• HD Projector VS. HDTV?
    8 replies, posted
Hey H&S, need some opinions on this. This was going to be a longer post but for some reason my browser decided to delete all my text and because this is mobile, doesn't support an undo option :downs: We had an old 51" TV to replace our 32" off-brand TV that died, which we got for about $285. It was nice and we grew attached to the size, but being one of the first HDTVs ever made it had issues (like hard to read text, no digital input beyond HDMI, etc). Not to mention its massive size. Anyways we moved into a new place, which is on the 2nd story of an apartment. As such we didn't want to bring the giant-ass back projection TV with us as there is no way we'd get it up the stairs, so my dad bought it off us for about $100 Here is where I need help. Currentlly we have some cheapo $50 office projector set up, which supports HDMI and is borrowed from our next-door neighbor friend. The picture isn't great but it works (even if we have to be in the dark to use it well). This has got us into thinking about getting a projector instead of a TV. The set up is nice - and the fact that it uses the entire wall is nice (even if it is just being projected right on the paint). Problem is, I'm having a hard time finding ANY HD compatable projector on the market that is under $800-$1k, which is way way above our price range. And there is the issue that no where near us sells them, which means we'd need to order online, which means we can't "try before we buy". Not to mention we have no idea what to look for. But I guess you could say we've become attached to the idea of getting a projector vs a TV. Anyways, my price range is $500 at the max, preferably under $400. The reason why we'd want a projector is not only is it badass to be watching something on it vs. a small TV, but because the size of our room means a projector is very nicely viewable while we'd have to move our couches closer if we'd want to get up close and personal with our 32" TV (that is currently broken but can be repaired for about $100). I know there has to be good quality projectors out there within my price range right? Seems odd that our $50 dinky projector that supports HDMI but obviously has quality issues is the next lowest price bracket to the $1k ones. Wheres the middle ground? Would it be better to just get a TV for the same price, even if it means it'll be signifigantly smaller and farther away (I can't find a TV above 32" for our price range)?
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009223&cm_sp=Cat_Projectors-_-Hot_Deals-_-24-009-223[/url] how about that?
[QUOTE=Fisker;31210111][url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009223&cm_sp=Cat_Projectors-_-Hot_Deals-_-24-009-223[/url] how about that?[/QUOTE] That actually looks really awesome, and supports 3D too. Slightly outside of price range though... is there a cheaper one that doesn't use 3D? I can't imagine I'd use it. Currently my setup involves a roku box (borrowed), or me plugging in my Asus Transformer via HDMI. When my BF is over we hook up his 360 (he'll likely become a roomate though in the future so the 360 option will always be avalable).
[QUOTE=KorJax;31210628]That actually looks really awesome, [B]and supports 3D too.[/B] [/QUOTE] 3D is really pointless right now and it's a big gimmick in the TV industry. Just like contrast ratios. Just wait a few years for 3D as it will get cheaper.
Which is why I said I'd rather have a standard non-3D projector. I said that mostly as a reference to the price not me wanting 3D. Though IMO 3D is pretty cool, and I don't see it as a hard-gimmick. I'd rather game/view on 3D than not. Its just the price doesn't justify the feature for me, not to mention 95% of content isn't 3D compatable.
So does anyone know of any models like the above, but not 3D (and therefore hopefully cheaper?) I'm hoping I can find one in the $400 range or so.
projectors aren't worth it, you'll be spending $300 every year to replace the bulb if you use it often, just spend a little more on a TV. [editline]21st July 2011[/editline] well apparently that bulb is only $150, and lasts 2000 hours, but still not worth it imo
My room mates use a projector in their room. It works quite well for them as they often play splitscreen on their PS3. Works well for movies too. Lighting can make its use awkward though. I agree with Shadaez, avoid the compromises of a projector and just get a large TV.
[QUOTE=Shadaez;31243947]projectors aren't worth it, you'll be spending $300 every year to replace the bulb if you use it often, just spend a little more on a TV. [editline]21st July 2011[/editline] well apparently that bulb is only $150, and lasts 2000 hours, but still not worth it imo[/QUOTE] Modern projector bulbs last 4000 hours on eco mode, which lasts 4-5 years assuming you don't run the thing 8 hours a day
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