I also use my TV for casual watching...but since my theater was completed I am most of the time watching movies. I like the atmosphere of a dedicated HT. Casual watching rate has gone down!
Are projectors still a secret?
I was wondering if you all think that projectors are still widely unknown to the general public? Do you think that if more people knew about them that they would but a projector over a TV? Also would that have a positive or negative effect on the industry and it's customers?
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Absolutely! Take it from the horses mouth... It was a piece of cake.:TI honestly think the average joe can handle a projector installation...
Yes, Projectors are still a secret from where I now reside!
Most of the people`s preception is that projectors are costly, need to replace bulb after life span,image not sharp and vibrant as compare to LCD or Plasma TV, need dark area or a dedicate room,
setup cost with cabling and mounting high.
A point in case are, in outdoor night stall serving `teh tarik` or mamak stall they call it here,there is usually projection display of analog program by the local tv or channel tv station using a data projector. Most of the display are not clear and sharp. Thus the public perception is that projectors cannot provide good quality images as compared to LCD or Plama TV.
Currently, all TV station in my country is still transmitting analog program and have yet to go digital.
When I first set up my Home Theatre in my home, there is little information I could gather from my market place with regards to setting up a home theatre projector.Most retailers will try to push the expensive high end projectors such as Runco or low end data projectors.
It is no wonder the home projectors have still a long way to go despite the improved in technology and competitive pricing as compared to LCD or Plasma TV!
Loong
Most of the people`s preception is that projectors are costly, need to replace bulb after life span,image not sharp and vibrant as compare to LCD or Plasma TV, need dark area or a dedicate room,
setup cost with cabling and mounting high.
A point in case are, in outdoor night stall serving `teh tarik` or mamak stall they call it here,there is usually projection display of analog program by the local tv or channel tv station using a data projector. Most of the display are not clear and sharp. Thus the public perception is that projectors cannot provide good quality images as compared to LCD or Plama TV.
Currently, all TV station in my country is still transmitting analog program and have yet to go digital.
When I first set up my Home Theatre in my home, there is little information I could gather from my market place with regards to setting up a home theatre projector.Most retailers will try to push the expensive high end projectors such as Runco or low end data projectors.
It is no wonder the home projectors have still a long way to go despite the improved in technology and competitive pricing as compared to LCD or Plasma TV!
Loong
Bob, you are not alone. I too have my projector (Sanyo PLV-Z5) set up in my living room with windows and an odd space to deal with. It is ture there would be nothing I would like more than a dedicated room but go without my 106" screen because of the lack of it? Never! There are few rooms that are impossible to get a projector to work in and the result in my opinion is worth the extra effort. But I am off topic. I originally posted this question a long time ago and I don't think anything has changed. Few people know about projectors and I think they are missing out big time.For myself, the lack of a dedicated room means several windows to deal with, plus the room doubles as a living room and in addition because of a supporting post, mounting a projector would be problematic at best. The short version, some of us aren't fortunate enough to have a suitable environment for them.
:sad:
Bob
I love my projector...but I think the biggest reason people won't get them, is the same reason that tv manufacturers crank up the contrast on their sets. People will buy what pops. The only exposure most people get from a projector is either in a store (no light control) or at a sports bar (again no light control). In both of these scenarios, there is most likely a few flat panels set up next to them, or in the next room. By comparison, the front projector doesn't stand a chance.
LCD / PLASMA TV is the IN things now in my country and most family will buy one as the prices are down with keen competition! As for Home Theatre Projectors or data projectors the knowledge about them is still very low! Most people cannot tell the difference between the usage of home theatre from a data projector! As such, the dealers selling these equipments will readily push the LCD/Plasma TV as compared with the Projectors. Set up or installation for LCD/Plasma TV is much simple than the Projector as the latter required a certain distance from the screen known as Throw distance in order to determine the projection size of the image.Thus, one need a dedicated place to project the image as compared to the LCD/Plasma TV which does not need one.
Most home in the city does not have the privilege of a spacious room, thus to use a projection system is out of question.As such, projection system is still a secret to most people as not much people are using them as compared to LCD/ Plasma TV.
Most home in the city does not have the privilege of a spacious room, thus to use a projection system is out of question.As such, projection system is still a secret to most people as not much people are using them as compared to LCD/ Plasma TV.
