DLP - TV or Projector

[Gritz]

Ok .... I'm going to embarass myself but here goes anyway. I don't have any experience with DLP projectors OR DLP TVs, but from a cost-wise point of view it seems the Digital Light Processor Projector might be a good alternative to the DLP TVs, LCDs, and Plasmas and still get the movie viewing experience on the big screen?? I had a chance to play with the $1,400 Infocus LP70+ and even without a professional screen it seemed clear, sharp, large, and acceptable (to me). I used the DVI input (from both a laptop and a desktop system, and the S-Video input from my DirecTv receiver. It's native resolution is 1024 x 768, and it has a very small footprint. I played a movie from the laptop's DVD, and a DivX movie from the desktop, and watched Fox News from the satellite. No blurriness in the fast action scenes... and the resolution seemed acceptable. So ... since I don't hear much about projectors would I be correct in assuming that there is NO comparsion between the two as far as sharpness and resolution? This must be the reason since I don't seem to find any discussion on projectors?? But .... I had to ask.

[guns1inger]

DLP is definately the better the choice. It doesn't have dead pixel problems like LCD, and is much sharper in image than both LCD and Plasma. And it is the best bang for buck for large screen format.

Infocus make great projectors, so they would be a good choice.

DLP TV - bigger than plasma. better value, not as thin, rear-pro's still require their own stand.

DLP Projector - way bigger than plasma, high quality image even at large sizes, relatively high running costs - new globe every 2000 hours (which is still 900 - 1000 movies), requires a mount point and screen to get the best out of it.

The biggest con for projectors is to get the best picture, you need a darkened space. Rear Pro TV's now have great viewing angles (160 degrees or better), and most can sustain daylight viewing conditions. Projectors struggle more in this regard.

If you are serious about a projector, I'd also recommend a good AV amp to help control all the inputs. This will allow you to mount the projector properly and have very few leads in the way.

[redwudz]

I've had a projector for two years and never regretted the purchase. There's nothing like a 5 x 8 foot video in your own home. I still use a 27" TV for regular viewing and the big screen is for DVD's and HDTV.

[handyguy]

Some people are going to office depot & price matching an Epson X1 to staples for $599, then using 2 $100 OD rebates, & a $100 visa card rebate & getting it at $299..... not all stores price match.

[Gritz]

Wow .... this is great information guys. I really appreciate your experiences. I was considering plasma, but now I'm thinking that the DLP Projector is the way I'm going to go. I really liked the fact that I could read the Windows Desktop Icon's text, which leads me to believe that I could satisfactorily surf the web. (This I will experiment with next). I do know that my 45" rear projection Mitsibushi was absolutely worthless for this ... with it's S-Video connection. I love the size of the screen that you can create too. But now ... to check the price of the lamps ........ still, with the money I'll save over the plasma I can buy a few extra bulbs!

[Denvers Dawgs]

I would defineitly go with the Infocus. Do a search on Home Shopping netowork or QVC. I was watching them do a demo on the Infocus projector and they were selling it with a specifically designed screen for that specific projector. Infocus spent somewhere around $30mil for a company to develope and produce a screen for that projector to get the best picture possible. It was about $1399.00 for both the Projector and the screen. Also the screen was i think 8"x6".

[mstone321]

I believe the LCOS technology warrants a look. Currently only on
RPs, but there is no reason it could not migrate to a projector someday. LCOS has certain basic advantages over DLP. Current JVC and Philips
can only improve. I'm waiting another year..... and still enjoying my three year old 4X3 Panablack 32" tube.

[Gritz]

Thanks for all the input. I'm checking prices now! I am at this moment sitting back 20' from my projected screen from the InFocus LP70's screen typing this response. I have the text set on "largest" and it's easy for me to read, even with a left eye defect. While in my Outlook Express email messages I just hold down the Control Key and roll my mouse wheel to enlarge the text to it's largest size! Works great. My next experiment will be install a game .... maybe Ghost Recon and see how that works.

[jonjon98765]

As I type, I'm watching the Travel Channel on a Samsung 50 inch DLP rear projection unit. Picture is outstanding, especially high def [naturally].
I considered plasma (can lose gas filler, burn in) and LCD. They are all good but I think DLP seems the best.
There are dozens of DLP projectors at work in the digital conference rooms. They do very well and bulb replacement doesn't appear to be hard.
BTW I bought my new TV with a warranty that includes bulb replacement [wasn't included until recently].
Good luck with your choice. If you pick DLP, then can't make a bad decision.

[fmctm1sw]

I looked into this as well. One of my worries was burn in. I have a lot of 4:3 aspect stuff and I've already witnessed my neighbors TV burned in. Each of those technologies has advantages and disadvantages. Scaling is one thing that has me worried right now. I don't know how good crappy cable and homemade DVDs are going to look upscaled to 1024x768 (or something). Someone mentioned LCOS. That is immune to burn in as is LCD since there is no phosphor in the design. JVC uses LCOS technology it calls ILA (image light something)...