Budget Projectors

[maniacalpha1-1]

What do you guys think of the budget projectors that are out there? I found one called Optoma PT105 which the YouTube reviews seem to make it look very good for price around $200. There are some cons, of course, it's got a low lumen count so you need a dark room. Their native resolution is 854 x 480, with a max resolution of 1080p 60 hz. 1080p is apparently only through HDMI, so anything else is 854 X 480. From YouTube that seems to look OK, but I suppose there's no substitute for seeing it live. Above that one, the next home theater projectors start at $600.

I did find some business Viewsonics that are around $330 which are apparently 800 X 600 and looked good on YouTube as well.

Anyway, what are some comments from those who know? This would be for an alternative to a TV, and maybe occasional use with PC.

 

[sdifox]

how big an image are you shooting? Also, don't expect much from those projectors. the 854x480 is the native resolution, that is what it has. It can handle 1080p input, but the output is still 854x480, so more or less 480p.

In other words, don't bother. Save up to get a 1080p (1920x1080) projector or at least a 720p (1280x720).

 

[NAC]

Ignore the nay-sayers.

If you can only afford, or only choose to spend, $200 – then so be it. You can be perfectly happy with a lower resolution projector. It sounds like you are aware of the resolution and/or lumens limitations – so accept them and be happy.

I have a 720p HD66, and I’m delighted. I watch DVDs, don’t even have a Blueray player yet. So everything I watch on disc is at 480p. On a 108” screen. And I’m delighted. Could I have spent more to enjoy the superlative quality of Blueray? Yes. But I didn’t. Will I upgrade in the future? Yes. But can I enjoy what I have now – ABSOLUTELY!

I’m amused by nay-sayers who insist that only the latest, most expensive technology is worthwhile, and everything else is not worth getting. One of these same folks might have bought a $1k projector 6 years ago, and the projector would have been 480p, and they’d be ranting at how great it is. Now that there is something better, for 3 or more times the price, the obsolete technology is not even worth buying?

 

[sdifox]

Ignore the nay-sayers.

If you can only afford, or only choose to spend, $200 – then so be it. You can be perfectly happy with a lower resolution projector. It sounds like you are aware of the resolution and/or lumens limitations – so accept them and be happy.

I have a 720p HD66, and I’m delighted. I watch DVDs, don’t even have a Blueray player yet. So everything I watch on disc is at 480p. On a 108” screen. And I’m delighted. Could I have spent more to enjoy the superlative quality of Blueray? Yes. But I didn’t. Will I upgrade in the future? Yes. But can I enjoy what I have now – ABSOLUTELY!

I’m amused by nay-sayers who insist that only the latest, most expensive technology is worthwhile, and everything else is not worth getting. One of these same folks might have bought a $1k projector 6 years ago, and the projector would have been 480p, and they’d be ranting at how great it is. Now that there is something better, for 3 or more times the price, the obsolete technology is not even worth buying?

720p is a huge step up from 480p. All I am saying is he should save up to get a 720p at least. That is not wasting money. 720P is in the 600 range and 1080p is in the 1k range, anything worth buying is worth waiting for.

 

[NAC]

720p is a huge step up from 480p. All I am saying is he should save up to get a 720p at least. That is not wasting money. 720P is in the 600 range and 1080p is in the 1k range, anything worth buying is worth waiting for.

I still disagree. A $50 pico projector is unsuitable for a home theater, and the person must save for a something better. But a decent 480p projector will be perfectly enjoyable for watching movies & TV.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I still disagree. A $50 pico projector is unsuitable for a home theater, and the person must save for a something better. But a decent 480p projector will be perfectly enjoyable for watching movies & TV.

480p might be OK for a budget setup , but 720P would be a hell of a lot better, and 1080p would be a hell of a lot better than that.

I would not buy a 480P without at least demoing it.
Also, need to take into account planned screen size and viewing distance. On a 100+ inch from less than 15 feet, it's likely the "screen door" affect will be quite visible.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

how big an image are you shooting? Also, don't expect much from those projectors. the 854x480 is the native resolution, that is what it has. It can handle 1080p input, but the output is still 854x480, so more or less 480p.

In other words, don't bother. Save up to get a 1080p (1920x1080) projector or at least a 720p (1280x720).

I've never had a projector before, so I'm not sure what you mean by size, but if you mean like, an 80" projection, I don't know that. From the youtube videos that I saw of this particular projector, they seemed to be doing 80" comfortably.

What about this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-pla-_-NA-_-NA

Only, I never heard of that brand. I would be using this for things like TV watching, an xbox or a PS3 if I get one, and perhaps occasionally using it with my computer. The TV that I've had for the last few years I can't find info on its resolution but it's pretty bad(which I point out because any improvement at all would icing, not mandatory. It's an RCA 20f511t and I have not succeeded in googling its resolution yet), and one of the many reasons I'm looking at a projector is that it doesn't take up much space when not used.

