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Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

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Old 01-01-2009, 5:51 PM   #1
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Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Hi
Ive recently finished my basement and im looking for a my 1st projector. The projector will be used mainly in the dark so i need a projector and screen especially for my needs.
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Old 01-01-2009, 6:07 PM   #2
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Well you could go for one of these:

Projectors: Sony Brings Their $114,000, 4K Projector Out From Hiding

Or, you could look at one of these:

Themescene HD65 DLP Projector: Save £££s when you quote RJHD65.: Roy Jowett Home Cinema & Hi Fi : Call 01282 864048

Cheekyness aside, what sort of budget are you thinking of gojrapak, and do you have a screen size in mind?
Will you be using it for gaming, watching films? Or a bit of everything?
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Old 01-01-2009, 6:14 PM   #3
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

As stainless says we need a budget, also what size is your basement. No good somebody reccomending a PJ, only for you to find it won't give the screen size you want within the space you have.

Ideally, you want to figure out your max throw distance (distance between PJ lens and the displayed image), this will enable you to figure out what screen size you can achieve with each model of PJ. Or you could come at it the other way and fix your ideal screen size and see where you need to mount the PJ to achieve that.
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Old 01-01-2009, 6:16 PM   #4
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Well my budget is £2000 for projector and £200 - 300 for screen
Screen between 100 - 120 inches
projector to screen is 4.8 metre
I will mainly be watching movies on my bluray player (panasonic bd55)
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Old 01-01-2009, 6:47 PM   #5
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

You can get a JVC DLA-HD1 for just under £2K here.

It's not the latest, but a very good projector.
See review:
avforums review
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Old 01-01-2009, 6:51 PM   #6
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Well, the Sony HW10 (approx £1600) is a contender straight away, It'll give you a 105" to 155" diagonal at that distance according to the projector central screen calculator (Projection Calculator - Throw Distance and Screen Size).

The Panasonic AE3000 (approx £2200) will also be worth considering, that'll give you a 81" to 159" image at that distance.

Both of these pjs are at the top of the class, the panasonic has more features than the sony but the picture's no better, even though it's £600 dearer.

The Optoma HD80 at around £1500 is also a great projector (97" to 116" at your distance) - do you have an issue with rainbows from DLP projectors?
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Old 01-01-2009, 8:30 PM   #7
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Considering that it will be my first projector purchace and im going to be amazed anyway is the panasonic ae3000 worth the extra money over the sony hw10 ?
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Old 02-01-2009, 3:35 PM   #8
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Before you decide on a PJ - would background fan noise be an issue for you?
I personally discounted any DLP models simply because of the damn fan noise
26 to 29db or higher (optomas etc) is damn noisy.

Conside where will PJ be in relation to seating area - ceiling height etc in order to fill the screen size your looking at.

Re Fan Noise - If you have only ever watched movies on a large screen TV then this may be an issue for you. If the PJ is in a housing then that may quieten it down but have to say the cinema experience at home is a lot better with less ambient noise from kit (Ps3 HD DVD and PJ - it all adds up and can spoil quiet sections of a movie)

Not decrying DLP or anything but personally for me I would look at fan noise; then lens throw as well as resolution.

Re suggestions Id have to say Mitsubishi HC6000 (which I have) or Sanyo PLV-Z2000 (or the newer z3000)
All have good warranty (sanyo typically 3 year)
Panasonic a consideration but heard to many comments on dust blobs etc

Sonys SXRD non local for me to check/review but believe they should be a consideration (again low fan noise)

Sanyo PLV-Z2000 Projector (PLVZ2000)
Mitsubishi HC6000 Projector (HC6000)
http://interactive-av.co.uk/projecto....php?pid=25748
Sony VPLVW40 - VPL-VW40 - VPL-VW40 by: Sony - 247AV.com - 247av.com

Do a scan through the owners threads for any issues on any given model.
Good luck and enjoy.

