Digital Video Projectors
 

There's been a few excellent threads on projectors, like the one found here, but I thought I'd bring it up again since I am in the market for one now (or hope to be).

After visiting Projector Central, and reading a few articles, I've decided on an Infocus X1 for my first entry level projector.

As for a screen, I intend to move around a lot so I decided to go for a portable Da-Lite one, specifically, an 80" Da-Lite Deluxe Insta-Screen.

What kind of projector and projector screen do you use, if you have one, and any recommendations against/for the setup described above?

I can't wait to watch movies like the Lord of the Rings or Godfather on a projector screen (I know, I know... I wish I could afford a 16:9 setup...)

Excellent topic! While I don't have a projector myself yet, I'll be interested in watching this grow. Matter of fact, it's now "stuck" at the top of the forum in order to keep an eye on it. Comments, anyone?

I've been wanting to buy one myself for a long time to further
enhance my home cinema. Money has stopped me mostly. The
thing I here is that your better of with a DLP projector than an
LCD one for homecinema needs (blackers blacks etc.).

That X1 is a nice projector. I bought a projector used about 5 years ago for twice that price and it's only half as bright, a Sharp VX-Z 4050. It's a big beast but it has served me well, I long ago made the money I paid for it renting it out to clubs for VJ's to use. Two weeks ago we showed movies outside at my friend's house, it felt like we were at the theater.

The new ones out now are so small and bright, I wish I had the money to upgrade mine, it's always great when I shoot video at a club and use my projector to have it shown for everyone to see.

I've never bought a screen, just show it on my white walls or hang up a sheet, a real screen will really make a difference.

Do you plan on only using it as a home theater? If you do any video work, you could make some extra money if you had it as an option in your video package. But I'd recomend having someone stay near it so people don't knock it over.

Have fun watching movies, if there are any large buildings near your place, try showing them outside, it's great.

I have had both DLP and LCD projectors within the last two years. I made the choice to replace the DLP (Toshiba SV2) because it blew bulbs every 200 hours of use even though it was rated at 2000 hours. At $300 per bulb it was just not worth it. So, I just bought a NEC VT46 LCD for $1000.

Observations on both:
They are rated about the same in lums. The DLP was a little brighter. The contrast is about the same for both, though I think the DLP was lightly better. The DLP did have darker blacks, but muddier yellows and reds. There are some things I liked better about the DLP and some things I like better on the LCD. All in all they are about the same in picture quality. It seemed to me that the DLP lost sharpness over time. The LCD has the screen door effect to some extent but is in my opinion a slightly better picture than the DLP before the last bulb blew.

Makes me wonder how accurate the lamps are rated for on projectors, especially since this isn't something that's easy to account for in a review (at least I don't think it would be).

But that's a good point, I guess you should keep lamp prices in mind when you shop. I have to read more on the articles, but isn't LCD more expensive?

Rik, I hope to watch a lot of movies with it - I'm thinking of getting a permanent installation sometime down the line - but I also hope to screen some DV shorts for friends and family. That would be great fun, seeing your material on a larger screen like that. I think this is the main reason I'm going for it although the thought of sports events, movies, etc on a portable 100" surface sounds great too. The De La Hoya vs. Mosley fight is this weekend, too bad I didn't already have one.

I'm still searching for a good price so this is probably the hardest part I'm encountering now: I'm unfamiliar with where to buy this kind of gear.

Could anyone recommend a reputable dealer for projectors? Wonder if our sponsors have them along with screens? I've been randomly calling/emailing around but some feedback or reviews of vendors for projectors would be great. None on Reseller Ratings.

Here are two good articles linked right on the home page of Projector Central to consider:

How Big of a Screen?

16:9 or 4:3 for Home-Theater?

I'd still like to get more "important" gear but this is such a fun purchase I couldn't resist...

Man, these things just keep getting cheaper and better by the minute...just like computers! I keep threatening to buy one for road shows, but just keep holding off to see how low they'll go. Anyway, most of my needs (excepot for the biggest meetings) are met by the company-owned projectors.

