Projector or TV?
Discussion
We are due to move soon and have decided we will buy a new tv or projector for me and the xbox 
I only play at night; roughly 10pm onwards.
So far I can get:
55" cello smart tv for £449.99
50" lg for £399
Lightinthebox.com projector and 100" motor powered screen for ~£383.
http://m.lightinthebox.com/1080p-portable-hd-usb-l...
http://m.lightinthebox.com/100--Projection-Screen-...
Light in the box is highly rated amongst many people so this is were you lot come in. Since you're all professionals in these area what's my best option?
Cheers.
I only play at night; roughly 10pm onwards.
So far I can get:
55" cello smart tv for £449.99
50" lg for £399
Lightinthebox.com projector and 100" motor powered screen for ~£383.
http://m.lightinthebox.com/1080p-portable-hd-usb-l...
http://m.lightinthebox.com/100--Projection-Screen-...
Light in the box is highly rated amongst many people so this is were you lot come in. Since you're all professionals in these area what's my best option?
Cheers.
I've been installing and enjoying video projectors since the CRT days. The technology is racing ahead in this field and there are bargains to be had. However that LED projector you've listed will only end in tears if you bought that. LED is the future but as it's bleeding edge technology the prices are expensive for pro gear. That projector is amoungst a rasp of nasty Chinese tat that will perform badly and not give a reliable service.
If you are serious about a decent projector I would strongly recommend anything from the current JVC line-up. On a lesser budget the Optoma HD25 / HD33 receive good reviews at around £800. You can pick up a semi-decent automated screen starting around £250, and a manual pull-down screen can be had from about £175.
Have a look at the deals on Richer Sounds, as there are bargains to be had there too
If you are serious about a decent projector I would strongly recommend anything from the current JVC line-up. On a lesser budget the Optoma HD25 / HD33 receive good reviews at around £800. You can pick up a semi-decent automated screen starting around £250, and a manual pull-down screen can be had from about £175.
Have a look at the deals on Richer Sounds, as there are bargains to be had there too
LordFlathead said:
I've been installing and enjoying video projectors since the CRT days. The technology is racing ahead in this field and there are bargains to be had. However that LED projector you've listed will only end in tears if you bought that. LED is the future but as it's bleeding edge technology the prices are expensive for pro gear. That projector is amoungst a rasp of nasty Chinese tat that will perform badly and not give a reliable service.
If you are serious about a decent projector I would strongly recommend anything from the current JVC line-up. On a lesser budget the Optoma HD25 / HD33 receive good reviews at around £800. You can pick up a semi-decent automated screen starting around £250, and a manual pull-down screen can be had from about £175.
Have a look at the deals on Richer Sounds, as there are bargains to be had there too
Ah. The idea was to spend less than £500 If you are serious about a decent projector I would strongly recommend anything from the current JVC line-up. On a lesser budget the Optoma HD25 / HD33 receive good reviews at around £800. You can pick up a semi-decent automated screen starting around £250, and a manual pull-down screen can be had from about £175.
Have a look at the deals on Richer Sounds, as there are bargains to be had there too
Maybe I should stick to the tv then
Cheers
smiffy180 said:
LordFlathead said:
I've been installing and enjoying video projectors since the CRT days. The technology is racing ahead in this field and there are bargains to be had. However that LED projector you've listed will only end in tears if you bought that. LED is the future but as it's bleeding edge technology the prices are expensive for pro gear. That projector is amoungst a rasp of nasty Chinese tat that will perform badly and not give a reliable service.
If you are serious about a decent projector I would strongly recommend anything from the current JVC line-up. On a lesser budget the Optoma HD25 / HD33 receive good reviews at around £800. You can pick up a semi-decent automated screen starting around £250, and a manual pull-down screen can be had from about £175.
Have a look at the deals on Richer Sounds, as there are bargains to be had there too
Ah. The idea was to spend less than £500 If you are serious about a decent projector I would strongly recommend anything from the current JVC line-up. On a lesser budget the Optoma HD25 / HD33 receive good reviews at around £800. You can pick up a semi-decent automated screen starting around £250, and a manual pull-down screen can be had from about £175.
Have a look at the deals on Richer Sounds, as there are bargains to be had there too
Maybe I should stick to the tv then
Cheers
If you can spend more id be looking here -
This is what I have - HD131x/HD25 3D 1080p - £630 - http://www.projectorplanet.co.uk/Optoma_HD131X_108...
Or a HD230x 1080p 2D - £550 - http://www.projectorplanet.co.uk/Optoma_HD230X_108...
Get on the phone to a richer sounds or something and find someone with a demo room. Once you have seen a PJ in action you wont be able to help yourself. Avoid that crap in the link you posted.
