Projectors

[brock05]

What should i look for when selecting a projector for home theatre application. What are the benefits/negatives of DLP v's LCD projection. I will be using it mainly to watch DVD's and sporting events.

Cheers
Brad

[petefletch]

I've had an LCD projector for about 3 1/2 years and have never had any real trouble with it. But I'm certainly no expert since I haven't really seen too many others.

From a lot of the stuff I've read LCD vs DLP is a bit like Ford vs Holden (sly reference to your username).
People seem to pick sides and stick with them.

Personally, if I was going to be buying one now I'd have the Panasonic ae700 at the top of my list.
Not sure if it is actually out yet, but if not it won't be long.



Not much help I know, but I'm sure you'll get some more replies.

[brock05]

thanks, any reason paticular reason why you would lean towards the panasonic.

[petefletch]

Originally Posted by brock05

thanks, any reason paticular reason why you would lean towards the panasonic.

Only from reviews. The new Panasonics have supposedly almost eliminated the fly-screen effect which was one of the LCD's biggest weaknesses.

Also supposed to be quite a boost in the contrast ratio, along with other handy things like lens shift ability.

And for not much money compared to what I paid a few years ago.

[Rick]

Originally Posted by brock05

What should i look for when selecting a projector for home theatre application. What are the benefits/negatives of DLP v's LCD projection. I will be using it mainly to watch DVD's and sporting events.

Cheers
Brad

Gidday brock05, as Pete said the DLP vs LCD debate is a hard one. I currently have an LCD, but have my eyes on a DLP (Infocus 4805)
Some people see the "rainbow effect" when watching DLP and as Pete also metioned LCD's can have a "screen door effect" As projector technology advances, these negatives are getting better.
Your budget will be the biggest influence, but I suggest what ever you buy make sure it is native widescreen , not 4.3 switchable to 16.9.
also have a look at http://www.projectorcentral.com/ for ideas/specs etc (prices are in US dollars though)

anyway, good hunting, Rick.

[andw]

Originally Posted by petefletch

...Personally, if I was going to be buying one now I'd have the Panasonic ae700 at the top of my list.....

That ae700 does look good doesn't it.
I'm currently reading a thread on it over here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=442553 sounds very promising.

[OzDaz]

Brock - both the avsforum and projectorcentral sites linked to above are excellent. One thing I found when looking at teh DLP vs LCD issue a few years ago is reading and researching is one thing but seeing is believing. Once you have a few models in mind, find a vendor who will do a demo of the projectors side by side fed from the same soure. DLP has a crisper cleaner feel to it, but suffers from rainbow effect. LCD has more of a movei theatre fell to it, but has flyscreen issues. It really boils down to personal preference after viewing. One big issue to take note of is the sound level - you want it as quiet as possible. Other issues/questions would be 16:9 native vs 4:3, HD compatible. Lumens level (depends on the ambient light in the room), lamp life (econmony mode or not).