A question for HT projector enthusiasts

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dafman

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# 205492 15-Nov-2016 19:24

I'm looking for a movie watching replacement for my 65" Neo plasma that this week's earthquake killed.

Having spent quite of bit of today previewing TV options, I remain underwhelmed of the 65"LCD/OLED replacement options, so one option I am toying with is to buy a cheap 1080p 50" for general TV watching and getting a projector for movies.

A permanent mount for a projector is not an option at present, so I would need to set up on a coffee table when watching movies (running a HDMI extension into my AV amp).

So my question is this - is there an excellent 1080p projector around $4k that would perform well projecting from a side coffee table onto a white gib wall. Specifically, could I get a 100" image that is as good, or better, than a 65" TV alternative.

Dunnersfella

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# 1671554 15-Nov-2016 19:46

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Now Panasonic are out of the consumer market, I'd strongly suggest an Epson. I've simply never been impressed by the motion of a BenQ etc.

Just on-line and use the projector calculator on Projector.com to figure out sizing etc.

Remember, the darker the room, the better the result.

A central projector will also give a better result.

If you're worried about running a cable and constantly connecting / reconnecting it - try the wireless Epson TW6700W...

Having said that, if you can cable, always cable.

macuser

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# 1671588 15-Nov-2016 21:22

I have an BenQ W2000 which is great as side from black levels. It costs around 2000. Depends if you wanted to spend $4000 on a projector then add projector screen and 5.1 surround system (which makes it actually good) or try get all of that for $4000.

You still need a tv, a projector really is only good in pitch black or close. Light in the room ruins contrast and black levels.

I've got a TV and a projector and i use the TV for watching TV and the projector for watching blu-rays with 5.1 sound blasting.

Talkiet

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# 1671638 16-Nov-2016 00:42

I have a 50" VT20 Panny Plasma and it's great... Then I bought a cheap secondhand projector and instantly realised I had over-invested in my TV :-(

If you have the space for a projector get it, but here are a couple of hints...

- If possible AT ALL, you should leave the projector mounted somewhere - can you get a tall shelf and stick it behind the couch? Can you mount a shelf high up on the back wall? Ceiling mounts are easy (but I grant you landlords might not be happy...

- Don't short-change yourself by not getting a screen... A wall will look ok... A cheap screen will be BAD (specular highlights you'll never un-see)... A decent screen will be great and a great screen will blow you away. I've used all of the above and there really is a difference. Don't get a cheap PVC screen would be the biggest bit of advice.

- I have a Panasonic AE7000 and it's stunning. I can afford a 4K TV but I am not getting one because anything good I want to watch, I want to watch on projector. Your budget is reasonable - maybe consider a secondhand Panasonic AE7000/8000 or even the lower range but newer AR100 (I think)...

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are the product of my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

Dingbatt

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# 1671676 16-Nov-2016 08:30

Here is a couple of small things, but you did ask for enthusiast comment. Because of my type A personality, I can't stand things that aren't straight. To that end my projector is centered as much as possible, both horizontally and vertically. I don't like using keystone adjustment as that affects the picture quality. I have a drop down screen with reasonably wide black borders and ensure the out of square portion of the picture falls on the matt black border. None of this is achievable when projecting on a white wall. Additionally, depending on the gloss level of your wall and your seating position, you may end up with bright spots from the projector lamp. I can tell by the TV you are trying to replace that detail matters. However you are lucky to still be able to rent Blu-ray. Not an option where I live.

Areas of Geek interest: Home Theatre, HTPC, Android Tablets & Phones, iProducts.

macuser

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# 1671678 16-Nov-2016 08:39

Talkiet:

I have a 50" VT20 Panny Plasma and it's great... Then I bought a cheap secondhand projector and instantly realised I had over-invested in my TV :-(

If you have the space for a projector get it, but here are a couple of hints...

- If possible AT ALL, you should leave the projector mounted somewhere - can you get a tall shelf and stick it behind the couch? Can you mount a shelf high up on the back wall? Ceiling mounts are easy (but I grant you landlords might not be happy...

- Don't short-change yourself by not getting a screen... A wall will look ok... A cheap screen will be BAD (specular highlights you'll never un-see)... A decent screen will be great and a great screen will blow you away. I've used all of the above and there really is a difference. Don't get a cheap PVC screen would be the biggest bit of advice.

- I have a Panasonic AE7000 and it's stunning. I can afford a 4K TV but I am not getting one because anything good I want to watch, I want to watch on projector. Your budget is reasonable - maybe consider a secondhand Panasonic AE7000/8000 or even the lower range but newer AR100 (I think)...

Cheers - N

My projector sits on a table but gets stored in a cupboard - it sucks because every time you want to want to watch a movie its a 10 minute process of dragging it out of the cupboard, lining it up, turning it on, focusing it, blah blah blah. I would 100% mount it to the roof if I could!!! But I live in a rental :(

Dingbatt

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# 1672019 16-Nov-2016 13:32

It's hard to tell from your picture showing the dead TV, how big the room is. To project onto the wall behind the TV, is there space to put a projector on a shelf behind the viewing position? That is how mine is set up, although it is mounted in a cupboard on the rear wall. Room is a multipurpose family room and not a dedicated HT room so having it hidden when not in use but not having to configure it for use each time was essential. The only snag with the rear wall location is some protectors don't have a zoom range to throw the correct size image. I was limited to Panasonic projectors for that reason. Plenty of online calculators to make sure you get the correct throw range.

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dafman

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# 1672452 16-Nov-2016 22:32

Dingbatt: It's hard to tell from your picture showing the dead TV, how big the room is. To project onto the wall behind the TV, is there space to put a projector on a shelf behind the viewing position? That is how mine is set up, although it is mounted in a cupboard on the rear wall. Room is a multipurpose family room and not a dedicated HT room so having it hidden when not in use but not having to configure it for use each time was essential. The only snag with the rear wall location is some protectors don't have a zoom range to throw the correct size image. I was limited to Panasonic projectors for that reason. Plenty of online calculators to make sure you get the correct throw range.

I'm travelling at moment, so can't measure, but I estimate we have around 4-5m width - it's a narrow apartment.

We have a Epsom 720p projector at work for presentations, so I may bring it home to trial the concept.

If I have to live with a sub plasma image, I may as well do it at 100 inches!

I don't mind the set up time once a week to shift a 50" telly and to set up a projector.

Trial and error I guess. That, or find a 65" neo plasma on trade me!

rumpty

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# 1674787 21-Nov-2016 09:29

I've just bought a new Panasonic AE8000 projector for $2900, to replace my AE700 (which actually still goes well now that I have found a decent replacement lamp for it!). The zoom function on these two projectors suits my room nicely.

Upgraded the screen too - we were getting sick of the wrinkles on the old blackout cloth. I wanted a 96" or thereabouts, gain of 1.0, pull down style but couldn't find one exactly right. So I have made one, not pulldown of course, with the help of some YouTube videos. Made a wooden frame of dressed 3 x 1 pine, and stapled a nice new sheet of blackout cloth to it. It looks great, clean, and not a wrinkle in sight. Touch wood. Still to fit a black frame to it.