Why Change Your TV?

[D.J.KRIME]

TheHomeCinemaCentre:

Of the issues raised so far most are overcome with the involvement of an installer

Ahh there in lies even more expense £££££

Most of us on here go down the route of self-instalation with all of our AV purchases as for me anyway this is part of the fun/whole experience of owning a good AV system, IMHO one can only truely appreciate your system if you have a good understanding of exactly how each peice of equipment in the whole AV jigsaw affects each other.

What most like with a large TV over a Projector is the fact it is a far more "plug and play" option. No need to channel out walls and expensive cable runs all of this after precisly figureing out the correct position for the projector. New curtains to achieve better room darkness all of which on top of say £3000 for a decent projector and screen really does start to add up!

And what if after all the redecorating to make good of the mess you have made in neatly hiding that rather long HDMI in the wall, 6 months down the line you get issues and need to replace the HDMI cable? gone is the simple case of just getting a new cable and plugging it in.

There is then for some of us the extra cost of either having to upgrade our older Amps/Recievers that do not have HDMI to a newer one as we only wish to run a single HDMI to the projector or maybe a cheaper option of a HDMI switch box but that would not help if you also needed to connect a older 360 with no HDMI port, oh and also if like me you would wish to connect your PC again with no HDMI.

So if you look at it like that, it is easy to see why for many a projector is not always on the cards over a 50"/60" TV.

 

[Anonymous]

I am looking to upgrade my tv to 46" or bigger and have always wanted a projector for that full cinema experience. However its is always the cost that has put me off as you have to buy the projector, a good screen and a good quality long 5m plus HDMI cable. As my budget is between £1300 - £1500 i cant really see a projector as an option. However if i had the money i wouldnt hesitate to buy one

 

[Sliced Bread]

Interesting points David,

I would love a projector. Infact I looked pretty seriously shortly before I bought my 50" plasma. The smaller down side to owning a projector for me was the replacement bulbs (both the cost but also the worry that they would stop making the bulbs for my model a couple of years after buying the unit - although this worry maybe completely unfounded and is probably a bit of paranoia).

However the main downfall for me was the cost of the projector screens required to make the most of the projector (especially in the light) such as the Planar X-Screen. This combined with the cost of a decent projector does become very expensive.

BUT! And this is a big BUT, I absolutely love them and I have not written off the idea for the future*

*unless flat panel TV's become so good that the projector simply can't compete.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Hi j-fowler

As mentioned, the sort of projectors I'm referring to are those in the £1,500/2,000 price bracket, which is the sort of money many people are spending on replacing their TV. In your price point, there are a few to be had, and as I've already mentioned, Optoma have broken the £1k barrier with a new 1080p projector. What this looks like I don't know yet as I haven't seen one, but this should be good news for potential projector purchasers if it doesn't have too many issues.

If people have a bare wall they can project onto, they can leave a screen purchase until a later date. Some people even make their own!

 

[Frank Harvey]

JohnNewman:Interesting points David, I would love a projector. Infact I looked pretty seriously shortly before I bought my 50" plasma. The smaller down side to owning a projector for me was the replacement bulbs (both the cost but also the worry that they would stop making the bulbs for my model a couple of years after buying the unit - although this worry maybe completely unfounded and is probably a bit of paranoia). This is a popular one, but as I mentioned earlier in this thread, most people just see 2,000/3,000,5,000 hours and think it doesn't sound much. But 5,000 hours, for those that are going to use a projector for movies will get about 3 years (max) per 1,000 hours of a bulb's life - 1,000 is roughly 500 films - how long would it take you to watch 500? Most people are looking around 5-10 years in most cases. Because of this, I've started using mine for gaming too, which may halve my bulb life, but I'm still going to get 3 years out of mine even though I use mine for about 40 hours per week!

However the main downfall for me was the cost of the projector screens required to make the most of the projector (especially in the light) such as the Planar X-Screen. This combined with the cost of a decent projector does become very expensive. Screens can be had quite cheaply nowadays. Yes, specialist ones for specific projectors can be quite expensive, but as long as it's half decent it should do the job quite well.