Good points, but I wouldn't rule out smaller rooms. My room is only 1500 cubic feet, and I have two rows of seatingLCD / PLASMA TV is the IN things now in my country and most family will buy one as the prices are down with keen competition! As for Home Theatre Projectors or data projectors the knowledge about them is still very low! Most people cannot tell the difference between the usage of home theatre from a data projector! As such, the dealers selling these equipments will readily push the LCD/Plasma TV as compared with the Projectors. Set up or installation for LCD/Plasma TV is much simple than the Projector as the latter required a certain distance from the screen known as Throw distance in order to determine the projection size of the image.Thus, one need a dedicated place to project the image as compared to the LCD/Plasma TV which does not need one.
Most home in the city does not have the privilege of a spacious room, thus to use a projection system is out of question.As such, projection system is still a secret to most people as not much people are using them as compared to LCD/ Plasma TV.
Well I have been away for a while but it's good to be "back on the shack". I agree with everything you have said Superchad. The thing is that I have tried to spread the word about pj's but to no avail. After viewing my home theater they are impressed and enjoy the experience but find one excuse after another why they would not do it themselves, even when I have valid explanations to their concerns. It makes me realise why the box stores don't sell pj's. If I can't convince a friend who is seeing it for themselves what chance do they have? Please understand that my comments were meant more as a inside joke than a philosophy. I have helped many people with their home theaters and quite enjoyed doing so.Boy thats a bit of a shame if you ask me, any true enthusiast would champion as many as he knows to do exactly what he has done and not enjoy looking down his nose at others who have not yet or dont have the ability to do something similar. Anyone who comes over gets a pitch on how cheaply it can be doone and my offer to help as much as I can even scouting good deals on the internet. Maybe if more would try to grow awareness then the numbers would come down and we would all benefit from more affordable superior technology.
I built one from lumen lab with a 400 wat bulb it turned out nice but not practicle because it was huge and ugly.. I have a frien of mine that bought a projector from ebay (DONT:rofl but it was one of the ones with the 60.00 bulbs and has a built in tv tuner.. It says HDMI 1080 on the box .. He paid about 400.00 for it last year and he still hasn't had to use the 2nd bulb they sent for free..I was really impressed with this thing It looks like the oxpro projector.. The only thing is the fan is a little annoying.. I would say he watches this thing about 5 hours a day.. The picture quality with the lights on isnt to bad ( Stillnot as good as my RPTV :devil But too bad for me I dont have room for a projector in my den :hissyfit I would probably not buy a cheapy if I could help it but for a 1 time family night movie I would almost enjoy to have one like his..
I used to knock cheap china knock offs until I bought a fake Honda clone motor for my steam cleaner because the real 18hp honda thru a rod .. The china motor has been going strong for 2 years now.. So I may try a china projector one day when I have somewhere to put it... :dontknow:
but it was one of the ones with the 60.00 bulbs and has a built in tv tuner.. It says HDMI 1080 on the box .. He paid about 400.00 for it last year and he still hasn't had to use the 2nd bulb they sent for free..I was really impressed with this thing It looks like the oxpro projector.. The only thing is the fan is a little annoying.. I would say he watches this thing about 5 hours a day.. The picture quality with the lights on isnt to bad ( Stillnot as good as my RPTV :devil But too bad for me I dont have room for a projector in my den :hissyfit I would probably not buy a cheapy if I could help it but for a 1 time family night movie I would almost enjoy to have one like his..I used to knock cheap china knock offs until I bought a fake Honda clone motor for my steam cleaner because the real 18hp honda thru a rod .. The china motor has been going strong for 2 years now.. So I may try a china projector one day when I have somewhere to put it... :dontknow:
I thought I'd toss my two cents into this thread based on my experience.
How did I become a projector owner?
In october of 2008 I had been watching Blu-Rays thinking about how to get a bigger TV because I wasn't satisfied with the size of my 27" Sanyo anymore. So I started looking at TVs and even the 32" ones were far out of my budget range.
I thought how can I possibly get a bigger picture when I don't have enough to even buy a 32" tv. Then a light bulb went off. I could get a projector. So I started researching and discovered the Optoma EP719 that was used and only cost 150. It wasn't quite HD, but it was still 1024 x768 and probably better than the CRT or the 32" TV I thought about getting.
