I currently am using an older (~y2k) RCA 52" SD Rear Projection TV.

With LaserTV still looking at least a year away, it looks like my upgrade options are limited to Plasma, LCD, and Projectors.

I don't yet have any HD components in my mythbox, nor do I have HD cable ... but, I have to start somewhere.

If I decide on a "traditional" tv, I'm leaning towards LCD over Plasma, it seems to be better as far as quality vs longevity vs cost.

But projectors, 'seem' to be cheaper. Though, I'm not sure what to look for when comparing them, how to ensure a good picture, etc...

If anybody uses one, has recommendations or can simply help me know what I'm looking for, that would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,
-C

_________________
"The amount of time needed to solve a problem is inversely proportionate to the complexity of the solution" -- Me

KM: R5.5
CPU: Athlon 3800+
Vid: nvidia 7300GT
Snd: Chaintech av-710
Tuner: PVR150
HD: 1000gb sata + 750gb sata + 500gb usb

I was looking at something like this
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php? ... cture=BENQ

_________________
"The amount of time needed to solve a problem is inversely proportionate to the complexity of the solution" -- Me

KM: R5.5
CPU: Athlon 3800+
Vid: nvidia 7300GT
Snd: Chaintech av-710
Tuner: PVR150
HD: 1000gb sata + 750gb sata + 500gb usb

What are the virtues of a projector? Portability? Price? I don't think so if you need to add a screen to the price (or portability).

I chose the cheaper 'disposable' LCD route over a year ago and have been happy. My price point is currently about the same and I still have a really nice picture. However I wasn't replacing a 52"...

Often you'll get a screen with the projector. A couple of years ago, a home theatre setup guy told me the projector was the best value for money, due in large part to the size of the displayed picture.

If I lived in a really big place, I'd have a close look at them. I live in a 2br unit, so a 32" LCD is about the right size. HD capable and very nice picture with KM.

Cheers

Mike

_________________
*********************
LinHES 7.4
Australian Dragon
*********************

We have been using a projector for about 4 years. I started off with an XGA business projector that I brought home from work for the new year's eve fireworks, and upgraded to a widescreen Sony 720p HD model about 2 years back.

For me, it is a much bigger picture for the money, and slightly better picture quality than plasmas (which dither to produce very dark greys).

My current screen is some polyester fabric I bought from a sewing shop stretched between a movable frame. About 80" diagonal. When we have lots of visitors and need all our space, it is folded up and stored away. Try doing that with a huge plasma!

We also have a little 17" widescreen LCD for quick "check the recordings" situations.


P.S. Mike, we are holidaying in Torquay next week!

_________________
| Nigel Pearson, nigel.pearson.au@gmail.com
| "Things you own end up owning you" - Tyler, Fight Club

Does the projector I linked to appear to be good? At least better than a 52" RCA Rear Projection?

_________________
"The amount of time needed to solve a problem is inversely proportionate to the complexity of the solution" -- Me

KM: R5.5
CPU: Athlon 3800+
Vid: nvidia 7300GT
Snd: Chaintech av-710
Tuner: PVR150
HD: 1000gb sata + 750gb sata + 500gb usb

Or this one...
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/prodde ... atid=11521

Thought I think the BenQ is still better?

_________________
"The amount of time needed to solve a problem is inversely proportionate to the complexity of the solution" -- Me

KM: R5.5
CPU: Athlon 3800+
Vid: nvidia 7300GT
Snd: Chaintech av-710
Tuner: PVR150
HD: 1000gb sata + 750gb sata + 500gb usb

The benQ is native 16:9 (Widescreen) and supports 720p native which is one of the HD formats.

The last PJ you linked to is 4:3

I would recommend you get widescreen since that is what HD tv is broadcasted in.

If you are looking for a dlp
This one is cheap
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=1755

You should do some reading on http://www.avsforum.com
all the PJ info you need there.

Well, I've basically made up my mind to get a projector, for a few reasons, the main one being the layout of my living room...though I wish I thought of this before I did the renovations, as I now have to run some more power to the other side. The room, being twice as long as wide, was setup with the fireplace on one side, the tv on the other, which was not ideal. I'm going to put the screen for the projector on the same side as the fireplace, thus, all the seating is focused in the right direction, and not split, or worse, only focused on the tv as it is now!

