WTD: projector and some tips

[digi355]

Looking for a decent projector. Memory express got a good one for about 2k. Got a better deal? I also want some advise on how to get the damn thing on the roof with out wires hang all over the place.

[aquamarine]

You want a projector. Great.

What do you want it for? Home theater? Computer? All of the above?

Are you willing on spending $4-600 for a new bulb every 3000-3500 hours or would you prefer to spend $400 on a new bulb every 6000 hours?

If it's for a computer and graphics display of that nature, spend no less than $3000 on the unit. It'll last you a long long time and bulbs are going to be anywhere from $600-1400 depending on how long of a lifespan and brand-quality you want.
Pro: Very bright
Con: Short Bulb Life Due To Brightness
Pro: Great refresh rate & no burn-in on newer units (hence why I say spend no less than $3k)
Con: More expensive

If it's for a home theater system, spend no less than $2500, otherwise you'll be getting only a first gen HDTV LCD chip or DLP chip. First gen is OK, heck, it's what most DVD's are produced in, but you won't be able to keep up with the latest HD formats (heck, sony already has a 4th gen HDTV out at nearly 2000 lines of resolution). Over-all, the bulbs will be a lot less as well.
Pro: The machine will cost less
Con: Not as bright as a media/computer projector
Pro: Bulbs cost a lot less ($200-600)
Con: Early generations of projectors had burn-in issues

[pimpdesi]

i have a toshiba projector at home
its really great for watching the game
if you shop around you can get it at a good deal

its prolly the clearest projector ive ever seen
even clearer than the ones at shanks

mine is the toshiba DLP i think

i hope i was some help

[kenny]

If you want it for home theatre go for:

Higher contrast ratio
DLP based projector
Lower operating dB
Maximum brightness of projector is NOT important in HT setups

If you want it for computer / presentations go for:

Higher brightness
LCD based projector

Checkout the Infocus line of projectors.