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.

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-7TS9Nw...asp?i=590SP4805

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

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57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.

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.

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57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.

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/hom...-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.

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Caldwell - "It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies"

boink@vermontel.net

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

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).

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Sanyo PLV-Z2 Projector, Harman Kardon HK-320 Receiver, 113" Electric Retractable Screen, Polk RTi28 Mains, Polk PSW450 Sub, JBL center and surrounds, Sony DVP-NS300 DVD, SA 3250HD Cable Box, Sylvania SRZ3000 OTA Tuner.

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.

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

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Matt
HT - Toshiba 57HX83, Toshiba HD-A3 (RIP HD-DVD), Directv HR20-100, Panasonic SA-XR57, Polk RT55i fronts, Polk RC55i rears, Polk CS240 center, Audiosource 8" sub

Living Room - LG 30FS4D, Directv HR21-200

Please don't PM me with technical questions that should be posted in the forum!

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.

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Mitsubishi WS-48413-Zenith HDV420-Channel Master 4228 Antenna-Onkyo TX_DS676-Panasonic XP30-Panasonic l200u-82" bo cloth screen

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.

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Sanyo PLV-Z2 Projector, Harman Kardon HK-320 Receiver, 113" Electric Retractable Screen, Polk RTi28 Mains, Polk PSW450 Sub, JBL center and surrounds, Sony DVP-NS300 DVD, SA 3250HD Cable Box, Sylvania SRZ3000 OTA Tuner.

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.

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Sanyo PLV-Z2 Projector, Harman Kardon HK-320 Receiver, 113" Electric Retractable Screen, Polk RTi28 Mains, Polk PSW450 Sub, JBL center and surrounds, Sony DVP-NS300 DVD, SA 3250HD Cable Box, Sylvania SRZ3000 OTA Tuner.

ToXicChiLL

Goddahavit

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

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Mitsubishi WS-48413-Zenith HDV420-Channel Master 4228 Antenna-Onkyo TX_DS676-Panasonic XP30-Panasonic l200u-82" bo cloth screen

Crunchyriff

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

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.

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.

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?!