Anybody here got experience with CRT projectors?

[StrongTurd]

I've been researching CRT projection to replace the crappy 72cm TV in my home theatre for a number of years now. I've alway planned on going for a 720p LCD projector until I discovered the world of CRT projection over at Curt Palme's site about 2 years ago. I've been hooked ever since. Money has always been a problem, though. These projectors were VERY high-end devices when they were still in production about a decade ago and often cost > $100k back then.

Anyways, I'm now about ready to take the plunge and I plan on getting myself an 8 inch medium level unit from Curt.

For those that are not familiar with CRT projectors, they use three CRT tubes to produce a projection image. There are a number of advantages to CRT projection vs LCD and DLP projectors namely:

1. Tube life - A CRT projector is easily capable of going 10000 hours on a set of tubes. Replacement tubes are readily available. In contrast, modern projectors are lucky to see 2000 hours on a bulb. New bulbs are horrendously expensive.
2. Image quality - most really high end video connoisseurs and professionals like Widescreen Review still prefer CRT projection even when compared to the latest high-end modern projectors like the R100K Sony Ruby etc.
3. They can easily be repaired (by a pro). Almost all parts are easily obtainable. These projectors were designed to be serviced and NOT to be thrown away when they break. They are made to last.
4. They offer real bang for the buck. The projector that I've got my eye on easily does crystal clear 1080p and fills up a 3 meter diagonal screen no problem. Their black levels are particularly impressive compared to anything else.

Here's some screenshots from the unit that I'm interested in (a Marquee 8500 with 8 inch tubes). The screenshots are in the second post (starting with the Disney logo). That image is 2.7 meters wide, by the way. It is MASSIVE:

http://www.curtpalme.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5546

And here's a link to the specific projector that I'm after. It is the $3000 one with 3 brand new tubes.

http://www.curtpalme.com/CRTforSale_Intermediate.shtm

Oh yeah, here's the point of this post: Despite everything that I've read about CRT projectors over at Curt's site, I have never actually seen one in action (apart from when I was 15 years old at a Toyota launch at the Rand Easter Show in 1986). My question is this: Has anybody here got any experience on these projectors? Is there perhaps a professional studio or something in Gauteng where I can see one for myself. I have searched all over SA but can find nothing. I'd really love to experience CRT projection for myself before parting with my hard-earned cash.

 

[UnoPanelvan]

You''re geeting to old for this now!

Anyway we are in the same boat. Projectors is just so damn expensive for the real mcoy's. prices dropped some locally for the el cheapo's but still with the new HD resolution and modern capabilities the price again is sky high.

 

[Wynsam]

I have seen images from these monster. They look quite good. But then again the images that a good LCD projector or DLP one produces are also very convincing. You are aware that they tend to be very large?

What is your use going to be, normal TV, movies etc. How many hours willl it clock up. How much light in the room, can it be controlled?

What is one going to set you back?

 

[StrongTurd]

I have seen images from these monster. They look quite good. But then again the images that a good LCD projector or DLP one produces are also very convincing. You are aware that they tend to be very large?

What is your use going to be, normal TV, movies etc. How many hours willl it clock up. How much light in the room, can it be controlled?

What is one going to set you back?

Yeah, I'm aware of the fact that they are large. In fact, this is my main concern with them. My room is not particularly large. I have fitted blackout curtains so ambient light is not a problem. Size might be. I'm aiming for a 3 meter diagonal picture and I'll have to use a CRT size calculator to see if this will be possible within the confines of my home theatre room.

It will be probably be used about half of the time for DSTV HD (sport etc) and the other half for Blu-ray/DVD watching. As a result, it will clock up lots of hours. This is where the CRT will excell (apart from the spectacular picture) namely it's ability to go 10000 hours no sweat.