bump the screen gain down to 0.8 then most everything comes into range.

What about the economy mode on the 7700 - still shows too bright, but better.

Any info would be appreicated. Thanks

 

[BMXTRIX]

100% ignore the 'brightness' on the projection calculator. The calculator is based on manufacturer data of actual lumen output, which is not even close to accurate after you calibrate the projector to more reasonable brightness and contrast levels. Figure 400 or so lumens from most projectors which is about half - and well within the range of what is listed.

In the end, if you find the image to be to bright, then there are filters that you can put onto the lens that will cut light and preserve image quality. In fact, since most projectors don't have 'perfect' color, the filter you add may have a bit of color to it to help correct for color issues with the projector. Usually just a very minor correction within the filter, but it will cut light and improve overall quality.

Note: Sanyo Z4 (not Sharp) and the Z3 was last years model, I would go with this years model if I were buying right now.

If the 7700 fits your range accurately - then that is the way I would go I think. DLP is gorgeous and most people aren't affected by rainbows with DLP - but you should try to confirm that at a store if you can.

 

[Bryce_H]

So how do I correctly read the projectorcentral tool. I would imagine I need to have the green bar within my projection distance in order to be effective. But if the green bar is based on brightness, how should I read it. I went over to projector people and played with their tool and found that I should have no problem with any of the projector I am considering.

And yes, I meant the Sanyo Z4 (not the Sharp Z3). My bad, got the company and model number wrong

 

[BMXTRIX]

You should just ignore it. It recommeds lower brightness.

Who cares?

It is innaccurate for a calibrated projector and all you need to do is ask. It's a RECOMMENDATION, not a hard fact.

The reality is that 99% of projectors for home theater are designed to have proper brightness levels on a screen of 100" in diagonal in a dark room on a 1.0 gain screen.

So, my suggestion (again ) is to simply ignore anything that says that the projector is to bright. As long as it's a home theater projector, it should not be an issue.

No, if you are talking about the Sanyo WF-10 - that's a different story.

 

[df4801]

agree with above.
Almost nobody will complain of too much briteness!
In fact, in can help with ambient light.
If you do want a lower briteness after you set it up, then no problem, just get a filter for the lens. Might cost 30 bucks I think.