OK so i'm kinda hoping for a decent tax return which would give me a good start on things heh.

But what i'm looking at or interested in is picking up a TV or projector. I've got pretty well the rest of the home entertainment center, but that part is lacking. Have a small tv.


Now what knida things do i need to know about a projector? I've seen they can be kinda pricy are there any ups/downs? are they a waste of money? etc etc etc


I'm planning on a grand or so from the tax return which could be enough to buy a decent tv....32" or so i'm hoping for at least. Would i be better off with one of them? If so, what can ya guys tell me about it all? TV would connect to my home receiver, maybe to a ps2 or something here n there.....and for watching tv and movies of course.....


Any help hints suggestions or ideas are welcome.

 

projectors arent good in a living room that has a lot of ambient light during the day time..... the screen will get washed out

 

OK another buddy explained to me the extent of the price of a projector and screen and all that jazz....and 2-4k may be a lil much.

So back to the TV idea, assuming i have around a $1000 is that gonna be enough for something decent sized and decent quality? what should i look for? What am i missing out on from spending more?

 

This is simple, goto Audio Ark or Premier Audio, thats if you want to go broke. They are both on the same street just a different avenue. Also goto either one to find info out, ive gone there lots and always learn something. Its better to be informed, then not knowning what you just bought. On a side note, id rather have better quality of picture then the size of screen. A buddy of mine got a 50 inch projection for the wow factor but its grainy(i think) Id rather watch a movie on my 18inch lcd monitor then his 50tv.

[ March 01, 2005, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: Beater Truck ]

 

yeah i hear ya...

i've been to audio arc...went there to listen to the paradigm subs's when i was buying. Neat place. I don't wanna go broke lol, just want some info some heads up. Generally don't like talking to salesmen about it, cause it's not often you get a straight answer, hense why i talk to you guys.

I do want quality i don't just want size, but i don't need the absolute best either, i've got a pretty good idea what size i'd like though.

 

ONe word...Hitachi

 

OMG I hadent even thought about tax returns... I'm hoping for a nice one too... AND IAM BLOWING IT ALL ON HOME THEATER GEAR...

(I just cant let the wife find out.. lol)

 

One could get an entry level DLP projector like the Benq PB6100 or Infocus X1 (hard to find) for less than $1000....check for the $599 Benq 6100 refurbs at Staples (low hours typically). Both have been replaced by newer models, PB6110 and X1a. As with most front projectors with low to moderate lumens like projectors for HT, you need to control the lighting in your room....for the most part. To a small minority (including me), rainbow artifacts can be problematic (ie. irritating to headaches or migraines for some). Entry level LCD projectors typically have problems with screen door effect. Those LCD projectors like the Sanyo Z3 and Panasonic AE700 reduce/eliminate the screen door effect but at much higher price ($2500-$4000). LCD projectors typically have more vibrant colours. DLP projectors typically have better blacks/contrast (2000:1). Sanyo Z3 and Panasonic AE700 have blacks that are close to those experienced in DLP projectors.

More info on projectors here:

http://www.projectorcentral.com

http://www.avsforum.com and check the sub $3500 digital projector section

I have had the Infocus X1 DLP front projector for the past year and half. Am quite please with it's picture quality....fan is kinda noisy. Seen quite a few rainbows initially....just the occasional one now.

Dave


Dave

[ March 01, 2005, 08:29 PM: Message edited by: DavidY ]