Edit: Or is it better to just get a TV like this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/LG+-+37...HDTV/4846522.p?id=1218548286660&skuId=4846522

 

[queequeg99]

In addition to the concerns about resolution (which should be significant for you), you might also have concerns about contrast. How well can you control ambient light in the room where you will be viewing the projector? If you cannot reduce it significantly, you can add the possibility of a washed out picture to crappy resolution. Not a good combo.

If you also have light issues, I would seriously consider an LCD TV. You linked to one. But if you have a Costco or Sams nearby, you might be able to find something larger for the same price (the costco website shows that they sell a 42" vizio in that range).

Also keep in mind that if you intend to use this as a replacement for your TV and you watch TV a lot, you might end up running through bulbs quickly. I won't go into burn rates because I haven't looked up the bulb life the unit you cited and I don't know how much TV you watch. But bulbs aren't cheap, especially to someone looking at a $300 PJ.

 

[sdifox]

I've never had a projector before, so I'm not sure what you mean by size, but if you mean like, an 80" projection, I don't know that. From the youtube videos that I saw of this particular projector, they seemed to be doing 80" comfortably.

What about this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-pla-_-NA-_-NA

Only, I never heard of that brand. I would be using this for things like TV watching, an xbox or a PS3 if I get one, and perhaps occasionally using it with my computer. The TV that I've had for the last few years I can't find info on its resolution but it's pretty bad(which I point out because any improvement at all would icing, not mandatory. It's an RCA 20f511t and I have not succeeded in googling its resolution yet), and one of the many reasons I'm looking at a projector is that it doesn't take up much space when not used.

Edit: Or is it better to just get a TV like this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/LG+-+37%...&skuId=4846522

LCOS is a good technology, but that one is 1024x768 native resolution. 110 lumens is useless. 2000:1 contrast ratio is bad.


For a bit of comparison, my projector ( Mitsubishi HC4900) has 1000 lumen, 7500:1 Contrast ratio.

What is the distance from your sitting position to the display?

PS never judge display performance using youtube videos :biggrin:

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

LCOS is a good technology, but that one is 1024x768 native resolution. 110 lumens is useless. 2000:1 contrast ratio is bad.


For a bit of comparison, my projector ( Mitsubishi HC4900) has 1000 lumen, 7500:1 Contrast ratio.

What is the distance from your sitting position to the display?

PS never judge display performance using youtube videos :biggrin:

No idea on that yet, I will be moving in a bit and will possibly have some freedom to arrange that...what should it be?

 

[sdifox]

No idea on that yet, I will be moving in a bit and will possibly have some freedom to arrange that...what should it be?

what do you mean should? You work with the space you got :biggrin:

I say you don't make a move til then.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

Would any of you recommend a Viewsonic Pro8200? It's 1080p and supposedly bright enough to use with some light(though I was just gonna get blackout blinds). And it's $800, might take another month but should be doable.

And I'm assuming I can do 8-10 feet from the wall, ceiling mount.

 

[sdifox]

Would any of you recommend a Viewsonic Pro8200? It's 1080p and supposedly bright enough to use with some light(though I was just gonna get blackout blinds). And it's $800, might take another month but should be doable.

And I'm assuming I can do 8-10 feet from the wall, ceiling mount.

go to projector central and use their calculator

http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

I've actually used that, and I am OK with the numbers it gives me, in this case that one would give me a 65" diagonal at 8'. I mean, is that a good brand and everything?

 

[Rio Rebel]

Viewsonic is legit.

Just to make sure you understood his point - projectors all have various throw distances, screen offset, etc. You need to make sure that the projector you buy can put the projection exactly where you need to place your screen. If your screen has to be a few feet from the ceiling, you don't want a projector the has no offset and no lens shift.

In simple terms, make sure that the projection can go from the projector to the screen from the distance you want and in the size you want. Don't decide the projector first and the room layout later, that's backwards. You have to know where you are putting your projector (if it's mounted, then you probably don't have a lot of flexibility) and the screen FIRST. That will influence the screen size. Once you have those worked out, THEN you can look at which projector will throw the picture onto the screen at the size you have chosen, and at good quality.

Sorry if you knew all this already, just wanted to make sure it was clear. Good luck.

 

[sdifox]

I've actually used that, and I am OK with the numbers it gives me, in this case that one would give me a 65" diagonal at 8'. I mean, is that a good brand and everything?

You might want to look for something with a bigger zoom. Projector review did a review of it.

And what Rio Rebel said :biggrin:

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

Viewsonic is legit.

Just to make sure you understood his point - projectors all have various throw distances, screen offset, etc. You need to make sure that the projector you buy can put the projection exactly where you need to place your screen. If your screen has to be a few feet from the ceiling, you don't want a projector the has no offset and no lens shift.

In simple terms, make sure that the projection can go from the projector to the screen from the distance you want and in the size you want. Don't decide the projector first and the room layout later, that's backwards. You have to know where you are putting your projector (if it's mounted, then you probably don't have a lot of flexibility) and the screen FIRST. That will influence the screen size. Once you have those worked out, THEN you can look at which projector will throw the picture onto the screen at the size you have chosen, and at good quality.

