HD HT Projector Buying Advice

[jay236]

Hey guys, wondering if I could get some Home Theatre Projector buying advice.

Currently, I've been referring to this link for some advice:

http/www.overstock.com/guides/projector-buying-guide

However, the article seems a little dated...wondering if any Gurus out there could give me a hand.

Basically, here's the MINIMAL specifications I'm looking for:

Price Range: <$2000 CND
Resolution: 1920x1080@60Hz
Brightness: 1,000 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio: Preferably > 2,000:1
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (options for 16:10, 4:3, and 2.53....whatever:1 is nice too)
Initial Bulb Life: Not < 1,000 hours

Keep in mind this is a Canadian purchase...so whatever's available in my country.

The screen size is going to be approximately <150", in a dark basement with no windows shining on it. Might consider painting the wall white...or buying an inexpensive screen (<$300 CND). What do you guys think?

So far, I've seen some interesting projectors...what do you guys think about DLP vs. LCD projectors?

Check these ones out:

Optima HD200X @ $1,199.99 CND http/www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=41059&vpn=HD200X&manufacture=Optoma

Viewsonic Pro8100 LCD @ 1,439.99 CND http/www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4355383&SRCCODE=PRICECAN&cm_mmc_o=2mHCjCVybgw2zEzpzCjCVqHCjCdwwp

Only thing I'm worried about on the Viewsonic projector is that the bulb life is approximately 2,000 hours...is that average?

EDIT: I also noticed that Viewsonic has a 3 year warranty while the Optima has a 1 year warranty. I'm able to get the Optima up to 2 years, and Viewsonic up to 4 years.

 

[Wolfshadw]

Generally lamp life varies between 2000 and 3000 hours. At 2000 hours, if you watch one, two hour movie every night, the lamp should last over two and a half years. I've had my projector for that long and I haven't even hit 1000 hours of usage.

Another source of information that I refer to is http/projectorcentral.com/

Here's a link to the Optima: http/www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-HD200X.htm
Here's a link to the Viewsonic: http/www.projectorcentral.com/ViewSonic-Pro8100.htm

This also has a image size/throw distance calculator for each projector, so you can find out just how much room you need.

I'm leaning towards the Viewsonic for it's lower powered lamp, given you have a dark basement, and it's less audible noise. You want to hear the movie, not the projector.

-Wolf sends

 

[jay236]

Thanks for the advice! I was also thinking about leaning towards the Viewsonic...the only thing that bothered me was the weight and bulb life, but yeah I don't think I'll be watching a movie every night...going to run out of movies to watch haha.

Anyone else want to contribute?