Projector recommendation
Discussion
LCD/DLP/1080/Lumens - bloody hell I'm confused!
I would like a ceiling mountable projector with approx £2000 to spend and would really appreciate advice from those on here that sem to know what they are talking about.
The speakers, amp etc can come later, but I am currently building a new house and without knowing which projector I cant position the power supply in the ceiling.
There are so many on the market so I am sure there are some that are better value than others?..
I have done a search on this forum, but technology moves on. I have also thought of buying 2nd hand but I need to decide quickly otherwise I will be holding up the plasterers!
I would like a ceiling mountable projector with approx £2000 to spend and would really appreciate advice from those on here that sem to know what they are talking about.
The speakers, amp etc can come later, but I am currently building a new house and without knowing which projector I cant position the power supply in the ceiling.
There are so many on the market so I am sure there are some that are better value than others?..
I have done a search on this forum, but technology moves on. I have also thought of buying 2nd hand but I need to decide quickly otherwise I will be holding up the plasterers!
Edited by JezHill on Friday 11th June 14:33
Firstly, don't buy anything in a rush...you may regret it later.
There's a good website that can calculate the size of your screen from various throw distances (guessing this is why you need to know where it's going on the ceiling?). You can use this to work out any number of possiblities by selecting any projector on your shortlist, see if you can come up with the same throw distance for a given screen size (just play with the zoom option) with a few different projectors. Once you know what this distance is, you can run the cable(s) and let the plasterers start.
Bare in mind that some models have a fixed vertical offset (usually DLP models) so this might effectively force your screen to be set to a particular 'drop'.
Lots of useful information on here:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/projectors/85326-pr...
Screen size calculator link (defaults to a JVC model, but you can change that):
http://www.projectorcentral.com/JVC-DLA-HD350-proj...
If you're buying new the Panasonic AE4000 or one of the Epsom models might suit you, but if you're still some way off finishing the build, hang fire on the AE4000 as no doubt an AE5000 will be launched in the Autumn and you'll get a better deal on an 'end of line'. Also, if you're not afraid of buying used, look out for a JVC HD350 for under £2k: I have this model myself (plus an external anamorphic lens and video EQ) and it takes some beating (I used to own various Panasonic AExxxx models before it with higher 'claimed' contrast, but in practice they can't match it IMHO).
There's a good website that can calculate the size of your screen from various throw distances (guessing this is why you need to know where it's going on the ceiling?). You can use this to work out any number of possiblities by selecting any projector on your shortlist, see if you can come up with the same throw distance for a given screen size (just play with the zoom option) with a few different projectors. Once you know what this distance is, you can run the cable(s) and let the plasterers start.
Bare in mind that some models have a fixed vertical offset (usually DLP models) so this might effectively force your screen to be set to a particular 'drop'.
Lots of useful information on here:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/projectors/85326-pr...
Screen size calculator link (defaults to a JVC model, but you can change that):
http://www.projectorcentral.com/JVC-DLA-HD350-proj...
If you're buying new the Panasonic AE4000 or one of the Epsom models might suit you, but if you're still some way off finishing the build, hang fire on the AE4000 as no doubt an AE5000 will be launched in the Autumn and you'll get a better deal on an 'end of line'. Also, if you're not afraid of buying used, look out for a JVC HD350 for under £2k: I have this model myself (plus an external anamorphic lens and video EQ) and it takes some beating (I used to own various Panasonic AExxxx models before it with higher 'claimed' contrast, but in practice they can't match it IMHO).
The PTAE5000 will no doubt be along in October as the previous generations have. If you are buying now the main two contenders as we see it are the Sony VPL-HW15 and the Panasonic PTAE4000 that has already been mentioned. Both are excellent, the Pana is my choice as it offers slighlty better motion. The Sony appears brighter though so if you are having trouble controlling the light it may be the better option.
Both are bang on your budget right now. If you can stretch it a bit the Mitsubishi HC7000 and Espson TW4400 both kick in at £2500 and would be my next recommendations.
Nick
Both are bang on your budget right now. If you can stretch it a bit the Mitsubishi HC7000 and Espson TW4400 both kick in at £2500 and would be my next recommendations.
Nick
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