Looking for the best 1080p projector around $600

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goaskalice00

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Hey all,

I've been planning on buying a 1080p, 3D projector for a while now (as opposed to a new TV). I don't want to spend much more than $600 (less would be better!).

It seems like there are a few good models floating around in this price range. I will be using the projector primarily for gaming and movies, and will definitely want to take full advantage of 3D.

Issue is, I'm having trouble determining which model I should go with. I'm looking for something that is reasonably bright, 1080p, 3D capable, and perhaps most importantly, capable of producing accurate and vivid colors. There are a lot of 1080p 3D projectors on the market in my price range, but I have no idea which one produces the most accurate and vivid colors/picture for the price.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
 
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Hello,

The Optoma has slightly worse colors, slightly worse blacks (contrast), and slighly less features. However, it's not enough to justify paying more for the BenQ W1070 over the Optoma HD141X. The only reason would be if you really need that lens shift, but projectors have an offset, meaning if you mount it straight, upside down on the ceiling, it's going to project downwards infront of the viewer. If you set up right side up on a desk, or shelf, it's going to project the image upwards, that's offset. Lens shift gives you much more room to work with, that's all.

BenQ W1070 - http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-W1070-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00A2T6X0K/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449617816&sr=1-1&keywords=BenQ+W1070

Optoma...
Hello,

At that price range, even going down to 400, they are pretty much equal, apart from a few features, or slightly more expensive lens shift on the W1070, which can be useful if the offset is too low. However, 99% of times, offset is enough on "lower end" projectors to still be able to mount them on the ceiling, while displaying a image infront of the viewer, without using lens shift or keystone correction.

Keystone
Lens shift
Projector offset
- Look up a projector screen size calculator. Different results depending on which projector you buy.

I advise you read up on, if you believe mounting is going to be an issue.


As far as picture quality is concerned, don't expect perfectly accurate colors out of a 600 projector, or less. It's not going to happen. However, at the same time, blacks aren't going to appear blue, and skin tones won't appear orange...

To achieve a higher contrast, you want to go with a DLP projector, I personally say don't bother with LCD projectors. Current low end projectors do a fantastic job even with slow color wheels only spinning at 2x speed.

A very popular choice is the Optoma HD141X. It's got a 2x color wheel, but the image is nearly identical to the more expensive BenQ W1070. I don't want to scare you and say a cheap projector is going to display rainbows all over the place, that's not the case. You'll adjust instantly, or over time. How impressive a big projected image looks, will remove all of your doubts. Flatscreens just don't offer the cinema feel when watching movies. Playing games however, can be subjective to say the least.

It doesn't ship with included 3D glasses.

http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD141X-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00MK39P92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449088980&sr=8-1&keywords=HD141x

Calculator: http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-HD141X-projection-calculator-pro.htm

If you have any questions, just ask and I will try my best to answer them.



 

goaskalice00

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That was very helpful Suzuki, thank you!

The Optoma HD141X and BenQ W1070 were the two options I was conflicted between. I've read that the BenQ has a significantly better picture, which is why I've been conflicted. This said, it sounds like you have experience with both. Is it safe to assume that the Optoma's picture is the same as the BenQ's?

 
Hello,

The Optoma has slightly worse colors, slightly worse blacks (contrast), and slighly less features. However, it's not enough to justify paying more for the BenQ W1070 over the Optoma HD141X. The only reason would be if you really need that lens shift, but projectors have an offset, meaning if you mount it straight, upside down on the ceiling, it's going to project downwards infront of the viewer. If you set up right side up on a desk, or shelf, it's going to project the image upwards, that's offset. Lens shift gives you much more room to work with, that's all.

BenQ W1070 - http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-W1070-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00A2T6X0K/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449617816&sr=1-1&keywords=BenQ+W1070

Optoma HD141X - http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD141X-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00MK39P92/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449617829&sr=1-1&keywords=HD141X

Another option would be that vivitek, though I have never seen it in action, so I can't comment on how good it's performing. Another option would be the Optoma HD26, which has better contrast than both (movie enthusiast? contrast is king).

http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD26-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00LL2SHK6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449618186&sr=1-1&keywords=HD26

For calculating distance to screen, and offser, use a projector calculator, such as the one I linked above!





All the best!

 
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