Projectors as a day to day TV replacement don't work IMHO. They don't like being turned on and off in short periods so you either have to not switch it on or accept that it's going to be on for a couple of hours at least. If you leave the room then you may as well leave it on if you'll be back in an hour or so. Therefore you'll get through lamps fairly quickly and they won't last as long anyway if you ignore the above comments.
The other thing is that they look pretty ropy with the curtains open or lights on so you have to sit in the dark for best picture quality. You also get accustomed to the size if you're watching everything on it and it stops being a special occasion.
Personally I like to use a modest 40" TV that I've had for 5+ years just day to day and use the projector at weekends for films and special occasions (like Olympics opening ceremony,sporting events etc).
The other thing is that they look pretty ropy with the curtains open or lights on so you have to sit in the dark for best picture quality. You also get accustomed to the size if you're watching everything on it and it stops being a special occasion.
Personally I like to use a modest 40" TV that I've had for 5+ years just day to day and use the projector at weekends for films and special occasions (like Olympics opening ceremony,sporting events etc).
OldSkoolRS said:
Projectors as a day to day TV replacement don't work IMHO. They don't like being turned on and off in short periods so you either have to not switch it on or accept that it's going to be on for a couple of hours at least. If you leave the room then you may as well leave it on if you'll be back in an hour or so. Therefore you'll get through lamps fairly quickly and they won't last as long anyway if you ignore the above comments.
The other thing is that they look pretty ropy with the curtains open or lights on so you have to sit in the dark for best picture quality. You also get accustomed to the size if you're watching everything on it and it stops being a special occasion.
Personally I like to use a modest 40" TV that I've had for 5+ years just day to day and use the projector at weekends for films and special occasions (like Olympics opening ceremony,sporting events etc).
If you read the OP's post, he only plays at night after 10pm so it's hardly likely that he will have his lights on The other thing is that they look pretty ropy with the curtains open or lights on so you have to sit in the dark for best picture quality. You also get accustomed to the size if you're watching everything on it and it stops being a special occasion.
Personally I like to use a modest 40" TV that I've had for 5+ years just day to day and use the projector at weekends for films and special occasions (like Olympics opening ceremony,sporting events etc).
It is a fallacy about not being able to switch off the projector without damaging the lamp life. This might have been true ten years ago but time has moved on - this is my fourth JVC projector and I've never had a lamp fail yet. The electronics cool down the lamp when you turn it off, then it soft-starts the lamp to allow for residual temperatures. If the lamps needs more time to cool it will not allow you to turn it on it's as simple as that and I turn mine on and off just like a telly.. This projector is fed via a media/games PC and as such is used for surfing the net, watching films and playing games.
In relation to having a projector on, my projector is on all the time. The dedicated cinema room means that the room has dark colours for a good contrast. Also because the projector has a contrast ratio of 100,000:1 and it is a bright 2000 lumens means that you still get a good room illumination from the projector light output. Due to the size of the screen (120") there is plenty of light in the room.
You mention a valid point about lamp hours and the associated costs but I get just over a year out of mine before replacement and that is always over 2000 hours. This is a cost which needs to be factored in for the OP when using a lot of hours. I just enjoy it and change it when required
Fair enough I missed the 'after 10pm' bit, but I still think that at this end of the budget he'd get a pretty decent TV or a fairly middling projector (with all of the drawbacks I mentioned, since IMHO it isn't good practice to hot start a projector regardless of the cool down especially on budget models). I'd put money on it that the room won't be as dark walled as yours so even with the lights off the contrast is going to be limited with the washout effect of the light bouncing off the walls and ceiling. Especially as there is no screen mentioned, let alone one designed for ambient light/light decor use, since it would cost more than the projector mentioned.
I guess you've been lucky with your lamp since I got around 600 hours out of the lamp on my previous JVC. Lucky that the newly designed lamp on my new JVC seems to be holding up better (being a bit paranoid I measure it regularly and it hasn't really dropped at all in the first 200 hours which in itself is quite something). I've put that 200 hours on in 3 months with only weekend use, so obviously you're a heavier user than me. I like that when I watch a film on the projector it feels 'special'. Part of this is that I have a 2.35:1 screen which further distances it from my day to day 16:9 TV.
Not sure which JVC you have, that produces 2000 lumens and 100,000:1 contrast (sounds like an X9/X90 perhaps but the lumens wouldn't be that high, more like 1200 and less than that after calibration/accurate mode setting?). Is it a commercial one that you have?
