Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Projector recommendations

Another vote for the Epson 1080UB. Amazing projector at a very reasonable price. The Panasonic mentioned above also got great marks and was my #2 projector choice.

On screens, I have a 92" fixed screen from Elite. It cost < 500 delivered and produces a very high-quality image. I thought briefly about painting a screen but it sounded like too much work with a high possibility of error (especially with my skill level).

To the questions above regarding quality... a 1080P image on Blu-Ray is absolutely stunning. The quality looks as good as any LCD or DLP TV I've seen.

Hey guys, just wanted to throw in my 2 cents. I have owned the Panasonic PT-AE700U (720P) and the PT-AX200U (720P). I recommend the PT-AX200U even though it is only 720P. It was reviewed as a "Poor Man's 1080P" projector with the only difference being seen in lettering.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/panasonic_ax200u_home_theater_projector.htm

While I understand this is not a "Poor Budget", I am recommending this projector do to light output. This is a MUCH brighter projector and has a fantastic picture with lights on and a couple of windows in the back. It is more for a "Media Room" instead of a dedicated theater. Going with this projector would also enable maybe an upgraded finish on the speakers, definitely the A1400, move to the EP600 and still have the ability to use the wider screen and purchase the anamorphic lense. I know I don't post much but this would be a fantastic set-up that doesn't break the bank and can be watched in any light situation.

If at all possible try to get an anamorphic lens. About 95% of movies are shot in approximately 2.35:1 ratio. The lens allows you to fill up your entire screen with the movie and no black bars (which also lowers the overall brightness?). Unless you are okay with the black bars or strange stretching of the picture so that people are either fat or skinny. Man, I wish they made 2.35:1 plasma's. Aren't plasmas supposed to be for movies? Well, why no 2.35?

- Nick

I’m partial to Panasonic, but that certainly doesn’t mean they are the best. I’ve had two now and both have been 100% trouble free. I’m not a lucky consumer, so considering my experience and luck; I think that says something about Panasonic’s projectors. I currently have a PT1000 and am looking at replacing it within the next six months, but I’m not sure what I’ll buy at this point. The projector that I would like to get is the JVC RS2, but with an MSRP of $7995, it may be too much of a stretch for me. The RS2 can be found for about $5500….still pretty high when considering how well the Panasonic PT2000, Epson 1080 and Sony VLP-VW40 perform at half the cost.

Two things the PT2000 has going for it that the others don’t….1) extremely flexible installation needs. 2) you can tweak the hell out it without having to hack into the service menu. Regardless of that, I think you’ll be very happy with either the PT2000 or Epson 1080. You just need to figure out if they have the options and functionality you want. If you do want to go with a constant image height set up, the PT2000 and RS2 both have a vertical stretch feature. I am not sure if the Epson has this or not and if it is limited to a specific resolution.

Screen selection is pretty important. You can go the whole DIY route, but I’d recommend just buying one and saving yourself some frustration. They are a pain in the ass to do….and you won’t end up with a high gain DIY screen, which is what you will want to get some more punch out of the projector. (there are no 1080P light cannons out yet, so you need some gain to compensate). If there will be ambient light in the room, you will want a grey or silver screen to help reject ambient light, but you’ll want to find one with a positive gain (some are negative). If your room is completely light controlled, go with a white screen. I use a Stewart Firehawk screen and love it. I can watch movies or sports with the lights on or the shades open, but it still works very well with the room dark. But, if I had no intention of ever using lights, I’d have gone with Da-lite High Power screen. The High Power gets great reviews everywhere. It has a gain of 2.8 that really gives images some pop, but that comes with a penalty…..a reduced viewing cone of 30 degrees. If you plan to have seats fairly wide, do the math and figure out what your viewing angle is. Another consideration is where you are going to mount the projector. High Gain screens are reflective, and some work with the projector mounted above them and others with the projector at seat level.

Personally, I think the Epson 1080UB is a light cannon. (but I still completely agree regarding the DIY screens -- way too much effort for me)

Have you tried making a masking system for your plasma? The Black bars on my DLP were driving me crazy so I got some rigid black cardboard from Walmart, cutting and taping it to make pieces that would fit over the black bars when watching 2.35:1 movies.

Just a thought

So you covered the black bars with black bars?

Double censorship!

Yup! Just the same way people with projectors and screens cover theirs with masking systems. In my room only the stucco ceiling and me (gotta get a ninja suit) aren’t blacked out so the bars are very distracting since the DLP doesn’t get as black as the curtains around it. It really does make a huge difference in perceived PQ by masking them out.

I didn't really understand why people would want to do the 'covering black bars with black bars' thing until I saw the Carada masking system in action. For some reason somebody smarter than me can explain it really does make a difference. Almost because the texture is different or something? Anyway, I was quite impressed when I saw it in person - it really adds to the picture / your focus on the picture.