Projector Question

[Doofus]

Sorry guys, search isn't working, so this has probably been asked once or twice before.

Toying with the idea of doubling up the study as a cheapo home cinema. I do mean cheapo...

So what are the options and considerations for a projector to play DVDs (and Bluerays) through my PC? It would be useful to be able to watch telly through the PC and projector too (tuner alreay in place). Probably not for gaming with (PS3 is attached to another telly already), but could be fun for browsing and the like.

I daresay that's a lot of big questions, but I really don't know anything about this.

TIA

[MilleniumFalcon]

Cant do better than heading over here:

http://www.avforums.com/

Very, very knowledgable guys over there.

Being as budgets a consideration, they have a big classifieds section - projectors galore.

Personally, if you want cheap, id much recommend going second hand over the Ebay specials.

[OldSkoolRS]

If you already have the PC (and some kind of sound system for it too?) then initially, just adding a HDMI equiped projector (which is most 720p and upwards models from the last 3-4 years) will get you going. You could project onto a white wall if you have one (or even a lightly coloured wall if that's all you've got) until such time as you can afford a proper screen.

You should be able to find some low hours bargains on the AVForums classifieds as suggested above, there's a couple on there now that might suit depending on budget. There's an infocus X9, Sony HWL15 and Sanjo Z3 on this page as I type, any of which will be better than the ebay specials that aren't even HD ready resolution (despite misleading specs that imply they might be 1080p) :

http://www.avforums.com/forums/tv-projector-classi...

Of course you need to be sure that you don't get too sucked into this hobby as it can get pretty expensive if you carried away (not that I have at all m'laud ).

[Doofus]

Thanks for that. Problem is, I have no idea what I'm looking for.

More research, methinks.

[OldSkoolRS]

Also have a read of this FAQ thread, though I'd take what that Kelvin says with a pinch of salt

http://www.avforums.com/forums/projectors/85326-pr...

[Doofus]

OldSkoolRS said:

If you already have the PC (and some kind of sound system for it too?) then initially, just adding a HDMI equiped projector (which is most 720p and upwards models from the last 3-4 years) will get you going. You could project onto a white wall if you have one (or even a lightly coloured wall if that's all you've got) until such time as you can afford a proper screen.

You should be able to find some low hours bargains on the AVForums classifieds as suggested above, there's a couple on there now that might suit depending on budget. There's an infocus X9, Sony HWL15 and Sanjo Z3 on this page as I type, any of which will be better than the ebay specials that aren't even HD ready resolution (despite misleading specs that imply they might be 1080p) :

http://www.avforums.com/forums/tv-projector-classi...

Of course you need to be sure that you don't get too sucked into this hobby as it can get pretty expensive if you carried away (not that I have at all m'laud ).

Thaks for that. It's not about what I can afford, it's abot what I'm prepared to spend (it's Mrs Doofus' idea really). I've already got blackout blinds and a pull-down screen, but I don't know if I need a LCD or the other thing (lightbulbs), or what resolution I want.

So 720p is Ok? Will that work with PC as well as movies/tv? Simple is good, yes?

[Doofus]

OldSkoolRS said:

Also have a read of this FAQ thread, though I'd take what that Kelvin says with a pinch of salt

http://www.avforums.com/forums/projectors/85326-pr...

Blimey. I didn't know there would be homework!

Thanks.

[OldSkoolRS]

Doofus said:

Thaks for that. It's not about what I can afford, it's abot what I'm prepared to spend (it's Mrs Doofus' idea really). I've already got blackout blinds and a pull-down screen, but I don't know if I need a LCD or the other thing (lightbulbs), or what resolution I want.

So 720p is Ok? Will that work with PC as well as movies/tv? Simple is good, yes?

You can get an LCD, DLP or LCOS/DILA projector, (which those three projectors on the classifieds are one of each type), each has it's pros and cons which is in the 'homework' in more detail. The 'lightbulbs' you refer to should be included with the projector: Typically they tend to claim around 2,000 hours (sometimes much more) so if buying used then factor in the cost of a new lamp if the hours are around 2,000 already. In this case it's probably cheaper to buy another example with lower hours (or maybe including a spare lamp as I did when I sold one of my previous projectors).

Very briefly (and extremely over simplifying here): LCD tends to be more flexible with placement, but has lighter blacks, DLP can be sharper with better contrast although you may 'suffer' from seeing the 'rainbow effect' where colours appear to 'split' into red, green and blue. LCOS can also be as flexible as LCD, has better blacks and contrast, not quite as sharp as DLP and may have some bluring on fast motion (but also no rainbows). I had an LCD previously and changed to a JVC LCOS model as I wanted better black levels for example.

At the lower end of the budget you probably won't find many used 1080p models anyway, so probably better to look out for better 720p ones. Use the search facility in the main projectors section on AVF to find out info about anything used that catches your eye...or post back on here. IIRC many PC games are natively 720p anyway, so nothing really lost there and you'll still get a benefit of viewing HD films on a 720p model. TV and DVD sources will have less upscaling to get to 720p which might be a useful side benefit (though I still sometimes watch DVDs on my 1080p unit and they don't look bad IMHO...I still enjoy the films once it gets going if it's a decent film, regardless of resolution ).

Edited by OldSkoolRS on Sunday 25th July 22:10

[OldSkoolRS]

Oops, double post.

Edited by OldSkoolRS on Sunday 25th July 22:07

[Doofus]

OldSkoolRS said:

Oops, double post.

But a very informative one, thanks!

[Plotloss]

What's your budget?

[Doofus]

Plotloss said:

What's your budget?

Dunno. What does it all cost? I'm not spending faahsands on pop-up ice cream wenches and Star Trek chairs, mind.

As I'm not really into this stuff, I have little idea. I was hoping to find a decent projector for less than £200. Plus another £100 or so for a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker set up (both of which my sound card will handle)

[Plotloss]

Then don't worry about the technicalities, just find something within your budget.

[Doofus]

OK, thanks. But if I buy a load of crap, I'm blaming you!

[cjs]

Do you really want a projector and screen? Why not get a big Plasma, far more flexible, less hassle, better picture. How big is your existing screen~?

Edited by cjs on Monday 26th July 08:52

[Doofus]

cjs said:

Do you really want a projector and screen, why not get a big Plasma, far more flexible, less hassle, better picture. How big is your existing screen~?

a) because it'll be for occasional use, b) I already have the screen, and c) as I said, I don't want to spend a lot.