I guess you've been lucky with your lamp since I got around 600 hours out of the lamp on my previous JVC. Lucky that the newly designed lamp on my new JVC seems to be holding up better (being a bit paranoid I measure it regularly and it hasn't really dropped at all in the first 200 hours which in itself is quite something). I've put that 200 hours on in 3 months with only weekend use, so obviously you're a heavier user than me. I like that when I watch a film on the projector it feels 'special'. Part of this is that I have a 2.35:1 screen which further distances it from my day to day 16:9 TV.
Not sure which JVC you have, that produces 2000 lumens and 100,000:1 contrast (sounds like an X9/X90 perhaps but the lumens wouldn't be that high, more like 1200 and less than that after calibration/accurate mode setting?). Is it a commercial one that you have?
Yes it was the X3/7/9 and X30/70/90 series with the lamp dimming issues. However my previous projector was the older HD350 model and it dimmed considerably at around 6-700 hours as well. I managed to buy a brand new unused lamp from a friend who had sold his HD750 and didn't need the spare lamp, but even so this second lamp dimmed quite a bit over the next 400 hours I had it (despite me stripping and cleaning the light path internals).
I was going to buy a used X30 or X70 but figured I didn't want the hassle of lamp dimming and lower light output generally since I'd be out of warranty by the time it dimmed (as previously with the HD350). Instead I struck a good deal for a brand new X35 minus the 3D crap that I didn't want anyway.
So far it's proven to have been a good decision and a worthwhile improvement over the HD350. I happen to already own a Lumagen video processor so didn't need the more expensive model with CMS built in since I was't that taken by the 'Eshift' function, plus it was twice the price.
I was going to buy a used X30 or X70 but figured I didn't want the hassle of lamp dimming and lower light output generally since I'd be out of warranty by the time it dimmed (as previously with the HD350). Instead I struck a good deal for a brand new X35 minus the 3D crap that I didn't want anyway.
So far it's proven to have been a good decision and a worthwhile improvement over the HD350. I happen to already own a Lumagen video processor so didn't need the more expensive model with CMS built in since I was't that taken by the 'Eshift' function, plus it was twice the price.
So lets get back to the OP for the chap. He isnt getting any fancy JVC job for £500.
I say - if you are going to be using for gaming and films at night and the room isnt too bright Id defo go for a PJ. But really take into consideration what the chaps say above. Whilst the room might be dark with the lights off, a PJ really will light the room up and anything reflective will shine and ruin the overall effect.
My first PJ was a HD67 (£400) as recommended above - in a light room it really did look naff (but this was 100% down to the reflections in the room.)
Here are a couple pics to show you the difference what a bit of paint can do.
This is a pic before the room was decorated. The walls were plain white and with the PJ off the room is pitch black. You can see how it looks washed out and obviously the massive reflections on the wall. PJ out of the box settings. File - 720p Music vid.
I then darkened the room up, just a standard matte black emulsion from B&Q around the front of the room to kill reflections and aid the contrast.
If you are not able to prepare the room to some extent for projection I think you are best off getting a TV.
I say - if you are going to be using for gaming and films at night and the room isnt too bright Id defo go for a PJ. But really take into consideration what the chaps say above. Whilst the room might be dark with the lights off, a PJ really will light the room up and anything reflective will shine and ruin the overall effect.
My first PJ was a HD67 (£400) as recommended above - in a light room it really did look naff (but this was 100% down to the reflections in the room.)
Here are a couple pics to show you the difference what a bit of paint can do.
This is a pic before the room was decorated. The walls were plain white and with the PJ off the room is pitch black. You can see how it looks washed out and obviously the massive reflections on the wall. PJ out of the box settings. File - 720p Music vid.
I then darkened the room up, just a standard matte black emulsion from B&Q around the front of the room to kill reflections and aid the contrast.
If you are not able to prepare the room to some extent for projection I think you are best off getting a TV.
Edited by russy01 on Monday 1st April 19:57
Edited by russy01 on Monday 1st April 19:58
russy01 said:
So lets get back to the OP for the chap. He isnt getting any fancy JVC job for £500.
I say - if you are going to be using for gaming and films at night and the room isnt too bright Id defo go for a PJ. But really take into consideration what the chaps say above. Whilst the room might be dark with the lights off, a PJ really will light the room up and anything reflective will shine and ruin the overall effect.
My first PJ was a HD67 (£400) as recommended above - in a light room it really did look naff (but this was 100% down to the reflections in the room.)
Here are a couple pics to show you the difference what a bit of paint can do.
This is a pic before the room was decorated. The walls were plain white and with the PJ off the room is pitch black. You can see how it looks washed out and obviously the massive reflections on the wall. PJ out of the box settings. File - 720p Music vid.
I then darkened the room up, just a standard matte black emulsion from B&Q around the front of the room to kill reflections and aid the contrast.
