newbie in need of help buying digital projector and screen for DVDs

[Noraf83]

Hello, im looking for a digital projector and screen strictly for showing DVD movies. I have been told that since DVDs native resolution is 480p that i would not need a super expensive projector to produce a nice image, however i am looking to produce an image between 8 and 12ft (3metres), or bigger if that is possible without a large reduction in quality. i am looking to spend no more then 900pounds total for all of this, but would preffer to spend less if possible. I would love to hear as much feedback and opinion as possible so please do not hesitate to post with suggestions. thanks a bunch
Faron

[sainthalo]

research infocus 4805, sanyo z3, hitachi tx100. consider buying from germany to keep on budget. projectorcentral for throw calculator. good luck.

[DEANO-B]

Welcome back 'Sainthalo' - I thought you'd gone for good

Does the £900 include the screen cost and all cables, or is it £900 just for the PJ?

[sainthalo]

Originally Posted by DEANO-B

Welcome back 'Sainthalo' - I thought you'd gone for good

Does the £900 include the screen cost and all cables, or is it £900 just for the PJ?

Cheers Deano, so did I but looks like i'm back!

Anyway, nice to be welcomed back

[theritz]

Originally posted by sainthalo (without any editing)

research infocus 4805, sanyo z3, hitachi tx100. consider buying from germany to keep on budget. projectorcentral for throw calculator. good luck

Hi Noraf83, welcome to the forums.

I believe that the risks (particularly for a first-time buyer) in importing a projector are not remotely worth the savings which are sometimes available, so I fundamentally disagree with the advice offered by sainthalo.

I would strongly advise that you seek a demo of some of the popular projectors (you'll get a good idea by reading back through the forums) - if you haven't had a projector before it makes sense to see them in action before you buy. A number of dealers are sponsors of the forums and have excellent reputations for giving good advice and helping with demos - have a look at the list of forum sponsors - one of them might be convenient to where you live.

I would think that a screen width of 12ft is probably too wide for most entry level projectors, but a demo should help you get a better idea of what might be suitable.




Sean.

[Noraf83]

the 900pounds is for everything. i agree, i need to get a look at some demos. im gonna come out of the closet and tell you all that i am an American. I am buying this projector to bring to West Africa. I am not seeking top of the line quality. for my purposes, a larger image at good quality is better then a small image at amazing quality. 12ft would be great. 8 will still do fine. thanks for the suggestions. in the meantime im poking around this site trying to get my knowledge base together. keep them coming and ill keep researching.

[Noraf83]

Originally Posted by sainthalo

research infocus 4805, sanyo z3, hitachi tx100. consider buying from germany to keep on budget. projectorcentral for throw calculator. good luck.

thanks ill look into those. as i am in the USA i dont have to deal with any of that exorbatant VAT, so i think im better off ordering one from any state but my own (we pay tax only on purchase within our state)

[sainthalo]

Originally Posted by Noraf83

thanks ill look into those. as i am in the USA i dont have to deal with any of that exorbatant VAT, so i think im better off ordering one from any state but my own (we pay tax only on purchase within our state)

In that case you definitely should check out the bargainous 4805 (DLP) or Z3 (LCD) which are very cheap over there right now.

[DEANO-B]

As the size of the image you want to throw is so big I would go for the Z3 as the pixel structure on the 4805 will become easily visable.

Off thopic - were has the spel cheker gon!!

[Noraf83]

Originally Posted by DEANO-B

As the size of the image you want to throw is so big I would go for the Z3 as the pixel structure on the 4805 will become easily visable.

Off thopic - were has the spel cheker gon!!

Im going to look into the Z3. at about what size projection would the image begin to noticably break down. this is to be used for a small cinema in cape verde. Currently the only alternatives are terrible outdoor cinema and a completely terrible indoor one. thats the kind of competetion im dealing with. since im going up against establishments projecting 35mm, i need to have a decent size image for it to be in the same league. again, the compition is god awful, but id like to do this with a bit of style.

[Noraf83]

a quick look is telling me $1300 for the z3, is that about right?

[sainthalo]

Originally Posted by DEANO-B

As the size of the image you want to throw is so big I would go for the Z3 as the pixel structure on the 4805 will become easily visable.

Off thopic - were has the spel cheker gon!!

Have to concur, the hidef panels will come into their own.

As for the spellchecker maybe it got band?

And yep $1300 is about right in the usa for a z3 - bargain!!!

[p.booth]

Can I also welcome you back Saint Halo.
I appreciate the help, you and "the Projector experts" on here, have afforded me.I`ll wish you all a Happy Christmas just in case I don`t get time later in the week.

[Noraf83]

a couple quick questions about the Z3. i really like what ime reading about this thing. it seems to be geared towards HDtv though. not necessarily a bad thing, but im doubting i will get much use out of that in west africa. its native resolution is 720p, double the DVD standard if i recall. is that going to degrade the quality of a DVD projection in comparison to a native 480p projector. i am looking to purchase within the next 2 months, is the price likely to fall on this, or do you thinkit has hit a plateau? the review im reading on projectorcentral.com is saying that this should throw a 100inch projection, what would a decent screen around that size run me? thanks again