Is 3000 lumens too bright of a projector for a small room?

Question

I have a 800 sq. ft. apartment. My living room, where I'll have the projector, is about 10 x 25. Im looking for a projector that I will be using on a regular basis for tv(hd satelite box), movies(standard dvd for now), and video games(xbox 360 with hdmi hookups). Im not sure how many lumens I need. I'm just a little afraid of the picture being not bright enough since I will be using the projector on a daily basis and anything but a perfect picture will get annoying.Outside light will not be a problem because I will be blacking out the windows with 100% window tint. Not sure what screen size I'll be going with but will probably be a 100 inch motorized screen.

Ive been looking at three projectors on ebay that seem good and are in my price range(both w/ 3000 lumens):

Sharp PG-MB66X(DLP)

NEC VT770 (LCD)

Optoma EP-758(DLP)

Email me if you need anymore information, thanks for everyones help.

Answer 1

3000 lumens is WAY too bright.  If you have light control in the room you won't need more than 1000-1200 lumens (That is rated brightness, when adjusted for best colour 400-500 lumens is fine).

Read some of the reviews at the 1st link ... for HT use on a screen about 100" you don't need more.

You don't specify a price range, but based on the proposed projectors you appear to be considering the $1000 and up range. I'll assume

you are not thinking a 1080p projector ($2200 and up) ... so will focus on 720p models. That said, the projectorcentral.com site has a listing of recommended HT projectors on the home page ... a good place to start re a number of models that are highly rated.

I would recommend a Home theatre model rather than a conference room/business projector. They are not as bright because light control is assumed, but generally are quieter (cooling fans), have better colour accuracy, and superior video processing.

The calculator at the second link not only helps determine distance to fit a screen size, but also indicates acceptable brightness ranges based on use type/room. Have a look for an approriate projector for your room in concert with this projector. Also see the viewing distance calculator (3rd link) as a starting point given your room dimensions.

Two to consider in the $1300 range are the Panasonic PT-AX200U and  Sanyo PLV-Z5 (A comparative review is provided at the 4th link). A somewhat less expensive alternative is the Benq W500 (under $1000) -- Review at the 5th link.

These sites are collectively a wealth of info.

Add the DIY Screen section at AVS Forum (6th link) and you have everything in terms of info to build a great screen for under $100 (in case you would rather put $$ saved on a screen into a better projector.

Cheers.

Answer 2

Way too bright