Home theatre projectors

MoJ · 01-25-08, 11:48 AM

Anyone have one? Are you happy with the picture? Would you recommend it over a HD flat screen?

uli2000 · 01-25-08, 01:47 PM

If it's going to be your primary way to watch tv/movies, Id go against it. Not only is light control a issue (you need it relatively dark), most projector bulbs are rated at anywhere from 2000-5000 hours before replacement. Bulbs vary by model, but most seem to run in the $200-400 range. If you watch a significant amount of tv (more than 5 hours/day), you could be replacing a bulb a year. Id go with a plasma or lcd unless you want to use it for a dedicated home theater room which will see less than 10 hrs use/week.

MoJ · 01-25-08, 03:13 PM

Thanks! I should have specified...it will be for a home theatre room that gets used for weekly movies or football games.

Atoyot1031 · 01-25-08, 03:15 PM

I was just thinking about one of these for my bedroom. We don't watch TV (or movies) much in bed, but it would be nice, and it's always dark. I'm curious to see what people's experiences are.

Does anyone know if you can project it right on to the wall (or ceiling) without a screen?
Thanks

C6H12O6 · 01-25-08, 05:27 PM

You can project them onto the wall, but if you have any texture, you won't love the picture. They do have special paint you can put on the wall that will help improve picture quality, but you still want a very flat surface, both in texture and in sheen. Too glossy and you'll be fighting glare.

AJP · 01-25-08, 09:31 PM

Also interested in what is recommended for a good home projector... we don't have much chance to see too much TV .. but enjoy the occasional movie maybe once or twice a month.

BTW .. used to be for 35mm and 2 1/4 slide projection that a wall painted with silver paint worked VERY well...imagine it still would....although for a bedroom a power screen is probably more practical...when not in use they are a little less conspicuous.

Occasionally I borrow a projector and use a 70x70 pull down screen in the basement.. works fine

4rnr · 01-25-08, 10:40 PM

depends on what you want to spend.

You can get a decent sony LCD projector for uner 1000$ or you can go upto the CRT's at over $100,000

Im running an infocus sp4805 (a cheap little beast with a cult following) Im thinking of upgrading (just have to sell mine) I will probably go with a used infocus sp7210.

MoJ · 01-26-08, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4rnr

depends on what you want to spend.

You can get a decent sony LCD projector for uner 1000$ or you can go upto the CRT's at over $100,000

Im running an infocus sp4805 (a cheap little beast with a cult following) Im thinking of upgrading (just have to sell mine) I will probably go with a used infocus sp7210.

Thanks for the info...would you mind elaborating further? Is there anything bad about the 4805? How did you arrive at upgrading to the 7210?

Thanks!

4rnr · 01-26-08, 10:22 AM

The 4805 is old, I beleive the model is about 5 yrs old, as said earlier, projectors dont last as long as a typical tv. They are beaten down by extreem heat and then the fans that exhaust the heat bring in a ton of dust. BUT they are very cheap for what they are. You can get a 4805 for anywhere from $300-600 depending on the condition. It is a good projector 16:9 Native, 720P, DLP (DLP>LCD! IMHO) I love mine, but i think I want to upgrade, plus ive got around 3000hrs on the bulb, it still looks great but.....

I want to stay under $1000 so Im looking at

SP7210 <1000$ (used) originally it cost 3000$ it is known to be a big upgrade on the 4805 and people seem to love them

Sony aw10/aw15 around 1000$ new. feature wise it is the same as the 7210. the picture is likely not as good though, but its new.

So its a question of new vs used

I suspect I will pick up a 7210. Im a big beleiver buying equipment about 3-5 yrs old. Instead of getting a decent new piece, you can get the flag ship from 3 yrs ago. But im an audio purist and dont need the newest features just pure quality. I dont really care about video but i still want the best bang for my buck.

koop · 01-27-08, 10:33 AM

Try Projectors, Projector Reviews, LCD Projectors, Home Theater DLP Projectors at ProjectorCentral.com

I've been using an old Toshiba in the basement for a couple months now. Tough to beat the size v. dollar. Mine is an old business projector put into use after our reg TV died so its not HD. It was just supposed to be a stopgap until I found a good after Xmas sale but I like it and have been pondering whether to get something more suitable for home theater.

Atoyot1031 · 01-28-08, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4rnr

The 4805 is old, I beleive the model is about 5 yrs old, as said earlier, projectors dont last as long as a typical tv. They are beaten down by extreem heat and then the fans that exhaust the heat bring in a ton of dust. BUT they are very cheap for what they are. You can get a 4805 for anywhere from $300-600 depending on the condition. It is a good projector 16:9 Native, 720P, DLP (DLP>LCD! IMHO) I love mine, but i think I want to upgrade, plus ive got around 3000hrs on the bulb, it still looks great but.....

I want to stay under $1000 so Im looking at

SP7210 <1000$ (used) originally it cost 3000$ it is known to be a big upgrade on the 4805 and people seem to love them

Sony aw10/aw15 around 1000$ new. feature wise it is the same as the 7210. the picture is likely not as good though, but its new.

So its a question of new vs used

I suspect I will pick up a 7210. Im a big beleiver buying equipment about 3-5 yrs old. Instead of getting a decent new piece, you can get the flag ship from 3 yrs ago. But im an audio purist and dont need the newest features just pure quality. I dont really care about video but i still want the best bang for my buck.

DUDE, CHECK OUT CHANNEL 9, THE BREAST EXAM IS ON!

