Question on LCD projector

[mgh]

HP LCD projector is available in my country at a price i can afford-plasma tvs etc are beyond my budget.
How will the play back quality be vis a vis a 29" CRT TV?
For info-a 29" CRT Tv costs about 25% of the LCD projector.

[Nilfennasion]

I have talked with a few men in my time who work in hi-fi stores, and this is a basic rundown of what they have told me. The best way to sort it out is to watch and compare for yourself, though:

Pros:

1) No overscan.

2) Sharp image.

3) Exceptionally revealing - details that are basically invisible on CRT-based devices can be seen brightly on LCD projectors (see also cons).

4) Easy deinterlacing.

5) Lightweight - far easier to move than anything based on CRTs.

Cons:

1) Exceptionally revealing - faults in the source material that didn't show up on CRTs will stick out like a sore thumb. Especially any macro-blocking.

2) Dead/stuck pixels.

3) High repair/maintenence costs. Though not nearly as high as is the case with CRT-based projectors, when a consumable part wears out on any kind of projector, be prepared to pay through the nose to replace it.

Those are the main factors I can think of for now. I am sure others can dispute them or add to them. Or even further explain what a dead/stuck pixel is.

[skebenin]

You forgot the cost of replacement bulbs.

[guns1inger]

Don't go LCD, go DLP instead.

Pros:

Larger than Plasma or rear-pro

Much better picture quality than plasma will reach in the next 3 years

No dead pixels in DLPs

Cons

2000 hour globe life (GL varies by model, but 2k is a good average)

Cost of replacement globes


If you want a large display with quality, DLP projection is the only affordable option.

[redwudz]

Two other things that are probably obvious; You need a projection screen and you want a good quality one. Also, they work best in a dark room. Not much use during the day except if the shades are drawn. Also most projectors have to be pretty much lined up with the screen. Mounting them from the ceiling is sometimes the easiest way.


On the plus side, nothing beats a video shown 5 foot by 8 foot screen in your own home. Very impressive. Have a good surround sound system to complement the projector and you're set.

EDIT: I have 1500 hours on my original bulb after two years. The bulb for mine is $200. I can't complain about bulb life. I would buy a spare bulb when you get the projector, then replacement isn't a problem.

[fmctm1sw]

I've dug into this a few weeks ago. LCD vs plasma vs rear projection crt. So many issues. I'd look at burn in issues (a consideration if you have a lot of 4:3 material on a 16:9 display), bulb life, and the scaler. Remember, normal broadcast tv and VHS material may look like crap. It was never meant to be on a screen that big.

[Nilfennasion]

Another issue to be wary of is brightness-to-contrast ratio. The range between the brightest and darkest parts of the picture are not so easy to set apart as they are on a CRT.

One advantage of Plasma is no bulb replacement costs.

[BJ_M]

lcd panels also wear out over time , have not as good contrast ratio (as mentioned) , have a screen door effect ..

dlp is a lot bettter - though some people dont like the rainbow effect you see on some single chip DLP's ...