2. home-theater
  3. 1079820969

Need help with front projection TV on a budget


My search for the right TV to complete my home theatre seems never ending. I was only considering HD rear projection but I'm intrigued with true BIG screen TV front projection. I have a dedicated theatre room that is 15 feet by 25 feet (I can completely control all light). I would love to have a 100" screen but I've heard a lot of negative stuff about projectors in my price range. I have budgeted $3200 for the TV and I've heard decent front projectors are several times that much. If there are good units out there in my price range I'd love to know about them. I've heard of headaches, rainbows, and other nightmares that I'd rather avoid. For my budgeted price, I'll need the projector, mounts, and a screen...a complete package. Is it worth trying front projection at this price? I'd hate to spend my money and not see the picture quality I want.
brentchp

Showing 2 responses by prpixel

prpixel
876 posts
 
Panasonic PTAE500 ($2000online) ,fixed screen 108"($300) and chief mount ($180). That leaves you $700 for good component and DVI cables. I'm using a PTL300U in a room of similiar dimension with great results. Keep in mind that HD will look incredible and standard def will look like crap (after seeing HD).

Good luck,
prpixel
876 posts
 
Price of the panasonic PTAE500u is $2000. Price of the Sony hs20 is $2900. Both have the same contrast and light output. The Sony is brighter than the Panasonic PTL300u.

I demo the Sony HS10 and Panasonic PTL300u in my room. The Sony was brighter but $1000 more. The bulb did not last as long. It was louder. And the bulb was twice as much as the Panasonic. Also, the Sony had this annoying problem of defaulting to the memory card slot when ever it was turned on. Also, it takes longer to warm up and cool down. Guess because of the bigger bulb.

I'm going to make the jump to the Panasonic 500 soon.
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