Help with a home theatre projector...

DJ...

DJ...

Banned
Joined
Jan 24, 2007
Messages
70,285
Reaction score
3,556
Location
Gauteng
I've been trying to research projectors online and have learned the basics regardin lumens, contrast ratios and throw, but the one issue I still have is trying to identify decent brands and products based on this information. I'd like to create a home theatre room in my spare lounge, which opens up onto my entertainment area and pool, and thought it would be absolutely perfect for hosting rugby games at my place and for watching the occasional movie.

I've seen prices for projectors range from R500k to R2k and so I've allowed myself a budget of +-R10k for a decent HD projector, but I'm willing to move on this price a little if necessary. Can anyone recommend a decent projector for this price-range that is HD, can handle a bit of ambient light in the room and won't break every two weeks? I'm at a bit of a loss with all the options I found on wantiitall.

Thanks...
 
Your biggest problem is going to be that if you don't have complete control over the light in the room the picture will look washed out. I believe unless you spend many $$$ this will be the case for the bulk of projectors. I bought the Epson Home Cinema 8350 and I couldn't be happier. 3LCD full HD is the way to go. It supports lens shift rather than the painful keystone correction. Another, slightly cheaper option is the Optoma HD20, which a number of forum members have purchased and are very happy with.

You can see some pics here: http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showgallery.php?cat=1029

Edit: some more reading here: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/266357-Home-Theatre-Projects-Setups
 
Last edited:
Brilliant, thanks morkhans. The HD20 has been shortlisted but in the comments of each review I've read about issues with certain lines not refreshing, and Optoma have no inclination to fix the problem, so that put me off a little. Regarding the lighting of the room, I really want it more for sports - it won't be my standard home theatre setup. I'd love a nice big screen in my lounge where a few of us can sit outside on the patio and still watch the rugby. Heck with my layout we could even sit in the pool on lilos and watch. :D

I could always buy a few blackout curtains if it's a problem, but that's why I'm thinking I probably need to sacrifice on one of the specs to get a higher lumen projector...
 
Here are some daytime shots with the blinds closed and the afternoon sun creeping through. It certainly is watch-able and I guess would be fine to watch a casual sports game, but I wouldn't watch movies like this :p

IMG_4650.JPG

IMG_4652-1.JPG
 
I did :D

I still plan to post back in the Projector Screens thread, but I wanted to take better pictures first :p
 
Luckily the room won't get afternoon sun, so it should be fine in that case. Looks perfectly watchable for a game.

xrapidx - I read a few comments last night about certain lines not refreshing properly. I take it you haven't had any issues with this at all?

What about BenQ? I saw Esquire only stock BenQ and not knowing the brands very well, I'm not sure what is decent and what's not...:confused:
 
morkhans said:
I did :D

I still plan to post back in the Projector Screens thread, but I wanted to take better pictures first :p
Click to expand...

Cool ... how big is it?

DJ... said:
xrapidx - I read a few comments last night about certain lines not refreshing properly. I take it you haven't had any issues with this at all?
Click to expand...

Nope - and done about a 1000 hours
 
xrapidx said:
Cool ... how big is it?
Click to expand...

3000mm x 1690mm

Esquire ~R1500. It's manual pull down. Overall I'm very happy with the screen. The only annoyance is the retraction procedure. It requires you to pull down and then push up, which sometimes takes a while to catch before it rolls back up. I've ended up with the handle almost level to the floor. :mad:
 
Cool, thanks for the help. Any pics of your system up and running?
 
morkhans said:
3000mm x 1690mm

Esquire ~R1500. It's manual pull down. Overall I'm very happy with the screen. The only annoyance is the retraction procedure. It requires you to pull down and then push up, which sometimes takes a while to catch before it rolls back up. I've ended up with the handle almost level to the floor. :mad:
Click to expand...

If I knew that I wouldn't have almost ended up single making mine :p

I wonder if I should replace mine - it'll make the room look neater.
 
xrapidx said:
If I knew that I wouldn't have almost ended up single making mine :p

I wonder if I should replace mine - it'll make the room look neater.
Click to expand...

I did spent a lot of time hunting around. They certainly were the cheapest ;)

You might want to pay the extra R1k for a motorised version, I can picture you having a sense of humour failure, followed by a rant on MBB with the pull-back procedure :p
 
morkhans said:
You might want to pay the extra R1k for a motorised version, I can picture you having a sense of humour failure, followed by a rant on MBB with the pull-back procedure :p
Click to expand...

Problem is the guy who manages Esquire in Cape Town is bigger than me... I might get hurt :p
 
Don't skimp on your screens guys. It's just as important as the projector. Don't buy a R1500 "tablecloth" from Esquire. It may do the job, but it's nowhere near theater quality.

You of all people should know that xrapidx...shame on you :p
 
I thought you hinted at buying a screen from Esquire...my bad :o
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X