RRH

Hi,

Looking for a new projector. I think I've narrowed it down to a couple of models by Optoma- the HD700x or the HD65.

I really have no idea of the differences between the two models, other that the wife will no doubt be slightly happier with a white projector mounted on the ceiling!

Any help would be appreciated- and should I be looking at any others? I'd like to keep it under £500- and the cinema room is circa 12' x 22' with the projected image being down the 25' length

Thanks

ricardo

Strangely, I was browsing a thread elsewhere that seems appropriate: What Projector for £400 budget? - AVForums.com

Dr.No

I've got an Optoma - very good - HD70...

Technically the HD65 is better than than 700x - 300 more lumens and 1000 more on the contrast. Most of the other specs are very similar.

1600 lumens or 1300 probably won't make a huge difference if you're light controlling (blacking out) the room - but it you'd like to use it in ambient light then 1600 (HD65) will prove better.

Similarly, 3000:1 or 4000:1 contrast won't make a huge amount of difference - but blacker blacks and whiter whites of the HD65 will be better...

Noise levels are worth considering - but they're identical.

I'd go with the HD65 if the Mrs will be happier with a white box on the ceiling, and you're not tightly light controlling - and the HD700x IF you're light controlling and she'd be happier with a black box.... so to speak.

DN

RRH

Thanks for that guys- leaning towards the HD65...

Dr.No

Do it!

Then get a £15 ceiling mount from eBay - they're fine....

RRH

Anything particular to look out for when buying a screen?

RRH

bttt

Deep Singh

I don't think thats a HD pj is it? Is it 1080p?

Dr.No

Splitting hairs... Using current marketing speak, it's "HD Ready" but not "Full HD"

Hence it's 720p but not 1080p

1080p projectors are still quite a bit more expensive, and as most people really struggle to tell the difference - in real world scenarios - between 720p and 1080p then one can only assume that the OP is looking for the HD experience without spending a fortune.

There have even been side-by-side tests of 720p and 1080p projectors, from the same manufacturers using identical HD source material - and a group of technophile/audiophile/videophile viewers got the two units confused, to the point that the 720p was deemed to be the higher resolution - and at normal viewing distances no real discernible differences could be spotted. Search around on AVForums if you want the detail...

So, in answer to your query - yes, it is HD... well, all of the units mentioned in this thread so far are. No, they're not 1080p but that's not the point...

DN

RRH

720p will do me just fine... my eyesight is crap anyway

Any advice on screens? Going for a ceiling mount 84x84 i think, unles I'm better with a 16:9?

Deep Singh

No its not splitting hairs at all. I just asked a question as I thought the op may have got the two resolutions mixed up or the more importantly the product had been misadvertised as often happens

I'd be interested to see a link to the test you mention above with 'side by side tests of 720 and 1080p pjs by the same manafacturer using identical sources where 720 was deemed to be the higher resolution'

should make for interesting reading

Dr.No

Deep - Start reading here... Does make for interesting reading!

Surely 1080P can't be that much better. - AVForums.com

RRH

Ok, read the thread on avforums and bought a package from Littlewoods.

Should be with me within seven days

Bought it from Littlewoods, HD65 and Optoma 84" pull down screen.... for the princely sum of £450 including delivery, thanks to a 20% off code from HDUK.

Excellent! Thanks for your help guys.

All I need now is a ps3, a longish HDMI and a switcher!

lightning101

This might be useful mate:

Optoma HD65 720p Projector £406.55 - HotUKDeals Forum

£406 delivered

RRH

I nearly bought it from Dixons over the weekend but they were showing out of stock. glad I waited- at £450 including the screen I think I got a bargain!

PG

s'ok. Found it

spireite

+ a decent home cinema sound system

RRH

Already b&w'd up

Discount codes for Littlewoods, courtesy of hotukdeals.co.uk

Instructions:
These seem to all be valid as I've used them in my accounts over the last few day's.... Hope they come in useful.

xx790 = 10% off
xx991 = 10% off

xx333 = 5% off

xx054 = 20% Clothing + footwear and 10% Household

xx387 = 10% Homewares and 15% Fashon

xx386 = 20% Book's ans 10% Elec

xx009 = 20% Clothing and foot and 10% Household

xx161 = B.N.P MAY - 29.9apr
xx448 = B.N.P OCTOBER - 29.9apr

Mog

I was thinking of going down the hd projector route for the games room, one question thought is there much to be gained from using a screen or just a well painted white wall ?????? or am I being stupid............

Mog

Deep Singh

Depends on what level of pj you are after. If around the £500 mark like the op then a white wall does quite well, especially to start of with. If you were going to spend thousands then obviously to get the best out of it you would need a quality screen, light controlled room etc