If you are not able to prepare the room to some extent for projection I think you are best off getting a TV.
Is that just projected onto a black wall then? Or is there a screen too?I say - if you are going to be using for gaming and films at night and the room isnt too bright Id defo go for a PJ. But really take into consideration what the chaps say above. Whilst the room might be dark with the lights off, a PJ really will light the room up and anything reflective will shine and ruin the overall effect.
My first PJ was a HD67 (£400) as recommended above - in a light room it really did look naff (but this was 100% down to the reflections in the room.)
Here are a couple pics to show you the difference what a bit of paint can do.
This is a pic before the room was decorated. The walls were plain white and with the PJ off the room is pitch black. You can see how it looks washed out and obviously the massive reflections on the wall. PJ out of the box settings. File - 720p Music vid.
I then darkened the room up, just a standard matte black emulsion from B&Q around the front of the room to kill reflections and aid the contrast.
If you are not able to prepare the room to some extent for projection I think you are best off getting a TV.
Edited by russy01 on Monday 1st April 19:57
Edited by russy01 on Monday 1st April 19:58
Nah, the picture would be incredibly washed out on the matt black wall.
When putting the room together I was on a very tight budget so was looking for cheap ways to put a screen together. I read up about all sorts of products to paint and make your own screen, but as usual they all had ridiculous prices as they had the word "Cinema" written on them. I read about a chap who used this "Dulux Light and Space" paint and after testing was mightily impressed with it.
I decided to give it a go, if it didn't work I would just buy a screen. So I bought the paint, a fine roller and layered up a 16:9 screen.
It works fantastic and I am extremely happy with it. I have since tried many screens for comparison and I cannot see any difference.
This is the paint I used - (http://www.screwfix.com/p/dulux-light-space-paint-absolute-white-2-5ltr/95540?kpid=95540&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CMKJ99C4q7YCFW_KtAod6VsA0g)
When putting the room together I was on a very tight budget so was looking for cheap ways to put a screen together. I read up about all sorts of products to paint and make your own screen, but as usual they all had ridiculous prices as they had the word "Cinema" written on them. I read about a chap who used this "Dulux Light and Space" paint and after testing was mightily impressed with it.
I decided to give it a go, if it didn't work I would just buy a screen. So I bought the paint, a fine roller and layered up a 16:9 screen.
It works fantastic and I am extremely happy with it. I have since tried many screens for comparison and I cannot see any difference.
This is the paint I used - (http://www.screwfix.com/p/dulux-light-space-paint-absolute-white-2-5ltr/95540?kpid=95540&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CMKJ99C4q7YCFW_KtAod6VsA0g)
russy01 said:
Nah, get yourself an Optoma HD67 or something. In a dark room it will be perfect, 720p resolution is plenty good enough. At 100' or so you'll be chuffed compared to a TV.
as above!for late night gaming (and movies
) you cant beat a projector i dont think.Many years ago i spent not much more than the OPs budget on a 720p DLP jobby .. it was fairly low spec (vs what you can get now i imagine) but it was fantastic for gaming.
I sat approx 6-7ft away from my 92" screen .. really amazing gaming experience
.. crisp and clear picture.. i used to watch movies and be amazed at the extra detail you could see (because of its HD picture and you're sitting just feet infront of such a massive image!)however the room i was using at the time was too small - and the projector had heating issues in there with all the equipment running - amp, htpc, xbox etc .. so its bulb blew one day - which was always to be expected for me (my room was already superheated with the projector/equipment running for several hours when my home had a brief powercut one day - instead of letting the thing cool down properly [as someone has mentioned above already!], once the power returned a few seconds later i switched the projector straight back on and pop went the bulb. It had just a couple hundred shy of 5000 hours on it!.. i'd been expecting it to go at some stage so had been monitoring my hours as the life expectancy i was told was only about 4000 hours anyway.. so i exceeded that despite the poor environment in which mine was running so was happy enough.
I replaced it with a 1080p 52" TV .. to make the room more sociable and not need the curtains drawn all the time! and although the pic is better quality with BluRay movies etc on the new TV (v's old technology 720p budget projector).. i still really miss the projector.. for late night/gaming usage as per your requirements you wont regret the projector route i dont think - the fully immersive experience of gaming (shooters in particular) on a huge screen that fills your eyes just cant be beaten!
I'd highly recommend connecting a projector via a UPS since I've had a couple of power cuts over the 6 years or so I've had projectors. Just make sure it's up to the job. I think mine was about £80 and it will allow me to shut down the projector properly since it can run it for about 10 minutes. Pretty sure mine is an APC model, but it's hidden under a sideboard so I can't see the model number now.
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