Having trouble deciding of either: LumenLabs DIY Projector design, or diyprojectorcompany's design...

[lancestorm]

Dude if you are spending close to $1000 for the diy, then why in the heck are you not considering manufacturer models? You get a warranty and everything too. You could probably find my model for under $1400. That is a small additional cost to get a great projector with lots of connections and a manufacturer backed warranty.

And the major reason to not go diy is that your projector will lack things like software that helps the terrible screendoor-effect all but disappear, etc.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: lancestorm
Dude if you are spending close to $1000 for the diy, then why in the heck are you not considering manufacturer models? You get a warranty and everything too. You could probably find my model for under $1400. That is a small additional cost to get a great projector with lots of connections and a manufacturer backed warranty.

And the major reason to not go diy is that your projector will lack things like software that helps the terrible screendoor-effect all but disappear, etc.

well im talking 1000$ CAN. max, thats with the LCD etc, and a bulb is like 30$, while a real projector is very expensive,,,, and the quality seems to be better, cause its got the num of pixels coming from the lcd...

I dunno... parts = around 300$, LCD around 300$, so lets say 600$ not $1000 still better, and bulbs last longer / are cheaper to change.... im pretty stuck on DIY, just dont know what model to get

 

[WarDemon666]

^^^

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: WarDemon666

Originally posted by: lancestorm
Dude if you are spending close to $1000 for the diy, then why in the heck are you not considering manufacturer models? You get a warranty and everything too. You could probably find my model for under $1400. That is a small additional cost to get a great projector with lots of connections and a manufacturer backed warranty.

And the major reason to not go diy is that your projector will lack things like software that helps the terrible screendoor-effect all but disappear, etc.

well im talking 1000$ CAN. max, thats with the LCD etc, and a bulb is like 30$, while a real projector is very expensive,,,, and the quality seems to be better, cause its got the num of pixels coming from the lcd...

I dunno... parts = around 300$, LCD around 300$, so lets say 600$ not $1000 still better, and bulbs last longer / are cheaper to change.... im pretty stuck on DIY, just dont know what model to get

Resolution isn't everything. Bulbs end up costing you about 10cents per hour of usage if they run the MTBF amount.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

It boggles the mind that somebody would put forth the effort and money for a decent sound system, only to skimp on the most important part of the experience with a homemade projector. Higher resolution or not, don't expect the picture quality of the DIY projector to be superior to even an entry level projector. The novelty of the big screen will quickly wear off and you'll find yourself nitpicking its image quality.

How long do you suppose you'll be satisfied with the DIY job? I mean, before you want to upgrade again?

Sorry I don't have any real advice about your original question.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed
It boggles the mind that somebody would put forth the effort and money for a decent sound system, only to skimp on the most important part of the experience with a homemade projector. Higher resolution or not, don't expect the picture quality of the DIY projector to be superior to even an entry level projector. The novelty of the big screen will quickly wear off and you'll find yourself nitpicking its image quality.

How long do you suppose you'll be satisfied with the DIY job? I mean, before you want to upgrade again?

Sorry I don't have any real advice about your original question.

Thanks for your advice. But I really dont have the money for an expensive projector right now, and what do you mean the "novelty of the big screen will quickly wear off and you'll find yourself nitpicking its image quality."? The lcd is gonna crap out on me?


Im sure the quality is going to be good for what I want. Id rather spend 600-1000$ total then 2500$ for a good one, which costs 200$ to change the light bulb....

Thanks for your advice. ill keep it in mind... still not decided yet....

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: WarDemon666
Thanks for your advice. But I really dont have the money for an expensive projector right now, and what do you mean the "novelty of the big screen will quickly wear off and you'll find yourself nitpicking its image quality."? The lcd is gonna crap out on me?

No, certainly not. I imagine the LCD will last you until you are ready to upgrade. My point was, for the first few movies, all you notice is the massive screen. It's awe-inspiring. The screen is so large, you overlook issues like contrast ratio, screen door, black levels, and other things that make the picture look like crap. Eventually you become accustomed to the size and you start noticing the things like screendoor, rainbow effect, and other things that might ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience.

It happened to me. Maybe I just have the upgrade bug.

Im sure the quality is going to be good for what I want. Id rather spend 600-1000$ total then 2500$ for a good one, which costs 200$ to change the light bulb....

