Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Projector recommendations

Doing some research for my cousin who is buying a new house in a few months and needs a complete system. He is considering a projector instead of a tv. He does 70% movies, 30% tv, and a combined total of about 15 hours a week.

Budget is about 3K to 4K for the projector and about 2K for the screen.

Screen size is unknowned at this point.. but problably in the 70 to 80inch range.

Recommendations appreciated.

I've already told him his audio system is going to be Epic 80/500.. that's non negotiable

Looking at HK, Marantz, Onkyo as possible receiver..maybe Yamy or Denon..not sure.

But I really need help with the projector as I don't know much about them, or installing them etc.. pros and cons.. lamp life, costs of lamps, etc..etc..

Thanks !

Riker

3-4k for projector? You should be able to get a good midline for 1500-2K. Also 2k for the screen? DYI for much less($500?) with reflective paints and such freeing up the savings for the A1400

Honestly, I have no idea as to projectors and screens. I just think we need another person to review the A1400.

Panasonic PT-AE2000U $2699

http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=23154

Carada Criterion Series about $900 for 126" diagonal

http://www.carada.com/DLP-Screen-Criterion-Projection-Screens-1-78.aspx

I have the older version of the projector (PT-AE900U, which is not even 1080p) and a 126" Carada Screen, and I love them.

Send me your savings...

For the budget, you can get a really nice 1080p setup. I'm running a Sanyo Z3 which is 720p with a Carada 104" screen. Sirquack has a Z2 with a DIY screen (can't remember the size). Mine is in "HDTV" format, where his is wider. If I had to do it over again, I would go with an even wider screen as well.

Check out Projector Central for equipment reviews, specs, prices, and find out what others are using.

Yup, I've got the Z2 with a 130" diag. 2.35 ratio screen. If I ever get the itch to look at 1080p projectors, Sanyo will definately be on my list, great pojectors and a leading 3 yr warranty with 2-3 day turnaround.

The Epson 1080 UB has been getting great reviews, same with the Panasonic PT AE200U.

This is also a great article comparing some of the hot new 1080p projectors available.

I recently did a lot of research on projectors as I was in the market. My research is now close to 2 months old but I don't hink many new models have appeared in my price category.

First off, as mentioned, you can get a truly Excellent projector for the 2 to 3 thousand dollar range. To jump to the next tier of noticeable quality, you will have to go well beyond 5k. However, many of the 2-3k projectors are doing 1080p with as good of reviews as the crazy expensive models. So I agree, you actually get to save a couple of grand here.

After a lot of research, my personal top picks were.

#1 Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080p UB (ultra black)
#2 Panasonic PT-AE2000u

tied for #3
Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080p
Mitsubishi HC4900

I ended up going with the Epson 1080p (not the UB version).
Why, simply a matter of pricing. All are outstanding projectors and although the UB was my number 1 choice, Epson was offering $300 dollars and a free bulb, at that time, for the non UB version that was still one of the most respected in in it's price range. That's like 650 to 700 off.

Since you have the budget and then some, I'd go for the Epson 1080 UB or the Panny. Whichever offers the best deal.

I agree with the screen suggestions. From my research, painting a screen is not for the feint of heart but can give you good results if you find the right formula for your room and can apply it carefully.

I wasn't going to spend more than $500 to $700 dollars for my screen. Again it was the law of diminishing returns. Excellent quality can be found in that price range and to get only marginally better required upping the price into the thousands.

I like DIY projects so in the end, I went with Wilsonart "Designer White" Laminate for screen material and I'll be building a wooden frame covered in a black velvety material. Do some searching and you will find many posts on AV forums of people having great luck with this $100 dollar solution. I found at least one article where it was measured for gain and color and came out as good or better than many of the purchased screens in the 500 to $700 price range.

If you want something you can just hang, then Carada, Draper and Tribal were on my short list. I have to plug Tribal Screens here because they wer SUPER helpful answering all my questions. Top notch pre-sales service! I felt guilty for going the DIY route after they were so kind to me.

I'd suggest reading some articles on room brightness and screen gain in order to choose your screen color. This is the most important decision you can make here. Basically, in a dark, light controlled room, a white screen will give you more vibrant colors. However, if you have windows or like a bit of light on while you watch TV, a grey screen will give you much better contrast and your blacks will not look so faded.

There are some good reads on this topic and screen companies are usually able to make recommendations if you contact them.

My head is still full of semi useful information from my research, so if you have questions, ask away, before it gets lost in there.

Andrew

The good thing about going with one of the budget projectors that are suggested above is that you can also get an anamorphic lens. If you have about $4k to work with you might just be able to squeeze all of that in, except for the screen.

- Nick

but he says the budget is 5 - 6 K

Have a look at SMX screens