BUT! And this is a big BUT, I absolutely love them and I have not written off the idea for the future* *unless flat panel TV's become so good that the projector simply can't compete.Personally, I think it'll be the other way - I don't think TV's are going to ever compete with a good projector. They already look better, and I can't see TV's progressing much further at the moment. Projectors have come a long way in the last 5 years - they're better looking, are much quieter, have greater black levels, longer life spans, and better warranties than ever before. I'm sure there'll be many more options for you to consider if and when the time comes.

 

[Cofnchtr]

Hi,

Pelmet?

Cheers,

Cofnchtr.

 

[Frank Harvey]

That's the word I was loking for

 

[The_Lhc]

Cofnchtr:Pelmet?

LANGUAGE TIMOTHY!

Why I won't get a projector.

by

T. HELHC

My missus won't let me.

The End.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Straight and to the point, and in circumstances like that, there's nothing anyone can do for you....sorry. Although if you need 'Relative Relief'

I know this guy.........

Nudge nudge, wink wink........

 

[shado]

How long do the bulbs last and how much are they to replace. Unfortunately I fogot to ask my Uncle who has converted his Garage into a cinema experience.

 

[The_Lhc]

FrankHarveyHiFi: Straight and to the point, and in circumstances like that, there's nothing anyone can do for you....sorry.

I can't complain overly much, she didn't bat an eyelid when I bought a KRP-500A but then she got a new sofa into the bargain so...

Although if you need 'Relative Relief'

I know this guy......... Nudge nudge, wink wink........

I've no idea what you're talking about. Is it something to do with photography?

 

[The_Lhc]

Shado, have a look back through the thread, David's answered this question twice already.

 

[Frank Harvey]

shado:How long do the bulbs last and how much are they to replace. Unfortunately I fogot to ask my Uncle who has converted his Garage into a cinema experience.It depends if you use normal mode or 'eco' mode - normal mode tends to be 2,000/3,000 hours, eco mode about 3,000/5,000 hours, depends on the manufacturer. Cost also varies - usually about £200-300 on average, but it's worth checking that when purchasing a projector (some manufacturers offer an extra bulb ocassionally as a special offer). But as mentioned previously, a single bulb will usually last most people at least 3-5 years, some much longer depending on usage.

 

[Frank Harvey]

the_lhc:

FrankHarveyHiFi: Although if you need 'Relative Relief'

I know this guy......... Nudge nudge, wink wink........

I've no idea what you're talking about. Is it something to do with photography?Well if she's not budging, you could always dispose of the problem.......I was only kidding

 

[The_Lhc]

FrankHarveyHiFi:the_lhc:FrankHarveyHiFi: Although if you need 'Relative Relief'

I know this guy......... Nudge nudge, wink wink........

I've no idea what you're talking about. Is it something to do with photography?Well if she's not budging, you could always dispose of the problem.......I was only kidding

Yeah, so was I! I was going to make another joke based on "relief" but I figured it'd get modded.

I can't get rid of her anyway!

It's her house! (badum-tish!)

 

[harveymt]

Few quick questions for you!

I purchased a refurbed Infocus IN78 last year off their ebay store for £600. I wasnt sure if I wanted to go down the road of pulling down screens etc but I saw this as a good price for a good projector so I could try it out. Unfortunately my house sale fell through and I ended up stuck in current house which is nowhere near big enough for the PJ. Moving now in a couple of months and the new place has got a big enough room. Some questions about installation.

The room has a suspended timber floor. It's above a garage. Im replacing the flooring with thicker wood so it won't vibrate as much with noise. I need to insulate the floor as well. I have an 8m Chord Silver Plus for the cable. If I run the cable through the floor will the insulation affect it? By going through floor I'll avoid any need to track walls and re-plaster.

Secondly, I still need to get a screen. At the time I got the PJ I had seen Beamax screens which looked good for the price. Can anyone recommend alternatives? How do the manual ones work in practice? I'll probably have it so that drops down in front of the TV. Are there any cheaper automatic ones? Can anyone recommend suppliers who'll deliver to N. Ireland.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Running your Chord through the floor should be fine.

If you go for a manual screen which you intend to keep long term, go for tab tensioned, as this will keep the screens shape better over a period of time - normal screens can end up curling down the edges, especially if placed in front of a window.

