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Best cheap projector for small HT.

Hello all...

I'm figuring to add a projector to my HT system. the only requirements are a vivid colorful picture that can be developed to about 8 feet wide... perhaps a little less, say 7 or so... I don't need high def... just a colorful and highly contrasting picture.... big and bold is better for me than is definition.

also simple conections, component will do, two sets would be nice but certainly at least one set... then S video, as only two items will likely connect to it... a cable box (DVR), AND A dvd/vcr COMBO UNIT. THAT'S IT. JUST TWO THINGS.

It also needs be pretty quiet... as it will likely be right above me only a couple feet or so... and naturally I'll want a screen..

New or slightly used makes me no mind, depending... somewhere around 1000.00 to 1500.00 give or take... for the projector... no idea about the screen...

I spent a ton on a big rear projector and wish I hadn't now... so this time it's just a 'projector and screen... oh, it's doubtful it'll need to cast the images from the side... it''ll be directly in line with the screen, maybe just at the top of the screen throwing the picture straight ahead and downwards...

thanks very very much.
blindjim
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Unsound makes a good point...if your going to mount on the rear wall you should look for something that does not vent out the rear of the unit.

You will also want a projector with the correct throw distance for your fixed location, ie...you will want to be able to adjust picture size up or down if needed. The mount should fit somewhere near the middle of the adjustment range for "that" projector...they are not all the same.

Good budget screen http://www.carada.com/....you can also make one for around $100-$200 which is what some people do at the (AVSforum) Unsound mentioned above do...all kinds of plans at that site.

Word of warning about the AVSforum!...some members are like some of our members....they do more tweaking than watching, (or listening in our case)..HeHe

Dave
jdcrox
119 posts
 
Some great responses here. One thing to remember is that the digital PJ's do not beam the image straight ahead, they actually offset it upwards. This is so you can sit it on a coffee table for example,and the image will be above the coffee table. Usually the lens is approx at the bottom of the image. This is important because if you angle the PJ, the image gets out of shape, the bottom being wider than the top. This can be corrected by a "keystone" adjustment, but it is advisable to not use it, since it is digital and will markedly decrease image quality.
Ok, if you want to mount the PJ in the back of the room, near the ceiling, you will probably want to hang it. When hung, the PJ is actually upside-down, so the image will now be BELOW the lens. This helps to center the image on the wall. Once again, you want to avoiding tilting the PJ any more than absolutely neccesary due the the keystone problem.
stylinlp_38
44 posts
 
Blindjim, the solution is simple. Just buy a used rebuilt Electrohome Marquee 8500 crt projector.

No digital projector that you would be looking at could possible compare vs this $24,000 projector. If anyone tells you otherwise they are uninformed or trying to sell you something.

1200 lums and 25,000:1 contrast ratio. It is film-like. You will find you won't even have to go to the movie theaters anymore. Its that good. You can pick one up on Ebay or better yet on VideoGon.

I run mine from Cox Cable HDTV via DVI cable and watch DVD's on my HTPC at 1440x960p with a VGA-to-5 BNC cable. My best advice is to find one thats been gone over and rebuilt by a tech with warranty. Get tubes rated 8 out of 10 or better and you will be fine. The tubes last 10,000 hours and cost $600 each.

If you want to really learn more about this stuff I suggest you go to AVSforum.com and visit the HTPC forum and CRT Projector forums there. The real experts post there.

*Analog fans may be blind, but digital fans are deaf*
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
I personally do indeed love the "highly calibrated and maintained picture" of a good CRT projector. Blacks are black, and thus contrast looks superb, as well as the smooth vibrant overall image. However, the price of Lcos and even 3 chip DLP's are dropping very very quickly. The gaps are closing in the black level area, and the overall image has been equalled if not passed by these digitals. You couple that with the simplicity and convenience vs. the inconvenience factors of CRT's, and it's a much more difficult option to consider CRT's, which are all but gone, bulky, loud, unflexible and need to be constantly tweaked.
I think CRT's are great for any videophile who likes to tweak. In that respect, I'd consider them as well for cheap. But, if I'm going to spend $10k, I'll get an LCos every time...the benefits are too great.
stylinlp_38
44 posts
 
Flrnlamb, I've heard reports about how the newer digital projectors are getting better. Still not up to 100% par with a nice crt projector but you mention that the other trade offs is a consideration. To me its all about image quality and cost. You can get a really nice Marquee 8500 for just over $1500 (which the original poster stated). To come close in quality with a digital projector you would need to spend $10,000 on a sub-par image. For most people, the budget dictates a real world system. Talking about some $10k digital projector is irrelivant to most people because they can't afford it. Of course I'm happy to have my $1500 crt projector and quick to point out mine is better than that $10k digital. Neener neener :)

BTW-A $1500 digital projector is just a toy. Made for pie charts and videogames. Not for watching movies.
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