Projector instead of a big screen?

[Oz]

Wifey and I are getting ready to finish the lower level of our split entry and we were talking the other night. We have an area that would be ideal for a 60" flat screen and 2 movie chairs / recliners. I was telling her my plan for the area and she just looked at me like I didn't know what I was talking about - but that I shouldn't worry - she had it all under control (you ever get that look?).

She pulled out a magazine where she found this wall size bookcase - kind of like a built in. It was from someplace like Pottery Barn. I look at it, and, like a guy, ask where my 60" flat screen goes. She proceeded to show me the next picture where it had the projector screen pulled down, stored up above inside when not in use. She thought it would be perfect - and that she now wants a projector for our lower level tv.

We plan on mounting it from the ceiling - and now is the perfect time to plan on what needs to be routed and how far from the viewing area it should be.

I've seen them, think they are cool - but don't know the first thing about them. I did a little bit of looking on a couple sites, but figured some of you probably have them and can give me a 'non instruction' kind of view point on what to look at, what brand is better, etc. So any help will be helpful!

Thanks

[mikeneron]

Here's a decent article that will give you some more info:
http://www.projectorpeople.com/resources/lcd-plasma-projector.asp

[Charlutz]

projectorcentral.com and projectorreviews.com

Go see a projected image first. They are not for everyone. Me, I couldn't live without my 127" of glory. There are two other keys -- you need to be able to control room lighting (and not mind watching tv in a dark or dimmed room) and you need to buy sound. Big picture needs big sound. If you are wiring everything now, in addition to running video cables, speaker wire, power to the ceiling, you should also look at recessed lighting and wall sconces on separate dimmer switches, with remote controlled dimmers.

[Oz]

projectorcentral.com and projectorreviews.com

Go see a projected image first. They are not for everyone. Me, I couldn't live without my 127" of glory. There are two other keys -- you need to be able to control room lighting (and not mind watching tv in a dark or dimmed room) and you need to buy sound. Big picture needs big sound. If you are wiring everything now, in addition to running video cables, speaker wire, power to the ceiling, you should also look at recessed lighting and wall sconces on separate dimmer switches, with remote controlled dimmers.

This will be for movie and games (my games - Xbox 360) - not normal tv watching. It will be done in the dark / semi dark. I have semi big sound already - Harmon Kardon receiver with most of the bells and whistles. I had it hooked up for my 52" about 5 years ago before we moved and sold the tv (I wouldn't mind getting it upgraded - but that will be later). I do however need to get some good wall speakers (I have a good sub) - so that will be coming next.

I have planned on wiring in recessed lights with dimmers, and some other items in the area, but never thought about remote dimmers. I don't mind getting off my ass and walking 2' away to turn off the lights.

More help is greatly appreciated!

[Charlutz]

The infrared dimmers are about $25 if you get them online. With a projector system, you'll want a universal remote, one that you can use in the dark. Also, if the whole family sits down to watch a movie with popcorn, drinks and stuff, it's nice to have everyone in their seats while the previews run, and them dim the lights as the feature comes on. It adds to the experience, and doesn't cost much to incorporate. Just a suggestion. :)

[Oz]

The infrared dimmers are about $25 if you get them online. With a projector system, you'll want a universal remote, one that you can use in the dark. Also, if the whole family sits down to watch a movie with popcorn, drinks and stuff, it's nice to have everyone in their seats while the previews run, and them dim the lights as the feature comes on. It adds to the experience, and doesn't cost much to incorporate. Just a suggestion. :)


See - now this is why this is a fantastic place! Never thought about the "whole theater experience" of dimming the lights, etc... Very cool idea! Thanks.


rep coming!

[IgotDANUTZ]

I just read htis post. I sit watching the oregon/orgeon st game in HD at 110 inchs and I couldnt imagine watching on anything else. Try a projector, youll never go back!!

[Screw]

I'm in the exact same boat as OZ. I've been reading up and doing a bit of research, but I really like firsthand-unbiased opinions.

This is a secondary tv, mostly movies, X-Box 360 and Wii tournies with a little bit of tv watching (maybe 10%). It sound like a great application for me. Do these things have all the hook ups for gaming, Tivo, cable box and a Bose Lifestyle system?

Also, what are some wireing alternatives? I can just imagine the cost of a dozen 20' HD cables.

Any thoughts on that?

