Projector Versus CRT

[kinda]

Hello,

Been thinking of replacing my CRT for some time, and am thinking maybe a projector is the best bet. I'm probably looking at it as an all round solution for a while, and accept that it may not have the greatest contrast in daytime, but I should be able to get one that manages in my room which is not that bright.

My current TV is a 36" Hitachi Natura with progressive scan.

I've not managed to get a demo locally, so before I start looking seriously / demoing, I suppose my main question is for about £1000, (say the Optoma HD20 wghich looks pretty good), will I get something that is on a PAR with my TV or better, or do I need to step up into another price bracket for that?

Any knowledge would be much appreciated.

 

[Tonya]

Hi there!
The best bet is to buy both a TV and a projector if you can afford it.
While nothing beats the big picture experience of a good projected image, it is rather expensive to run as the lamps usually cost several hundred pounds to replace.
Also consider the fact that you pretty much have to have total darkness to get a good effect.

Personally speaking, I use a Sony 52" LCD for "normal" viewing but when the occasion demands it, the projector kicks in and a 120" roof mounted GrandView screen drops from the ceiling to cover the front of my AV rack for the "cinema experience".

When buying projectors, just make sure it's got at least one HDMI input for HD, and check the lens specifications against the room specifications, as some lenses will project a big picture at very short projector-to-screen distances while others may not.

As usual, check out the reviews here and on other sites then hit the bricks and let your eyes decide.
Remember to take your own reference disc so that at least you have one constant to base your comparasons on!

 

[The_Lhc]

You might want to wait until after the Bristol Show as well, if you can get along to that, there's a company there demonstrating an ambient light rejecting screen which supposedly allows reasonable daytime viewing, if it work it might be worth considering.

Hopefully you've remembered to factor in the cost of the screen in your calculations?

 

[kinda]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm always a bit confused about projectors in terms of viewing in a light room. I read posts with people saying they use them as an all round solution, reviews where 1600 - 2000 lumens seems OK, but then there are a lot of comments about them only being useable in darkened environments.

I could spend significantly more on the projector, but not sure if I need the extra performance, plus we're looking to move in the nnot too distant future.

My main driver at the moment is saving space at the front of the room, so I'm thinking a projector will give better images than LCD / Plasma, and will more easily fit a new place maybe. I'd like to minimise the cost but get a picture at least as good as my current TV, which I'm impressed with.

I think I just need to start seeing for myself, but noone in Sheffield is demoing projectors around £100, or didn't have them in last time I checked. I'll be in London in the near future for a weekend. Is there anywhere anyone would recommend to have a look at projectors, preferably on a casual basis so I can just drop in and get a quick feel rather than a full demo?

 

[kinda]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm always a bit confused about projectors in terms of viewing in a light room. I read posts with people saying they use them as an all round solution, reviews where 1600 - 2000 lumens seems OK, but then there are a lot of comments about them only being useable in darkened environments.

I could spend significantly more on the projector, but not sure if I need the extra performance, plus we're looking to move in the nnot too distant future.

My main driver at the moment is saving space at the front of the room, so I'm thinking a projector will give better images than LCD / Plasma, and will more easily fit a new place maybe. I'd like to minimise the cost but get a picture at least as good as my current TV, which I'm impressed with.

I think I just need to start seeing for myself, but noone in Sheffield is demoing projectors around £1000, or didn't have them in last time I checked. I'll be in London in the near future for a weekend. Is there anywhere anyone would recommend to have a look at projectors, preferably on a casual basis so I can just drop in and get a quick feel rather than a full demo?

 

[bigboss]

Speak to Andrew in Sevenoaks Sheffield (in the Ponsford store). He should be able to help you with a demo.

 

[kinda]

Thanks. I live not so far away and bought my amp and Sonos from them. I saw a projector in their demo room when I demod the amp.

I suppose I'd ruled them out as I didn't think they stocked the cheaper end or Optoma, but it might be worth a look.

Thanks again.

 

[bigboss]

According to their website, Sevenoaks stocks the Optoma HD20 (scroll down to projectors section). Andrew has a good knowledge and will guide you appropriately. I bought my AV equipment from them, & their advice was top notch.

 

[kinda]

Yeah, I had a look, and saw the Optoma in their adverts. Not sure how I'd missed it previously!

I popped in today, and am having a look at the Optoma and maybe the JVC DiLA next week.

Cheers