Desiding what to buy for home theatre?

Question

Suround sound is a must. but i am not sure if i should get Hdtv Tv. or a hdtv projector? its going down in my basment n i think the bigger the better. what do you guys think and prices would help.

Also its game room so take in mind if it will work with xbox 360/ps3 Prices would be nice.

Only if you tried them please answer i did some research but i still cant make a final dession

Answer 1

The article at the first link may help pursuade you. I agree with the author, a small HDTV somewhere in the house plus a projector in the HT are THE way to go for a BIG SCREEN HT experience.

See the 2nd link for recommended models (there's lot's more on this site so look around).

Re prices (you can provide the HDTV prices to compare to) projectors fall in basically three classes based on resolution.

480p:  $400 > ~$700

720p: ~$800

1080p: ~ $1800 up

All will work with game systems ... or anything with a DVI/HDMI, composite, component and (often) VGA output.

Lamps are the "big" consumabale, costing about $400 each and lasting typically 3000 hrs -- or 2-4 years at 2-3 hrs/day.

You need to have reasonable light controll to eliminate bright light in the room, so a basement is a great place.  

Reviews are available at the 2nd link site and the 3rd link.

You will also need a screen, but can make a good one for under $100 (See 4th link for some ideas).

I've built two home theatres and two screens (one painted one blackout cloth) ... most satisfying project I ever worked on. And my wife and I are confirmed projector lovers.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

we got a big flat screen and we love it. They have so many outlets for gaming, stereo system, and dvd player, and more out lets for your digital camera and all sorts of outlets.

We have a 42' Sanyo.

Answer 3

hdtv projector is you best bet for making as big as you want ,and it works with gaming systems

Answer 4

Generally - a front projector is great for movies. But my friends usually have a more traditional TV for gaming and casual news/network shows.

I have a 61" TV and frankly - some shows that use a rough handy-cam style (Lost, CSI) actually cause problems that big because of the swaying image.

My advice: Start with a more traditional TV as the workhorse. Then add a $1,500 projector later.