Poor mans projector? Help please

**billmd** · **10-20-07, 09:11 PM**

I am just an average guy with a very average budget($1200.00) and you all have inspired me to pursue a theater of my own. That being said I was wondering what the best choice for my budget would be.
91" ceiling
12' ceiling depth before a soffet
Basement area with controllable light
Need to be able to enjoy Cable as well as Movies
Screen suggestions would also be helpful

Thanks for all of your time and knowledge throughout the site.
Billmd

**Rajesh** · **10-21-07, 03:04 AM**

$1200 sounds a good budget to me though . I am thinking of the projector HD-70 OPTOMA for $999 or less .

**wbassett** · **10-21-07, 03:19 AM**

Also take a look at the Panasonic AX200u.

**Anthony** · **10-21-07, 12:32 PM**

I'm not up on current projector prices, but you should be able to get something in a 720p LCD or DLP for that price now (mine was $2k over a year ago, Sanyo Z4).

projectorcentral.com has a ton of research, calculators, and information.

I got mine from visual apex, but also have heard good things about projectorpeople as well. And of course, if Amazon sells it, you can always check out the Shack store and the Shack gets a cut of the profits (and it's the same shipping and inventory as Amazon).

As for screens, I splurged and got a fixed frame Optoma Greywolf II 92" for around $500. The pull down versions are much cheaper, but can have waves over time. There's a big "paint one yourself" contingent here that can chime in as well. I'm not a fan of those because I know how fickle drywall can be

There's probably not a straight wall in my entire house.

Good luck,
Anthony

**cynical2** · **10-21-07, 03:47 PM**

Quote:

Anthony wrote:

I'm not up on current projector prices, but you should be able to get something in a 720p LCD or DLP for that price now (mine was $2k over a year ago, Sanyo Z4).

projectorcentral.com has a ton of research, calculators, and information.

I got mine from visual apex, but also have heard good things about projectorpeople as well. And of course, if Amazon sells it, you can always check out the Shack store and the Shack gets a cut of the profits (and it's the same shipping and inventory as Amazon).

As for screens, I splurged and got a fixed frame Optoma Greywolf II 92" for around $500. The pull down versions are much cheaper, but can have waves over time. There's a big "paint one yourself" contingent here that can chime in as well. I'm not a fan of those because I know how fickle drywall can be

There's probably not a straight wall in my entire house.

Good luck,
Anthony

True, you run a risk with cracking/"straightness" if you paint your wall directly, but there are many other alternatives for DIY screens. For instance, there are several laminates that give outstanding performance "straight out of the box", or you can paint a substrate (other than your wall).

I'd encourage you explore the DIY screen forum and ask for input based on your needs. You can get great performance at a fraction of the cost of a commercial screen (if you're willing to use a little bit of elbow grease).

Regarding the pj, I have the Panny AX100Y (predecessor to the 200), and can HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

Good luck!
Jim

**E-A-G-L-E-S** · **10-21-07, 06:04 PM**

Sharp 3K or Sharp 12K(awesome PJ, probably the best 720p)...although they run $1300-$1500.
If you simply cannot stretch it then the Panny ax200 or Mitsubishi HC1500.
-jmo

**Shred** · **10-23-07, 08:39 AM**

Optoma HD70 + necessary cables + DIY screen should fit in the budget.
If DIY screen is out of question then maybe you should consider buying used screen.

**bhorstkotte** · **10-23-07, 09:35 AM**

For screens, you might also want to check out laminates, such as Wilsonart - I have heard many with good results, and its around $60-80 or so per sheet (4x8 - can also get larger sheets if needed)

**tonyvdb** · **10-23-07, 10:39 AM**

Quote:

Aki Salento wrote:

If DIY screen is out of question then maybe you should consider buying used screen.

Good idea although getting even a 82" diagonal screen used will cost about $200 You can paint on a screen for far less and get a larger size in the process.