As for home theater, I am deterred by the bulb life--at least with meetings and presentations the usage isn't round-the-clock like my TVs at home. Probably gonna settle on Plasma for the upgrade from 36" tube @ home.

Christopher, have you tried B&H? (one of Chris' sponsors) I know they are not the only ones but they are into every category of electronics, inlcuding plasma, surround sound, etc.

My son got an X1 for Christmas (from his girlfriend) and it's a blast to use for watching DVDs. He has it projecting on a wall in a small room with surround speakers. Excellent item for the money.

I just got one recently as well, the X1 is great! We've really enjoyed having it especially for the holidays. Mike, I did get it from B&H Photo. Excellent transaction.

I was meaning to post pictures of my setup - I have the Infocus X1 and Da-Lite Insta-Theater 80" - but some DNS changes are taking some time to complete. Won't have the pictures on the server for a bit but expect them soon.

One of the best things about having a projector besides the picture is how much everyone else enjoys watching movies on it or even playing games on the Xbox/Playstation2 (screen size is massive!). Your son's girlfriend picked a really good present - having a projector benefits the whole household.

What a nice girlfriend!

That X1 looks good with better bulb life than average (3K vs. 2K). It really is fun front-projecting a DVD movie and feeling like you are in a theater.

DVinfo sponsor B&H does sell both projectors and screens.
I think the InFocus X1 is $1000. An extremly potent projector in that price range.

I've uploaded some pictures of the Da-Lite Insta-Theater, Infocus X1, and shots right from the projector. These aren't the greatest photos but then again it's difficult trying to take pictures in the middle of a movie, in the dark, and while everyone is watching ("What are you doing?! Can we get back to the movie now??").

Here are two photos taken right off the projected image on the screen, along with a third showing the size of the screen itself. That is my brother standing in front of the Da-Lite Insta-Theater, a portable model. Total viewing area is 80" diagonally (6 feet 8 inches). We're talking a potential image 4 feet high and 5 feet, 4 inches across depending on how far you have the projector positioned. Check them out here.

The screen itself is a great product in my opinion, able to setup anywhere and in seconds. I highly recommend it if you need to move your setup around a lot like I do. Simply place it on the floor then lift. These pictures show the screen case closed, open, then pulled up to see the pneumatic scissors from the rear. The screen material's held up so far but I can see how it can be damaged if not taken care of or if it should be hit in an accident. Click on this to see.

Finally, here are two pictures of the projector itself. I'll have to get larger images but for now these should suffice. This is the Infocus X1.

Dang, that screen is cool! Nothing like the pain-in-the @@@ portable screens I am accustomed to, y'know with the little tripod legs and swiveling screen you have to attach to the top of the telescoping rod.

I recently got one for work. I bought a Panasonic PT-LC76U 1600 ANSI Lumens XGA Projector.

I love it as it is really bright even in a room with the lights on, and man does it have a sharp picture. I mainly use it for work but do show movies with it also when I am home. The best part is I sent the request up to my corp office to purchase it from B&H and it was running $1749. My corp office approved the purchase a couple of weeks later and when I went to purchase it the price had dropped to 1499.00

This is an Excellent projector for the money and I am very happy with it so far.

This according to Infocus:

"Now the InFocus X1 comes with a 4000 hour lamp! That's a movie every day for five and a half years!"

Not too shabby! And Projector Central's reviewer went wild over the X1 when it was priced at $1600, so now it's even more attractive at $999. Of course, paying $500+ for the Insta-theater kind of makes me gulp, but the combo is still way less than one of the Plasma screens I was thinking about.

Dan, that Panasonic PT-LC76U looks like a great projector, wonder how its LCD technology will look compared with the Infocus' DLP. Projector Central's review can be found here, and they have only good things to say about the sleek designed PT-LC76U.

In all honesty I really like the image of the Infocus X1. I can't even imagine how much better it can get from more expensive models, makes me curious to see what the differences are between the price ranges. Unfortunately, there's not too many places I know of that have projectors on display.

Mike, if you go for the Infocus X1 I think you're going to be very happy. Everyone I've shown the projector and screen to are amazed by the image and image size. Other than the fact that I didn't really need a new home theater, I find it very difficult to fault my purchase decision. It's just great to have.

