Question on Home Projectors?

Question

I'm looking at the first three projectors here:
http://www.ncix.com/search/?categoryid=2-1227&q=1080

if you don't want to click:
Optoma HD200X @ $1200
BenQ W1000 @ $1500
Epson Powerlite 8100 @ $1730

I am WILLING to spend the money, but of course I would rather not if the difference isn't dramatic enough.  The room is not very dark during the day, but pitch black at night.  Personally, I'm a contrast nut, and obviously want enough lumens keep me happy.  It's an 11' span projecting onto a 7' wall, and the mounting should be close to 100% straight (so Vert. sync isn't a huge issue, and H-sync isn't needed at all).

Which of the above will I likely be happiest with - or is there another model in this same price range I should look at.

Question 2 - I would rather go with a painted wall than a screen - what color (specific as possible, please) would be ideal, and would it be advantageous to get paint with reflective pigments?

bbt91945 · Accepted Answer

Buy your self a Home Theater Magazine for March issue. It list just about every projectors in the market. It has the rating from the entry level to the high end. A bright room is not ideal for a projector and the lamps only last about 2,000 hours before they have to be replaced. A flat white wall works the best if you don't have a screen. The Epson 8500 is in the entry level for $2,295. I have used the Panasonic projector for over two years and have not had any problems $3,495. I only use it for viewing blu ray disc movies on a 116" screen and usually after 6PM at night. Hope this will help you out.

? · Answer

The projectors your looking at are not to bad but honestly for alittle more money you'll get a much better projector.

Panasonic PT AE-40000 under 2k is a better projector then those you are looking at.
Im including a very good website that does very thorough reviews of home theater projectors.

Also dont under estimate the importance of the screen it plays a very big role in the brightness & resolution.  Altought not inexpensive the Stewart Film Screens Grayhawk is the best screen out there right now.  If you insist on using a painted wall there is a paint specifically for projectors, called gooscreen, I have not personally seen it but im sure its formulated to provide some gain and certainly better then regular painted surface.

klinkman77 · Answer

Not much input on the projector, i think any of those will be OK for you. 

But the screen will have a huge impact on your viewing. Do NOT go for a painted wall if you want any kind of decent viewing. Painted walls are a last resort and even the best "projection" paint will not come close to any kind of decent screen. Do some research, get a screen that is correct for your most common viewing times. (day, night, high light, low light, etc...)

? · Answer

Any of those projectors will work fine.   I have used Epson's in the past and they have been very reliable.

My only caution is to make sure you read the owners manual very carefully of whatever projector you choose BEFORE deciding upon a mounting location.

Flat white paint works great for projection.  There is special screen paint and I have seen it in use and I still think flat white works just as well (it is WAY cheaper too).

Anonymous · Answer

Check out the Optoma HD20 in the March issue of Consumer Reports ["Front projector under a Grand"] for a comprehensive review of a project under $1,000.  Also visit www.goosystems.com for an appropriate paint screen kit for a specific projector.  The total cost is around $150.00 for both a primer and base coat.  Here's a sample of a 96" diagonal painted movie screen showing the motion picture "The Promise":

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/8a/f7/6866729fd7a0f1af104de010.L.jpg

Good luck!

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