Hi does anyone know much about projectors.

 

I want to add 1 in my man cave for movies and gaming. Im getting lost within all the spec's.

The part of the room I want to convert is 18ft×9ft using 100" screen which is ideal for the wall.

From what I understand the higher the lumens and ratio the better? I want 1080p and possibly 3D.

 

I see that there are various screens from matt, grey and shiney whats ideal?

 

Also ive noticed that some projectors have different lenses some fixed and others adjustable for smaller rooms but nothing states the minimal room required to gain a 1080p picture on an 100" screen.

 

Any help would be great thanks Dan

I looked into projectors and decided against them due to daylight causing picture problems......

I ended up getting a 42 inch Samsung smart TV instead with 3D upscaling....... I can watch anything in 3D from the built in freest HD....

Best place to find out reviews and advice is the AV forum.....http://www.avforums.com/forums/projectors/

just mark out the size on your wall tape off the edges and paint it brilliant white. then remove your tape then when you get the projector focus the projection till it meets the edges then you have your screen.

just mark out the size on your wall tape off the edges and paint it brilliant white. then remove your tape then when you get the projector focus the projection till it meets the edges then you have your screen.

I was told to avoid white and use aluminium/silver colour as white causes luminance problems???

Then again I was speaking with guy's in the US who take this very seriously......lol

Ive read with higher lumens above 2000 you dont have problems with day light etc. But I dont really want to use it as an everyday tv. I want it for a cinema experience and looking at a 75 inch tv its around 8 grand so im opting for the projector. Reading in to all this true hd projectors are far better pictures than a tv.

 

I love the picture of our samsung 50" led tv so im looking forward to getting an projector for gaming and movies on a big screen.

Lcd projectors give blacks that are actually grey, and whites that are blue

DLP projectors give much better colours but cost more

 

Projectors and lenses should have a throw ratio in their spec. Something like 2:1 for a fixed lense or 1.8-2.8:1 for a zoom lense

Take he width of your screen and multiply by the ratio to find out how far away your projector needs to be, ie 6 ft wide screen, 2:1 ratio, projector 12 ft away.

A fixed lense projector has to go where it has to go, a zoom lense can go where convenient and be zoomed to give the right size image

 

Very long throw or short throw lenses can reduce brightness more than a standard lense, very short throw lenses can distort the image

 

Make sure it is hdcp compliant if you want to show blue rays

 

White paint will work, but can be too reflective, you could buy some screen material and make a frame for it

I may b e spoilt as i play with pro projectors at work, but i rekon you will be disapointed with 2000 lumen

i use to have a 8x4ft screen on my wall .. used Curtain Black out on it for the backing .. all most like a Matt white

DLP 1080p 2500lums ... tbh it was shit in the day ... all ways had to have the curtains shut ..

 

so ended up getting a 60" tv . far more better and detailed ...

Thanks for the info. Ive been looking at LCD, LED and DLP versions. They seem to have pros and cons.

 

At the moment ive been looking at Optoma HD25 lv, Viewsonic pjd7820HD that are over 2000 lemens but there are so many to choose from im lost lol

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Optoma_Panoview_DE-9092EGA_motorized_projection_screen_-_92_inch_DE-9092EGA/version.asp?refsource=ldawin&affid=78888

This seems to have a few good reviews, being used with the Optoma HD25 or the HD131x

http://www.avforums.com/forums/projectors/1749349-optoma-hd25-hd131x-owners-thread.html

Hopefully ianl can cast an eye over the info ??

Russ

I've got the optoma hd 200x, bit old now as no 3d. But is full hd. I use it in the living room with A 120" drop down screen. Have to have blackout curtains during the day but it is great. Gaming, football, films are amazing. I would opt for a set up like mine and spend the rest on the sound.

Screen £120

Optoma 33 (can't remember the model but it's 3d)

I spent a long time researching this when I got mine optoma make great budget projectors. Can't be beaten like for like.

Search my username on avforums. About 2 years ago I got a good cheap electric screen links will be on there.

Don't skimp on the sound tho!

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Great second hand stuff there too

im running a Optoma HD65 with the firmware upgrade for 3D 120mhz, you can connect it with the 3d-XL unit by optoma as well, and get full 3D

Isnt is a 720p machine?

Also when it comes to screens they all do different things

Glass- will give an LCD affect, but also reduces clarity or colour can't remember and gives bounce of into the room

Grey- better for light coloured rooms but losses depth I think

Matt- best picture quality.

But then there is also gain to take into consideration as this can also affect things

Sorry I only just see the replys.