Thanks for your advice. ill keep it in mind... still not decided yet....

How often do you intend to use the projector? Will this be just for movies or general TV viewing as well? A 2-3000 hour lamp should last a couple years for just casual viewing. Keep in mind that you'll want to upgrade eventually. That means when you purchase your first real projector, you'll have spent the cost of this DIY projector plus the real projector.

Sorry, didn't mean to rain on your parade. By no means should you purchase something beyond your means. If you cannot afford it, keep saving your pennies or just build the DIY.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: WarDemon666
Thanks for your advice. But I really dont have the money for an expensive projector right now, and what do you mean the "novelty of the big screen will quickly wear off and you'll find yourself nitpicking its image quality."? The lcd is gonna crap out on me?

No, certainly not. I imagine the LCD will last you until you are ready to upgrade. My point was, for the first few movies, all you notice is the massive screen. It's awe-inspiring. The screen is so large, you overlook issues like contrast ratio, screen door, black levels, and other things that make the picture look like crap. Eventually you become accustomed to the size and you start noticing the things like screendoor, rainbow effect, and other things that might ruin an otherwise enjoyable experience.

It happened to me. Maybe I just have the upgrade bug.

Im sure the quality is going to be good for what I want. Id rather spend 600-1000$ total then 2500$ for a good one, which costs 200$ to change the light bulb....

Thanks for your advice. ill keep it in mind... still not decided yet....

How often do you intend to use the projector? Will this be just for movies or general TV viewing as well? A 2-3000 hour lamp should last a couple years for just casual viewing. Keep in mind that you'll want to upgrade eventually. That means when you purchase your first real projector, you'll have spent the cost of this DIY projector plus the real projector.

Sorry, didn't mean to rain on your parade. By no means should you purchase something beyond your means. If you cannot afford it, keep saving your pennies or just build the DIY.

Hehe thanks.

From the pics ive seen, DIY seems quite impressive, ill keep the picture smaller than 50" and im sure the image would be superb... Ever see a DIY projector? I havent, wish I could though...

Still open for suggestions... I dont think ill be doing it till late summer, but we never know!

 

[ponyo]

I've heard lamps die like crazy on DIY. Don't know if it's true or not. With projector prices falling fast as it is, I wouldn't bother with DIY.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: Naustica
I've heard lamps die like crazy on DIY. Don't know if it's true or not. With projector prices falling fast as it is, I wouldn't bother with DIY.

Under 1000$?

 

[imported_hscorpio]

I was impressed with the quality of one of those DIY projectors from this thread at diyprojectorcompany.com.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: hscorpio
I was impressed with the quality of one of those DIY projectors from this thread at diyprojectorcompany.com.

Yeah I saw that too, heheh, 17" screen,,,,

He doesnt have an official guide for that machine does he?

Ed1t: nm bout the question, his site is up now. Was down a couple of weeks ago

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: WarDemon666

Originally posted by: Naustica
I've heard lamps die like crazy on DIY. Don't know if it's true or not. With projector prices falling fast as it is, I wouldn't bother with DIY.

Under 1000$?

You can easily get new 800x600 DLP projector for under $700 at both B&M and online. While resolution might be low it's still great for movies and games. My X1 is only 800x600 but games, pc, and movies all look great on it. Sure I would like an upgrade but this is more than fine for me until 1080P DLP or LCD are mainstream.

DIY might be fun learning project but I personally don't think it's worth it. Time is money and so is the hassle. Plug & play works for me.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: Naustica

Originally posted by: WarDemon666

Originally posted by: Naustica
I've heard lamps die like crazy on DIY. Don't know if it's true or not. With projector prices falling fast as it is, I wouldn't bother with DIY.

Under 1000$?

You can easily get new 800x600 DLP projector for under $700 at both B&M and online. While resolution might be low it's still great for movies and games. My X1 is only 800x600 but games, pc, and movies all look great on it. Sure I would like an upgrade but this is more than fine for me until 1080P DLP or LCD are mainstream.

DIY might be fun learning project but I personally don't think it's worth it. Time is money and so is the hassle. Plug & play works for me.

Thanks for the post.

I dont mind spending the time on this, If ever I do it, ill be doing it this summer and Ill have lots of time to contruct it. I like building things and I think it'll be a fun experience...

Can you post some pics of your projector? Text pics would be awesome, and size etc...