Now that I've had some time using the screen and projector, one thing I notice is that you have to be very careful when lowering the screen back into its case. Slow and even, keeping the pressure level is best. Don't want to allow one side to feed down before the other or else you could risk a fold or worse. This almost happened to me, thought I'd let you know.

Even then, in a way I like the screen more than the projector - it really is a remarkable design, and a wonder how it maintains its shape.

Having worked with many different projectors of many brands for conferences and corporate theater (i.e. sales meetings), I'd have to say that I would prefer the LC76U and LC80U for roadwork, simply because brightness is the king where you are working in incompletely darkened rooms, and 2K lumens is my minimum comfort level, especially when rear projecting from backstage. Plus the light weight and low profile help with the logistics, and the more sophisticated keystoning contols can help in this type of environment.

Having said that, for home theater, I would veer toward DLP technology over LCD. For one thing, the X1 is capable of 2000:1 contrast versus 300 or 400:1 in the Panasonic LCD. I'm not sure that this offsets the Panasonic's edge of having XGA resolution over the Infocus only being SVGA. It would be cool to see an actual demo of them side-by-side, but yeah I know, I gotta get real. Prolly splitting hairs at this point, I should just go get the Infocus...just can't argue with the price.

Hah! The concept of needing a new home theater is my biggest obstacle. Of course, my daughter is just dying for me to buy a new plasma so I can give her my 36" Mitsubishi tube for her condo. But that's hard to justify. Easier to make sense of is a $999 box that I can just pick up and bring to a party etc.
Thanks Christopher.

I'm kind of in the market for a projector too.. Has anybody seen the SONY VPL-HS3 in the flesh? It's got a nice price at B&H... the specs look alright too. (from the little I understand..)

thanks.

I'm gettiing ready to buy a projector in the next 30 days. What do you think of the X1's now? Would you select another model/brand? What about the X2?

is there a way to edit using big screen? i mean modern video cards have dual output (like i have). for example if i'm editing on vegas and i want to preview it on the 'big screen' would it would be possible? have people dont this? after all in hollywood the big studios have this capability.

Hey, if your video card has an NTSC output, it really doesn't care what size you use for a monitor, whether it be a 13" Trinitron, a 42" plasma or even a DLP or LCD projector. It's more a matter of what fits in your studio space. But the risk is that using something other than a broadcast-style NTSC monitor won't give you the "whole story" (an accurate picture). And of course, the quality of the signal going to the monitor depends on what kind of outputs the card has...composite video won't be as high quality as S-video, which is not as good as component video.

what i mean is if i have a dual dvi output video card. i use one for my regular LCD editing and the other for big screen. taht would be SOME preview eh?

Yeah, lots of real estate to look at.

Mike, when I purchased the Infocus X1 and Da-Lite screen it did occur to me that I may have been spending my money too quickly, and that maybe I should be using that hard earned dollar elsewhere. As you said some time ago, there really is no need for something so elaborate.

But you know what? I am still extremely happy with my purchase, and use my projector every chance I get. In fact, I think its the best thing I've purchased in a while, in that it exceeded all my expectations. The image is always amazing, and I've had great fun with the projector.

Everyone enjoys watching it, and having the projector around makes family gatherings more like an event. I haven't looked into any other projector of late, but if you get one, you won't be disappointed.

Yi Fong Yu, I wouldn't edit with the projector per se, but it is a great way to view footage just because of the magnification. I'd shoot something then hook the projector up right to my DV deck and watch. You get a good idea of lighting and composition right away on a screen that large. I'm not sure about color accuracy of course, since this depends on how you calibrated the projector, and whether the projector is reliable enough for this, which I don't think it is, but this is the largest most of us will ever see our work projected.

chris, with hawaii as the backdrop, surfing just a walk away, hot models abound, home cinema rivaling local ones, and a job as a videographer? what more can you ask of a man? ;).

the problem with most cheap projector is they come with resolution around 800x600 pixel , even if they claim some HD capabilities.(like the infocus X1 or X2)
Many projectors designed for computer resolution are able to go up to 1024 and really good projector should go around 1280 to support HD or 16/9 wide screen DVD.
Anything else is a trade-off with quality, something discutable if you are looking for home cinema, where the first goal is to have something better than what the good old TV set can give.
Personally i got several projectors (CRT and LCD) and i would never go to such low resolution like 800x600 even for very cheap.
1024x768 is the bare minimum.

