Suggest a good enrty level projector?

[boink@vermontel.net]

Hi, thinking about purchasing a good entry level projector for my newly finished basement/soon to be theater...

Am interested in being able to display HDTV thru Dishnet as well as standard def. Also, using progressive scan DVD. 16:9 or 4:3, which is best? Ambient light is not a factor.

Any suggestions?

I've seen a package deal for the Infocus Screenplay 4805. How are they, and would this work in my case?

Thanks. :patriot:

[57U]

You do realize that this is not an HD projector and that it's EDTV (480P). All incoming signals get converted to this native format See the following link.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7TS9NwJww7z/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=590SP4805

Although this can be fine, especially for the price, it's not HD.

[boink@vermontel.net]

What would you then suggest?

[57U]

I'm not a front projector expert. There are such people on this forum. I guess you need to decide what your budget is because "True" HD projectors are going to be a lot more money.

[boink@vermontel.net]

Looking for the best projector I can get for about 2 G's. Suggestions anyone?

[wifeB8]

I’m by no means an expert but try the following so you might have an idea of what to look for
http://www.projectorcentral.com/buyers2.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater-multimedia-projectors.htm

Do a search for projector reviews. Projectors like the Sanyo PLV-Z3 and Panasonic PT-AE700U are in your price range. You can find several reviews of these online. If at all possible try to get a demo from a local video-audio vendor once you’ve narrowed down your choice. Try to compare a non-hd native resolution projector with a hd-native resolution projector an you’ll see why you would want to spend a little more for a true hd projector.

[boink@vermontel.net]

Thanx, but I've already checked out that site and gathered as much info as I could. My head hurts!!! :stuckthum Just wanted to see if there were a few suggestions as to what might work for me. Thanx again. :santa:

[BrianRH]

Boink,

As posted earlier I don't think you would go wrong with either the Sanyo or Panasonic. I have the Sanyo Z2 and my neighbor has the Panny AE500. Both are prior generation from the ones suggested, but are both capable of displaying true HD. I'm sure if you sat the machines together side by side you might see some differences. But from just normal house to house camparison I don't think there is much difference. Since these models are older you can pick them up for under $2k. If you can swing the difference I'd go for the newer models, but I have been very happy with my Z2 (1000 hours so far).

[boink@vermontel.net]

Brian,

Thanks! That was what I wanted to hear. I'll be looking at both models you suggested, as well as the newer ones. What are the pros & cons of a LCD vs. DLP pj.

Just out of curiosity, how is yours hooked up, and set up? Ceiling, table?

Once again, thanks. :patriot:

[mjones73]

Pros and Cons of LCD and DLP.. I'll revert you back to projector central again..

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

[Goddahavit]

Pros and cons can depend on your pickiness and sensitivity to rainbows..

1 thing to think about a con of dlp is a true hd pj will be much more than the current line of 720 lcd's

having said that some feel the increased black levels other benifits of dlp outweigh the lcd shortfalls..

I havent seen the infocus 4805, but many feel it is better than the 720 lcd's.

I would also check out the panisonic 700, as it seems to be getting some good reviews.

I happened on a 480p (lcd) projector used and it is just fine for me, some would not like the screen door, but my family doesnt mind at all. mounted on a shelf I guess you would call it cieling mounted, runing hd, as well as sat and 480P dvd's

if no one else will say it check out avs forum, they have alot of info on pj's....

I really cant say enough good about pj's it has changed movies and sports for me,

and yes, hd is better than dvd's on my pj, the more in the better out, in my opinion.

[BrianRH]

boink,

I've got mine ceiling mounted. Running Component from my receiver. I also run VGA from a computer. I've got a drop ceiling, so routing the cables worked out very easy. The only problem that I experienced was a dust blob about 3 months ago. Sanyo gave me an RA, paid air freight both ways and had my projected returned to me within 4 days. Cleaned, firmware updated, and new (improved) air filter installed. Very easy to work with them. I also run an aux fan that direct the heated air away from the projector into the ceiling. I figure you can never keep your projector cool enough.

[boink@vermontel.net]

Thanx guys! I'm really leaning towards the Sanyo PLV-Z2 maybe Z3. Just got to find the best deal now.

[BrianRH]

I bought mine thru projectorpeople.com. They are based in Fl and were very helpfull. They currently are listing the Z2 at $1700 w/free shipping.

[ToXicChiLL]

http://www.projectorpeople.com/hometheater/projspec.asp?itemid=19027&itmname=Panasonic+PT%2DAE700U

[Goddahavit]

If I recall correctly, the ae500 was just sent to me at 1300 from projector people, if you might be interested in that??

