Beginning projector...

Front projection can give you an immersive experience that otherwise seems unattainable. I've been thinking about a replacement for my excellent 36 XBR, and have come to the conclusion that a front projector needs to be supplemented with a flat panel display if you intend to do casual TV viewing as well as movies. The significant issue is the need for a darkened room with front projection -- I don't want to sit in a dark room to watch casual TV. Secondary is the issue of bulb life for a projector that would be a primary viewing source. My solution is a pull down sreeen in front of a flat panel display.

I don't think it's an either-or question if you would consider front projection. Rear projection can stand by itself, but you won't get the immersion you get from front projection.

db

Hey Don, My father and I are looking into equipment for his basement home theater to replace his standard def 60in Monitor, although his room is in the basement with no real light issues from the outside world he likes to watch sports or check out the news scroll while enjoying music.
My original thought was to use a flat panel monitor on the wall for these situations and use a pull down screen with projector for movie enjoyment, then I saw this screen wich on paper boasts almost no problem with use in light filled rooms wich I cant recall its brand but know it starts at $2500 for a 60in screen... now I would be real curious to see a real world demo of this, although it is very pricey it really isnt much more then having to add a quality flat panel to the mix, and my fathers finances wont be a concern with bulb life....just thought I would throw that idea at you.

Thanks for the great responses. This will be a basement theater projector - casual TV watching will be done on a smaller TV in a diff. room. This will be used for movies, music (w/o the projector) and the obligatory Notre Dame football games.

--j.

A couple of years ago I owned the 14k Sim2. I had a 92",$3500 screen. A big investment. I did the motor, "pull-down" in front of the tv. At that time I had an older standard def. tv. Then I upgraded the tv. to a JVC hdila; A 5k-job.---What a piece of crap that was. Then I took another step,up.--Got the Mits. 9" crt 65" model. Then I could see just what Black Level is all about. Black Level was good on the Sim2 but not in the same league as the Mits. Sure, I know thin is in but until I see a "better than mine" thin one, I'll stay "over-weight but happy".

New question, can projector be used as a regular tv, as in bulb life and dependability? How about room lighting?