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Topic: ANOTHER: PLZ help me choose a projector post.. Suggestions? - Page: 1

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Guys and gals,

I am looking to buy a projector. I don't know much about projectors other than what I have read here and on other websites. There really needs to be a video forum here, but I hope to get a lot of ideas in the general disc forum. In the last couple of days I think I read every projector thread posted and most of them are kind of old threads.

I usderstand that brightness (lumens) is very important, as well as contrast ratio. My price range is $650 and that's pushing it. I would like to come in lower than that.

Anyway, I am looking at around 2000 lumens (enough?). I saw the:

BenQ MP620c Multimedia Projector
DLP projector, 2000 ANSI lumens, XGA (1024 x 768), Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Native, 16:9 Selectable, Image Contrast Ratio: 2000:1

http://www.superwarehouse.com/BenQ_MP620c_Multimedia_Projector/MP620C/ps/1514678

The best price I see is around 600.00.

Im also looking for a screen and like the da-lite's portability but damn, they are SO expensive! Is there another brand that is portable and doesn't cost so much?

Thanks for any help given.

Killabee44
 
Posted Sun 15 Jun 08 @ 12:06 am
One other thing..

What's a good size for a screen? It will be for mobile use. Thanks.


Killabee44
 
screens are so 90's get a couple of flatscreens and call it a day less expense less setup more idea for mobile use no throw distance to worry about and adverse ambient light issues 2 42's would do nicely on a some uprights. Unless you are planning some huge events a lcd flatscreen is the better choice. the other choice getting a screen I suggest a 5x7 for events under 500 people and a 7.5x 10 is good up to 1000 and a 9x12 will do about 2000. Course the expense of those screens is way more then the 2000 you'll spend on some lcd flat pannels, if your really brave you can pick up a couple of plasma's at walmart for about 749 each. But the lcds will stand up to the road better then a plasma would but your not going to get the black or white level from a LCD that you would get from a plasma. Food for thought.
 
Damn Cyder, that is a really interesting viewpoint. The weight of a 42 or 50 inch plasma is something to consider too. Also, how to protect the screen? Wouldn't it be very easy to damage it? I am guessing you have some sort of custom cover made to slip over the top when transporting? Also, what stands do you put it on?

I have to admit, with plasma and lcd prices dropping, it sounds tempting. Those things are heavy though... Now you got me thinking!
 
Can you lift a speaker? an lcd weighs about the same a plasma weighs about 55-60 lbs keeping in mind they get much lighter when you remove the base part most of them will take an svideo or vga input right from your computer if using more then one you'll need an distribution amp takes 1 input and turns it into 4 they make them for vga svideo and composite. You can have some mounts made for them that fit a standard speaker stand. You can invest in road cases or make them yourself out of plywood for about 30 bucks. About the screen, well there are some ways to protect it. the easy way to do it is grab some cheap plexi-glass and use some velcro to attach it. When it gets too scratched up just replace it with another piece. Most hardware stores will cut a piece to your specs. If you do your own plywood cases a black table cloth and you can set the tv right on the case if you make the case to the right height.
 
Consider DJSCREEN.COM
Works great and no fuss rear projection and under $300. Or make your own using spandex material.
 
still need the 15-20 feet behind the screen for projection.
 
I use both a Da-Lite screen and a 40" Samsung LCD (46 lbs and a custom mount). If you are patient, you can find a good used projector on e-bay within your price range. I made a custom carrying case for the LCD out of plywood and lined it with foam to protect the screen.
 
DJ Cyder wrote :
still need the 15-20 feet behind the screen for projection.


Not if you use a mirror. I had a mirror cut to 36"x 24" and had a stand for it made. Using rear projection, it cut the distance down to 7 feet from the projector to projecting on a 69" X 92" screen. One place I played had mirrors on the wall. I just projected off the wall to the back of the screen.
 
Cyder,

Honestly the only thing holding me back from getting a plasma is the weight. I think I am gonna go with a projector.

ronnieskar: Great idea! I never thought about that. Do you have any pictures of it in action?



So guys, also I need input on a screen that is portable. I don't think I can get a Da-lite right now. What are other portable alternatives?

Also, you didn't tell me if the projector on my first post is a good choice, or what my best options would be at that price point.
 
