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

[Doofus]

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

More research, methinks.

[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.

[Doofus]

OldSkoolRS said:

Oops, double post.

But a very informative one, thanks!

[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)

[Doofus]

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

[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.