[Crunchyriff]

FWIW, we just bought an inFocus 4805 last week, and it's simply stunning. Me-likey!! :hyper:

The picture is truly gorgeous, and the black levels (out of the box) seem much better than what some of the DLP opponents allege. I haven't done any tweaks other than lower the brightness (factory set at 50) to about 37. Very very nice. The shadows in dark scenes- say, like alleys at night; black leather jackets, etc; all just look superb.

I don't think I'll ever be buying plasma....

You will LOVE the package deal on the InFocus. We got ours at Costco, WITH the 76" widescreen. :rockon:

The only trouble is, I made the mistake of putting that projector image on a blank wall before i hung the 76" screen; and we had about an 8' "screen" area (22x25' den).... yeah, it rocks! I'm ruined. :rofl2:

We will be getting a bigger screen next spring, but quite frankly, the 76" diagonal Widescreen is pretty darn big- nearly a foot bigger than say, the 65" Pioneers and Toshiba RPTV's.

Have fun!

[TexasAg]

Crunchy,
How much was the projector/screen at Costco?

[Crunchyriff]

TexasAg-

$1499, with screen; and with a $175 instant discount it was $1329......

Now THAT's a slammin deal, huh?!

[boink@vermontel.net]

Crunchy,

I've re-evaluated all my needs vs. wants. I think I'll be ordering the 4805 from projectorpeople.com on Monday. The pakage I'm ordering will consist of the pj itself, 92inch diag. screen, and a couple of 25ft long cables I'll be needing for the install. $1544.20 no tax & free shipping! :overclap:

I was leaning towards the Sanyo Z2, but the price difference and features of the 4805 swayed me. Plus I don't watch a whole heck alot of HD programming so, the 4805 just makes better sense to me.

Not to mention all of the posts of owners/users having nothing but great results with this little powerhouse. :wow:

I can't wait to get it, and have it installed by X-mas in my newly finished basement...uh, erhm...soon to be theater!!! :drool11:

[Crunchyriff]

boink- even if you DO watch HDTV, you will love the 4805- I don't know how carefully you checked it's specs, but it is indeed a powerhouse- (it) will upconvert your 480p signal, to 720 or 1080; as well as accept DVI from your HD tuner, or your PC. Believe me, whatever your viewing needs, the 4805 should cover the bases for you admirably. IT comes with a huge braided S-vd cable, and a DVI/HDMI convertor cable, as well as one or two others. So it comes boxed with anything you'd need as far as connections.

My next thing is to switch my DVD over to the "extended black level" setting as I have NOT yet done that; and properly calibrate the 4805 via DVE- I got a copy of this real cheap from Overstock.com (for 16 bucks)- I figured it was worth that in upgrading from my 4 year old VE disc.

BTW, your 92" screen should kick maximum butt!! Yeah, baby! Did you buy a roll-up, or fixed (wall mount)?

[boink@vermontel.net]

Hey Cruchy,

I'll be placing the order on Monday. The pakage will come with a 92in diagonal Da-Lite roll up screen. Just out of curiosity, you said the box came with all the cables necessary for hook up, right? Exactly how long are they? If you could let me know before monday, that would be great as the pakage I'll be ordering was quoted with the addition of 2 25ft cables. If I don't need them It'll save me a few bux! A few new DVD's for the projector. Yeah Baby!

I cant wait to get this thing. I'm lke a kid waiting for x-mas!

[Crunchyriff]

Sir Boink-

Looking thru my pkgs, I have one 10m (33ft) steel-braided S-Video cable; one Cable w/VGA & USB connectors on one end, DVI on the other (6ft); and another S-Video cable that looks to be about 6ft as well, more or less generic in flavor. So, if you need component cables- you gotta buy them (sorry bout that) I already had mine (and bought a longer set...which wasn't long enough..) so I apologize if I mislead you to think it included Component cables. You may need what you plan to order.

FWIW, I got a new set of Component Video cables coming from Blue Jeans Cable, and they are high-quality pieces, and a 20ft unit ran me $83 + shipping. Pretty sensible prices for good stuff.

Right now I am using my old 6' Monster Component cable with adapters linked to a 12' AR ComponentCable I got at BB just to get me by for now. The AR's by themselves looked OK, but the PQ took a nosedive in quality when I linked 'em to my Monster units, and I think it's the adapters themselves, not either brand of cable I have.

That being said, the Belden 7710A's I have coming from BJC are supposed to be sweet.

Boink, are you hanging your projector, tabletop, in-wall or built-in to a hutch, wall or table?

