TV or projector?

[Stormwolf]

I did a quick search and did not find info on this.

What is the better way to go now adays? I am building a dedicated home theater room and was thinking of a front projector with 100" + screen. The problem is replacing bulbs. I am planning on using this room for everything (movies, PS3, dvd tv series) so basically its goona eat up bulb life pretty quick and with the cost of bulbs this doesn't seem to make sense to me.

So I looked and Bestbuy has a 72" toshiba DLP TV(Toshiba 72" Widescreen DLP Projection HDTV** (72HM196)). On these type of TVs do you have to replace bulbs as well?? Are they as expensive as front projector bulbs if they have to be replaced?

Anyone have any ideas on how I should procede??? I want a huge screen, I prefer DLP over LCD, and want to keep the price below $3500 CAD.

Any help is appreciated!!
Thanks

 

[Reorx]

Since you are building a home theater room, which I am assuming you will have decent light control. I would go for a projector.

You can get the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 for under $3k. Bulb replacements are ~$350 ea. Lamp life is estimated at 3000 hours. Usually you'll get about 1/2 those hours at full lumens before it starts to dim. So if you watch TV every day for 4 hrs, that bulb will easily last 1 year (actual milage may vary).

Projector:
Pro's
1080p at 100-200"
Cheap price
Doesnt need a Stand

Con's
Must have decent light control
Re-occuring yearly lamp costs
Needs a screen

LCD/DLP:
Pro's
Light control isnt as big as a factor
No reoccuring lamp costs
Doesnt need a screen

Con's
A little more expensive
Smaller screen size.
Needs a TV stand

I am sure there are more pro's and con's. But that's all I could come up with at the moment. I hope it helps at least a little bit.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Rear projection DLP/LCD uses lamps just like front projection and those lamps cost about the same. Several hundred bucks!

If you are concerned about lamp life, most online projector etailers (of reputation) have lamp warranties for 3 years for about 100 bucks. So, you can use your front projector as much as you want and they will replace your lamp if/when it blows (I think up to 2 or 3 times). Well worth it for heavy projector users.

Which projector is best is a matter of opinion and LCD projectors look absolutely phenomenal with ratings as good as most DLP models these days, but there are some excellent, very inexpensive DLP models available as well. Of course, 1080p front projection will set you back a bit more money and LCD is the cost leader by a long shot still.

 

[Stormwolf]

A lil confused

Each of you state different opinions on whether DLP projection TVs need replacement bulbs, I am thinking that they need replacement as well but whether they do or not will make a big difference on my choice. I was always planning on a front projector till i realized it would cost $350-450 per replacement bulb/yr. So I was considering a 72" TV but now if those need bulbs I might as well go for the bigger screen.

Thanks

 

[AVRat]

All rear-projection LCD/DLP displays require lamps that will need replacement. If you're still in doubt, download the manual for the TV you're interested in. In a dedicated HT, front-projection is the only way to go.

 

[Stormwolf]

Hi again.
It has been awhile, but my room should be done by Jan 2 (hopefully).
I am still on the fence as to which way to go. I ruled out the toshiba tv and have since found a 72" Samsung DLP TV (3d ready(what ever that means), game mode (have a ps3))

I also saw a Sony 1080p projector (forget model) for half the cost as the tv, which gives me about $1500 in savings that can go towards bulb replacements in the future.

I am a little leary with Sony however.

My question is what are some of the leading 1080p projectors under $2500 that I should consider?

Also are front projectors either DLP or LCD subject to any type of burn? I realize the screen itself will not get any but is it possible for the projector itself to get pooched (again because of gaming)??

Thanks in advance for any input.

PS - my wife is actually leaning towards the projector (almost had a heart-attack)

 

[gmichael]

IMO the only way to have a true "home theater" is to have a front projector. The impact of a 100+ picture is stunning. If you have the lighting & room for it, then it's a no brainer.

 

[Stormwolf]

That is defiantly the way I am leaning now. Especially if all projectors dropped in price as much it it looks taking the Sony 1080p projector at 1600

 

[TVJon]

I have a Mitsubishi DLP in my living room.... the lamp life was supposed to be over LAST December, but it's still going strong. I went with PJ in my basement media room - no other choice made sense. Big is definitely better... and maybe my PJ lamp will last a long time too.

TVJon

 

[gmichael]

Look for specials. My projectors came with an extra free bulb in a package deal. Both projectors are still on their first bulb. 2500 hours on one and 600 on the other. It looks like I'll end up using both free bulbs on the one projector before the other needs it's first.

 

[Rico]

That is defiantly the way I am leaning now. Especially if all projectors dropped in price as much it it looks taking the Sony 1080p projector at 1600

Hi,
I'm looking for PJ as well. Do you have the model for this Sony ? Or where?

Check this one out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/5PC-PANASONIC-AE1000U-HDTV-PROJECTOR-BUNDLE-TRUE1080_W0QQitemZ250197732669QQihZ015QQcategoryZ48654QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It's a good deal on your case.

Good luck

 

[Stormwolf]

I found the sony model number. It is a: VPLAW15