What's better: an LCD flat screen or a projector?

Question

I want the image as big as possible. It will probably be used 2 hours a day max, or longer for the occasional party to play music videos, etc.

I've already got a speaker set up and a blank wall in case I get a projector, but I hear the bulbs have to be replaced a lot? Do you projector owners mind this, and do you think its worth the extra money to have such a big image?

Answer 1

I have both. The projector in the home theater for the occasional use. The flat screen is in our family room.

There are trade offs. The LCD screen is going to give you a great image in ambient light as well as low light, but the image is fixed at 37" or 42" or whatever you buy. The projector can give you a 60+ image, but the best image is in low light, not very effective for a party.

The lamp will need to be changed around 2000 to 3000 hours. At two hours a day, well.. you can do the math. It's not that costly, $250 on average.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

If you are looking for the "best buy" gaming/home cinema projector, it's a refurbished Infocus SP4805 DLP projector which is selling for $325 at infocus.com > store >clearance center > refurbished home projectors > SP 4805.

Here's a sample movie shot of "A Good Woman" on a 92" diagonal wall/screen [on a 130" diagonal goosystems.com $125 movie paint] with the SP 4805 placed on a coffee table some 12.5 ft. from the wall:

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/e6/32/22ab225b9da0543f3304f010.L.jpg

Also check out the rave reviews and home theatre pictures by amazon.com customers [query: "Infocus SP4805"].

The replacement lamps run around $320 and last about 4000 hours with proper shutting down which requires one to turn off the lamp while leaving on the main fan for at least 20 minutes. Thereafter, turn the whole projector off via the main power switch. This shutdown procedure will guarantee a lamp life of at least 92%.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi. If you want the Cinema experience at home a Projector is the only way to go.Large screen TVs are good if you want the best possible image available today but you are always aware that you are looking at a TV.I don't know how you would go having a party in the room as it is best to look at the screen in the dark (the same as in the Cinema).

Answer 4

If that is the case, projector would be good. I owned a philips projector and is it doing very well. After so many years, I have only changed the bulb once. I think the life span of the bulb is rather durable. Can't remember exactly how long was the life span but I recommend you go for it.

Answer 5

I have 3 setups in my home and extremely pleased with it. The one in the living room is on almost 12 hours a day and we had to replace the lamp after about 8 months and it cost $135 bucks. A small price to play in my opinion for a 10 foot widescreen.

Although ambient light is important, any pj with lumens between 1000 - 1500 will give you an outstanding bright picture with ebough ambient light to even read a book, let alone have a party.

I'd go for it if I were you,

weeder