[boink@vermontel.net]

Crunch, I'll being doing the ceiling route. Just want to keep things looking tidy and not have any cables lying across the floor. :rockon:

Do you have the link for Blue Jeans Cable, and the part #'s for the cables you bought? :cheers:

Did you see this one?

http://store.infocus.com/escalate/store/DetailPage?pls=infocus&bc=infocus&pc=SP-M1-10M&clist=&ret=&pls5catname=&tab=desc

Not bad 33ft length, $99 bux from infocus. I might get this one when I add another Dishnet 811 HD reciever to the theater. I've already got the 811 upstairs, but will probably be adding another one to get HD programming in the basement.

[Crunchyriff]

Boinkster-

here's a link-a-dink for ya...

http://bluejeanscable.com/

[HDJUNKIE]

http://www.pacificcable.com/

$26 for 25Ft component cables

[Crunchyriff]

HDJUNKIE-

well, you resourceful guy, you!!

I like some of your ideas for your H/T sys. The "false wall" thing is one of them, and one that I have been contemplating now for about a week to hide the H/T rack, fronts and center with, and more or less recess the screen into, (or built around the screen) so it's nice to see others using that approach. I dig your 92" screen- very cool idea. I gotta do something like that- those friggin big 80"+ screens aren't cheap to buy outright!

BTW- nice Yammie SGB2000- you don't see many of those.... (yeah, I'm a musician..)

[HDJUNKIE]

Thanks, The recessed thing worked well for the 51" RPTV. The area isn't big enough for me to hide the speakers though. The subs tuck in there pretty well though .

I bought that yamaha guitar (with a hard case) one day when I was working in the French Quarter (New Orleans). Some guy pulled up to the club I worked at on Bourbon St and asked if anyone wanted to buy a guitar. He opened his trunk and showed me the yamaha and wanted $30 for it. I offered $25.... and he took it!!

The Neck was cracked at the head stock, but some clamps and a little epoxy and it's been fine for the last 10 years.

[oman321]

Nice set up HDjunkie. Screen looks great.

[Crunchyriff]

Nice set up HDjunkie. Screen looks great.

YEAH!! So much for me waiting until next spring to buy a bigger screen.
I may just put one of those together over Christmas.... :D

I love Yankee ingenuitiy! :overclap:

[HDJUNKIE]

Here's the URL for the Screen how to.

http://www.eldamar.net/house/ht/screenHowTo.html

I didn't do the frame exactly like he did. I didn't mitre the edges and I used four flat L brackets for the corners and two T brackets for a single middle support.

It's not rocket science.

3 yards of Black out cloth from JoAnne Fabrics / $18

Four 8' 1x4's from Home Depot / $6 each

4 L brackets / $8

2 T brackets / $4

a few screws /$2

and a staplegun $? (already had one)

hardest part is stapling the fabric right... follow the directions on the webpage above!!!

[boink@vermontel.net]

Thanks Crunchy.

HDJunkie, Nice Setup!!! :drool11: If I ever make it to down to the Bayou, I'm comin' over for a movie and some Crawfish...mmmmmm....makin' my mouth water just thinkin bout it. :cheers:

[Crunchyriff]

Man I was thinking about just using cabinet-grade plywood stock nicely finished, but this is so much more COOL. A REAL screen. Maximum cool factor, minimum weight. Thanks for the link, and info, HDJ. I've got a nice mitre saw...what an excuse to use it!

BTW, did you paint yours? I'm thinking of using a grey-ish tint if I do paint mine, to augment the blacks a tad- as per some of the screen mfg. offerings for DLP projectors. Whaddaya think?

Boink- you are very welcome. I should have my cables by about wed/thursday from Blue Jeans Cable- and I'll give you an update. On another note, what I'm really looking fwd to is the 10ga. belden spkr cables I have coming with this order.

[HDJUNKIE]

There is a *huge* amount of info on painting screens on the AVS forum.

You can paint screens, hardboard (1/4" MDF), right on the wall... etc.

The cheapest $30 solution seems to be Behr Silver Screen paint on Gator board. Both available @ Home depot.

I thought about going this route but the fabric screen was quicker, lighter and easier to hang (for me)

[boink@vermontel.net]

Hey Crunh,

I ordered my package yesterday!!! I'll get the projector & cables on Friday. The screen should get here a few days later. :overclap:

I've got the basement all setup for the install now. Finished putting in a power supply box for the pj, installing the surround sound system, and my homemade ceiling mount last nite. All I'll have to do is snake the cables up & over the drop ceiling and I'll be set. :rockon:

Oh yeah, mount the screen when it gets here. :drool11:

[Crunchyriff]

I tell ya- I'm not a "noob" to H/T by any means, but I certainly am to projectors and HDTV issues, as well as a noob on this forum. There's a wealth of info here from some pretty savvy cats here much smarter than I. You guys are great.

Thanks for all the encouragement and info, HDJ. I've been to the AVS forum a few times in the past- I'll have to dig in and get with the program.

Boink, I can almost hear you drooling over your shipment to come...

