What to do with my room...

[WorldLeader]

I am moved into a new (old) house that has this really neat room that I think has lots of HT potential. I have some Logitech z5500s (shut up!) that will work for now for sound, but there is no obvious place for a TV. Have a look, the pictures are from eye level (5'8")

The room is 18' x 17' with a roof that peaks at around 20 feet. The beams are about 10 feet off the ground and form a rectangle.

There are 2 problems: First, I will need something that will be low profile. I'm thinking about a projector system or a flat screen plasma or LCD. I also need it to be relatively cheap, nothing above $2000.

Second, where would I put it? The room really focuses around the fireplace, maybe above the fireplace? How much would that mess up sight lines if you are having to look up a bit to watch movies an TV?

If I go the plasma/LCD route, I get a smaller and more manageable screen that stays on the wall 24/7. They will also be more expensive.

The projector could be set on the beams up high, which would give it a very low profile. The beam opposite of the fireplace is about 10 feet in the air and 11 feet from the fireplace. Is this enough distance to project a good image?

Finally, I really like that deal on the Audioholics home page about the PLV Z4 projector and screen and lamp deal for $1599. The review of the projector is good, how well would it work for my situation?

Thanks a lot for any help you give!

WorldLeader

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm counting no less than 3 windows in that room, and unless none of them lead outside, front projection is not a first step ideal. Unless you plan to spend hundreds+ $$$ making sure that there is ZERO light in the room.

To me, it is an ideal room for a plasma over the fireplace. There are pleny of 42" plasmas that can be had at or below $2K. All you need with it is a plasma mount that tilts down a bit towards the viewing area and you are good to go.

That is the first thing that screams out to me when I look at the room.

A front projector demands darkness. So, you either live in a cave to make it your primary viewing source, or you add the projector as a secondary viewing device. Yes, front projection is totally killer, but it is definitely not an ideal primary viewing device in that room.

As well, the Z4 has some brightness issues that basically force it into a totally dark room. The AE900 has a fair bit more brightness that less than ideal rooms can utilize. But, this room is a good deal less than 'less than ideal'

Go plasma... LCD works as well, but will cost you more for the same size typically.

 

[WorldLeader]

The room can get pretty dark, but how dark does it need to be? As cool as a plasma would be it would cost more $$$. Also, mounting a plasma would be hard since the wall behind it is actually a 95 year old fireplace.

This is for the family room as well, so having a low-profile system would be nice. A big black screen would kinda ruin the look, maybe.

Are there any projectors out there that would work in moderate lighting levels?

 

[WorldLeader]

This Optoma HD72 DLP projector may work. According to the AH review, the normal TV watching was pretty good even with ambient light.

I also looked at the Panasonic industrial plasmas, which also would be OK, but I would prefer a projector.

 

[WorldLeader]

Am i typing to hear myself type?

 

[westcott]

I like front projection, but with your budget, it would be hard to stay within it using a front projector ($1500), screen (probably electric since you have a fireplace $2000+), and black out curtains ($?$?$)?. The screen is what would really kill your budget. A fixed screen is a great value and provide years of service but would require a solid wall to hang it on.

Even if you could get a screen and projector to work in this space within your budget, you will still probably want a second display for standard definition programming if you watch a lot of TV and a place to put it.

A plasma may be your best solution.

 

[mytzen]

You can get a 42" Vizio plasma from Costco for well under $2000, they have had some decent reviews.
Also, you may want to wait until July 4th, I would think that there should be some great deals on TV's at most stores.

 

[Bryce_H]

Although it is outside your budget, if you really want front projection, the Epson 550 is a very bright projector with an MSRP of $2499. If you look around you can probably find it cheaper. I have had it installed in my dedicated HT for 3-4 months now and love it. I run it on the darkest mode, because I have complete light control. However, it gets raves for doing well in ambient light situations. Of course, again the problem is that it is out of your price range and you still have to buy a screen.

Reviews
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/cinema550/index.asp

http://www.projectorcentral.com/epson_cinema_550.htm

But nothing beats a 100" TV!!

 

[WorldLeader]

The Sanyo deal that I mentioned earlier said that you can get a free "92" screen by mail" What does that mean? MIR?

I'm coming from a 23" CRT so anything will be a step up

 

[WorldLeader]

Bump! I still am looking for suggestions...

 

[mytzen]

Is there a link to the Sanyo deal? I dont see where it was mentioned earlier.

MIR might be mail in rebate.

 

[WorldLeader]

Here is the link to the deal, it is featured on the first page on Audioholics:

LINK

Also, here is the "special offer":

Free spare lamp (a $450 retail value) and a 92-inch HDTV (16:9) Draper Luma screen from Sanyo by mail. Offer good now through 6/30/2006, or while supplies last.

This is from the Projector People's website FYI. And yes, MIR does mean Mail In Rebate.

Would i be OK with this projector? I really only watch movies at night, so lighting will be less of an issue.