There are quite a few screens out there at different prices, so if you're after an electric one, shop around and see what you can find. As mentioned earlier, I'm resisting mentioning models and trying not to mention manufacturers for fear of this thread being classed as a sales thread

 

[Sliced Bread]

FrankHarveyHiFi:
JohnNewman:Interesting points David, I would love a projector. Infact I looked pretty seriously shortly before I bought my 50" plasma. The smaller down side to owning a projector for me was the replacement bulbs (both the cost but also the worry that they would stop making the bulbs for my model a couple of years after buying the unit - although this worry maybe completely unfounded and is probably a bit of paranoia). This is a popular one, but as I mentioned earlier in this thread, most people just see 2,000/3,000,5,000 hours and think it doesn't sound much. But 5,000 hours, for those that are going to use a projector for movies will get about 3 years (max) per 1,000 hours of a bulb's life - 1,000 is roughly 500 films - how long would it take you to watch 500? Most people are looking around 5-10 years in most cases. Because of this, I've started using mine for gaming too, which may halve my bulb life, but I'm still going to get 3 years out of mine even though I use mine for about 40 hours per week!

However the main downfall for me was the cost of the projector screens required to make the most of the projector (especially in the light) such as the Planar X-Screen. This combined with the cost of a decent projector does become very expensive. Screens can be had quite cheaply nowadays. Yes, specialist ones for specific projectors can be quite expensive, but as long as it's half decent it should do the job quite well.

BUT! And this is a big BUT, I absolutely love them and I have not written off the idea for the future* *unless flat panel TV's become so good that the projector simply can't compete.Personally, I think it'll be the other way - I don't think TV's are going to ever compete with a good projector. They already look better, and I can't see TV's progressing much further at the moment. Projectors have come a long way in the last 5 years - they're better looking, are much quieter, have greater black levels, longer life spans, and better warranties than ever before. I'm sure there'll be many more options for you to consider if and when the time comes.

You've got me thinking now....although it will take me about a year or so to save up the WCr* required for such a purchase.

*WCr = Wife Credits. Usually attained from such activities as DIY, keeping the house clean and bribes (in the form of presents).

 

[harveymt]

I was just worried about heat from the insulation affecting the cable. If I used the solid Kingspan stuff I would have to run the cable above or below it. Below it would be at the cold side, above in the heat. The mineral wool stuff, I could run the cable through it. Would any of these affect the cable?

Going back to the screens. I had a quick look at your site. You dont appear to sell Beamax or Projecta screens so hopefully Im on safe ground asking about them and apologies if Im not. I thought I'd ask about electrical. They are more expensive and if I dont decide to go electrical I presume the manual screens are the same minus the motor.

The screen will be attached to the ceiling and not the wall. It has to fall down just in front of the TV.

Firstly there was the Beamx R-Black. These appear the cheapest of those I looked at. They all seem to get good reviews. A remote can be added to this. I have a Harmony One so could automate the process. The only thing is the case is black. Is there a white cased version? Ceiling is white and it would blend in a little better.

Secondly, there are Projecta screens. There are three levels I looked at the Cinema Electrol and Cinema Electrol HC and CinelPro. Is there much difference between these? The base model is right price wise.

Again, Im not looking to break the bank, I just want to live with a projector for a year or so. Im building a house in a few years and have planned to put in a dedicated home cinema room but if I use one now I might find it's not something I'd find enough warrant in doing.

 

[Anonymous]

Here's my tuppence worth

Projectors are absolutely fantastic, if you are looking for a "cinematic" experience, a "telly" just doesnt cut it in my honest opinion.

I have a Pioneer 43" plasma, which i use for day to day watching, I use the Projector for movies and PS3.

Im not a retailer, so i don't have a problem making recommendations, I recently (2 months ago) bought the Sanyo PLV-Z700 Full HD projector. I auditioned several Full HD projectors, all of which cost from a few hundred pounds more to double the amount the Sanyo cost, none of which (in my opinion) justified the extra money. The Sanyo cost me £1000 delivered (to N. Ireland). I project onto a 9feet wide Sapphire screen, which has a gain of 1.2 (I think) It is a manually retractable one.

