2020 projector recommendations

[IndyColtsFan]

I’m looking for recommendations on a projector. We would like to show movies on our back patio this summer/fall. I don’t need super-high end equipment, but I’d like something above average - here are my requirements:

1. Must have at least 1920 x 1080p native resolution at a minimum.
2. Looking for one in the upper 2000 or 3000 lumens range.
3. Budget is $1000 or under.
4. (Hopefully) long bulb life.

Amazon has the Optoma HD146x for $550, but I need to do more research. Any other good options or thoughts?

 

[kitkat22]

I have been a big fan of the epson clearance store. I was able to get a HC5040ub for about $1400. Essentially new and looks amazing. Huge, but amazing. The Epson Home Cinema 3700 gets you 1080p tons of lumens and on clearance comes in at $650. Yes, its older tech, but it has a bright picture, better black, low input lag, easier to position, etc.

Just a thought. Depending on the timing the clearance store has better projectors.

Home Cinema 3700 Full HD 1080p 3LCD Projector - Certified ReNew | Products | Epson US

The bright Home Cinema 3700 projector is the perfect choice for your living room or dedicated home theater. Featuring optimized brightness and contrast, it offers extraordinary image quality and blockbuster performance. Get 3,000 lumens of color brightness and 3,000 lumens of white brightness1 —...

epson.com

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I have been a big fan of the epson clearance store. I was able to get a HC5040ub for about $1400. Essentially new and looks amazing. Huge, but amazing. The Epson Home Cinema 3700 gets you 1080p tons of lumens and on clearance comes in at $650. Yes, its older tech, but it has a bright picture, better black, low input lag, easier to position, etc.

Just a thought. Depending on the timing the clearance store has better projectors.

Home Cinema 3700 Full HD 1080p 3LCD Projector - Certified ReNew | Products | Epson US

The bright Home Cinema 3700 projector is the perfect choice for your living room or dedicated home theater. Featuring optimized brightness and contrast, it offers extraordinary image quality and blockbuster performance. Get 3,000 lumens of color brightness and 3,000 lumens of white brightness1 —...

epson.com

Thanks! I had seen the 3700 being recommended over at AVS but couldn't find it reasonably priced on Amazon. Do you know if Epson replaces the projector bulbs as part of their refurb process?

The 1060 is another model I've seen recommended and I have that in my Amazon cart currently.

 

[kitkat22]

Ours was new on arrival.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Ours was new on arrival.

Thanks - I ordered the 3700 you linked. Very excited! Any screen recommendations? I'm thinking 100" 16:9 and maybe one on a tripod so I can easily use it in the back yard, patio, house, etc.

 

[kitkat22]

I used the silver ticket screens on amazon. I debated fixed vs retractable for a long time. Even installed wiring for a retractable screen. Finally realized the retractable ones werent worth it. Fixed screens avoid bowing, flexing, movement from AC or walking past.

I would get a seperate tripod to make it outside.

 

[kitkat22]

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I used the silver ticket screens on amazon. I debated fixed vs retractable for a long time. Even installed wiring for a retractable screen. Finally realized the retractable ones werent worth it. Fixed screens avoid bowing, flexing, movement from AC or walking past.

I would get a seperate tripod to make it outside.

My main issue is that I don't have a really good place to store a fixed screen, so I'd have to break it down to store it long-term. My garage is about the only place I could possibly store it, but in the winter, all our patio furniture, etc. goes in the third bay for storage since we don't have an outbuilding. How hard is your screen to break down and reassemble if necessary?

 

[kitkat22]

Yeah, the silver ticket wouldnt work then. Having a pull down screen might work, but sounds like you need to target the portable ones.

 

[JoshuaM]

I recommend you to go for Optoma HD28HDR instead of Optoma HD146x which is considered as the Best budget Projector. And if you are looking for some another brand, then I can suggest you go for BenQ HT2050A.