[boink@vermontel.net]

Where oh where is the UPS man??? My SP4805 is on the truck scheduled for delivery today. It's like x-mas morning, and not being able to open my presents yet! What's worse is I've seen 2 or 3 UPS trucks pass by the end of our street now. This is killing me. :mecry:

[oman321]

"What's worse is I've seen 2 or 3 UPS trucks pass by the end of our street now. This is killing me."

I could just picture you running to your door each time. You'll have to post some pic's once you get everything set up. Hey I think I hear that truck again.

[Ratman]

What's worse is I've seen 2 or 3 UPS trucks pass by the end of our street now. :

Maybe they're trying to find the TV after it fell off the truck somewhere! :rofl2:

Sorry... couldn't resist. I know how you feel.

[Crunchyriff]

Maybe they're trying to find the TV after it fell off the truck somewhere!

Man that was cold... I mean freezin', Ratman! :rofl2:

Where's the love? (har!)

[Crunchyriff]

Boink goes bonkers.

film at eleven....

[boink@vermontel.net]

Boink goes bonkers.

film at eleven....


Well, UPS man finally showed up at about 1pm yesterday with my pj & cables. Installed that sucker right away, and hung a bedsheet for a temporary screen. Results...It's awesome!!! :rockon: Having done all my math calulations (I suck at math) as far as setup goes, I'm projecting a 92" diagonal image dead center, perfectly where I want the image. Just got to get the screen now, which shipped yesterday. Another HD reciever also on the way.

The wife, little guy and I watched "Monster's Inc." last night. It's like having our own theater in our house! Even with the image being projected on a off-white bedsheet. The wife absolutely loved it. Praise the Lord. I was already in the dog-house when I told her my plans. "You wanna spend how much?!" :queen:

She now wants to go out and get a couple of matching recliners to go along with the couch we already have down there!!! Can you believe that? I'm one happy little boy! :overclap:

[Crunchyriff]

Boink -

"M.I." one of my all-time faves. Nothing like seeing Roz resplendent in all her digital-slug glory!! ("Hello Wazowski... fun-filled evening planned for the night?"...)

(BTW, there is no excuse for you sucking at math- esp. if you are using a calculator! :hah33: )

Praise the Lord indeed! Glad you are digging it. We just viewed "I, Robot" last night. Very cool flick. language was a bit 'sharp' in a few spots, but overall, a great flick, and PERFECT to demo with your new DLP proj.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, brother.

[boink@vermontel.net]

Ratman & Oman, hah! You guys kill me. Were's the love? :rmoon2: Just kidding. You guys have a Merry X-mas!!! I know I will.

Crunch my brother, right back at ya! :cheers:

[boink@vermontel.net]

Crunch,

Have you attempted to update the firmware on your SP4805? I've been trying all morning, but no luck. I can't can't seem to get my computer to establish a connection with the 4805. PM me your phone # if you have any idears.

[Crunchyriff]

Boink, our 4805 hasn't even been tried with our pc's yet. I'll have to check my version or the fimware installed at the factory...

This firmware upgrade I only caught drift of two days ago, and haven't even messed with it yet. What is to be gained with it?

[boink@vermontel.net]

Crunch here's the link...

http://www.infocus.com/service/sp4805/software.asp?site_lang=1&site_region=1&

[Crunchyriff]

Yeah..thanks! I guess I'll have another 'little project' to do this week.

[boink@vermontel.net]

Crunch, no problem. I've been trying all day to try and load the new firmware I downloaded earlier this morning, but for some reason or another I can't get my PC to even recognize that the 4805 has been attached. I'm gonna give InFocus a call tomorrow and see if I can't get someone to walk me thru the process step by step. I'm not exactly a computer wiz. The whole process is a little overwhelming to me as I don't want to screw anything up & toss $1300 bucks out the window due to my stupidity!

[mediaguy]

I purchaced a 4805 from the shopping network December 2nd , paid $1399 including a 106" Draper pull down screen. I only use it to watch movies (480p) and it is without a doubt the best picture I have seen, my total install cost including cables (NXG from ebay) and building in the screen was under $2k !!! I will post some pics of my install and some other info later as I know Infocus will be selling these by the boat load.

[Crunchyriff]

I think I had a post or two deleted here... anyway, my firmware upgrade went A OK.

No problemo.

[boink@vermontel.net]

Those of you who are also proud owners of the SP 4805, be sure to get the recent firmware upgrade from the infocus website. It'll provide some very useful enhancements.

Tonite's rumble nite. Gonna throw in ESPN's NFL 2K5 for the XBOX. It's Patriot's vs. Steeler's...who'll be going to the SuperBowl? Results to come.

[boink@vermontel.net]

Patriots 10
Steelers 7