Thanks for the info... im looking to buy the optoma hd25 lv that has great reviews for 1080p and 3d that apparently is good to use in day light electronic3800 lumens.

 

Looking to by an electronic 100" screen. Im just trying to lock down the best price for it all.

Sound wise im looking to use my Bose surround sound but then that would leave the lounge with nothing.

Ill investigate a bit more once I find more funds.

 

The cinema style seats are just stupid money I deffo will be looking at different options for them.

Not sure if you would consider second hand, but avforums have a great selection of stuff at better prices than eBay. Plus they look after there stuff.

Lay z boy seats. Can pick them up for a great price second hand. Get a top model, it has loads built in

Forget using a projector as a super large screen TV they are not designed for the purpose unless you have control over your room lighting (daylight destroys colour saturation)

There are bright projectors on the market with 1080P resolution which are marketed as semi commercial products (pubs, bars and abd businesses) where they can't get away from needing a brighter model, but thid will be at the sacrifice of colour and contrast saturation on the screen adn you will ose the detail processing that more expensive projectors provide.

 

You actualy don't want a super bright projector for Home cinema, for the same reason the cinemas have low lighting is because the projectors are set up for high contrast and colour saturation along with high levels of pixel processing to give you decent viewing of HD and 3D signals.

 

3D is a dark art, for a start expect to lose up to 30% brightness on screen if it is a active (battery powered glasses) system, these are designed to work from one projector which should include it's own processor (Sony, JVC etc) however the cinema groups use dual processing which allows for passive glasses to be used so they provide less filtration and are lighter/cheaper.

 

I have installed a number of systems where we use two projectors Left/Right channels and the Optoma 3D-XL processors which gives Passive 3D projection in relatively bright conditiosn (bars) but for home use we only specifiy 3D projectors with special surface screen which avoids the abboration which occurs on standard screens. There are some new products out that use the new fabric in electric screens and also a new dual surface technology on a fixed screen which has a 2D surface and a 3D surface that scrolls down over it.

 

Forget a Dulux wall surface!!, it casues hotspots, glare and reduces the projectors contrast by up to 25%, if you want to paint a surface on a wall use a correct projection paint technology like the GOO systems products, which is available in different coverings, iv'e used this often in schools for there sports halls where they don't want a material surface or electric screen in use.

 

Don't skimp on the screen if you buy a decent projector, otherwise your wasting half of the technology that gives you a great picture, equally if your introducing light to the environment then the screen becomes even more important. Audio is great but pointless if the picture looks c**p! A great picture will always over ride your senses for poor audio, not the other way around.

 

Don't forget if you are running an 8ft " screen (width of Diagonal?) you would be pressed to get a stock lens model that will provide a throw distance over that range (18ft) so either look at a ceiling mount or a projector with optional lenses, although this is expensive and will limit you to availablity as there are few true home cinema models that have this option. Bare in mind the further you project from the screen the lower brightness and therefore colour saturation you will produce, add to this the issue of lighting, daylight and you probably will completely wash out your image.

 

As for audio, you can get automated ceiling/ wall speakers that pivot out/down and run off triggers from the projectors or amplifiers, in-wall flush speakers that can be plasetred over or covered with fabric, prints etc or even speakers that can be fixed behind perforated screens giving that true direct audio feel that you get form the big cinema complexes.

 

As for home cinema furniture, yes it's expensive, but then its built to last with solid frames comfortable cushioning and reliable motors for the laid back motion, but it's personal choice and the last thing on my list when specifiying cinema systems....personaly prefer a motion system like the crowson....makes the rumbles of a soundtrack come alive through your backside...Lol!

 

Anyway, I hope this adds two peneth to your decision process and good luck with it you luck boy!! Man cave, I wish!!

If you go for an optoma, get a demo first due to the rainbow affect. Just don't look for it as everyone can see it to some extent, I see it when I'm very tired. But some see it really badly to the point where they have to get a different projector.

If you go for an optoma, get a demo first due to the rainbow affect. Just don't look for it as everyone can see it to some extent, I see it when I'm very tired. But some see it really badly to the point where they have to get a different projector.

 

The rainbow effect is due to how many segments on the color wheel there is with a DLP projector, my HD65 does not produce the rainbow effect due to the amount of color segments it has, unlike the last projector i had that only had 4 plus one white, this has 7 plus one white.

 

Its rated at 720p but can and will output a 1080p signal with comfort, although you actually lose screen size on the edges as it defaults to an almost 4:3 aspect ratio (its not as its still widescreen but slims the image down)

 

I have just a white painted wall, the image is clear and crisp, id ideally love a motorized projector screen mounted from the ceiling, i use my projector solely for films, and its hooked up to my PC via HDMI, routed through a 3D converter box, that then converts the signal from SBS (side by side) or TB (top bottom) to FS (frame sequential) that the projector needs.

