Epson PowerLite 1080 Projector Package?
 

Is this package a good deal?
http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/...undleDetail.do

I am thinking about getting a home theater package (projector, screen, etc.) for a new home in a month. The budget will be in the $5,000 range. I already have a Blu-ray player and an HD DVD player. What other accessories like HDMI receiver, speakers, cables, etc. would I need? Also, I would need everything professionally installed.

thanks in advance for any advice.

Well I have no experience with that projector but I am not sure your budget will allow you much room for the rest of the items you mentioned after this piece.

What size room? Have you planned the layout? What is the throw distance to the screen wall? Have you gotten a quote on installation, it is likely to eat up the rest of your bugdet? Have you listened to any speakers?

I have not really done anything yet. I was trying to get an estimate for my budget and see what equipment I would need.

I may just get a 60" LCD instead of the projector. It will be much cheaper, and less of a hassle.

Well, Epson makes the LCD panels for all/most the other LCD PJ manufacturers, certainly Panasonic. So at the base level, their PJs are just as good as Panny. Probably not comparable in upconverting SD, though.

After talking to my wife last night, we're considering a projector also. Would you say the Panasonic PT-AE1000U is a better bet? It's about $200 more based on the price research I've done.

Also, what's important when choosing a screen? Is there a good screen for around $200?

And not near the theater experience.

It's the install that will kill your budget. But I bet you spend $500+ or more on pro-install of the LCD flat panel. And I doubt a 60" LCD will be "much cheaper" then a solid projector/screen.

If SDTV is at all an issue, the $200 is probably worth it. I'm very impressed with my AE900 compared to my previous PJ. Not that SD channels looks great, but I can stand it much easier.

Check out the DIY screen forum at AVS. You can paint/build your own for less than $200 easily that will rival almost any screen. You probably want a grey screen to bring out the blacks with an LCD model.