http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/ Engadget HD Comments for http://www.engadgethd.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadgethd.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
You're not going to have the space (unless this is a phenomenal apartment) to put in some sort of soundproofed darkened home theater piece de resistance here, and there's no need to do it. Chances are good that you're not going to have more than a ten foot viewing distance (if that), so just choose an appropriately sized LCD, and put the other thousand bucks in your pocket.]]>May 21st 2008 12:06PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 12:21PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
It also sounds like money is an issue, so if you want a big 1080p screen, go DLP. (The LED Samsungs are very nice) Doing so will get you a lot of screen for a lot less than LCD or Plasma. Of course they are a whopping 14" deep, so you you might not have space for it.]]>May 21st 2008 12:29PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 12:29PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
The odds are that using a projector means cables everywhere since you probably won't be digging into the walls and/or ceiling to setup this up pretty.

However, if flat out size is the most important factor the projector wins hands down assuming you have a nice big wall to splash things on...]]>May 21st 2008 12:48PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 12:55PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 2:09PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
This will not be the last display you purchase. So this LCD you're about to buy will work great in your bedroom 5 years down the road when you get your next display "upgrade".]]>May 21st 2008 12:58PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 1:01PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 1:05PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 1:16PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 1:26PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
If, however, you plan to use the display every day for TV and/or games as well as movies, then I would consider a 46-50" newer LCD or plasma. With the projector, I somewhat worry about the bulb life if I have it on for hours and hours at a time, and it's scary to think that it could blow at any time (however unlikely) and I'd be out $250-350. If you go for the projector option, try to find an extra bulb offer on-line. My current BenQ came with the extra bulb and I am still on my original, so I don't worry about it anymore.]]>May 21st 2008 1:28PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
So my answer is based on the assumed question of flat panel versus RPTV. I vote for RPTV, and here's why: For a given screen size, RPTV is always going to be cheaper than the equivalent flat panel, significantly so in the larger sizes. RPTVs have been getting thinner and thinner, to the point where either of them on a table or stand will be perfectly acceptable aesthetically, in my opinion. I own a 70" DLP RPTV, and I love it.

One thing to consider in the 720p/1080p decision is scaling. Most sets seem better able to scale 720p to 1080p, rather than 1080i to 720p. I would personally shoot for a 1080p RPTV, if you can afford that (and it will still probably be cheaper than an equivalently sized 720p flat panel).]]>May 21st 2008 1:50PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
Without carefully controlled lighting, you should stick with RPTV.]]>May 21st 2008 1:54PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 5:28PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/120" screen with an optoma 720p is a great setup, but only if you can get the room dark, and it helps if you know your way around a 5' flex-auger drill bit and a fish tape.]]>May 21st 2008 2:06PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
You'll want a really bright projector - I recommend the Panasonic PT-AX200U. With 2000 lumens, it's a real light cannon. It's so flexible, you can even mount it on a shelf at the rear of the room instead of hanging it from the ceiling.

You can project right on the wall if it's flat white and fairly smooth, or you can do what I did, and tack up a 4/8 sheet of foamcore ($15) with a velvet border for a super-cheap screen.

Come on over to avsforum.com and check out the projector discussions and the DIY Screen section for more info.

good luck!]]>May 21st 2008 2:12PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 2:39PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
For an apt, if it's small you wouldn't want to go more then 50" HDTV anyways so it's really a no brainer. It all really depends on the size of your space.]]>May 21st 2008 2:40PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
If you find yourself settling on the 50-60 inch range, a rear projection unit will give you a lot of screen for the dollar. I second the recommendation for the Samsung LED DLPs - they are terrific.

LCD flat panels are all the rage, and they are quite nice, but they do get pricey above 46". If you go that way, get a Sammy or a Sony. You'll be quite happy.]]>May 21st 2008 3:16PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 3:19PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
The important part is that you are buying a giant television, and rarely does a man sit down in front of his giant new TV and think, "man, I hate my giant new television"!

Be sure that your television budget doesn't cut into your audio budget. An extra $500+ spent on audio is the best bang for your buck in home theater. There are a million different ways to spend your audio dollar, but my money is on Denon electronics and Klipsch speakers. I have B&K electronics and Polk Audio (heavily modified) speakers.

One more thing; some of the best money I ever spent on my home theater was my Equitech balanced power conditioner. Even used, it was $1000, but the difference in audio and video performance is worth every penny. Its the kind of component you'll keep for ever.

Good luck man! ]]>May 21st 2008 5:23PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/The HDTV could fit on a stand, and your components could be very close. The stand would hide the wires and make it look better.
Another thing about the projector, is that it would be preferable to have a flat wall that is very white, so you can get maximum viewing benefit.]]>May 21st 2008 5:39PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 5:43PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/From hollywood blockbusters to videogames, from japanese anime to artsy european movies, everything looks better with a projector. Once you've tried that, you can't go back.]]>May 21st 2008 10:47PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 6:00PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 6:01PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 6:53PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 8:02PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/
Projectors require that you control the ambient light and require frequent bulb changes and require a dedicated installed screen. They also always require all the home theater equipment to be on. You don't need surround sound for the evening news.

