Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Screen and Projector

Hello all,
I know this has nothing to do with Axiom speakers, but it does have something to do with Home Theaters so I am hoping to get some opinions...
I am currently a happy Axiom owner with a dedicated home theater room that is still work in progress. The sound is there, provided by Axiom 7.1 setup and a HSU STF-2 sub. The view is there provided by a 52" Toshiba rear projection HDTV. Well I am not going to mess with the sound right now because it is good, but I do want to upgrade the view. I have two friends right now set up with InFocus 4805 projectors, 1 with Carada 80" screen and the other with a 92" Da-Lite screen, and I like both of them. Due to budget restraints, I am thinking about going with the 4805/Carada combo... Does anyone have experience with either of these two?

i have a 4805. But i have a draper m2500 high gain screen at 110"

I did have the samples from carada sent to me

ask away....

I would go check out http://www.projectorcentral.com that is where many of Front Projection people start. Great website to read about LCD, DLP, and other technologies, and recommended projectors. If you've demoed the 4805 and like it that is great. Personally, I suffer from rainbow's on DLP's and other artifact issues, so I took the LCD route and use a Sanyo Z2. Also, you need to think about what you may use it for, I watch a lot of DVD's, but also watch HD, so it was important for me to get a 720p projector. I'm also a DIY guy, so I built my own screen.

Axiom 60's 150 350 4-Qs8's
Denon 2805
Sanyo Z2 WXGA projector
Panasonic S97S HDMI DVD
Samsung HD Tuner

another site is http://www.avsforum.com/. Check out the under $3500 section. I can't say I always agree with the amp/receiver section on avsforum, but the projector/screen section is full of helpful people. The Owner/boss of Carada is also on their frequently and he's a great help as I have had a few discussions with them. Jason Turk of AVS is also a great help for screens. There is a HUGE thread for the 4805 there as well. It's a great projector, and I have had nobody see rainbows yet.

Of course, seeing things for yourself is the only right way to do it.

To me though, there are better screen materials then the carada. Although, the carada has a really nice frame system for a great price. Their Brilliant white was the only material that interested me. But, the High Power Da-Lite, Video Spectra/Pearl from Da-lite, and of course the M2500 were much better imho.

Get samples from the companies for free. Ask for 12" square samples, and try them in your room. You will be amazed at some of the "pricey" stuff looks no better then a plain white wall, while therer are others that look amazing.

I used a white wall while waiting for the m2500. The 4805 actually looked really good on it. But the m2500 is like a 110" plasma....cool.



I'd be willing to bet that if you never told anyone what rainbows were, nobody would ever see them anyways.

I agree with Newf, I am a regulare at AVSforum.com. I don't agree with a lot that is mentioned on the Speaker forum, as there a lot of people that like to bash Axiom , not sure why.

Anyway, I'm a DIY'r and built my screen out of Aluminum Square Tubing and Dazian PVC matte white non-perf theater screen material. Before that I used a Silver Metallic/Mississippi Mud formulation that is popular on their DIY forum.

check out the optoma h31 too. its a budget projector with great reviews. and it puts out a great picture for dvds. carada are great screens. Just have to find the one that fits your room best. dalite makes nice screens also. only thing about the 4805 that i've heard is not the best is the fan noise other then that its a great buy.

Yes, I have noticed that on AVSForum.com. I have been there several times supporting you Sirquack, agains those who like to bash Axiom without even listening to them.

I use the Panasonic AE700 with a Da-Lite screen (see link below). The 4805 or H31 are great EDTV projectors, but a few more hundred bucks can get you true HD.

Especially if you are used to the HD picture - though the 4805 or H31 will look good with HD, it is still not HD. Remember, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray is on the horizon!

Look up the Sanyo Z3. That is close to your budget.

I really like my Sanyo Z3 and Carada screen combo. The samples I got from Carada, plus some of the reviews (and I mean the ones that really go into detail and compare the screen material to others (wish I had he links)) really sold me on the carada. Add the price factor into the equation, and you have a winner.

Sirquack is right, though... Check out projectorcentral.com for a lot of information.

when though well hd blue ray dvds be released. been talking about them for over two years still don't see them. probaly another two years before we even see them out in movie shops if were lucky. all i can say if its for dvds as of now get the 4805 or h31. thats all you need for dvds. then once the hd dvds come out the projectors that were big bucks well be in the 4805 h31 price range. i personally would stay away from lcd. go to projector central they have picked out there top units for home theater. there isn't one lcd projector in the top two in any catagory.