Let me know if you might be interested in selling yours. Is the bulb replaceable?
THanks,
Nick

4rnr · 01-29-08, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atoyot1031

DUDE, CHECK OUT CHANNEL 9, THE BREAST EXAM IS ON!

Let me know if you might be interested in selling yours. Is the bulb replaceable?
THanks,
Nick

pm'ed

"Hey doesnt that kinda look like Anne"

01-25-08, 11:48 AM	#1
MoJ Present Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 14112 Posts: 2,668	Home theatre projectors Anyone have one? Are you happy with the picture? Would you recommend it over a HD flat screen?

01-25-08, 05:27 PM	#5
C6H12O6 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Beaverton, Oregon TLCA# 16307 Posts: 792	You can project them onto the wall, but if you have any texture, you won't love the picture. They do have special paint you can put on the wall that will help improve picture quality, but you still want a very flat surface, both in texture and in sheen. Too glossy and you'll be fighting glare. __________________ If you're gonna be a bear, be a grizzly. Steve the Fly Fishing Science Teacher 1995 FZJ80 ~ Lockers, winchless ARB, 2.5" OME, bent-up, rattling, leaky Borla exhaust, MetalTech Sliders, multiple oil leaks, 285 Revos. HAM: KE7VRZ http://web.mac.com/stevenlent/cruiser/cruiser.html

01-25-08, 10:40 PM	#7
4rnr IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL TLCA# pfft Posts: 496	depends on what you want to spend. You can get a decent sony LCD projector for uner 1000$ or you can go upto the CRT's at over $100,000 Im running an infocus sp4805 (a cheap little beast with a cult following) Im thinking of upgrading (just have to sell mine) I will probably go with a used infocus sp7210. __________________ 1988 4runner 3.0 5spd soft top stock DD 1990 fj62 stock 1992 4runner 3.4, auto, dual inchworms (5:1, chromo output, twinstick, 10*) marlin sas, 5.29's, lockrite's, 30 spline longs, hydro assist, custom exo, 37" PBR's, DIY beadlocks, hs9500i/synthetic, AWshifting electronic shifters...

01-26-08, 10:22 AM	#9
4rnr IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL TLCA# pfft Posts: 496	The 4805 is old, I beleive the model is about 5 yrs old, as said earlier, projectors dont last as long as a typical tv. They are beaten down by extreem heat and then the fans that exhaust the heat bring in a ton of dust. BUT they are very cheap for what they are. You can get a 4805 for anywhere from $300-600 depending on the condition. It is a good projector 16:9 Native, 720P, DLP (DLP>LCD! IMHO) I love mine, but i think I want to upgrade, plus ive got around 3000hrs on the bulb, it still looks great but..... I want to stay under $1000 so Im looking at SP7210 <1000$ (used) originally it cost 3000$ it is known to be a big upgrade on the 4805 and people seem to love them Sony aw10/aw15 around 1000$ new. feature wise it is the same as the 7210. the picture is likely not as good though, but its new. So its a question of new vs used I suspect I will pick up a 7210. Im a big beleiver buying equipment about 3-5 yrs old. Instead of getting a decent new piece, you can get the flag ship from 3 yrs ago. But im an audio purist and dont need the newest features just pure quality. I dont really care about video but i still want the best bang for my buck. __________________ 1988 4runner 3.0 5spd soft top stock DD 1990 fj62 stock 1992 4runner 3.4, auto, dual inchworms (5:1, chromo output, twinstick, 10*) marlin sas, 5.29's, lockrite's, 30 spline longs, hydro assist, custom exo, 37" PBR's, DIY beadlocks, hs9500i/synthetic, AWshifting electronic shifters...

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01-25-08, 01:47 PM	#2
uli2000 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3	If it's going to be your primary way to watch tv/movies, Id go against it. Not only is light control a issue (you need it relatively dark), most projector bulbs are rated at anywhere from 2000-5000 hours before replacement. Bulbs vary by model, but most seem to run in the $200-400 range. If you watch a significant amount of tv (more than 5 hours/day), you could be replacing a bulb a year. Id go with a plasma or lcd unless you want to use it for a dedicated home theater room which will see less than 10 hrs use/week.

01-25-08, 03:13 PM	#3
MoJ Present Join Date: Oct 2003 TLCA# 14112 Posts: 2,668	Thanks! I should have specified...it will be for a home theatre room that gets used for weekly movies or football games.

01-25-08, 03:15 PM	#4
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 1,043	I was just thinking about one of these for my bedroom. We don't watch TV (or movies) much in bed, but it would be nice, and it's always dark. I'm curious to see what people's experiences are. Does anyone know if you can project it right on to the wall (or ceiling) without a screen? Thanks

01-25-08, 09:31 PM	#6
AJP IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 280	Also interested in what is recommended for a good home projector... we don't have much chance to see too much TV .. but enjoy the occasional movie maybe once or twice a month. BTW .. used to be for 35mm and 2 1/4 slide projection that a wall painted with silver paint worked VERY well...imagine it still would....although for a bedroom a power screen is probably more practical...when not in use they are a little less conspicuous. Occasionally I borrow a projector and use a 70x70 pull down screen in the basement.. works fine

01-27-08, 10:33 AM	#10
koop IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 133	Try Projectors, Projector Reviews, LCD Projectors, Home Theater DLP Projectors at ProjectorCentral.com I've been using an old Toshiba in the basement for a couple months now. Tough to beat the size v. dollar. Mine is an old business projector put into use after our reg TV died so its not HD. It was just supposed to be a stopgap until I found a good after Xmas sale but I like it and have been pondering whether to get something more suitable for home theater.