Projector V Plasma

[rocketron204]

Hi,
I wonder if anyone could help with my dilema.

I am considering a Panasonic AX100, however I already have a 42" plasma on the wall and, due to media shelves etc the screen (6' across) would have to hang about 7" from the wall
Just to complicate matters there's a ceiling fan as well!

Do normal screens suffer from curl?
Would the screen move if the fan is on (don't want to roast while watching a film

If it does and a tab tensioned screen is required (would this move with a fan on ) this will put the price well over what a Pioneer 50' plasma would cost when the HDMI splitter, long cable, HDMI wall sockets etc are taken into consideration.

[gazbarber]

Originally Posted by rocketron204

Hi,
I wonder if anyone could help with my dilema.

I am considering a Panasonic AX100, however I already have a 42" plasma on the wall and, due to media shelves etc the screen (6' across) would have to hang about 7" from the wall
Just to complicate matters there's a ceiling fan as well!

Do normal screens suffer from curl?
Would the screen move if the fan is on (don't want to roast while watching a film

If it does and a tab tensioned screen is required (would this move with a fan on ) this will put the price well over what a Pioneer 50' plasma would cost when the HDMI splitter, long cable, HDMI wall sockets etc are taken into consideration.

If you want day time viewing and general viewing expereince then a flatscreen is the only way to go, if your after something to supliment your viewing for special event, sport and movies ect, then a projector can't be beaten, not only is the image larger but its also generaly better.

You'll need light control (low tech like blinds ect..) to get the best out of even the most powerful light cannon.

Screen curl, any good screen shoudln't curl, and there is an entire part of the forum devoted to how people have set there systems up, many using a screen which drops down infront of their plasma/lcd but is hidden when not in use.

A fixed screen is likly to give the best image, lacking any form of imperfections (at least thats why you'd get one) but pull down and electrical mean the screens are only seen when in use.

generaly projector screens are made of pretty wieghty materials and are held tought by either a wieghted end or a connecting bracket.

A good screen can cost several hundred pounds, and there are lots of options involved even when you decide what type of screen you want.

Also make sure you check out the throw distance for the projector, as you don't want to get a screen thats too small or big, or even a projector that doesn't accumadate the sapce its used in.

[phillfyspoon]

A projector can provide an experiance that a plasma can not deliver.

As for better image quality, my plasma is better then some things and the projector better with others, the projector has far less pixalation considering how large the image is, I hardly notice any artifacts on it. The plasma may be that bit brighter and have deeper contrast but the projector wins hands down just for sheer size and the fact image is very film like and smooth.

[matti 5]

i had a ceiling fan and it did blow the screen about,then i got air con and problem solved. i never use projector in extreme heat,air con works great

[nwgarratt]

It is possible to use a projector during the day. It just requires some form off lgiht control to darken the room. As more PJ's are getting brighter, the amount of darkness is less.

Even a cheap PJ will beat a cheap LCD/Plasma. The size of the image will beat them everytime.

[rocketron204]

Thanks for the info.
Just so that theres some sort of reference my present system consists of : -
A Panasonic Viera TH42PX60, Pioneer Ax10i amp, Mission Elegante speakers, Pioneer Dv 989Avi and Sky HD (it took a lot of O/T to get all this!!)

I've already done some research and if I decide on a projector (Panny AX100 as stated) it would be with an electric screen (there are some on Ebay for around £180 that seem to get some good reviews on the forum) so that the plasma could be used for "normal" (I've got Kids and the projector lamp would need replacing every 2 months if it was the only option) viewing using a HDMI splitter.
That rules out the fixes screen option
The throw would be around 8 1/2' so a 6 ' screen would be the largest that would be I could have.

It would be in a room that's already warm (hence the fan!) and I am concerned about the heat the projector would throw out making it worse.
I hadn't considered aircon it would be more expence (but then again I like my gadgets!!)

The light control would be taken care of with dark/heavy curtains.

I've worked out that the best value/performance option would cost around £1500, taking into account cables and HDMI splitters etc and it could be an expensive mistake if I screw up and the picture quality is not so good.
Would it be worth spending circa £400 for a "good quality" screen?
I could may push to £2000 if I wait a while

I really trying to convince my self that a projector is the way to go instead of another (bigger) Plasma.
There would be hell to pay if I screw up with yet another piece of kit needs another "upgrade"

[matti 5]

its projector every time for me,when you go back to your 42" it will look tiny,mine does and its 50".
as for air con you can get a portable unit for a couple of hundred, i wouldn't use my projector in the summer without it,and if the summer is as hot as last year you get the added bonus of a good nights sleep. go on order the projector you no you want to