So far the BenQ seems to be my favourite, it's widescreen, HDTV, and from all the talk I can find, seems to be head and shoulders above the competition at the same price point. Now to find a decent screen...too bad all the electric ones seem to be $250+

_________________
"The amount of time needed to solve a problem is inversely proportionate to the complexity of the solution" -- Me

KM: R5.5
CPU: Athlon 3800+
Vid: nvidia 7300GT
Snd: Chaintech av-710
Tuner: PVR150
HD: 1000gb sata + 750gb sata + 500gb usb

I agree the BenQ is a nice PJ and would be on my short list if I was buying a new PJ.

It has a nice zoom and lens shift which make the install much easier.

I would also be looking at the Sony ax-15 or ax-10, and the Mitsubishi hd1000.
Depend if you want LCD or DLP

For the screen you could build your own if it doesn’t need to be retractable.

here is a link to one I built, you can use blackout cloth instead of the smx and subtitute some of the other material. I have built screens with frames and all material for under $45
http://www.smxscreen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101

I have it mounted above the fire place

Well, I will get a retractable screen. My fireplace is inset and it would look odd, being a couple feet out from the wall, the way things are done.

http://www.caffeinatedgeek.ca/hosted/mi ... m_fire.jpg

My current setup is the other side of the room.

http://www.caffeinatedgeek.ca/hosted/mi ... oom_tv.jpg

This pick is about 6mo old, and as you can see, renovations are keeping things a mess...my nice stack of components on the floor :p awaiting a cabinet/shelving solution. :p It's a PITA when the mythbox (bottom) needs hardware changed!


What's the pros/cons of LCD vs DLP projectors?

_________________
"The amount of time needed to solve a problem is inversely proportionate to the complexity of the solution" -- Me

KM: R5.5
CPU: Athlon 3800+
Vid: nvidia 7300GT
Snd: Chaintech av-710
Tuner: PVR150
HD: 1000gb sata + 750gb sata + 500gb usb

Yea, I think a pull down will look best.

It looks like you will want to mount it to the ceiling above your fire place.

If it mounted to the ceiling you will want some extra black material at the top to allow the screen to go lower.

Here is an example
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... CatId=2433
Notice how large the border is at the top.

DLP- light gets reflected off of tiny mirrors then passes through a color wheel.

LCD has three little lcd panels light passes through the panel then is mixed back to gather via prism.

There are advantage and disadvantages to both.

If you can demo the different projectors, that would be best.

The best place to learn about the different PJs and the technology they use is
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=68

There are also good PJ reviews here
http://www.projectorcentral.com

Oddly, I knew the technology differences, just not what's good/bad about each.

Never thought about the extra black material at the top...nice call on that.

Now, to read the advantages disadvantages...

_________________
"The amount of time needed to solve a problem is inversely proportionate to the complexity of the solution" -- Me

KM: R5.5
CPU: Athlon 3800+
Vid: nvidia 7300GT
Snd: Chaintech av-710
Tuner: PVR150
HD: 1000gb sata + 750gb sata + 500gb usb

DLP has better a better contrast ratio (the blacks are blacker), but the sequential flashing of the colours annoys some people (gives them headaches). That is why it is important for you and your family to try before you buy. I have only noticed it when I am sitting too close to a large screen, and have to look left/right to follow the action.

LCDs sometimes have a better colours, but eventually fade due to heat, and sometimes are not perfectly aligned between the 3 panels.

_________________
| Nigel Pearson, nigel.pearson.au@gmail.com
| "Things you own end up owning you" - Tyler, Fight Club

I have a BenQ PB6100 and it's pretty good for the most part. I think it's about 2000 lumens or so and it's not quite bright enough to watch when it's light out. I have to wait until the sun goes down to see the picture. It's in my rec room and I've put about 150 hours on it (in 4 years) but I suspect we'll get more use out of it in the next house (it will be in the living room instead). I'd go somewhere you can see them in person because the brightness and requirement to have the room dark may not appeal to you.