WXGA Projector Suggestions?

[Quasmo]

I'm looking to buy a projector for an HTPC. I'm looking at projectors that do atleast SVGA but I would love an WXGA, for the 16:9 aspect ratio. I definately want a projector with DVI inputs, and dont plan on hooking it up to a reciever (Don't need HDMI). I'm looking to spend between $1k and $1700. Do you guys have any suggestions on a good projector, and do you have any suggestions on what I should paint my wall with (cause I'm a cheap bitch)? Thanks in advanced.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

At around $2100, a Panasonic AE700 is a great option. (does 720p which is basically WXGA)

Right around the upper limit of your budget is a Sanyo Z3 (another 720p model)

I know those two are solid units. Looks like they take HDMI, but a DVI to HDMI converter is easy enough.

For $999, I got a Infocus 4805 and screen at costco during a deal a while back. It's only 480p, but the image quality is great and is one of the top projectors under $1500.

Before you get anything, I suggest
1. spending a lot of time reading up in the AVSforum digital projector area
2. going to see an actual projector (if you havent' already) to see if you're bothered by screen door effect, rainbows etc. and if possible, look at the actual one you intend to buy.

There's a lot of screen info at AVSforum too. There are some specialty paints made if you don't want to get a screen. Some ones to look at are "Mississippi Mud" and "Goo Systems" (I think I got the names right)

So... no receiver eh? You're not going to want some big sound to go with the big image?

 

[Quasmo]

I'm a Film and Television major, Sound really isn't all that important. I'll probably end up just hooking up my z-680's to the HTPC becuase I'm lazy and thats the easiest solution. Plus anything louder in an apartment complex is suicide. I actually saw the Sanyo Z3 before posting, and was even considering the Z2. Another one I saw that looked good was the Infocus SP-5000. Any preference on DLP or LCD?

 

[Quasmo]

DAMN that panasonic looks hot. With the ability to peak at 1080i MMMmmmMMM

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Well, I really like my DLP.

I honestly only looked at DLPs before buying. Fast motion looks very good on it with it's very fast response time (6ms I think).

The Panasonic is a great projector from all the reviews and comments I've read about it. If I had a budget close to $2000, I'd seriously consider it.

As a college student who has spent over $1400 on audio equipment in the last year, I wasn't prepared to spend anything over $1500 on a projector. When the $999 for a 4805 and screen deal popped up, I jumped on it.

Panasonic also makes a more budget model, the ae500.

Some other ones to look into are the Optoma models.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Wait a minute... are you getting HD in your apartment right now?

Part of the reason I didn't consider getting something more expensive is that the highest res video I'm watching are DVDs @480i or 480p.

I play some games at 720p out of my 9800pro and it scales down beautifully to 480p on my infocus. (I have a few CS:S pics in my sig taken with a 2mp camera... so naturally it looks better in real life, buy you'll get the idea).

 

[Quasmo]

Sounds good, what do you think about building my own?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Quasmo
Sounds good, what do you think about building my own?

I only looked into it for about a day.

There are some people who swear by it, but there are a lot of variables too it. Unless you're really into DIY projects, I think a standard projector is the best idea.

You'll get higher resolution very easily with an LCD DIY one, but resolution isn't everything. You have a lot more calibration options with a commercial one, a lot more adjustment possibilities (keystone, etc.)... more portability/mounting options etc.

If you're looking for something with really good image quality as a Film major, I think you should stick with manufactured units.

If you want more info on DIY stuff, there's a thread in OT with some good links in it.
linky

 

[Excelsior]

I nominate YOyoYOhowsDAjello as one of the most helpful AT members of all time.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Excelsior
I nominate YOyoYOhowsDAjello as one of the most helpful AT members of all time.

lol, too bad Night Crew kind of cancels out all my helpful posts

 

[Quasmo]

its true

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Excelsior
I nominate YOyoYOhowsDAjello as one of the most helpful AT members of all time.

lol, too bad Night Crew kind of cancels out all my helpful posts

You don't give yourself enough credit.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

OMG, if you haven't gotten one already:

woot.com has refurb Infocus 7200s for $2200!

(So pointed this out to me)

I've seen this one, it's amazingly good.