On my first screen install (in a smaller house) I built a cover, out of MDF, which the screen sat behind, it was painted the same colour as the wall it was mounted on and the screen slid out from behind it when in use. Very few people noticed it when it was retracted and had to be told it was there. I also mounted the Projector on the Ceiling, at the back of the room.

In my current Screen install, I built a floating wall, with the screen "box" hidden in it, the equipment rack built into it and even the front and centre speakers mounted in it. I also fitted a suspended ceiling, the cabling was then simply ran above this, The projector was again mounted on the ceiling.

In my experience (and my wifes), this setup is even better than most cinemas, the picture and sound are better, you can drink alcohol, you can pause it when you need to go to the loo etc I have found (via PS3 downloads) that SD quality movies are even enjoyable to watch too.

I play games on the PS3 during the day, without total blackout blinds and find the picture to be totally acceptable, and that is considering that the Sanyo isnt the brightest of the Projectors! Brightness is an important factor to bear in mind if you are going to buy a projector for daytime usage!

Anyway, hope that helps in some way, because once you try a decent projector, you will wonder how you managed with a "small" 42" screen

 

[Frank Harvey]

JohnNewman:You've got me thinking now....although it will take me about a year or so to save up the WCr* required for such a purchase. *WCr = Wife Credits. Usually attained from such activities as DIY, keeping the house clean and bribes (in the form of presents).This is all I want. Just a few people who may in the past have dismissed buying a projector for whatever reason, to realise that most issues with projectors are either not really an issue or can be overcome

 

[Frank Harvey]

harveymt: I was just worried about heat from the insulation affecting the cable. If I used the solid Kingspan stuff I would have to run the cable above or below it. Below it would be at the cold side, above in the heat. The mineral wool stuff, I could run the cable through it. Would any of these affect the cable?To be safe, I'd place in the cooler area, but I really don't think it's be much of an issue as the cable itself isn't going to generate any heat.

Going back to the screens. I had a quick look at your site. You dont appear to sell Beamax or Projecta screens so hopefully Im on safe ground asking about them and apologies if Im not. I thought I'd ask about electrical. They are more expensive and if I dont decide to go electrical I presume the manual screens are the same minus the motor.We are setting up a Beamax account as we speak

The only thing is the case is black. Is there a white cased version? Ceiling is white and it would blend in a little better.If there isn't a white one, most cases can be painted whatever colour you like.

Secondly, there are Projecta screens. There are three levels I looked at the Cinema Electrol and Cinema Electrol HC and CinelPro. Is there much difference between these? The base model is right price wise.

Again, Im not looking to break the bank, I just want to live with a projector for a year or so. Im building a house in a few years and have planned to put in a dedicated home cinema room but if I use one now I might find it's not something I'd find enough warrant in doing.If it's temporary, just go for the cheaper one.

 

[Frank Harvey]

Our Beamax account is now set up and we're looking forward to receiving our 9 foot screen to replace our 7 footer.....

We could've fitted a 10 foot in there, but it was a tad too tall for the room......

 

[Frank Harvey]

Now that we have our Beamax account up and running, I've ordered a 7 foot 2.35:1 screen to replace my 16:9 5 footer - will be interesting to see how much more impact it will have for the relevant movies.....

 

[Anonymous]

I am currently looking to change my Pioneer 42" TV for a 50" one. I've always wanted a projector but the wife in the past has made a few objections. I'm sure I can change her mind with a little persuasion but my only issue is this: if I spend approx £1500 on a decent projector, am I right in saying to get the best out of it, I will need to spend a similar amount on a good quality screen?

I have approx £2k to spend on a new TV, do you think I could get a projector, decent screen and cabling for this. Keeping in mind I will install all this myself so there is no installation costs. Finally, if I did spend this, would the picture quality be as good if not better than the 5 star rated full HD TV. Oh, and in your opinion are they easy enough for a fairly competant DIY'er to install.

The last time I viewed a projector install was about 2/3 years ago and I wasn't impressed, I don't know of anyone fairly local to me that has a demo room set up (Middlesbbrough area - someone has to live there ).

Any info gratefully received.

Thanks