BEST HOME THEATRE FOR UNDER 4,000?

[emo17]

(not counting speakers)

Hi.

I looked at 3k dollar 40+ inch plasma, rear projection, and lcd tv's, and even the ones with low refresh rates (like 4 miliseconds) still look like complete **** when the picture is moving (I like hockey), because the "tv processing bandwith" on those tv's isn't fast enough to actually keep up with the refresh rate, or something.

ANYWYAY.
I figure. if I need to spend 6k on a 50inch lcd just to get a decent picture, I may as well try to do bigger and better with rear projection.

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IMPORTANT PART OF THE POST (FOR THE IMPATIENT):
• My viewing room is completely dark

• I'm primarily watching stuff from a directv hd feed, those I also watch dvd's and play x360

• I'm looking for anything that projects 5'5 feet or more, but the more, the better, as long as it doesnt take away from picture quality.

• I want ***THE BEST*** picture quality for under 4k (or less even)

• I want the highest processing bandwith possible

• I want the highest refresh rate possible (meaning lowest number of miliseconds - like I said, I watch hockey, and the tv needs to keep up with the game)

• Highest "image aspect ratio," whatever that means

• Highest pixel resolution

• The bigger the screen, the more pixels. I want a greater than "standard plasma HD" picture quality, yet on a screen 10-20 times the size, meaning that I'm probably looking at about 1 or 2 billion pixels, if there is such a thing.

• Whatever else you guys can recommend.

What's the best deal I can get? Picture quality over size, as long as the size is bigger than 60 by 60 INCHES. I would like it to be as big as possible with the BEST PICTURE OUT THERE. I'm talking like IMAX picture quality here, for less than 4 grand.

So, WHAT PROJECTORS SHOULD I CONSIDER BUYING? AND LIVING IN SF CALIFORNIA, WHERE CAN I BUY THEM?

--

Secondly, does the screen I project the image onto matter, or can I just get a standard white screen? If the screen DOES matter, what combination of SCREEN and PROJECTOR should I be looking at for under 4grand. And again, where can I get it in SF, CA?

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH

 

[emo17]

No one helps on this forum?
Come on. please?

 

[KingLoftusXII]

Be patient, you posted early in the morning on a US holiday.

You can easily get a very good 1080p projector for around 3 grand.

http/www.projectorreviews.com/

A DLP projector will have no issues with fast moving images, like hockey, an LCD will give you more placement flexibility.

Another option is to get an excellent 720p projector for a grand, get a top-notch sound/screen system, then up grade to a 1080p projector when they're even better and cheaper in a year or two. They were around 6 grand this time last year and are already down in the 3-4 grand range now.

I have a 720p projector used for Directv HD, HD DVD, X360, and PS3 on a 110" screen and it looks stunning. Try for one with at least 2 HDMI. Directv HD is fine with HD component cables and looks no better with HDMI, freeing your HDMI's for other stuff that needs it.

 

[emo17]

Thanks, that was very helpful. In addition, does anyone know any SPECIFIC projectors that fit my needs for my price range?
And loftus, thanks so much

 

[KingLoftusXII]

Take a look at that link. Some are brighter, some are sharper, some are better with blacks/shadow detail. Find one that suits what's most important to you. Projectors are no different than TV's in this regard. Find one that excels in the area's you want it to.

Good luck!

 

[emo17]

i googled and there are a million. i took an hour to post the "areas i want," now I'm looking for educated opinions on projectors and screens that have those. and you didnt post a link loftus, but thanks

 

[KingLoftusXII]

Yes I did.

http/www.projectorreviews.com/

If you will have no ambient light a white screen will be fine, a gray one will increase blacks/shadows, but at a slight cost in brightness.

For a 1080p projector at $4000 or under, take a look at the Panasonic PT-AE2000U. At roughly $2700 it has very good performance for the "entry" level 1080p's. At around $5500 the JVC DLA-RS2 is a lot more pricey, but has stellar performance, especially in producing blacks.

If you want to go the 720p route to get the set-up started I would recommend the Mitsubishi HD1500U. It can be had for $899, is very bright, and being DLP, has no issues with fast motion. It's 2 biggest drawbacks are acceptable but not great blacks/shadow detail and it's non-adjustable lens shift. But if it's placement works for where you'll put it, it will leave you a ton of money for a good quality HD DVD/Blueray, screen, and sound set up.

I have this projector and with Directv HD and HD DVD it produces excellent images that blows away everyone who sees it. I've got around 1200hrs on the first bulb, (at the time of my purchase it came with a spare), and when I go through the 2nd I will be stepping up to a 1080p. It's says a lot about the HD 1500U that I'm in no rush to do so.

I would recommend getting a $50 after market set-up disc to help get the colors set up perfectly for your tastes.

 

[emo17]

To my understanding, there are four different technologies for rear projection: LCD, DLP, and two other ones I forgot the names of. Of the four, are the LCD and DLP the two top ones, and the better ones? And for the fastest image, witht the least pixelization, a DLP seems obviously the best route to go over the LCD, but is it better than the other two technologies? The review you gave me only pertained to the two technologies.

 

[KingLoftusXII]

DLP generally has better blacks and handles fast motion with no issues, LCD generally has more placement flexibility.

They are the 2 dominant technology's used. Other's like what Sony generally uses, LCOS produces excellent blacks but usually isn't as bright.

 

[emo17]

So LCOS and the other stuff just isn't as good right now as the DLP's and LCD'S?

 

[KingLoftusXII]

It all boils down to your personal tastes. Go to a place where you can actually view them.

 

[emo17]

there barely are any

 

[emo17]

places