Gang:

I agree with Giroud re: his points on resolution. Plus, make sure to determine whether or not you want native 16:9 or 4:3 chips in your unit before purchasing.

Also, if you're going to edit using a projector, then don't forget that color and contrast issues will be affected by the type of screen you buy. Stewart and Da-Lite (two reputable marketers) have many grades of reflectance on their materials. Some can even absorb light. So, make sure to know what kind of reflecting material you'll be throwing images on and editing to -- you might be making unsatisfactory gamma corrections based on those images.

Regards,

Kyle "Doc" Mitchell

Sony VPL-HS10 Cineza
 

I bought the Sony VPL-HS10 a year or so ago and I'm overjoyed!.

I think that this thing can throw a 25ft diagonal image at the top end. My living room turned theatre is about 22x12ft and the projector looks excellent against an offwhite wall. The image is about 11 feet wide and 6+ft high or so.

I have some dark, velvet drapes on both windows to help with outside light and similar velvet panels at each doorway to give that theatrical feel.

I fretted over screens before I received it but after showing a ton of movies, it looks great, even in the reduced "cinema black" mode.

I got it for $2,300 a year ago online (shipped from Electronic Express down in Nashville), so it's probably cheaper.

I'd probably opt for the HS20 these days, but here are some specs for both:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HS10_Cineza.htm
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HS20_Cineza.htm

Mike Rehmus, did you purchase a projector as planned? Which model did you end up with?

As I've mentioned before, I am very happy with my purchase, and a better model can only mean even greater quality. Since this was my first projector setup, and because I wanted it to be a portable one, I refrained from investing too much. At the time, $1500 for both projector and screen was a stretch for me, especially since the purchase was not planned, and because I was already investing heavily into DV gear (3 AG-DVX100s, Chrosziel mattebox, 16:9 Sony monitor, Miller DS-10 tripod, etc).

I do look forward to upgrading one day though, to something more than 800X600. For now, I'm too ignorant of how those better models look like since I've never seen a digital projector save for the one I first purchased. I'll probably wonder how I managed with the Infocus X1 this long when I do get that HD capable, high resolution projector but for now the Infocus will do. And don't forget, that Canon XL2 is very tempting, I'd rather get one of those first! Kyle, Giroud, which model projectors do you have?

Chris, show us pictures of your setup!

Yi Fong, I do feel lucky living here. I think us locals take it for granted regularly though :)

Christopher,
I'll have the opportunity to check out the scenery there next July, my daughter will be married in a small private ceremony in Honolulu (where she met her Marine while he was stationed there). I'll be shooting footage there to cut into a video to be projected at the "reception" back here. Any "must-shoot" places I gotta acquire?

I'm thinking about the X2 at this point, but who knows what might be out on the market next year! That's when I'll actually need a projector.

<<<-- Originally posted by Christopher Go :
Chris, show us pictures of your setup!
-->>>

Chris,

I had some up, but had to move content to a different host. Let me see what I can find in the next few days, then post.

some pics
 

Chris,

Found some pics that I hosted on geocities. Here are a few shots, but you can't really see the side velvet panels that well. The bookcases shot with the projector was taken a few weeks/months before the other pics.

Since I want the place to be as minimal looking as Chrisly-possible, I've hidden the rear channel and sub behind the sofa and in the window bays.

You might be able to see the front speakers in some shots, but they're not mounted the way that I want them to eventually be. (You know, that long list of 'to dos').

Anyway, enjoy.


http://host212.ipowerweb.com/~chicagoh/condo/

Arrgh! Do you stretch 4:3 TV programs to fit on the 16:9 screen? That drives me nuts ;-) http://host212.ipowerweb.com/~chicag.../theatretv.jpg

Come on! It was the superbowl! :]

I mostly watch dvds in there, though.

