Do you use a Media projector?

Question

I was thinking of buying one.

How are they for use as a computer display?

How are they for dvd viewing or Xbox 360?

The retail outlets, that I have been to, do not have working units on display and I do not know anyone who has one.

I would like to know your opinion on the display quality,to decide if it is worth throwing down the $600.+ just to find out the pictur is crappy.

thankz :)

Answer 1

I use an HD (720p) projector in my home theatre instead of an HDTV ... great way to get a BIG (110") picture. Just like being at the movies!

There are two main classes of projectors: business and home theatre. Both can usually be connected to a computer via a VGA input (or DVD-D).

Relative to home theatre projectors business models are usually less expensive (ca $500-$800), more portable, brighter (1500+ lumens), have poorer video processing, are noisier and often 4:3 aspect ratio (vs 16:9). In short, business models are best for bright primary colours and work OK with video sources, they are really less suited to movies, games and TV than HT models.

You really want a HT model, and these fall in three basic classes based on resolution: 480p ($500-$1000), 720p ($900+), 1080p ($1800+).

While a big picture is great -- particularly with a high contrast (2000:1 or better), HD model (720p or better), note that projectors work best in a dim/dark room (the image is washed out in bright light) and lamps need to be replaced every 2-4000 hrs and cost $300-$500 a pop. ... so projectors are not inexpensive to run.

See the link for reviews and pictures. (www.projectorreviews.com)

You can buy used projectors, but given lamps may be almost shot it is probably a good idea to by a reconditioned or new model on sale.

Good luck.