Home Theater Projector HELP!?

[Mark]

I want to purchase a Projector for my home theater project. There are some things I need to know before I make a purchase I’m hoping someone can answer them for me?

My room isn’t all that big for this application, I’m not even sure if I can put a projector in at all. The room size is 12’x12’. It is void of any windows or light.

How far does the projector need to be from the screen, and what size screen will I need to maximize clarity? Clarity and sharpness is more important to me then over all image size.

I can’t afford to spend much on this setup; I noticed a few projectors that are out that dip just below 1,000 bucks. The Infocus X1 and the Epson Powerlite S1. Both seem to have what I need. Even HDTV support. But one is a LCD and one is a DLP, what is the difference in the two and which will provide the more superior image in my situation?

Can someone recommend the right screen and equipment for me, I need to stay low budget.

Thanks a lot!

Mark

[Mark]

If no one knows anything on this subject does anyone atleast know a good website for some information!?

I know you guys can help me... I TRUST YOU ALL!!! *Sob


THANK YA!

Mark

[xboxundone]

Just fromt he little research i have done the distance away is fine as the only reason you would need to worry bout distance if you WANT to cover The WHOLE wall as the project will work a foot away but you would have a 6" TV like screen you should be able to read on box of reccomended distnce for the size of projection. And i would go with DLP as it is a little bit better technology than LCD Just my 2 cents .

[Fat Elvis]

The S1 sucks ***. Get an X1.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/infocus_x1.htm

For more info go to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forum...?s=&forumid=68

[linoleum]

Originally posted by Mark
My room isn’t all that big for this application, I’m not even sure if I can put a projector in at all. The room size is 12’x12’. It is void of any windows or light.

Look here. It tells you how big your image will be based on the distance away. Select the X1 projector and put in 10' or 11' (need some room for the back of the projector and the cables [which plug into the back]).

I'm sure the closer you put it the better it looks; for me, having it 12' and being seated at 9' or 15' back, I could still read the subtitles in Pearl Harbor just fine, which, after seeing PH on a TV screen and having to run foward every time to read them, was one of the things that pushed me towards getting a projector in the first place.

[rock]

Go to a brick&morter store and talk to them. I had a similar idea of replacing my TV with a projection system. This isn't practicle for two main reasons:

1 - light. If you're not in a theater-like room where you can black out any sun light, you're not going to be very happy.

2 - expense. Those cheap, sub-$2500 projectors are made for static images like PowerPoint presentations. They are not going to handle movies. You'll need to spend $5000 here, at which point you might was well get Plasma.

If you want a big screen and a good picture, get a last-year-model HDTV rear projection. I just bought a 53" for under $1500.

[Fat Elvis]

Originally posted by rock
Go to a brick&morter store and talk to them. I had a similar idea of replacing my TV with a projection system. This isn't practicle for two main reasons:

1 - light. If you're not in a theater-like room where you can black out any sun light, you're not going to be very happy.

2 - expense. Those cheap, sub-$2500 projectors are made for static images like PowerPoint presentations. They are not going to handle movies. You'll need to spend $5000 here, at which point you might was well get Plasma.

If you want a big screen and a good picture, get a last-year-model HDTV rear projection. I just bought a 53" for under $1500.

Rock-

You are right about the need for good light control, but you are absolutely, completely and utterly wrong about being able to use an affordable projector for a home theater. I got my X1 for $800, and I guarentee you it compares VERY favorably to a $10K plasma--the caveat, like we both said, is that you need good light control. I have good light control so it isn't an issue for me.

So lets see...I paid half the price and my image size is twice the size as your solution, and I don't have to sit in "the sweet spot" so I can view the image without any degradation; I think I'll keep my projector that is designed for "static images", thank you.

[rock]

Maybe you haven't seen rear-projection TVs in a couple years. The sweat spot issue isn't really an issue. The wife regularly watches this TV from the kitchen - one room away and at a 45 degree angle, and it's fine. And she can watch during the day - something that wouldn't be possible with any kind of projection solution. Maybe a projector will be a solution when I set something up in the basement, but for an everyday TV, it isn't a good solution.

[linoleum]

Originally posted by rock
Maybe you haven't seen rear-projection TVs in a couple years....
And she can watch during the day - something that wouldn't be possible with any kind of projection solution.

Sorry, I understand your point, I just found that amusing.

And sometimes it just depends on what you want. I got my projector for the big screen movie experience (RPTV really isn't that big), not for everyday TV, though I might end up using it for that too; the projector was cheaper than any of the RPTVs I was looking at....

As for light, I watched a movie today at 1pm, just by shutting the drapes (it was overcast though, I'll admit that). Perfect? No, but enjoyable enough. Most of the time I'm at work during daylight anyway.