Support NeoGAF

[homerhendrix]

This fall I'm planning on making the jump to HDTV. I'd really like to go for a front projector, but am worried about the amount of ambient light in my den. I've read up some on different resolution projectors and such but don't fully understand the advantages and disadvantages. The projector would be mounted between 15 and 20 feet from the wall and I don't want an obnoxiously big screen. Also I've had trouble finding projectors that support 1080i. Any advice? I know that there are a lot of people on the board that know about this stuff, would it be feasible around the fall to get set up (with ceiling mount and screen) for around $1500-2000? Thanks for any advice.

 

[gigapower]

I personally would recommend the Pannasonic L700, by the time you buy in the fall the L900 should be out.

 

[btrboyev]

keep in mind lamps generally don't last that long(2000 hrs?) and can cost anywhere from $300-$500 to replace.

 

[gigapower]

keep in mind lamps generally don't last that long(2000 hrs?) and can cost anywhere from $300-$500 to replace.

Most lamps last 5000 hours these days.

 

[btrboyev]

Really? I thought only the really expensive ones went that high.

 

[homerhendrix]

It looks like that Panasonic is an LCD projector. Wouldn't there be issues with ghosting? I was looking at this one.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/NEC_HT410.htm

5000 hours sounds a lot better and cheaper than 2000 for burnout, but I'm sure I'll have to be keep the light at high power due to the aforementioned ambient light of the room. I've already invested in some fairly dark curtains to cut it down.

 

[mrklaw]

L700 I guess is the same as the AE700 that DCharlie has. Great projector. Only 720p native, but it'll take a 1080i source and downscale it and it'll still look great.

No problems with ghosting really. Surprisingly cheap and practical. Don't worry about the bulb. $300 every 4 years isn't that big a deal. Get a warranty that covers the bulb if you are worried, and buy from somewhere that'll do a dead pixel check before shipping.

I would never recommend a front projector if you use it as your only display, and watch a lot of TV, and watch in a well lit room. Even with a high contrast ratio they will be a little dim. light control is always a good thing. You can light your seating area, just try and keep light off the screen.

 

[golem]

I would never recommend a front projector if you use it as your only display, and watch a lot of TV, and watch in a well lit room. Even with a high contrast ratio they will be a little dim. light control is always a good thing. You can light your seating area, just try and keep light off the screen.

agree totally... if you watch alot of TV your 2,000 hour bulb won't last too long (my DLP bulb just went out after ~2,000 hours.. which equaled about 14 months). using it in the day with lots of ambient light is also not a very good idea..

for your price range a native 720p LCD projector is recommended, but since you're waiting till fall, DLP's might catch up in resolution and price.

as usual a good source of info is AVSForum
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=68
also http://www.projectorcentral.com/
and here's the review i posted of my HP dlp projector.. which might outline some of the pluses and minuses of dlp
http://gearviews.avsforum.com/showproduct.php?product=255&sort=7&cat=2&page=2