**rdubwood** · **10-24-07, 10:52 AM**

I just picked up an Acer PH530 for around $600 - can't beat it for the $$$. Picture looks fantastic. I'd also consider the Optoma HD70 and the Mitsu HC1500 which are both fantastic projectors and a notch up in performance above the PH530. Both of those can be bought for well under $1k if you search. As far as the screen goes, I have a DIY Do-able board screen from Home Depot and it looks great. I bought some 3.5" base molding and some velvet and made an awesome looking screen for under $100. I also made a screen from some fabric from dazian - cheap and looks great too. If you don't want to make your own screen you should check out Elite screens - they have some very affordable screens as well. Monoprice has great prices and quality cables. Good luck.

Randy
The Home Theater Brothers

**polygonkilla** · **10-24-07, 01:31 PM**

I've heard alot about the Acer - great price.

**tonyvdb** · **10-24-07, 03:46 PM**

I picked up my Sanyo Z2 for $600 (new bulb) about 6 months ago. I am very happy with it. I bet now you can find a Z4 for close to that price. Sanyo has been the surprise in the projector race as they really make a nice unit with lenz shift and all.

**bholio** · **10-28-07, 07:41 AM**

Maybe a dumb question, but is the 1200 just for the projector/screen? Or does audio also have to come out of that 1200 budget? I personally find that the sound part of a movie is at least 50% of the viewing experience, and projectors don't do that.

Quote:

billmd wrote:

I am just an average guy with a very average budget($1200.00) and you all have inspired me to pursue a theater of my own. That being said I was wondering what the best choice for my budget would be.
91" ceiling
12' ceiling depth before a soffet
Basement area with controllable light
Need to be able to enjoy Cable as well as Movies
Screen suggestions would also be helpful

Thanks for all of your time and knowledge throughout the site.
Billmd

**Rex** · **10-28-07, 08:23 AM**

Quote:

billmd wrote:

I am just an average guy with a very average budget($1200.00) and you all have inspired me to pursue a theater of my own. That being said I was wondering what the best choice for my budget would be.
91" ceiling
12' ceiling depth before a soffet
Basement area with controllable light
Need to be able to enjoy Cable as well as Movies
Screen suggestions would also be helpful

Thanks for all of your time and knowledge throughout the site.
Billmd

Bill

If your budget is for the projector and screen, then I suggest you look at some of the projector systems built by Curt Palme (www.curtpalme.com) and some sort of DIY screen.

If your budget also includes the audio component(s) and speakers, then I don't think you will find anything in that range, unless you happen upon an incredible bargain. There are such bargains, from time to time, on Craigs List, eBay, and others places.

**tcarcio** · **10-28-07, 11:14 AM**

www.projectionguys.com has some nice package deals you could consider.

**Rex** · **10-28-07, 11:45 AM**

Quote:

tcarcio wrote:

www.projectionguys.com has some nice package deals you could consider.

I found these sites interesting too:

Projector Central

Mike Parker Mods

Projector Screens Direct

Projector Screen Store.com/

Tech for Less

Home Theater Plus

And of course, I check WOOT

**Rex** · **10-28-07, 11:51 AM**

Oops! I forgot this one:

Curt Palme Projectors

He has a section on "entry level" systems, and has offerings starting at $350. This is an excerpt:

Entry-level CRT projectors are perfect for the individual that wants to add high quality video to their home theater but doesn't necessarily want to break the bank with the latest and greatest CRT projector. Entry-Level CRT projectors offer the following features:

7" and 8" tube sizes with light output usually in the 600-800 lumen range
Electrostatic focus
Analog or digital convergence (depending on model)
Capable of displaying 1080i (HDTV) resolution (Video grade units excluded), some will do 720p as well
Most are smaller in size to the Intermediate/High Performance counterparts
More information on these features and what they mean is available in the CRT Primer.

All of these projectors are perfectly suited for home theater use (satellite/cable TV and DVD playback), and most will display 1080i high definition TV (HDTV) as well. All have been thoroughly tested and many have had modifications done to them to increase reliability.

Be forewarned that the words 'Entry-Level' can be a bit misleading! These projectors are tagged as 'Entry-Level' simply because newer and better models are available. These are all commercial/professional grade projectors that often originally sold for $10K and up!

For some example screenshots of one of these 'entry-level' projectors, please visit this post in our CRT Projector discussion forum. They were taken by the webmaster on his 26K hour (yes, 26,000 hours) Barco 800 bought from me back in 2000.

