Hi all, here is my story:

I have $1,000 (I may be able to go to $1,200) and I'm trying to buy a projector for my media room.

- I would like to have a 1080 HD projector.
- I would like to have (2) HDMI ports (one for X-box 360, one for DVD or blu-ray).
- I would like to have a VGA input for a laptop or PC connection.
- I don't know how many lumens this needs to be... It will be in a pitch black room with no windows.
- I also need a mount.

My first questions is, can I do this money wise? Does anyone recommend anything?
My second question is, am I forgetting anything (inputs, lumens, etc.)

Thanks for any input you all can provide.

You'll also need a screen which is a major component in this equation. Check out the link in my signature for pictures and equipment. I think you can do it at your price point - shop around and don't overlook "last year's models" for clearance sales. In most cases the technology hasn't changed much from model to model - check the manufacturer web sites for specs and comparisons.

You need to take into account where the projector will be mounted/placed and what the throw distance is as well. Also once that is decided how will you cable it?

You can try looking here

http://www.projectorpeople.com/

and here

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home...projectors.htm

1080P Projector = $999 for a low end DLP one (they just came out a couple months ago to good reviews), you'll get a quality picture but you won't be able to "place" the projector in many places, be sure your room is big enough. Check out the Optoma HD20 - 2 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x Component.

Mount = monoprice.com, < $25 ($100+ for a really good one)

Light controlled (pitch black, no windows) should be fine with just about any level of lumens on a 1080p model.

2 HDMI ports is possible, but switches are cheap regardless.

Screens are important, but don't underestimate how good a nice piece of Blackout Cloth ($20 for 3 yards from Joann's w/o coupon, much less w/). Building a frame is a good idea, or buy one ($100 - $4000 depending on which one you get)

Check room size online using an Projector Calculator.

Check out the AVSForum.com forum, there is a lot of good info there.

I'm currently using a Mitsubishi HD1000U 720p DLP projector on a DaLite High Power 106" screen, I'm still amazed at how good it looks after nearly 3 years.

Wow, lots of good advice. Thank you!!

Yes, you need to spend as much time on figuring set up as you do on the particular equipment.

I'm going to "slightly" disagree with RichC2 on PJ placement with no lens shift. It's not that you can't place, but you need to plan, measure and remeasure. But remember you only need to do this once. Sure a PJ with no lens shift may take more time and effort to install, but once you do there is no difference between a PJ that has lens shift. You just need to look at the calculators that are available at several sites for the throw/off set of the particular PJ's your looking at.

Getting a PJ is not plug and play like a TV. However, the couple of weekends you spend planning and installing is only done once. Then you have better than a TV.

You can see my set up in the link in my signature. I did all work myself including making a homemade, pj mount, screen and center channel speaker ceiling mount.

BTW, while I don't disagree with going with 1080p, mine is 720p and I'm "pleased". Yes sitting in the front row (about 10.5 feet away) is a little to close for me. But I really like the 2nd row (about 12 feet away). However, remember resolution is not the only spec that deals with overall picture quality. Some would argue that a nicer 720p PJ would have a better overall picture than a cheap 1080p. I'm not trying to push you away from 1080p. I'm just saying it is something to think about and I'd be careful locking yourself into 1080p if your on a very tight budget.

I think Rich's point about placement is that low end DLPs have to be at a certain height above or below the screen. If you room is 9' tall or more, there is no problem. In an 8' or shorter room, some projectors will simply not work.

The review posted for the HD20 notes that the PJ would have to be 8" above/below the screen for a 100" screen. That should be ok for 8' ceilings and up. I doubt it would work for me, my PJ is currently right in the screen area and 1" from the ceiling. I'd have to move the screen down almost a foot.

Ceiling placement is almost definitely preferred for a projector.

Totally agree! When I upgraded my X1 for a HD pj I had it narrowed down from the Optoma or Mit. I went with the Optoma as I thought it would work better for my ceiling and how high I wanted the screen.

If a PJ has lens shift, you can "get it close" to the correct position and use lens shift for final adjustments. No lens shift means you really got to have everything dialed in and make sure the PJ you are looking at will work. Yes, more work, but can be worth it. Especially if your on a budget.

Yeah it was more a comment on throw angles and conflicts on 1) small rooms (distance to screen) and 2) low ceilings. You are certainly more limited with DLP but it's more a traditional projector problem (and one most people anticipate) than not -- Lens shift is a luxury most people don't even know is possible. And like you said, once you have it setup, it isn't like you'll be moving it -- especially with a ceiling mount.

