Projector setup - I have no idea!!

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MooPoo

251 posts

Ultimate Geek

#69997 16-Oct-2010 10:17

Hi

We had some used projectors come through work last week from some schools and it had me thinking about how hard it would be to setup a projector type arrangement in the bedroom or the kids room.

I would assume that the projector would be hanging from the ceiling and maybe a screen that auto-magically extends from the ceiling as well.

I have absolutely no idea on this type of thing, as it is just something you dream about to pass the time of day at work (as you do).

Ok, the projectors we get through work are the following models:

Epson:
EMP - 83
EMP - X5

Sony:
VPL-EX3

Are these types of projectors any good for my purpose or do I need a better quality?

As for the screen, any suggestions and guesstimates on price for this whole setup?

I realise that you need a reasonably dark room for a projector etc, but it will only be for the wife to watch tv at night in bed anyway or the kids to lock themselves away in their room.

At the moment this whole thing is in the realms of fantasy as I have no idea what is involved (as you can tell).

Bring it to life for me people!!

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Dingbatt

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#392516 16-Oct-2010 11:10

I am not familiar with the projector types but the first thing to be aware of is that a projector is just a way of displaying material. You will have to add a source (dvd/BD player, freeview stb, sky stb, etc) then you have to have some way of producing some audio (speakers, amp, etc). If you want the screen to 'magically' appear then the projector will need a 12V trigger and the screen would be automated.
You could probably set yourself up with a pull-down screen (2nd-hand), amp, speakers, and a freeview stb for about $1000 (cheap but not super-nasty components). Add to that a projector mount and cabling and then the cost of the projector itself.
A simpler answer for bedroom viewing, and more elegant than a projector bolted to the ceiling is a basic LCD freeview capable TV. If you are after a larger picture, even plasmas can be got for < $1000.

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MooPoo

251 posts

Ultimate Geek

#392779 17-Oct-2010 09:44

Ok I concede that a plasma or LCD may be a cheaper option but do they compare in a dark room?

The models I mentioned, are they any good for home use or are they just not good enough?

Rhygar

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Master Geek
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#392786 17-Oct-2010 10:41

Another consideration is the amount of hours used on the lamp. Since they are previously used projectors you may need to replace the lamp in the projector otherwise you may find the image too dim, even in a dark room. Costs of the lamp can be very expensive as well.

I have no idea about the quality of the projectors you have mentioned.

Nety

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#392886 17-Oct-2010 18:08

I would not recommend any of these projectors for what you want to use them for.

Basically there are two types of projectors out there. Those designed for business (normally called data projectors) and those designed for home theater.

General features of a business projector;
Standard computer resolutions eg. 1024x768
Bright
Small and light weight.
4:3 screen output

General features of a home theater projector;
Quiet
Standard TV resolutions (720p or 1080p)
High contrast ratio

These features are not compatible. Because business projectors need to be bright so they can be used in a lit room there are some trade off's. They are noisy and have rubbish contrast ratio's. This is made worse by the desire for small size which increases noise even further.
The resolution and screen size is also wrong for home theater. You will finish up with big grey bands above and below the picture from the 4:3 frame trying to display 16:9 and you will finish up with a re-sized image due to the non TV standard resolutions.
I have had the opportunity to pickup business projectors for free in the past and still turned them down because I know from experience they they just are not suitable for home use.

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MooPoo

251 posts

Ultimate Geek

#392925 17-Oct-2010 20:06

Thanks Nety

I appreciate your opinion.

Cheers