Projector issues

[Deleted User] · 27/05/05 - 14:33

I still don't know yet if I would go with a Projector... my room isn't big: 4x3 m = 10x13 feet

A dark room isn't a problem for me, I always game in a full dark room.

If I would go with a projector, the max. distance I can sit away from the screen would be 10 feet.

The projector will be used for 95% gaming purpose, the other 5% will be for watching movies.

A full field of vision (= big screens) can't be good for gaming (I THINK) because you don't know where to look at + less concentration because of the big screen.

Maybe just buy a smaller screen? (can you give me measures for a good gaming screen if you're 10feet away of it) I could shrink the image down... is the image quality fine than?

Last issue: I'm not buying a projector because I want a friggin big screen, I would buy it because it's not that expensive + easily HDTV ready in Europe so another question is: when I'm not buying a projector for the size, should I better go with a LCD?

[Deleted User] · 28/05/05 - 01:55

1. Different projectors will have different throw ratios (the distance to the screen vs image width) but expect something like 10' distance = 6' screen. With a short-throw lens you probably won't get much in the way of zoom adjustment, so basically how far back you go determines image size.

2. A projector isn't good for everything, you'll still want a TV for normal use and projector for special occasions, which probably means a pull-down/up screen in front of your TV (or fixed screen above/behind).

3. White walls are good but screens are better, budget anywhere from £300-1000 for the screen (and note that projector screens usually measured by width not diagonal).

4. How big is too big? A 42in plasma/rear-pro might be enough. Especially if you're upgrading from 32inch or less.

5. Projectors are cheap these days but plasmas are coming down too. Also budget 300 quid for a new lamp every couple of years.

6. Picture quality should be pretty good even for the cheap projectors (but check you can handle LCD chickenwire or DLP rainbows). But the rule is always GET A DEMO!

[Deleted User] · 28/05/05 - 16:42

monkeysoup wrote:

But the rule is always GET A DEMO!

What do people mean with: "get a demo" ? can you explain for me please.

[Deleted User] · 28/05/05 - 17:01

Projectors are great but not for everyone/every room/every day, so if you still have doubts best to do some homework. Assuming you don't have a mate with a setup similar so you can see what you're getting into, find a decent hifi shop (either a local specialist or a chain like Sevenoaks) with demo rooms and audition the kit you're thinking of buying (preferably with same/similar kit to what you have at home, and films etc you know so you can properly judge quality). Probably better than just walking into Dixons etc and buying the best looking/cheapest box on the shelf.

[Deleted User] · 28/05/05 - 20:09

monkeysoup wrote:

Projectors are great but not for everyone/every room/every day, so if you still have doubts best to do some homework. Assuming you don't have a mate with a setup similar so you can see what you're getting into, find a decent hifi shop (either a local specialist or a chain like Sevenoaks) with demo rooms and audition the kit you're thinking of buying (preferably with same/similar kit to what you have at home, and films etc you know so you can properly judge quality). Probably better than just walking into Dixons etc and buying the best looking/cheapest box on the shelf.

In what kind of room is a projector NOT great?

my room is: 4x3m is that good enough? (= 10x13feet)

[Deleted User] · 29/05/05 - 12:43

Hey, if you can fit it in then go for it (obvously, if you were only going to get a plasma-sized image then get a plasma). With your room a 6 foot wide screen (75-odd inch diagonal image) should be possible, maybe more, depending on which projector you get and exactly where you put the screen and the projector (projectors need ventilation space around them).

Different projectors will give different throw ratios (you'll have to work that out for yourself, you didn't say which projector you were looking at) and to be safe you should maybe buy the projector before the screen so you don't buy too big/small a screen.

All I'm saying is, if you're going to go for a really big screen, make sure it's not going to be too big (something you seemed a bit concerned about), make sure the room is going to work when the projector is not on (assuming you don't have a dedicated little home cinema room set aside, and if you do then you should definitely be wanting a big screen).

[Deleted User] · 29/05/05 - 15:15

I'm considering for buying the Sanyo Z3 or the Panasonic PT-AE700

leo · 29/05/05 - 16:11

I've got an infocus x2 (dlp) it looks pretty good, and has a good contrast ratio (check that out, some of the projectors you see have a gray-like black)

I am using an ikea blackout blind for a screen, and the image quality is just as good as when I use my smaller portable screen. I still use my TV 95% of the time though. Don't forget to also budget in for some good (preferably surround sound) speakers that help immerse you into the movie/game.

I find that the image stays sharp whatever distance from the screen your at, just adjust the focus. And I agree with MonkeySoup - always ask to see the projector in action before you buy.

Leo

[Deleted User] · 29/05/05 - 20:05

Leoedin wrote:

I've got an infocus x2 (dlp) it looks pretty good, and has a good contrast ratio (check that out, some of the projectors you see have a gray-like black)

I am using an ikea blackout blind for a screen, and the image quality is just as good as when I use my smaller portable screen. I still use my TV 95% of the time though. Don't forget to also budget in for some good (preferably surround sound) speakers that help immerse you into the movie/game.

I find that the image stays sharp whatever distance from the screen your at, just adjust the focus. And I agree with MonkeySoup - always ask to see the projector in action before you buy.

Leo

I have the Logitech Z-680

so a Projector has a picture quality compared with a 32" CRT? nice!

leo · 29/05/05 - 20:44

don't forget that unless your rear-projecting, the projector will be in the way, so you can't see the screen, and check out your projectors minimum focal distance. After that distance the image will become blurry, I'm not sure what distance mine is, but I havn't ever had the projector very close as I might as well watch TV when you get below the 40" stage

Leo

[Deleted User] · 29/05/05 - 20:57

my projector will be of a distance of 4m = 10 foot

that won't be a problem than huh?

Hey there!

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