I’m looking to do some research on projection TVs. I’d like to get an 8’ or 9’ with decent resolution at a price cheaper than many large HDTVs. Does anyone own or have experience with projection TVs? Is there a place that sells them in the Philadelphia area? I don’t think I’ve ever seen them at a regular electronics store.
Are these compatable with computrainers?
We almost bought a projection unit for our Computrainer Multi-Rider but discovered we’d get much better results by having one flat-panel for every three riders. They can see the screen(s) better.
The projection TV’s were highly dependant on ambient light in the room for best viewing. We also watch movies on the flat panels while doing long rides so image quality was a factor.
8 or 9 foot…screen?! That’s huge. Typically you see diagonal inches as the common measurement 
http://tech.msn.com/guides/ces/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2271764
I read this article today about the new 108" LCD by Sharp. So, it doesn’t say the price, but it must be something ridiculous. So, I did some brief internet surfing and found that you could get a projection TV of similar size at a fraction of the cost. I’m just curious if anyone has used them and where I can physically find one (not on-line).
Most projector types will easily go that size and larger (up to 300 inches) but hour life is very limited on front projection system. (about 1,000 hours before you have to start replacing expensive bulbs, etc.) The benefit to projector is they are cheap. $400 to $600 for standard resolution. A couple grand for HD resolution.
Plus, the front projector units look best when the lights are dim which is fine for watching TV or movies, but not so good when you try to read your bikes LCD computer under dim lights while working out.
How much do the bulbs typically cost to replace?
Wait wait, you’re talking about **projectors, **not rear projection TVs. Dummy me.
As far as where to find one, not on-line – I would suggest finding your local high-end audio store (not Best Buy, not Circuit City). They’ll have them or at least know where to point you. Good luck.
I’ve got a JBL projection monitor video it is capable of displaying up to 20’ diagonal. I currently have a 7’ screen and it looks great.
If you’re interested in something like this I’d let it go. Let me know. Larry
Nice screen.
How many cc’s is it?
In my previous house I had 112 inch screen with an In-focus X1 which was the best cheap projector ~1000 bucks and I loved every minute I had it. Now that I have more money to blow I would get one with higher resolution. Run plenty of wires in the wall even if you have no idea what format you will settle down with put them all back there component s-video HDMI etc etc etc I would even go as far as putting some plastic conduit with a piece of rope through it behind that wall for that new wire format that you will not have back there. Get plenty of lumens and check the price of a replacement bulb that can be a monster reocurring expense that can be a bummer. Infocus bulbs are typically cheaper than other brands. As far as philly I would try tweeter or search Infocus for a philly dealer. Typically a boutique style high end stereo store. There is probably a store like this on the main line or in old city but I would just by from projectorpeople.com
I miss my projector
Go to Crutchfield.com to read up on the pros and cons on projection TV and costs, etc.
That’s the source that said to only expect about 1,000 hours before you should expect to start replacing lamps (bulbs). There are usually 3 lamps in the projector that start to lose their sharpness or burn out completely. Projection is kinda cool. My neighbor pulls his outside and shows the Superbowl against the side of his house every year. Its huge and like watching an outdoor theater. But, 1,000 hours is not much lifetime for a general use TV and that’s something to consider.
I know 3 people who have put in projection TV’s in the last year. They have all spent about $1,500+ on them. The pictures on them are decent, but not great. No where near the quality that you’d get from a middle-of-the-road LCD or plasma. If you want picture quality, then go with LCD. If you just want a big, honking picture, then go with projection.
You also have to consider what you’re projecting on. The people I know who have bought these units have painted a wall with a special paint made for projection and painted a black border. However, I’ve read that you can get better quality from a specific screen that’s made for this. The screen is actually silver, not white, so the colors are richer. This is similar to the screen you’d see in a movie theatre.
We just bought a really nice LCD TV and we love it. We just went through all kinds of research to find a good one. PM me if you want more details.
Dawn
I feel like I’d rather have a big “honking” picture rather than super high resolution. Honestly, when I go to a TV store, I can hardly tell the difference between the different styles and resolutions. I can sure tell which ones are the biggest though.
I have a freind with a projector. the picture is pretty good (up to 720p) which is considered HD. Just like other TV’s you get what you pay for. he also built his own screen with a special canvas material (It looks white) and a black wood boarder. The most important thing to consider about projectors is the picture quality is directly proportional to the ambient light in the room. you really need it to be pretty dark to get a good picture. Hence my buddy has his in the basement, AND has all of the windows blacked out so that he can still watch it during the day.
Larry,
I’m still in the preliminary research stages here, so it might be a while before I make a purchase. I’d be interested in something second hand if the price vs. quality was right. Feel free to PM all the details to me.
I’m definitely going to check out Tweeter Center because they have a local shop.
i just installed the In Focus IN72 projector in my basement for use with my Tacx trainer and to watch movies on - it works very well. Movies are incredibly clear - PC resolution for the trainer is good - not as clear as on the monitor of course, but it’s also on a 92 inch diagonal screen. With the lights off, it’s very easy to get into the terrain of the trainer courses and RLV. The projector was on sale - rebate and they threw in the screen with it - free shipping too. I’ve had it about 3 months now - no issues yet. I’d highly recommend checking out In Focus - I bought direct from them.
http://www.infocus.com/SubSegments/Home%20Entertainment.aspx
$599, that’s tough to beat for a 7’ screen. 900 lumens, 854X480 resolution - that doesn’t sound that good compared to some of the others I’ve seen. I think I actually have to visit to store to see the different resolutions and brightnesses and how they look next to each other.
If I don’t have a dark room or basement available, is this a bad idea? How hard would it be to take a regular living room with windows, etc., and make the room darker?
In my limited experience, if you can read a newspaper - the room is too bright for a good picture.
I wouldn’t recommend a projector if you don’t have a room where you can block out most of the light. The IN72 doesn’t have the highest lumens, but if the room is dark - it’s fantastic. My basement has no windows and I’ve positioned the screen to block the light coming down the stairwell - during really sunny days there’s a little spill over but the image is still very crisp. At night - it’s a theater without the person behind you kicking your seat.
My brother has an Electrohome Marquis 8000 CRT projector that he’s done some upgrades to. The screen is about 8’. It looks absolutely incredible with a 1080p source. I believe he got it either through ebay, or the classifieds on a home theatre specific forum.
Check out:
http://www.curtpalme.com/
http://www.curtpalme.com/CRTPrimer.shtm
There is a forum on the site as well.