What resolution projector do I need?

[Xenogear900]

I don't watch any HD movies (bluray, HD-DVDs) nor do I play any HD games. I want something bright with a really good contrast ratio. Mostly, I'll be using the TV-out on my GeForce card (Composite cable, NOT VGA or DVI cable) to watch Divx/Xvid movies on the projector. My computer uses the 1024x720 resolution. What resolution projector would I be best with? What would the difference be for a 1024x720 or 800x600. I want something thats going to look good for MOVIES mostly, as I am NOT using this as an office projector or anything. Any suggestions?

[Des]

For what it is worth, I have the iNfocus X1 which is a few years old now. Its 800x600 resolution with a 2000:1 contrast range. I use the projector regularly for watching movies from a DVD player s-video connection onto an old matte white screen. In the summer I take it outside and have movies in the backyard. I find the quality to be excellent and so far so have my friends and family.

There are better projectors now, this one is DLP with 1 double speed RGB wheel, I can sometimes see a rainbow effect but most people can not other than that it's great for movies (and the Wii).

Hope that helps.

--dES

[edDV]

I don't watch any HD movies (bluray, HD-DVDs) nor do I play any HD games. I want something bright with a really good contrast ratio. Mostly, I'll be using the TV-out on my GeForce card (Composite cable, NOT VGA or DVI cable) to watch Divx/Xvid movies on the projector. My computer uses the 1024x720 resolution. What resolution projector would I be best with? What would the difference be for a 1024x720 or 800x600. I want something thats going to look good for MOVIES mostly, as I am NOT using this as an office projector or anything. Any suggestions?

First issue:
You should be looking to VGA or DVI or analog component if you want semiHD. Compsite is normal NTSC and is limited to no more than 640x480 (less with letterbox). If you are limited to 1024x768 on your computer there are plenty of projectors at that resolution.

Second issue:
Projectors come in high contrast "conference room" models intended for Powerpoint presentations and TV/movie models with proper dark gamma for movies intended for darkened home theater use. See the projector sites for more info.

[redwudz]

I've had a Sony 800 X 600 projector for about 5 years. Do quite a bit of research before choosing a projector and a screen. It's a big investment. A good screen is very important to make the most of your experience. Not a place to scrimp, IMO.

I plan to replace my faithful Sony projector this year. I am on my second bulb, so no complaints there. I use a Da-Lite gray DV projection screen. Only regrets there is that I didn't buy the electric retractable model. My next projector will be a Sony again, because I need vertical and horizontal keystone adjustment. But I will go for a higher resolution model, probably 1024 X 768 or better.

But after 5 years, I don't regret my projector or screen brand purchase a second. To have a 5' X 8' screen 17 feet away with a good surround sound system is worth every penny.

And now the projectors are even better. DLP seems the top of the line. But there are many good projectors available. Definitely get a 'home theater' type projector. It should have HDMI, component and probably S-Video inputs.

A few places to explore: http://www.projectorcentral.com/ http://www.projectorreviews.com/ http://www.avsforum.com/

[SatStorm]

I like those Epson projectors. Bulbs are cheap on those latest ones.
The cost is less than 400 euros for the cheaper ones. 800x600 is OK for PAL DVD, but most are 1024 X 768. With a good DVD player (with a good upscaler), those 1024 X 768 look better the 800x600 ones.

For reasons I can't explain I always liked LCD projectors. And that rainbow effect is very disturbing in my eyes.

[taxman]

You might want to check out the new Panasonic A200 projector.

Its 780P and the comments on AVS Forms are very good for brightness and contrast, and price is very reasonable for a projector

I personally have an older AE900 model which I'm happy with until I get an HDD player