I agree with you on the 720p and almost brought it up myself, but I know even though I'm mostly happy with my setup, there is part of me that still wants to go 1080p (though tbh, I'd be fine with a 720p that has better black levels than mine).

With $1000 or so I would be looking at 720p. Maybe a 720p from a major manufacturer.

In my opinion the 1080p projectors that are awesome are still $2000+. The new Panasonic AE4000u is fantastic at $1999, but I would consider the 720p if that was my budget.

Well don't think that "dropping" to 720p is a huge step down. I'm still VERY much enjoying my 720p PJ on a 94" screen. When the original bulb blew I considered going to 1080p, but honestly I just didn't want to spend that much difference. So I spent the $275 on a bulb for another 18-20 months of use. I'm "anticipating" going to 1080p when this bulb blows. But I'm not 100% locked into that.

My set up is a 94" screen. Front row is 10.5' away. I think that is a little close, even on HD stuff. But no one else seems to think that. I find the 2nd row, at about 12' about perfect.

I'd like to get that Panny when the time comes. However, I don't know if I can move away from DLP. I just love that. But truth be told I haven't seen a LCD projector set up well. The only places I can find that have decent set up are the really high end stuff. But I bought my original PJ (X1) and than my Optoma "blind" so I'm not opposed to that.

Ok guys, I went with the Optoma HD20. I did look at refurbished models as well but nothing hit that sweet spot like the HD20 did. Thanks for everyone's help, I may be back to ask how to set the thing up!

Cool. I've enjoyed my Optoma. What is funny I bought my Optoma just a few years ago as the first full 720p pj to retail for a grand or less. And now the HD20 is the first 1080p to retail at that price point.

I'm surprised it only comes with a 1 year warranty. I'm pretty sure mine has a 2 year warranty which I actually used. When my bulb blew it literally blew up in the pj and did damage. Optoma covered it.

I'd recommend Monoprice for a long HDMI cable. And a Monoprice switcher for multiple HDMI inputs (unless your receiver can handle them all I suppose). I hear their ceiling mounts are good as well. I just built my own. But they have come down so much in price, probably not worth messing with. I built my own screen from screen material on ebay. On a budget? I recommend this.

Did you read Art's review? He provides about the most comprehensive, yet easy to read reviews on projectors out there. I really recommend you reading and now that you have the pj pay particular attention to screen selection and calibration.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/optoma/hd20/index.php

And now that you have the pj, you can go over to AVS and find the thread on this pj and read. Don't ask anything till you have read every single post (they can get a little testy with non-regulars popping in and asking a question that has been addressed a zillion times). But you will find the time and effort well worth it for all the information.

Oh and welcome to the club! Spiky will be showing you the secret handshake.

I have the Hd20 and it is awesome! It is also the only DLP under 4-5K that I could fit into my basement theater without a lens shift, and not using keystone correction. (I have a 6 ft ceiling!)

It will take a few hours to get it set up correctly but it is worth it.

I got the projector in and it looks great! So far...

I have yet to obtain the mount for it. Those of you who do have this, what mount did you go with? Is any mount ok? I saw one for $150 online and thought it was ridiculous that the mount costs as much as the blu-ray I bought today...

You should be able to get a decent universal mount for around $80, whereas specifically matched mounts are usually $120-$200+. Mounts are not $5 throw-away items. Although monoprice (and Amazon) does have some pretty cheap ones these days. Some have also made their own for little money.

Basically, it has to never fail so it doesn't drop your projector. So shop for a decent build quality and don't just buy the cheapest you find.

I built my own low profile mount. I used galvanized plumbing pipe, thick plexiglass and wood screws that put the mounted unit in ceiling joists. I also set it up to have some fairly fine adjustments. It is very much overkill for the weight of a modern digital projector. All told, I think it was about $15.00 in parts and less than 30 minutes to put together.

Spiky is right. You don't want it to fail. But no matter what mount you use, even a super heavy duty, titanium, dipped in steal mesh mount, the projector itself mounts to the mount using fairly small, fine threaded screws. IMO, this is the weak link.

I thought it was steel dipped in titanium?

That's a great point about the screws. It's true for every flat panel, too. I always found it hilarious when people would freak out about hanging a 42" plasma weighing far less than 100#, reinforcing walls and so forth. Meanwhile, 4 little screws (never hardened or anything) actually touch the TV.