I'm thinking of getting an HD Projector mainly for the PS3, Sport and Movies. I have been looking around and now need some help.

I have spotted this projector which looks great but I'm wandering what the catch is as it appears incredibly cheap.

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/stor...rmationSection

Help and advice would be greatly apreaciated as some of these technical terms just go in one ear and out the other.

Many Thanks

Optoma are well regarded in the PJ world, they do some nice gear.

The PJ itself has 1280x720 resolution and comes equipt with HDMI so is HD ready.

Can't comment on PQ as I have never seen one in action, but I have seen other models in their range and they are very good.

You might find this thread from the AVS forums helpful in making your mind up if there's a catch or not, personally I don't think there is.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=947156

Optoma have been pushing prices down pretty consistently for the last few years. The new HD65 continues that trend and it's great value.

How come it's so cheap. This is all about grabbing market share in the home cinema market. Optoma are leading on price and performance to close the door on their competitors.

Companies like Dixons/PC World (it's the same group), and Comet have the muscle to shift pretty big volumes of product, but they're very selective about what they pick to range instore and online. You'll notice that they don't sell every brand under the sun. The goal of the manufacturers is to get their product chosen over their rivals for a certain price slot, and Optoma's product kills several birds with one stone.

There's a whole bunch of business projectors available for under £500, but nothing much that does video and gaming well and can handle a 1024x768 PowerPoint presention...until now.

I like Optoma products, but there is a word of caution. This is a DLP projector and it's very bright. DLP's make their picture in a way that can cause a problem for certain people and in certain viewing conditions. The problem is called Rainbow Effect (RBE). It looks like a red and green lightening flash on screen. Some people never see it, others see it all the time. It happens most when watching a night scene with bright pinpoints of light. On daylight scenes like football or studio programs it's very unlikely that you'll ever notice it.

Things that make RBE worse are settings that boost contrast. Turn these features off and then set the contrast control properly and you'll lessen the chance of seeing the effect.

Other than that the Optoma HD65 is a cracking buy. Enjoy.

Regards

Chris

http://www.projectorpoint.co.uk/

They have a pretty good 'projector selector, under their tools section. Personally I'd go for an Infocus 76 DLP.But as already mentioned Optoma(especially HD700x) are pretty cheap right now and are well constructed. I would also suggest you go with DLP over LCD and be aware, of bulb life time.Most bulbs now have about 3000 hours life-span.Probably about 3-4 months of you using it 24 hours a day.Make sure it's well ventilated too.Beware though, that if your bulb does go, that it might be difficult to find a replacement if your projector is an older model. Whether or not it's worth buying bulbs in advance is debatable.As it might be just as profitable to buy a new projector, in the event of the bulb(lamp) failing.

I have the HD65, and its an excellent piece of kit.

See here which includes some screenshots from other who have it.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showt...664736&page=28

I'd definitely recommend that people go for a projector over most of the LCD TVs available these days. I know that the Optimas appear well regarded and cheap, however, DLP can be problematic with some people and I know that I've seen rainbow effects myself. If you ever want to invite friends over, I'd recommend getting a LCD projector over DLP. I have a Panasonic PT-AE2000 which is a Full HD LCD and fantastic although way over the budget of the Optima. When you experience a projector you won't want to go back to a mere TV.

Cheers,

jahboo

Thanks for the help guys, I think I'll start convincing the OH that we need one but one more question first, without actually seeing a projected image from a DLP projector is there any way to test whether I will suffer the rainbow effect.

not that I am aware of.

Also it seems most people who do see it learn not to, just as with anything else unwanted the brain quickly learns to filter it out.

I didn't think there would be.

You say you have it could you give a rough distance from screen - screen size guide please.

You could go and demo a DLP TV, but I'm not sure what models are available now, Toshiba used to do them, I know JVC do a 70" model but I wouldn't think this was readily available in many places to view myself.

If you have no luck here your only option would be to find a dealer dedicated to home cinema who deals in PJ's, they should have a viewing room where they have projectors on demonstration

What size is the room?

Also be aware that if you go to have a look at projectors to see if you can see rainbows with dlp,they will most likely demo it with an animation,monsters inc is a popular one. You need to watch real film to see it. Most animated stuff looks great on anything.

I have a dlp projector (infocus) and lots of people have watched films,tv or played video games on it and only one person has commented on rainbows.

With dlp,the faster the colour wheel speed and the more segments it has reduces the rainbow effect,but it does vary between brands.

Yeah I do have it.

I currently have it in a temporary position 9ft from the screen and it throws a 7ft (measured on the diagonal) image, from this position.