-Screw

[IgotDANUTZ]

I went with a projector two years ago and Ill never go back. When you but the projector you jsut have to make sure it has the right inputs. I have a milllion different inputs on mine. When i get home i ll snap some picks and throw them up for you

[IgotDANUTZ]

Infared dimmers???? How do you hook those up?

[Screw]

Can I still use my Bose Lifestyle 35 for the DVD palyer and sound? It doens't have HDMI outputs, is this an issue?

-S

[pond007]

With the way I have my projector set up, I have the audio coming from the DVD player straight into my receiver. The audio should never go into the projector. Simply hook up the video to the projector. Just make sure your projector is compatible with what type of output is on your DVD player.

[Charlutz]

I'm in the exact same boat as OZ. I've been reading up and doing a bit of research, but I really like firsthand-unbiased opinions.

This is a secondary tv, mostly movies, X-Box 360 and Wii tournies with a little bit of tv watching (maybe 10%). It sound like a great application for me. Do these things have all the hook ups for gaming, Tivo, cable box and a Bose Lifestyle system?

Also, what are some wireing alternatives? I can just imagine the cost of a dozen 20' HD cables.

Any thoughts on that?

-Screw

Your options are to get a pj with multiple inputs or a receiver that does hdmi switching. The panny ax 200u (a year old) is still one of the leaders for a 720p pj and you can get it for $800 with creative shopping. It has 2 hdmi ins and a component in. I have my dvd and satellite on the hdmi's and the component sits there for when I hook up the ps2 (yes, ps TWO). Anyway, figure out how many ins you need. 1080p pj's are in the $2k range and you might not get a good selection of inputs.

The other alternative is to run your video through your HT receiver. I don't think you can do this with a bose, but they may have the capability in the newer models.

Cablesforless.com and monoprice.com will have you set up in long hdmi/component cables for less than $150.

[Charlutz]

Infared dimmers???? How do you hook those up?

Like an ordinary dimmer. You can get them at home depot for $50 or half that on fleabay. Lutron makes the one I used. I then incorporated it into my universal remote.

[Screw]

Your options are to get a pj with multiple inputs or a receiver that does hdmi switching....

That's great info. To the average Joe (that's me), is there a big difference in picture quality between HDMI and S-Video component cables?

Since our Bose only has S-video and component, it looks S-video will be the way I go. I'll just have to use the HDMI for the Xbox 360 and the Wii.

Another question, what about screens? I'd love to get an automated roll down screen, but that may be too pricey. Is "screen quality" a big deal? Is the difference it makes, again, appreciable? What about the screewn "paint" any thoughts on that?

-Screw

[Charlutz]

That's great info. To the average Joe (that's me), is there a big difference in picture quality between HDMI and S-Video component cables?

Since our Bose only has S-video and component, it looks S-video will be the way I go. I'll just have to use the HDMI for the Xbox 360 and the Wii.

Another question, what about screens? I'd love to get an automated roll down screen, but that may be too pricey. Is "screen quality" a big deal? Is the difference it makes, again, appreciable? What about the screewn "paint" any thoughts on that?

-Screw

S-video will not do HD. HDMI or component will do HD, so yeah, huge difference. And we're talking apples and oranges with your Bose as it concerns the pj. You can do HDMI or component from your sources to your pj to get the hd picture. Then, you run digital outputs from your sources, either digital optical or digital coaxial, to get your digital sound to your Bose. If you have the right inputs on your pj, you will never need to run the video cables through your Bose. You still have an issue with ease of use as you'll have multiple remotes to control everything, but unless you're willing to dump the Bose, that's a choice you'll have to make.

[Screw]

but unless you're willing to dump the Bose, that's a choice you'll have to make.

I don't think I want to do that yet. No so much because of my love of Bose (but I am a big fan) but because of the added costs involved.

It can obviously be done, we have our tv set up so we can watch HD tv now be the audio signal and video signals are going different places. We also use tivo so that throws anohter wrench into the works.

I think it's now just a matter of finding the right projector with the right inputs for what we need.

-Screw

[Charlutz]

Yeah, Bose is one of those things like politics that often starts debates that never end in agreement, but more typically with an expletive. My main issue with Bose is that it's incompatible with a lot of other systems and if you ever want to change or upgrade one part of your system, your options are limited. No problem though. Find a projector that works for what you need and when you want to upgrade the Bose, put it on another set.