GAZZ SCOOBY

Been looking at getting a projector to replace my TV
Model :Mitsubishi LVP X400U
Are these really good or what ? they are rather expensive but do between 40" - 400" display that is massive !!!
Any views on these please before i blow my money ...

Thanks
Gazza

Chris_S199

Not sure about that particular model, but the bulbs in many projectors like that are pretty expensive (200-300 quid each) to replace when they blow, and I'm not sure how long they last. Not sure that really helps you, but I'd be interested if you find out anything else about them...

Scooby-Doo

I ran a Sony unit I borrowed from work to watch Apollo 13 on DVD. It was stunning with a 7ft picture and HiFi sound. You must make sure you have a good screen to project the picture onto, enough distance between the projector and the screen and a high lumin output if the room is not pitch black. I had a distance of 14ft between projector and screen and used a freshly painted white wall as the screen.

Good luck

RichB

I went shopping for a projector and was very nearly convinced that plasma was the way to go. The bulb comment is a good one, they are not cheap and the life spans of the two types equal out over time (ish...)

Anyway, I wasn't completely sure so I bought a new denon amp and kef speakers instead

I think I'll wait until the plasma screens come down in price a bit more.

Adam M

plasma screens are coming down and are approaching under 5k for a decent one which is nice.

My davis projector cost me 2k, and has an 11ft screen in my room instead of a 42 inch screen.

The picture quality wont match a tube, but I am not convinced by a plasma yet either. The projector is perfectly watching, but not so good by day, this doesnt bother me as I have blackout curtains, and blinds too if I cant be bothered.

I dont believe there is a substitution for an enormous screen, simple as that. The experience is mind blowing.

A painted wall is not as good as a dedicated screen.

sony do a new projector aimed at people like us for about 1k I think which can project at an angle making it easier to place in difficult rooms, that might be worth a look.

noise is a consideration too, find a cupboard to hide it in!

GCollier

Buy a projector, you won't regret it. After seeing movies on my friends projector, I had to have one of my own. A plasma set is just a complete waste of money in comparison, and just won't compare. At the end of the day, there's just no substitute for inches.

Gary.

mccltd

I have a 7ft Projector home cinema screen for sale.
Cost me £500 asking £200 for it.
Bought new house and having one sunk in ceiling.

Dave.

markab

Gazza,
You might want to look at the newish 16x9 lcd panasonic thats just come out - PT AE100E. Ive just ordered one for £1183, although this is from a german company. I think you can pick them up for £1400 in this country. Bulb life is rated at 5000hr in eco mode and 2000 in hi power. The bulbs only cost £140 to replace. You might be best having a look at http://www.avforums.com/ in the video projector forums. There is quite a lot of discussion there.

Mark

chopper

I just bought a 2nd hand NEC 42 plasma for 2 grand and it's fantastic! If you go the plasma route though, try and get one without a cooling fan.

RichB

chopper - where from?

father_jack

Don't worry about bulb life - mine (Sony) is rated at 5000 hours - with an hours elasped counter in the menu.
Thats a two hour movie every day for nearly 7 years.

I got a brand new 6 ft pull down screen for £50 on QXL - have a search on there - it was a company selling them so they should have more.
Can't wait to project into the garden come summertime

C h a z

The PT AE100E is suposed to be a very good piece of kit, but I havent seen one yet. Try and get to see the Sim2 range these are stunning. They have one out at about £8.5k, so plasma money and it's like film.

SecretAgentMan

I'm running a Sony VPL-HS1 at home, 100" 4:3 (~80-ish at 16:9)...lovely stuff - I'm never going back to small screens.

/J

chopper

Rich B,

Bought the plasma through the usual channels - advert in loot. I was lucky to get it for this price I think.