They are the absolute BEST when you can control all of that but even a small lamp in the room destroys the contrast ratio.

So I'd recommend a TV it's more expensive and has a lower quality best picture, but much easier to manage. ]]>May 21st 2008 8:31PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 21st 2008 8:54PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/Optoma HD72 DLP projector down to $999 @ circuit city & others.
1 roll of photography black out paper for a screen which is white 120" x 100 yards or paint your wall white. Cost less than $100 delivered by UPS
1 Octava 5 port HDMI switch comes w 5 six foot HDMI cables $200
Onkyo HT990THX home theater $700 & buy one optical cable $15.
This is my set up and for 2K you will have an awsome home theater
The projector & Home theater in a box are a couple of years old now which is why they are cheapest they have ever been but are highly rated by reviewers and I cannot tell you how happy I am with overall quality.
At 20 feet away on my paper screen the viewing image is 15 feet wide x 7 feet tall and picture is great. I sit 15 feet from screen. Otherwise buy the biggest matt white screen you can afford. This paper screen I admit is not for everyone. It tends to bulge in time but is not noticeable during viewing and I can make 5 screens from the roll. If you want asthetic perfection this size screen would cost thousands if purchased from a screen manf.
Also spend a couple of hundred on a battery backup. I get 9 minutes back up time with the APC XS1300 for $130.


]]>May 21st 2008 10:23PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/I can't tell the difference between 720p and 1080p
If you have decent natural or corrected vision, you CAN tell, especially at the 50"+ sizes implied by considering front projection. On 1080p displays, 1080p material is definately crisper than 720p material. Once you notice the difference, you'll usually know which is which. If you buy a 720p set, you won't see any difference, of course. And if you rely on retailer demo feeds, you won't see it either, since most are 720p. A lot of folks who say "can't tell" just haven't seen an A-B comparision yet under circumstances that will show the difference. Blu will reward the folks who with good 1080p sets.

Steve Pendleton]]>May 21st 2008 10:24PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 22nd 2008 8:39AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 22nd 2008 1:52PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/May 22nd 2008 3:38PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/Is undoubtly both things. Listen:
My 2 HTPC (on wifi network) are leashed (besides their 20 &22" LCD monitors) also to a 52" plasma , a 37 LCD to an LG beamer with (hidden)cables, and to 27" lcd on the 2 floor via media extender (wireless media center when I bought it) and even to a digital photo frame.
I just had to make use of the scart, HDMI, coponent exits and to buy a "Blackbox" that multiplies a single HDMI to four.
Most of the times I use the screens, but once in a while the beamer is unsubstitutable (?).
If the pad is not too big remember that instead of a projection screen you can buy a paint that would turn any wall into a cinema screen.
It looks so beautiful that I repeated the motif also on the other 3 walls of the room.
Enjoy your planning, the hard work will be the cabling.
]]>Jun 1st 2008 1:25PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/expect to spend on your screen at least half what your projector costs
personally I just bought a dalite high power fabric screen 45x80" , a benq w500 projector that totals around 1300 $ without shipping and only lacks a proper sound system. How much would I pay for a monster 45x80`tv?
please dont buy a 3000$ 1080p high power projector and then project it on the wall...
that said, I can get enough 720p 16:9 content, for watching crappy analog tv.. I ll do it on my pc monitor.. a good buying point is what content do you watch and will you be watching. at the screen sizes used for projectors analog tv is horrible.
my advice: keep current tv for analog tv and add projector for those special movies. get good sound system.

Regards,
Ferri]]>Jun 6th 2008 9:09AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/Jun 8th 2008 10:29AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/Jun 12th 2008 2:49PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/Jun 12th 2008 4:40PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/I've had rear projections in the past and hated the large cabinets they were in and when you wanted something larger hence, comes the larger cabinets. Even with today's flat panel screens, you still get a large cabinet. Now that I'm on my 2nd projector, my 1st wasn't even a 720p, but had a great picture in a light controlled room. I recently picked up a 1080p "sanyo plv-z2000, ceiling mounted" and diy 106" 2.35:1 fixed screen sitting about 15' to 18' back and what an amazing experience it's been! I NOW look for movies in the 2.35:1screen format! All connections are HDMI 1.3a coming from a 7.1 onkyo receiver and a combo blu-ray/hd-dvd player... Oh, and if I wanted too, this thing is portable and can go from a 40" to 300" screen, the 300" size would be on the side of the house on a warm summer's night either watching a movie or playing video games from the xbox 360 or ps3! The only thing bad about this setup is after 10:o'clock p.m., your neighbor's might call the cop's to turn down your audio system!!]]>Jul 1st 2008 7:45AMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/Jul 7th 2008 10:37PMhttp://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/05/21/ask-engadget-hd-hd-projector-or-hdtv/Jul 27th 2008 1:52AM