Projector suggestions?

Forums › Home Theatre (incl HTPC) › Projector suggestions?

havanother

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Topic # 238125 4-Jul-2018 10:46

Hi, I always start with reviews, but I'm constantly frustrated by the fact that when I finally settle on something that I like the sound of, it hasn't arrived in New Zealand yet - if it ever does, and the price is often 3X what it reviewed at.

I'm not too excited about the import process - having dealt with that to get a camera here. Even though it was half the price, even with the taxes, the first one got 'lost in customs' and by the time I finally got the 2nd one it was just about out of date!

So, if I were to buy a projector, here in NZ, what would be a good model and where would be a good place to get it from?

I'd be using it in a dedicated room - no light to compete with, other than what I decide to put in.

I WAS looking at 65" TVs but the idea of a 100"+ screen is pretty tempting. And I was hoping to keep the visuals to under $2,000 - because I still have a lot expenses to consider for the room itself, sound etc.

One of the main things I'm concerned about is fan noise.

And this being New Zealand, I can't just wander into a shop and have a look/listen. I'm reliant on advice and reviews.

Cheers,

Havanother

sen8or

685 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 189

Reply # 2049035 4-Jul-2018 14:23

A projector under $2k that you aren't going to be disappointed by?

Its very easy to get caught up in the "wow the picture is great, its 120 (or 130 or 140 etc) inches wide, just like the movies, but once the fascination with a big screen wears off, then comes the attention to the details, things like black level (contrast ratio), frame rate (ability to pan without appearing jittery) and other video nasties start to become noticed, what is seen cant be unseen.

RapolloAV has 2 "budget" HT projectors, an Epson LCD full HD projector and an Optoma Full HD DLP projector, both are under $2k, but neither option leaves much room for a screen. Ive never seen either of these projectors in real life so can't comment on actual performance, however -

"In General"

DLP offers smoother picture than LCD

DLP has better contrast than LCD (blacker blacks)

Some people are effected by DLP colour flashes (known as rainbow effect) and/or other eye strain caused by the nature of the technology.

LCD can have a screen door effect, less of an issue with full HD panels but it can be a factor.

For $2k you could keep an eye out on trademe, there was a period where quite a few of Panasonics HT projectors came on in quick succession (I picked up a 1200 hour PTAE-4000 for about $800 a year or so ago) but these seem to come and go. A high(er) end used model may be a better option than a low end new model, ofcourse no warranty etc on used, but you roll the dice and you takes your chances.

If you can get a decentish 2nd hand machine, this then leaves open money for a screen and a good quality screen is worth the investment.

Good Luck

Dunnersfella

3350 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 452

Reply # 2049091 4-Jul-2018 15:54

It depends - what part of NZ are you in?

2K for a projector and screen sorta says 'buy a TV' to me. But it's your money.

Dingbatt

3330 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 559

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 2049107 4-Jul-2018 16:24

As said above, $2K will only get you a 'gateway drug' into the world of projectors if you buy new. I am on my second projector, an FHD Panasonic AE5000. The first was an AE800 Panasonic which was HD. I am now starting to think about UHD projectors, laser ones. But they are too expensive at the moment to contemplate. But you see what I mean about a gateway drug, such is the way with home theatre.
I have steered clear of DLP because I'm affected by the rainbow effect. That and the fact I had very specific zoom requirements so that the projector could be housed in a cupboard on the rear wall rather than hung from the ceiling. Possibly not a concern for you if your room is single purpose. But the Panasonics were the only ones available that were able to achieve the correct picture size at that throw distance.
Last time I checked about a bulb for my AE5000 I was quoted $1000 so be careful about a second hand one that has done too many hours.
Our main uses are for movies through the Apple TV and sport through Sky, so FHD does for now. But you still need to sit a reasonable distance back, otherwise 'only' being FHD on a 100" screen starts to look a bit naff.

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

havanother

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 2049167 4-Jul-2018 17:46

Dammit. Why does it have to be so difficult? It sounds like I really need to see a couple in action to decide about this rainbow effect and whatnot. But as I said, the frustration is, in New Zealand, nobody seems to have them set up. And it's a long wait for the ones that review well overseas, and they're expensive.

What set me off, is the Xiomi Short-throw laser projector. I stumbled across glowing reviews on youtube. If it wasn't for the fact you have to order from China through dodgy Banggood and pay all the customs duties etc, I'd have probably bought one by now.

But *sigh* you're right. With that budget, here in NZ I'm hard-pressed to find a decent telly.

I just got excited thinking my $2k TV budget would get me a 'middle of the line' projector and maybe even a budget screen - Trademe have a couple for $200 or so with electric motors and everything. But I don't want headaches, a rubbish picture and a noisy fan ruining the fun.

Thanks for the advice though. I suspect a good sale at Harvey Norman or JB will eventually be the decision-maker and I'll end up with a 4k TV. but not Veyon apparently : )

Cheers,

Havanother

Dingbatt

3330 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 559

Lifetime subscriber

Reply # 2049177 4-Jul-2018 18:36

Depending what part of the country you are in, some of the more specialist stores in the main centres have audition rooms with projectors set up.
You will quickly know if you are affected by a DLP colour wheel type projector by scanning your eyes quickly from one side of the screen to the other. If you get large rainbow artefacts then you are susceptible in the same way as I am.
I guess I was lucky that I bought my Pannas when they were in their heyday.
A YouTube video about the Xiaomi laser projector you referenced peaked my interest initially, but I think it's only FHD.

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

kein

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 2049180 4-Jul-2018 18:47

I ended up buying this bad boy after doing a lot of research: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015OEK8YY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Awesome experience and about $500 cheaper than PBTech price (even with delivery).

Used this as the review source of truth: http://www.projectorcentral.com/hottest-home-theater-projectors.htm

Had no issues with importing, Amazon delivery is quite reliable, handled over DHL.

havanother

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 2049210 4-Jul-2018 19:39

Hi, thanks, yes projector central is where I was looking too. If I was going to get a projector, I was thinking www.bhphotovideo.com - great sales, big, reputable etc etc. For most things I've bought, it's been 1/2 NZ prices or less even with exchange rate and taxes. But what I'm hearing is that I need to see projectors and TVs myself, and buy here. Not rely on reviews. And it's sounding like a regular TV would be the safer - if less fun, bet.

Maybe I'll hang out for a 65". Then get a wee cheapie projector - or a 2nd hand one to play around with later. I really don't want to spend what is big bucks to me, on something that I won't enjoy watching.

Cheers,

Havanother