Sorry if you knew all this already, just wanted to make sure it was clear. Good luck.

I did know it, but I basically figured that, worst case scenario, it's 50" instead of 80". And all I have right now is a 1680X 1050 22" monitor, and a 20" flat screen TV that, I can't find the resolution, but it's bad...50" 1920 X 1080 surely is a massive improvement over either. Or does it look bad if it's too close, not just smaller?

I suppose I may as well say, my ultimate goal, should I like the one projector, would be to add 2 for a triple setup later. Unless such setups are such a pain that you would advise to abandon it and just use 32" to 46" LED TVs? It's just that bezels are a pain with that and I understand response time can be an issue with TVs as well(and not so much with DLP projectors).

Here are two examples of projector setups that have me salivating and one of an LED TV setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E5jelvg6SM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNU6ITOfzV0

TV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tszog3ZsCWM

Either way I know this stuff isn't easy, that's why I'm trying to figure it out now so I can decide whether to start setting aside $$ for the insane gaming fund. And no, I wasn't looking to game wearing body armor and helmet like in the video

 

[sdifox]

I did know it, but I basically figured that, worst case scenario, it's 50" instead of 80". And all I have right now is a 1680X 1050 22" monitor, and a 20" flat screen TV that, I can't find the resolution, but it's bad...50" 1920 X 1080 surely is a massive improvement over either. Or does it look bad if it's too close, not just smaller?

I suppose I may as well say, my ultimate goal, should I like the one projector, would be to add 2 for a triple setup later. Unless such setups are such a pain that you would advise to abandon it and just use 32" to 46" LED TVs? It's just that bezels are a pain with that and I understand response time can be an issue with TVs as well(and not so much with DLP projectors).

Here are two examples of projector setups that have me salivating and one of an LED TV setup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E5jelvg6SM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNU6ITOfzV0

TV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tszog3ZsCWM

Either way I know this stuff isn't easy, that's why I'm trying to figure it out now so I can decide whether to start setting aside $$ for the insane gaming fund. And no, I wasn't looking to game wearing body armor and helmet like in the video

do not go triple projection. waste of time. Get a real projector if you want something big.

even the smallest Christie Digital will eat you triple projector alive.

http://www.christiedigital.com/en-us/business/products/projectors/pages/default.aspx?nvk_medium=cpc&nvk_source=google&nvk_term=%2Bchristie%20%2Bprojector&nvk_content_id=13766063859&nvk_campaign=bp-search-keyword-discovery-campaign&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=%2Bchristie%20%2Bprojector&utm_content_id=13766063859&utm_campaign=bp-search-keyword-discovery-campaign?nvk_medium=cpc&nvk_source=google&nvk_term=%2Bchristie%20%2Bprojector&nvk_content_id=13766063859&nvk_campaign=bp-search-keyword-discovery-campaign-branded&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=%2Bchristie%20%2Bprojector&utm_content_id=13766063859&utm_campaign=bp-search-keyword-discovery-campaign-branded


see if this works in your space


http://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma_hd33_3d_projector_review.htm

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

Well, I basically decided I need to just do a TV.

I'm going to go look physically in the store this weekend, but in the meantime, what do you think of this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung-...&skuId=5012276

I have not yet decided on 32", 40" or 46", I'm thinking 40". Do I need to definitely get 60hz refresh or can I get a 120hz or 240 and just turn game mode on?

 

[Kaido]

Well, I basically decided I need to just do a TV.

I'm going to go look physically in the store this weekend, but in the meantime, what do you think of this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung-...&skuId=5012276

I have not yet decided on 32", 40" or 46", I'm thinking 40". Do I need to definitely get 60hz refresh or can I get a 120hz or 240 and just turn game mode on?

Do you have the space for a thicker TV? If so, have you looked at Mitsubishi DLP televisions? You can usually find them cheap on Craigslist and then replace the bulb and be good to go. We have a 60" and the picture quality is ridiculous. We were watching Breaking Bad last night in HD & the color quality and sharpness were just amazing!

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

Do you have the space for a thicker TV? If so, have you looked at Mitsubishi DLP televisions? You can usually find them cheap on Craigslist and then replace the bulb and be good to go. We have a 60" and the picture quality is ridiculous. We were watching Breaking Bad last night in HD & the color quality and sharpness were just amazing!

I have space for "a" thicker TV, but my ultimate plan is to make it a 3 TV setup for games streaming across all 3, like racing games for example, and 3 60" would just be too big regardless of space. I saw a video of a guy using 3 46" and even that might be too big, 32" would definitely not be too big, and I'll have to look at 40" in the store this weekend to check.

Mostly I'm wondering about things like input lag and response time, how to minimize that, since manufacturers don't tell you on TVs. I did find out that this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+...&skuId=4833556 is 8ms response time, and I know that's not 100% optimum, but apparently it's not bad for TVs. That aside, is getting 60hz all you have to do to avoid 120 hz post processing input lag?