BTW,

Today is "Frankie Knuckles Day" here in Chicago. He's a pioneering house music dj and producer. The city is dedicating a street name to him. I hope that I can run back home, grab my dvx100a, run back downtown and shoot some of it for later use. Wish me luck!

Hey Mike, congratulations on your daughter's wedding. To tell you the truth, anywhere you shoot here is gorgeous - I would say this even if I didn't live here - especially at around 10:00AM or later towards sunset for that golden sun.

If you can, do a drive through Waikiki beach from Kalakaua Avenue facing the ocean, then on pass Diamond Head. Another great area is in East Honolulu, starting near Hanauma Bay and around Koko Head, well on to Sea Life Park in Makapu'u. This is the same stretch of beach and cliffs that is in almost every Hawaii television show and movie, including 50 First Dates.

There is of course, the North Shore, Waimea Beach, and Sunset Beach. Finally, if you want to balance this scenery with some shots of the city, head up Tantalus for a 180 degree view of Honolulu. The view from up there is great.

All of these places are accesible with a short drive. From East Honolulu to the North Shore, it's about an hour, so with careful planning, you could do all this in one day depending on how much footage you want and if you do a lot of stops. Probably best to do Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, and Tantalus one day, North Shore another - you must enjoy yourself too!

Should make for a wonderful backdrop for your daughter's reception. Let us know what projector you decide on (to get back on topic, sorry about that)

Chris, I think your setup is better than mine, at least you have a dedicated room for the theater. Do you have your computer connected? How do you like the image from the PC? I was thinking of having an entertainment PC connected to the projector, but I have yet to do this. Hope your Chicago shoot went well.

Chris,

I used to have my dining room as my theatre in the apt I rented because of it's length. So naturally it was a requirement that I have a room long enough, wide enough to throw a decent image in my condo. The room is about 22x12ft.

I tried to connect my powerbook to the projector when I first got it and did it the wrong way, had the wrong impression.

I didn't pay attention the the supplied cable from Sony, which includes an S-VHS plug.

I'll likely try it at some point in the future, but at this point, there's no porn.. um..I mean point. :]

I barely made it to the street name dedication ceremony on time... but even lunchtime traffic in Chicago is unbearable. I hopped right out of the taxi with cam in hand running toward the crowd.

Needless to say, I didn't have any time to properly white balance, etc. before shooting. Added, the weather was inclement and lighting flutuated just to toy with me.

Here's one clip near the end before we were drenched with some of the chubbiest rain I've seen all year. It didn't help that the subject(s) were very dark-skinned and under black umbrellas. Hah, notice that some guy had to use his boompole in an unusual way. :]

Which brings me to saying that I just received my JTL Everlight TL-1500 softbox kit today and IT WON'T BE TRAVELLING. It's like carrying my exbf around in a duffle bag. No thanks, studio shooting for me.

http://host212.ipowerweb.com/~chicagoh/frankie/frankieknucklesway2-082504.mov

Many thanks, Chris Go. I'm gonna print it out and bring with me. I'm sure to get some good stuff. Plus we will be taking a side trip to the Big Island. I want to put lots of water (beaches, bays and harbors) because the reception will be in a yacht club.

Chris Gray, that's cool that they named a street after the Godfather of House. It's kind of ironic, most folks think of NYC as the birthplace of disco in the US, but Frankie had to move from NY to Chi to make his mark...and he has influenced pretty much all of recorded dance music since then. Funny, back in the day I didn't think that was his real name but a sortof "Mafia name" like Paulie Walnuts or Jake the Weasel...like maybe he got it cuz of his fistic prowess etc. :-)

No word yet on projector selection...if I had to buy today I'd get the X2, but let's see what comes out between now and next July.

Mike, that's hilarious.. Knuckles does sound like some mafia brute..but I guess you could sorta consider Frankie a godfather in the way he had to help sheppard house music in..hahah.

>Mike, if you go for the Infocus X1 I think you're going to be very >happy.

Christopher, a few of the on-line customer reviews of the X1 and X2 highlight their disappointment in the "rainbow" effect in which
one sees three images of the the components colors. Do you notice this effect on your X1 ?

Thanks,

Gints