 

If you are only using it for films, get some black out curtains or blinds, these are essential to making the room dark enough to give nice rich blacks and very good color.

 

I have not had an issue with color saturation / contrast on a Blu ray film played through my projector even though its projecting on a wall with crappy wood chip wall paper, You can not even tell the wall paper has texture.

 

It is true you lose some brightness with 3D, but i find its actually not too bad and isnt anything you can not combat by adjusting the brightness of the unit anyway.

 

Software for 3D or HD video i use is

 

VLC player for HD content. (MKV files)

 

Or

 

PowerDVD for blu rays / 3D blu rays / 3D files

 

For 3D just remember you need a projector 3D ready, with HDMI 1.4a connector and hopefully with it being 3d ready, should be able to output 120mhz.

 

The 3D-XL by optoma will input with a 1.4 HDMI and output to 1.3 HDMI connector. (still unsure on difference between the versions but can stop people enjoying 3D and they get stuck not realizing)

 

Another one with 3D failing to work, is the 120mhz out put range, a lot of projectors have the 3D settings grayed out until it detects its receiving 120mhz signal from the source, so pay attention to anything with 3D and check the specifications.

 

For a PC, you will need a video card able to handle 3D content at 120mhz, and also a 3D blu ray drive, and then software.

Some great info thanks guys.

 

The room ill be using will mainly be used for movies and gaming not for every day tv as such.

 

Im going to be painting the walls and ceiling dark to help make the room as dark as possibly. 1 side im hanging a themed memorial wall paper thats dark.

When using the projector the room would be dark or as close as possible in the day time. In the process I will be adding dimmer switches to the already installed spot lights.

Interesting that you mentioned about the distance of the projector as ive seen others that state short throw lenses for smaller rooms. The optoma hd25 is a fixed lense so thats something to think about. They also do a optoma hd25e that is not as bright.

 

Im confused in what to go for. I would like HD 1080p and 3D is just an option im not to fussed about.

What would you suggest to buy?

 

Ps I was going to go for ceiling mount.

 

Thanks Dan

Some great info thanks guys.

 

The room ill be using will mainly be used for movies and gaming not for every day tv as such.

 

Im going to be painting the walls and ceiling dark to help make the room as dark as possibly. 1 side im hanging a themed memorial wall paper thats dark.

When using the projector the room would be dark or as close as possible in the day time. In the process I will be adding dimmer switches to the already installed spot lights.

Interesting that you mentioned about the distance of the projector as ive seen others that state short throw lenses for smaller rooms. The optoma hd25 is a fixed lense so thats something to think about. They also do a optoma hd25e that is not as bright.

 

Im confused in what to go for. I would like HD 1080p and 3D is just an option im not to fussed about.

What would you suggest to buy?

 

Ps I was going to go for ceiling mount.

 

Thanks Dan

 

If i was going to buy another projector, this is the one I would personally go for.

 

http://www.optomausa.com/products/detail/HD33

Depends on your budget?

I thought the hd 33 had been discontinued?

I dont really want to spend more than £800

 

Thanks Dan

Does it have to be new?

Mine was second hand only had about 25 hrs on, now racked up over 2.5k on the first bulb.

I love my hd200x, I did also get a demo of the jvc x9, which was better, but couldnt justify the extra lump of money it was better but not by much.

Also saw a high end 3d projector, which I did love. 3d really comes alive on a screen that big.

The more expensive the projector, the more you should spend on higher grade screens and even AV hardware to maximise the quality. your better off spending your money on a good quality 2D projector than compromising on an average 3D setup.

 

The only advantage of a full HD projector is watching Blu-Ray content and even then you are often only gettting 3/4 resolution due to the black bars, as the original films were made for anamorphic projection (thats another option on HC products) 2:35.1 ratio. That said you will still achieve higher grade images than a 720P projector.

 

Sky however only broadcast in 720P so they wil provide max res on either version. 3D on sky is only 310P per channel Left/right it's just the processing that makes the image appear so sharp.

 

Steer well clear of the budget Electric screens they use cheap motors that will be unreliable and low grade fabrics that will ripple and fold in a short space of time. Good brands for relatively low money are Sapphire and even Optoma's OEM range are worth considering.

 

At £800 your options for combination electric screen and PJ are not likely going to see new product especialy as your looking for an 8ft screen, but there are some good deals on Ex-demo kit you could consider to get close to your budget.