Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Aug 29, 2007 07:29am | #1

   What are you going to be using it for? I recently bought an Optoma HD70, for use both with a computer (slide shows) and a DVD player. I'm quite happy with it, but it may be a bit of overkill for basic PowerPoint presentations and such.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   Brewgonia | Aug 29, 2007 04:02pm | #2

   We've had good luck with BenQ. We order about 10 per year of the more "portable" versions and put them through heavy use.

1. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 29, 2007 04:26pm | #3

   Thank you.  Primary application, at this point, heavy on photos so more resolution is better.  Portability is also a good thing.  A zoom feature would be handy.

   Wireless!  Who knew?  That's pretty cool.

3. 
   bones | Aug 29, 2007 04:41pm | #4

   Ed, go to http://www.projectorpeople.com. They have an 800 number to call. They will assign a person (real human) to work with you. They will ask you lots of questions on how you will use it and so forth. After the Q&A, they will recommend a unit.  Trust me, these vary a lot, and don't just go by LUMENS, or contrast. There is major differences in technology and you can get stung by a sales pitch.  I've supported salespeople with small portable units(I'm in computers) that are neat, but resolution was not that good, but for the application (Dr's offices) it worked great.  I have a Mitsubishi DLP unit at my home for my theatre that has High def (720P) 120" diag picture really cool.  Anyway the point is you need help making the decision, because its critical to understand your application of the technology prior to making the decision.  Remember also bulbs for these units are not cheap, but last a long time.  If you have any questions let me know, but those guys know their stuff.  Good luck. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   

   
   

   ---

   Edited 8/29/2007 9:42 am by bones

4. 
   BobMc | Aug 30, 2007 07:55am | #5

   Hey, Ed,

   I work at a computer training center and like the projectors that we use in the classrooms.  I asked what we use:

   Hitachi MCSI is what I was told.  The bulbs last a 1000 hours, and cost about $550.  We've been using them for about three years.  Apparently none of them have gone up in smoke as other brands we had used.  I know I had a couple cook off in about a two month period before we got the Hitachis.

    

1. 
   EdHarrow | Aug 30, 2007 05:35pm | #6

   $550!  OUCH!!! 

1. 
   saschafer | Aug 30, 2007 05:56pm | #7

   Uh, oh. Time for a reality check. $550 is on the low end for an entire computer projector.

   -Steve

    

   Edited 8/30/2007 11:03 am ET by saschafer

2. 
   PeterDurand | Aug 30, 2007 05:58pm | #8

   Yep, that is quite standard for these bulbs. I use an Optoma to shine on a 12' wide screen and the bulb is supposed to have a life of 2-3000 hours. That is 1000 to 1500 average running time movies (up to 4 years of one movie per night), minus of course the time with the powerpoint/slides.I sorta figure that when the bulb has reached its service life, it will be probably not too much more money to buy a new (with all the improvements in 5-6 years) machine. Think of inkjet printers and the cost of replacing the inks..For instance Panasonic Canada had a full page advert in the papers yesterday showing the new PT-AE1000 http://www.panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/television/homecinema/ptae1000.aspI remember that no more than 6 months ago the cost of a 1080P with the contrast ratio, lumens and appropriate scaling software was $13,000+Now its $5000. 2 years from now..$1500?BTW, lumens and contrast ratio are quite important. This will determine the amount of dimming required for the projection room. The old systems with 3-500 lumens required a room as dim as a theater. Really dark.Good luck.Peter 

3. 
   bones | Aug 30, 2007 06:44pm | #9

   I have a mitsubisi unit for my home theatre and my bulb is about $350-400. Its rated at 5000 hours (on low power).  I paid about 2k for the projector, but figure by the time the bulb blows, new technology will be out and the odds are, I'll replace the unit.  It was still an excellent deal.  At the time, a 60" hd plasma was 20k.  I got a DLP project with hd. It's 720P not 1080i, but still great. At 120" diag picture its like being on the field for football games.  There are much cheaper units, but to get into any quality, you will pay.  For the higher end units, you can spend 5-10k and up. Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.