Who Likes Projectors?

[ChipMcC1]

Not sure if this is in the right place but I didn't see a forum for displays. I'm getting ready to take the plunge on a new projector. I first put in my Theater System 12 years ago and got state of the art then, which was a Sony VPH-1272Q data grade crt projector with a Faroudja line multiplier. It has treated me great and have not had to do any servicing other than cleaning the lenses and crt screens.

I'm not quite sure why the industry abandoned crt projection, I think it is great and more film like than LCD. Nonetheless I have to choose something LCD now.

Who likes what and why?

I def want to go 1080p to watch HD DVD and sometimes Blu-Ray from the HTPC. Of course the Sony is very nice but a big price tag, especially if the bulb needs replacing. That event will cost me $999.00. I've been looking at the Viewsonic Cine5000 but I see that Newegg's page shows is as a 720p eventhough the Viewsonic webpage says it does 1080p. It would be the way to go if it is really 1080p cuz of the price of $1,369.00. If not the Optoma looks very solid. What does everyone here enjoy watching?

[jagabo]

The Viewsonic web site states that the Cine5000 accepts a 1080p signal. It doesn't say it has a 1080p native resolution. Other places indicate a 1280x768 native res.

[basementjack]

I think you can get the 1080p Mitsubishi 4900 for around $1500 after rebate. - try projectorpeople.com
sometimes circuit city has them on sale online also.

[FulciLives]

You might want to take a look at the AVS FORUM website as they have a section devoted to various types of display technologies including projection units.

In short you would probably find more information there than here about various projectors and screens etc.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[redwudz]

I've had my Sony projector (VPL-HS2) for almost 5 years. Never regretted the purchase for a second. I had some special needs in that the projector needed to have horizontal and vertical keystoning adjustments as it had to set in the corner of the room.

I plan to replace it in the near future, probably with the upscale model of the same thing because of the same requirements. I'm only on my second projector bulb, so no problems with that. The new version is about the same price as I paid for the one I have now.

The one I have is a 800 X 600 version. The new one will be higher res. I use a Da-Lite video screen, about 5' X 8'. Nice in a 17' wide room. If I had anything to do over, I would get a motorized or at least a regulated return screen. I have never let loose of the cord, but if I did, it would likely damage the screen.

Still, nothing like a big screen and good surround sound audio.

[yoda313]

I like projectors. Unfortunately mine was used and sub dvd quality. But it is fun to play with. The downside of course is you can't practically use it for watching tv - with the expense of replacement equipment etx... But now that they have hdtv compatible projectors the future is bright. I would like a new lcd projector for movies. HOwever I bought a new hdtv rather than a new projector for more practical uses.

I would suggest checking out lcd's. Aren't they the most common and therefore most likely the most reasonably priced projcectors available?

[ChipMcC1]

The Mitsubishi Looks like a nice value, and the bulbs are $490, half that of Sony's. Still trying to find out if it is HDCP or not though. Can't seem to find that out anywhere. Had to write an email to the mfg.