I use the spandex DJSCREEN - very cool looking, and easy set up. I use a 5000 lumen XGA projector with a short throw lens... For a 6'x8' rear projection image, the distance is about 5 feet from the screen. Looks fantastic.
 
well you can't have the world of projectors handed to you for 600. Couple things you have to worry about

1. ambient light 500 lumans is going to look basically like shit, I suggest a minimum of 2000 lumans.
2. Don't cheap out on the screen, its going to cost a lot and trust me you don't want it to look like a scratched out bedsheet so look on ebay for a used one and maintain your pro look. There is a reason they cost more, quality.
3. lensing there are 500 dollar projectors and there are 5,000 dollar projectors. Here is where you spend the money well after output anyway. Throw distance
4. the projector you posted is not bad, but consider the bulb replacement you always want to have one on hand just in case I would look for Lcd dlps are more fragile then a plasma, and cost more to fix and maintain.
5. look at epson, sanyo nec these guys have been doing it for a long time, and please do yourself a favor and stay away from infocus.
 
But, a projector gives you the ability to shoot a 6x8 or a 9x12 screen.
Doing school gigs with a pair of 42" plazmas vs. 2 9x12' screens is quite a different show.

Size matters guys...
 
@ lineman55 & EricSands:

What kind of life should I expect from DJscreen.com's spandex screens? I like the idea. How you you guys have it set up? do you have standard screen portable hardware and just put the spandex screen on it, or do you stretch it out over your truss like on the website? I do not set up truss like that at small gigs thats why I ask.

@Cyder: I understand now that I will have to go higher than 600. It's best for me to wait and put more cash together so I can get something that would be really worth it. I was looking at BenQ. Please advise me on their quality.

@MP3jrick: I agree, the ability to project a huge image is also a great bonus.

I will delay the projector purchase but am interested in how lineman55 and ericsands set up their screens. Does anyone else use the djscreens? How's their quality?


 
I sue the American DJ LTS-50T truss... very portable, light, and simple. No lights - just spandex. Get the optional carry bag as well...

Specs:
Easy set up and high stability
Features 2 Black steel tri-pods which extend up to 9 ft.
Two 5 ft. truss I-Beams that fit together to create a 10ft. trussing span
Ideal for Mobile DJs and bands
Includes locking pins and hardware
System Capacity: 200 lbs. (evenly distributed)
Truss Diameter: 1 1/2
Weight: 45 lbs.

In addition, I have modified the stands so I can go as high as ~20 feet, for HUGE venues. But usually, I have it set up so the bottom of the screen is around 4 feet off the ground.
 
Guys,

Please tell me what you think. I just found a great deal on what seems to be a projector with very nice specs: $579.98 (includes a free lamp by mail in rebate)

ViewSonic PJ551D DLP Projector - 1024x768 XGA, 2,300 ANSI lumens, 2000:1

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=207552452&SearchEngine=Shopper&SearchTerm=207552452&Type=PE&Category=Elec&Gad=0&dcaid=15889

What do you think? Not a very popular brand for projectors but they carry a 3 year warranty and right now have a promo for a free replacement lamp!



There is also this one: $731.99

BenQ MP622c DLP Projector - 1024 x 768, 2000:1, 2200 ANSI lumens
http://www.buy.com/prod/benq-mp622c-dlp-projector-1024-x-768-2000-1-2200-ansi-lumens/q/loc/111/205663928.html

Hmmm...
 
I don't have any personal experience with Viewsonic. I know a club I played at had them and the kid who did their installations said they weren't very reliable. I have had 3 Optoma projectors and have had good luck with them. Also, I got my portable screens (2 one custom 3X4 and a 6X8) from Screen Works. They come in a well made case with both front and rear projection screens. I paid around $600 for the 6X8 and $430 for the 3x4, but that was several years ago...might be more now...maybe less.

 
 
Chill man. You didn't mention Viewsonic and if you go back and read your own post you will notice that it was kind of hard to tell what you were saying. It was just a big jumble of words. something about dlp, etc. So, can you tell me what exactly it is about DLP projectors that makes them garbage? I noticed a lot of people that post here use them. I am curious.

Edit. thanks for the links I will definitely be checking those out.
 
well how about a color wheel spinning at 10,000 rpm and a nice repair bill if it ever goes wrong, or gets too cold. dlp projectors give people headaches as well they blur text and fine details in the projected image. Lcd's are much better less moving parts last longer and are much cheaper to maintain and produce a higher quality image.
 
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