Lets talk projectors

[inline 6]

I've had projectors for quite a while, I'm on my third one now. My most recent one was the Epson 8350, and it has been excellent. Highly recommend it. It's reasonable on price, 1080p, really long bulb life, really cheap bulbs, and it's very bright and clear. I called it quits on DLP projectors, the color wheel continuously went out, the 8350 is LCD and much more reliable for long term. Downside is no keystone adjustment, so make sure you don't mount it too far off center.

Say one wanted to step into the next higher up category and had say around $2-3k to play with what would you recommend? I am looking for exceptional picture quality in at least a 100" screen.

[fordracing19]

Move up to a 4k projector.

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[CWO]

yup, although I feel like its a waste of money for the next couple of years because by the time you have mainstream content that will utilize it you'll be looking for another projector anyway.

[CJ]

Say one wanted to step into the next higher up category and had say around $2-3k to play with what would you recommend? I am looking for exceptional picture quality in at least a 100" screen.

I would look for a 120-480hz projector like the Panasonic PTAE8000U. In that price range you're paying for features - like frame interpolation smoothing and 3D.

Just keep in mind an Epson 8350 will do a 100" easy as hell with exceptional quality. That's what I run mine at. I've seen them run at 160" and they still look fine. For me, an 8350 is enough projector for what I do. If the higher hz projectors were available for another $500 I would pay for that, but that's about all I would pay for. 3D is a clown shoe, but image smoothing is worth it.

[fordracing19]

My 8350 looks great on my 130" screen. I stream Netflix all the time and it looks great.

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[inline 6]

I would look for a 120-480hz projector like the Panasonic PTAE8000U. In that price range you're paying for features - like frame interpolation smoothing and 3D.

Just keep in mind an Epson 8350 will do a 100" easy as hell with exceptional quality. That's what I run mine at. I've seen them run at 160" and they still look fine. For me, an 8350 is enough projector for what I do. If the higher hz projectors were available for another $500 I would pay for that, but that's about all I would pay for. 3D is a clown shoe, but image smoothing is worth it.

Ok cool. I don't give a rats ass about 3d but I do want to watch sports on it so I may want a higher hz projector. I take it the 8350 is a 60hz unit?

[CJ]

Ok cool. I don't give a rats ass about 3d but I do want to watch sports on it so I may want a higher hz projector. I take it the 8350 is a 60hz unit?

It is, about 95% of all projectors are. To get a higher refresh rate the price doubles, essentially. The quality of the smoothing is something to pay special attention to. The problem is you can't really find anywhere that will demo projectors around town that I know of. I've seen the Panasonic, and it works well, but it did seem a little less than natural. At least, it's not as good as an LG, which I feel is one of the best.

[inline 6]

It is, about 95% of all projectors are. To get a higher refresh rate the price doubles, essentially. The quality of the smoothing is something to pay special attention to. The problem is you can't really find anywhere that will demo projectors around town that I know of. I've seen the Panasonic, and it works well, but it did seem a little less than natural. At least, it's not as good as an LG, which I feel is one of the best.

Oh yah? What's the model #? This is why I am asking you guys because I want real world opinions. That Panasonic unit is in my budget for sure. I have the perfect space for a big screen and I have wanted a projector ever since I moved in. Speaking of screens what should I be looking for there?

[CJ]

Oh yah? What's the model #? This is why I am asking you guys because I want real world opinions. That Panasonic unit is in my budget for sure. I have the perfect space for a big screen and I have wanted a projector ever since I moved in.

I'm just generally referring to LG's frame smoothing technology. I have one of their TV's and it works great. I have not researched nor have any experience with their projectors. If I recall watching the Panasonic projector, it would engage the smoothing at random it would seem, and it wasn't seamless. In my opinion you either want flawless frame smoothing, or no frame smoothing. Because half assed smoothing is worse than none at all. I would spend some time researching.

[Wish4svts]

It is, about 95% of all projectors are. To get a higher refresh rate the price doubles, essentially. The quality of the smoothing is something to pay special attention to. The problem is you can't really find anywhere that will demo projectors around town that I know of. I've seen the Panasonic, and it works well, but it did seem a little less than natural. At least, it's not as good as an LG, which I feel is one of the best.

So is the 8350 a good buy or is it worth it to pick up a higher quality unit? I'm not a tv snob but I want something clear as my 1000 dollar plasma tv. Will the epson be severely outdated in a year or is it good for 2-3? I guess my main question is what would you buy right now with a budget of 11-1200 bucks?

Also I only plan at running it at 80-90 inches if that matters...

Thanks in advance.

[fordracing19]

For screens I have a Jamestown from ebay. Im sure a $1000 screen maybe nicer but mine looks good to me.

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[Lason]

Monoprice screens are pretty nice and cheap.

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[CWO]

Elite and Favi are the favorable brands for entry level screens as well. I have an Elite motorized and it was good, but is starting to curl a little on the sides, but it was like $150 at the time.

[Baron Von Crowder]

I got some screen material and built a frame for it, then hung it on the wall.

[CJ]

So is the 8350 a good buy or is it worth it to pick up a higher quality unit? I'm not a tv snob but I want something clear as my 1000 dollar plasma tv. Will the epson be severely outdated in a year or is it good for 2-3? I guess my main question is what would you buy right now with a budget of 11-1200 bucks?

Also I only plan at running it at 80-90 inches if that matters...

Thanks in advance.

Its excellent as far as image quality. Where do you live exactly? Your welcome to see mine. Projectors are not like tv's. Generally new models come out once every 3-5 years.