A/V & Home Theater Projector Guys & Gals - Chime in!

[mach_u]

Ok, so I am looking to do a pretty trick home theater twist with the updated basement and am planning on installing a projector. I am looking around $1k mark not a whole lot more. So far I have narrowed it down to the Panasonic AX200U. Seems to be a great bang for the buck. Any thoughts?

http://www.audiogeneral.com/Panasonic/ptax200u.php#
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic_Home-PT-AX200U.htm
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-PT-AX200U-Widescreen-Definition-Projector/dp/B000WZO9ZU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1207828603&sr=8-1
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/projectors/panasonic-pt-ax100u-first-look
http://www.projectorpeople.com/projectors/projdtls.asp?itemid=23153

[bobtsgt]

don't do it.... your TV is already the size of the damn wall.

[Black92LX]

i have read good things about that projector.

But more importantly what screen are you going with???

[REDHOTGTGIRL]

don't do it.... your TV is already the size of the damn wall.

Thank you Bob! ;)

[cstreu1026]

Projector FTW!

I plan to go the same route when I finish our basement. That Panasonic looks like a pretty good buy. I thought 1080P capable projectors were going for a lot more than that.

[Jeepman1991]

If you mean a 1k on the whole project you are going to fall short.

[Stang849]

Here are my thoughts on the matter. I work in the convention/business side of the A/V world, not the home install side, so take what im going to say with a grain of salt. When looking at a projector for your house there are a few things you need to take into account. One, how bright is the space you are putting it into. AJ I know you are putting it in your basement so the 2000 lumens should be fine, but if you have any windows down there you might have to put blinds up to get the full effect of the projector during the day. Second, you need to take into account how long the bulb lasts, and how much it costs to replace. The average new projector bulb lasts for 1000 hours, and costs on average between 200 and 300 dollars to replace. So if you watch the projector for 3 hours a day, you will replace the bulb once a year. So you need to take in the account the added cost of the projector. Third, you can either buy a screen to hang on the wall or they make a paint that you can roll on it will change your wall into a screen. If you have any questions PM me or call me on my cell 859-393-6488, I’m in Calgary until Saturday though.

[05yellowgt]

By far the screen makes the biggest difference when it comes to viewing projectors. Here is my personal favorite out of all Projector screens i have ever worked with.

http://blueoceanscreen.com/index.html

[WhiteT]

2K to 3K hours is the norm in most home theater projectors. 2K lumens is usually plenty for a basement with small or no windows.
I replied to your thread over on css. I also have a decent 92" screen for $200. Let me know if you are interested. Its new, never used. I am in the business and have all kinds of odds and ends parts. Remember, you will also need a mount for the projector if you mount it in the ceiling. Most projectors do not come with them.

[Katmandu]

I just bought an Epson S5 last week for my wife's business. Only paid $549 for it at Staples. Told them Circuit City had one for that price and they matched it.

http://tinyurl.com/4ap7zw

It has all the in/outputs for A/V hookups as well.

http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/cat/enl/s0212895_enl.jpg

Also bought a 60"x60" screen from Office Depot for around $150.

So...$700 + tax and we're VERY please with the results.



.

[mach_u]

If you mean a 1k on the whole project you are going to fall short.
No, $1k-$1200 for just the projector.


don't do it.... your TV is already the size of the damn wall.
I'm taking your dude card http://www.tombraiderforums.com/images/smilies/gay.gif


Thank you Bob! ;)
I've already run the wiring - it's too late now! :evilgrin: :booty:


i have read good things about that projector.

But more importantly what screen are you going with???
I've got a really good deal coming on a great screen from one of our suppliers, I'd rather not say. :D


Here are my thoughts on the matter. I work in the convention/business side of the A/V world, not the home install side, so take what im going to say with a grain of salt. When looking at a projector for your house there are a few things you need to take into account. One, how bright is the space you are putting it into. AJ I know you are putting it in your basement so the 2000 lumens should be fine, but if you have any windows down there you might have to put blinds up to get the full effect of the projector during the day. Second, you need to take into account how long the bulb lasts, and how much it costs to replace. The average new projector bulb lasts for 1000 hours, and costs on average between 200 and 300 dollars to replace. So if you watch the projector for 3 hours a day, you will replace the bulb once a year. So you need to take in the account the added cost of the projector. Third, you can either buy a screen to hang on the wall or they make a paint that you can roll on it will change your wall into a screen. If you have any questions PM me or call me on my cell 859-393-6488, I’m in Calgary until Saturday though.
Thanks for the pointers. The basement is mostly light controlled and the couple windows I have, have dark curtains over them. We should be in pretty good shape. :bigthumb


2K to 3K hours is the norm in most home theater projectors. 2K lumens is usually plenty for a basement with small or no windows.
I replied to your thread over on css. I also have a decent 92" screen for $200. Let me know if you are interested. Its new, never used. I am in the business and have all kinds of odds and ends parts. Remember, you will also need a mount for the projector if you mount it in the ceiling. Most projectors do not come with them.
I will check out your thread over there next. I would be interested but I am going with an 84" due to size constraints and distancing from the seats.

[bobtsgt]

for being a tight ass you blow through a lot of cashola http://fomfracing.com/forums/images/smilies/321.gif

[mach_u]

for being a tight ass you blow through a lot of cashola http://fomfracing.com/forums/images/smilies/321.gif
I spend money - I'm just picky on what. Plus I want a deal on anything I do spend money on. :lol:

[bobtsgt]

I got your deal right here for ya :D

[mach_u]

I got your deal right here for ya :D
You are not right. :lol: