Where do I find a good projector?

Question

Budget is $1200.
I'm looking for a good ceiling mounted projector for my home theater which will attach to my media center computer. What should I get? What should I avoid?

Answer 1

Well there are lots of places to get a good projector. Here's what to look for:
Can you control the ambient light in your room? to make it as dark as possible? if not, then you will need a projector rated rated at least around 1200 - 1500 lumens
HDTV capable (it might say 1080i or 720p...this would be good)
must have at least a component video connector, preferably a DVI connector and a VGA (most do)
must be ceiling mountable (check on that spec. )
look for at least an XGA (1024 x 768) resolution
and go with a DLP preferably

Make sure whomever you buy it from will give you a decent warranty/return policy.
also don't go cheap on the mounting hardware, there are lots of 'universal' mounts which are very inexpensive, try and get one that is made for that particular projector.

try these places:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.dell.com
http://www.projectorpeople.com
try ebay but whatever you do don't buy from someone who is selling a 'gently used' projector and if they can't give you all the specs i listed above...stay away

Answer 2

If you are looking for a projector capable of good HDTV, you will have to raise your budget. If all you want is VGA quality for computer display, there are projectors available in your price range. Sharp is a good choice. See http://www.sharpusa.com/products/FunctionPressReleaseSingle/0,1080,560-9,00.html

For HDTV, sharp makes and excellent projector for about $4,000:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/sharp_z2000.htm

Also, Yamaha is rated very highly. as is the Sony SXRD (LCD projector. The latter is much more expensive, but has recieved outstanding reviews.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

for home theater its[ infocus] great hd picture

Answer 5

take a canon they are 1 of the best ones.

http://estore.usa.canon.com/SearchResults.asp?PARENTOID=3940