So I pulled the trigger. I had to rearrange my room completely to put the projector on a rear shelf. I had to use books and key-stoning to get the picture just right, but once I got it right it was a huge upgrade. The picture is way better than my old tv and the size is 80" on my current wall for widescreen. The bonus is for 4:3 material I get even bigger. It also forced my wife to allow me to move the couch away from the rear wall when I moved into her place making for better acoustics. Now I did have to replace the lamp, but still I get a way better deal than any tv in my budget.
It wasn't hard for me to setup or time consuming, but I'm an expert with Projectors. Still if your on a tight budget I'd be happy to help you with a low cost setup that would smash the old 27" tv. I can use it with a light on in the room and during the day with a curtain on the windows.
How did I become a projector owner?
In october of 2008 I had been watching Blu-Rays thinking about how to get a bigger TV because I wasn't satisfied with the size of my 27" Sanyo anymore. So I started looking at TVs and even the 32" ones were far out of my budget range.
I thought how can I possibly get a bigger picture when I don't have enough to even buy a 32" tv. Then a light bulb went off. I could get a projector. So I started researching and discovered the Optoma EP719 that was used and only cost 150. It wasn't quite HD, but it was still 1024 x768 and probably better than the CRT or the 32" TV I thought about getting.
So I pulled the trigger. I had to rearrange my room completely to put the projector on a rear shelf. I had to use books and key-stoning to get the picture just right, but once I got it right it was a huge upgrade. The picture is way better than my old tv and the size is 80" on my current wall for widescreen. The bonus is for 4:3 material I get even bigger. It also forced my wife to allow me to move the couch away from the rear wall when I moved into her place making for better acoustics. Now I did have to replace the lamp, but still I get a way better deal than any tv in my budget.
It wasn't hard for me to setup or time consuming, but I'm an expert with Projectors. Still if your on a tight budget I'd be happy to help you with a low cost setup that would smash the old 27" tv. I can use it with a light on in the room and during the day with a curtain on the windows.
I have to chuckle every time I see this thread title. Projectors were the beginning of the whole Home Theater business. It was the Advent VideoBeam 1000 that started the whole thing. Many of the really successful dealers use projectors in a theater setting to excite people about home theater in general. IMO, any serious dealer that does not FEATURE projectors is really missing the greatest opportunity to create an impression. Unfortunately, we have seen 35 years of manufacturers and dealers missing the point.
Thats really hitting the nail on the head, In my opinion a "home theater" is not a real home theater if it does not have a projector. Once you have one it would be very hard to go back to a flat panel display.I have to chuckle every time I see this thread title. Projectors were the beginning of the whole Home Theater business.
You guys are killing me here! I just purchased the Pioneer 141FD and was convinced that I couldn't get a projector in my viewing area but after reading some of these posts, maybe I should have tried harder. Especially since my wife (as I'm in the process of getting the area ready for the new display) volunteers to take everything off the wall and move any furniture that was against the wall (essentially giving me the whole wall). Now I'm going crazy second guessing myself.
If it makes you feel better Projectors are more work. Tape measures and good climbing skills are often required. I also service my own PJ which means I have to take it apart to fix it.You guys are killing me here! I just purchased the Pioneer 141FD and was convinced that I couldn't get a projector in my viewing area but after reading some of these posts, maybe I should have tried harder. Especially since my wife (as I'm in the process of getting the area ready for the new display) volunteers to take everything off the wall and move any furniture that was against the wall (essentially giving me the whole wall). Now I'm going crazy second guessing myself.
If you watch alot of TV a projector is not a good option as the bulb life is a factor most people dont count and in the end going to cost you more.
Not as much of a factor these days. Most bulbs last a long time with proper care. the Epsons usually come with spare bulbs and have a life around 4 -5 k hours. I watch TV all the time on my PJ.If you watch alot of TV a projector is not a good option as the bulb life is a factor most people dont count and in the end going to cost you more.
I know some people have gotten 3 to 5K out of bulbs but thats not the norm 2.5k is a lot more accurate particularly if you live in a hot climate. Some people even have failure at less than 2k hours.
Lamp life varies greatly with the projector and lamp. Some of the newer projectors are claiming 4K hours or thereabouts for lamp life.
It does. Thanks.If it makes you feel better Projectors are more work. Tape measures and good climbing skills are often required. I also service my own PJ which means I have to take it apart to fix it.
:T
Bob
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