Last edited by dabbler; 02-01-2009 at 3:59 PM. Reason: added link
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Old 02-01-2009, 3:50 PM   #9
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Read this comment on the Panasonic
Projector Sanyo Z3000 or Panasonic PT-AE3000

May be interested in checking into before deciding on the Panasonic
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Old 02-01-2009, 4:04 PM   #10
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

some light reading for you as well
Projector Reviews: LCD Projectors, Screens, DLP Video and Home Theater
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Old 02-01-2009, 4:11 PM   #11
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dabbler View Post
Read this comment on the Panasonic
Projector Sanyo Z3000 or Panasonic PT-AE3000

May be interested in checking into before deciding on the Panasonic
Although can you trust a person with only 1 post thats also posting a link where to buy?
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Old 02-01-2009, 4:15 PM   #12
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by duke748 View Post
Although can you trust a person with only 1 post thats also posting a link where to buy?
Hadnt noted that - but very true - you have to consider that any "review" or "comment" may have some bias.
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Old 02-01-2009, 9:56 PM   #13
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Ive decided to buy the panasonic pt-ae3000 for £2099.00 from sound and vision

The projector will be placed directly above my seating position on a shelf so will i hear much fan noise ?

And also what screen should I buy if I intend to watch movies in total darkness ? (cant see my hand), white, grey, gain etc ?
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Old 02-01-2009, 10:06 PM   #14
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Would you not be better with a Sony HW10? It seems to be the more favourable of the two machines in the reviews i've read.

Ive plumped for the Sony unit and from Tuesday will have it hooked up, if you're in the Midlands and need a demo just shout.
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Old 03-01-2009, 12:26 AM   #15
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

To be honest emporer the sony hw10 does seem to be the best option for my budget. Because ill then be able to use the additional money for a screen and some accessories for my home theater.

How about I wait until after tuesday so u can give me your feedback on the sony hw10 projector. And if i agree ill order it on friday 9th (decision day)
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Old 03-01-2009, 11:57 AM   #16
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Once its mounted i'll be posting my thoughts etc in the HW10 thread so keep an eye out.
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Old 03-01-2009, 12:19 PM   #17
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Re: Whats the best full hd projector for my new basement ?

Cant find details of fan noise levels published for this model - believe the old PTAE2000 was 22Db - not bad but not the best. It would be audible during quiet passages but not massively so.
The Sanyo and Mits at 19db even quieter.
My Mits is also above back seating position (3ft or so) and barely noticable.
Sanyo Z3 it replaced (22db) again similar so dont expect it will be an issue. for you with the Panasonic in low lamp mode.


Have a search around for offers (sound and vision sometimes price match)
Saw the PTAE3000 offered with free Blu-ray player
https://www.forumhifivisual.co.uk/Vi...3000_2254.html

Screen in all dark room - read some of the screen reviews on projector reviews.com for some advice - as always all depends on how much you want to spend.
For all dark room go for 1.0 gain - grayer material better blacks. Less reflection of course means lower brightness. Not a problem in a dark room - (always have my PJ on low lamp mode which means its running at its quietest as well and lamp lasts longer).
Everyone has an opinion and you can go massively into the "science" and tie yourself in knots. At the end of the day its what your happy with against cost/what you can afford.
Again search these forums for comments on screens. Manual screen suits me fine as its down all the time and lays flat. May be worth getting decent manual screen then upgrade at a later date to tab tensioned or fixed screen if you fell you need to. The heavier the material the flatter it should lie.
Beamax R series will suit Projection screens
or heavier material Grandview screens
Manual Pull down screens, projection screens, Projector screens

As I say - at the end of the day its what your happy with against cost/what you can afford. Those with more experience or industry background may have better suggestions for you. Dont spend to much time looking for issues - set it up sit down and enjoy.

Good luck

Last edited by dabbler; 03-01-2009 at 12:28 PM.
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