Projector or tv...?

Question

I'm looking to buy a LCD projector or a larger television set; which one do you think is better for the money? And what brands would you recommend? I'm not looking to spend TOO much money, but I want something nice.

Answer 1

this should depend on what other components you are using with your home theatre. For example, if you are very concerned about the quality/resolution of your picture, you would want to go with a regular tv set rather than a projector. Some projectors can produce the same quality as flat panel tvs, but you would need to spend a large amount of money for one. If you aren't so concerned about picture quality, perhaps if you don't really have hi-def inputs (cable set top boxes, blu-ray, ps3, etc) you would be able to go with a projector and most likely get a bigger screen size for your money. However, projector screens generally don't perform very well in rooms that aren't considerably dark, so if your viewing room is more lighted or you have windows in it you may want to consider a flat panel instead (LCD flat panels are very good at handling reflective light). Overall my opinion would be that a flat panel tv is a better investment. As far as plasma or lcd flat panels, panasonic would pretty much be top of the line, but samsung is good if you don't necessarily want to shell out too much cash and they are still very high quality tvs. if you decide to go the projector and screen route, sony projectors pretty much dominate. as far as the screens, it really doesn't make too much difference but DRAPER is a safe bet.
Hope this helps,
Nick Ryan

Answer 2

In my opinion there is really NO reason to buy a regular TV instead of a pj assuming you have the space to do so. We gave up on regular TV's in most of the house a couple of years ago and have been very pleased.

You'll hear a lot of people talk about the picture quality, cost, etc. but I know from experience that you can use a pj to get as good, if not better, picture than regular TV for the same price if not less. These days you can get a really good 780p & 1080i projector for less than $1000 and you can build a cheap easy screen for less than $200 or buy one. I suggest the company below for the screen material. You can also get a 1080p pj for $2000, but unless you have HD DVD or Blue Ray there is not anything else to watch as nothing else is broadcast in 1080p.

For inside, any pj with lumens above 1000 is perfectly fine for inside and will be bright enough to have decent picture even with enough ambient light to read by.

The only con really is the initial setup. There's a little more involved than just plugging in a TV, but it's really not that difficult either. You just mount your projector, run your cables and watch. You'll also need a Receiver for sound as most projectors come with a little speaker that's not really good foe everyday use. Here's some pj's I would recommend and feel free to email with any questions. All of these are 780p &1080i for true HD experience.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-HD70.htm

http://www.projectorcentral.com/InFocus_Home-Play_Big_IN74EX.htm

If you look around on the web you can find both of these for about $700. Also check out www.tigerdirect.com for pj specials. They usually have some really good deals, especially if you can wait on a $$$ rebate.

As far as the screen goes, I'd recommend the company below for the fabric if you want to make your own. It's real easy to do.

www.dazian.com

hope this helps,

weeder

Answer 3

This projector is low priced crap. The decision is 640 x 480. The minimum decision that is noted as HD is 1024 x 768. that's barely 1300 lumens, which skill the room will must be extremely dark. It has no tuner. ANY 19" HDTV is going to be a much better fee than this beast.

Answer 4

Hi.If you want the Cinema experience at home then projector and screen is the only way to go.I would have to know your budget before recommending any products.

Answer 5

if not spending 2 much go for tv lower end projectors are not so good