Which data projector?

Question

Tossing up between the Dell 1209s and the Benq MP620 but not sure which would be the best. Does the Dell allow switching between 4:3 native and 16:9 modes. Anyone have any info or reviews of the above, what would you buy. Mainly to be used for home theater/tv viewing in medium sized room.

Answer 1

First, you don't want a "data projector", you want one designed for video.

Projectors fall into several broad classes (based on use). In general for the use you specify you want a projector designed for home theatre use ... not business (like the Dell and Benq).

The differences can be subtle, but basically HT projectors put more emphasis on colour accuracy and video processing. In addition the fan noise level is usually lower. There is less emphasis on brightness (since it will be assumed the projector will be used in a light controlled room).

That all said, most projectors can be switched between 16:9 and 4:3. The difference is really in whether the NATIVE resolution is 4:3 or 16:9 (or similar). If 4:3, widescreen images use a subset of the available vertical resolution, while a 16:9 projector will use a higher proportion of the vertical resolution for widescreen images (in the case of a 16:9 image, 100%).

Either the Dell or the Benq will work for HT use, but neither are really designed for that.

See the 1st link for an overview of recommended projectors (a bit dated, but still valid) at various price points. The second link is to another projector review site, and an article on the best HT projectors (probably all too expensive for you .. but there's lot's of other info on this site too).

You would be advised to do some reading and think about your needs/preferences/budget ... then identify some candidates.

A projector is a great idea (I watch HDTV and movies on mine and wouldn't go back to a "normal" TV), but it requires some RESEARCH o find the best one for yours particular needs.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I'd pass on both of these projectors because you will see "rainbows" due to:

1.  Dell 1209 has a 2X speed color wheel;

2.  Benq MP620 has a 3X speed color wheel.

You need at least a 4X speed color wheel to enjoy "rainbow free" DLP projection.

Here's a better projector overall. Check it out at amazon.com - or

http://www.amazon.com/InFocus-Screenplay...

It comes with a built-in speaker.  Read the 15 Customer Reviews.

And here's an actual 96" diagonal movie image [A Good woman].

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/...

Good luck!

Answer 3

Provide some links to manufacturer web sites and I'd be happy to take a look, but I'm not going to do your research for you.