Curious how a CRT projector you're considering purchasing stacks up against others? Check out our Projector Rankings page to see exactly how the different units compare in terms of performance in a home theater environment!

**billmd** · **10-28-07, 04:06 PM**

First I want to thank evrybody for all of your helpful suggestions and resources.
I have narrowed it down to the Sanyo Z5 and the Sony hs60. And yes the 1200.00 was just for the projector and maybe a little flexible. So which would you buy??

**khellandros66** · **10-28-07, 05:39 PM**

The new Sony VPL-AW10 and AW15 either of these are nice, also count my vote for the Optoma HD70 also a nice projector on the low low if DLP is ya flava

Any of those is sure to be a TKO

~Bobby

**pappaj** · **11-06-07, 02:19 AM**

I got a cheap mitsubishi off ebay I can't remember the model right now for 300 bucks shipped. For my screen I used a custom made blind from home depot that is 120" diagonal that works really well actually but it can't take any lights on.

**E-A-G-L-E-S** · **11-06-07, 07:51 PM**

If you have $1200 I'd suggest the InFocus SP-7210, Mistubishi HC1500, Optoma 7100/7300, Panasonic PT-AX200U, IN76, Sharp DT-500, Sharp DT-510 or Sharp 12000 MK II....all are better than Acer 530 or Optoma HD70.

**billmd** · **11-06-07, 08:29 PM**

in that order
What about the Mitsubishi 3000

**Rex** · **11-07-07, 03:42 AM**

For your $1,200, it's hard to imagine how anything would come close to one of those refurbed & tweaked Barco's that originally sold for over $10,000. The specs blow away anything new on the market in the under $2,000 price range. The more I read, the more I find it hard to select any of the "newer" approaches.

This is an excerpt from http://www.lynxxx.nl/barco/introduction.asp

Why CRT Projection?

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) with yoke

Instead of liquid crystal display panels (LCD) or tiny arrays of mirrors (DLP), Barco CRT projectors use - as their name indicates - cathode ray tubes or CRT's. Cathode Ray tubes do not have a fixed panel resolution, which means they can display any resolution that is within the scan range (RGB bandwidth) of the projector. Deeper blacks, vibrant colors, extremely high contrast ratios and complete lack of pixel structure are some of the properties that set CRT projectors apart from even the most expensive DLPs. In short, CRT projectors provide the most film-like viewing experience possible. As an added bonus, the flexible resolution often allows even the cheapest Data range CRT projectors to output a 1920x1080i HDTV resolution! CRT projectors are heavy, difficult to setup and everything-but-portable, but despite what most salespeople will tell you, their performance is still unmatched by any other technology.

Are you out of your mind?

Of course the size and weight dont exactly give the Barco a high "Wife Acceptance Factor" or WAF, which is why many people tend to go for the smaller DLP and LCD projectors and I for one don't blame them. The steep learning curve, mounting constraints and many myths that have been created by salespeople of modern DLP technology will scare off a lot of people. CRT owners are often refered to as the "mad scientists" that refer to their projector as "the precious" but scary as some of them may look or sound, they are always willing to help you out with whatever problems you run into. The home theater communities on the internet and CRT owners in particular often provide you with all the support you need on a technical level. However, it is up to you to gain the support of your significant other :-)

Lifespan

CRT tubes have an average lifespan of about 10,000 hours, which is longer than most people will ever spend in their home theater. Compare that to the 1000 hours you'll be able to push out of most DLP projector bulbs! The chassis of most CRT projectors will last even longer than that, providing you with countless hours of home theater fun before requiring replacement of tubes or other parts. However, tubes can wear out much much faster when a projector has been driven too hard or installed incorrectly. Prolonged periods of displaying static images will quickly result in tube-burn, which also drasticly reduces the lifespan of the tube. A cheap projector can turn out to be a very expensive deal if the tubes have wear or burn. Tube replacements costs are high and in many cases even higher than the price for which you will have purchased the projector.

**E-A-G-L-E-S** · **11-07-07, 08:48 AM**

billmd... no, not in any particular order. If you don't need lens shift I persoanlly MUCH prefer a DLP. Any of those listed are great PJ's. Some are more for daytime viewing as they are light cannons whereas

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