Is this projector good? or does it need some different/better features?

Question

Is this projector good? or does it need some different/better features?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2000ANSI-Lumens-Home-Cinema-LCD-Projector-TV-built-in_W0QQitemZ200230717561QQihZ010QQcategoryZ22610QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I am a complete noob when it comes to projection televisions, I dont know what to look for (what makes them good and what makes them awfull?)

can you give reasons why it is bad (if it is) :D

and the price is more than reasonable no?

Answer 1

You should not consider a 500:1 contrast ratio LCD projector  when viewing movies from DVDs or HD television.  This projector will produce a very bland, low-contrast picture; everything will look grayish; there's simply no solid black tones.  Look into any projector with a native contrast level of at least 2000:1.

Good luck!

Answer 2

For the price it looks OK (Most projectors with better specs would be more expensive).

That said, 500:1 contrast will give you an OK image for games, but will probably look a little flat for movies/TV (ideally you want 2000:1 or better). The bulb life is good (most give ~3000 hrs) and replacement cost is good (most are $300 minimum).

I can't speak to video processing or optics (I suspect they are not great), and the resolution is OK.  I think the inputs are a bit weak (no HDMI/DVI and I'm not sure if "AV" means component or composite (You want the former) ... although many projectors accept component via a component to VGA adapter.  Fan noise level @ 32 dB is a bit high if used in a small room, but is tolerable (ideally you want under 26 dB).  It's 4:3 aspect ratio which will work for movies but you waste some of the vertical resolution with widescreen films.

That all said, assuming there is some backup if you need service (I have never heard of the brand), and the specs are honest (??) it's probably a good first projector for the price ... particularly if you can sell or find it a good home when you decide to buy a better one.

Personally, I wouldn't buy it ... at least not over the internet ... but then I'd rather spend more money for a known brand than take a chance on something I don't know anything about.

Hope that helps.