Shopping for a budget Projector
- Thread starter AndySTL
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AndySTL
Well-Known Member
I hear you and I don't think you're necessarily wrong. But just for fun, here's a comparison of the images sizes:
I hear you and I don't think you're necessarily wrong. But just for fun, here's a comparison of the images sizes:
I get it but I would only even consider it if I were also moving the seating a little closer.
It may not look like much, but it’s a 15% decrease, not insignificant imo. And if a lot of your content is in CinemaScope/Letterbox, you won’t even be using all of that smaller size.I hear you and I don't think you're necessarily wrong. But just for fun, here's a comparison of the images sizes:
AndySTL
Well-Known Member
I agree, it's not insignificant. I am sure I would immediately feel the difference. On the other hand, better brightness and probably a crisper image. That's what's making it a difficult choice.
I'm in no hurry though, no plans to make any immediate timeline purchases. Perhaps 90" TVs will get down into afforable prices ranges this year, as Botch mentioned.
I'm in no hurry though, no plans to make any immediate timeline purchases. Perhaps 90" TVs will get down into afforable prices ranges this year, as Botch mentioned.
Seems like you're leaning towards a TV. I don't blame you as you don't have to worry about as many variables. The only objective advantage a projector based system has is the size to cost ratio. For movie watching I personally just seem to prefer the subjective "feel" of a projected image vs a TV.
Hot Monkey
Well-Known Member
When my trusty Panasonic plasma finally dies someday (hopefully not anytime soon) I have a 92" fixed screen with a nice frame in storage and will make the move to a front projector. So it will be a big size upgrade for me the plasma is only a 60". It's a dedicated movie room we don't watch much down there other then occasional big events, Super Bowl, etc. So I think a projector will be more desirable for our use. And honestly I have yet to see any LED/OLED/anyLED flat panel display that looks as good to me as my old plasma when it comes to motion, black, noise/artifacts, etc. So maybe a DLP projector or I have seen some 3-chip LCOS JVC's and SXRD Sony's that look nice to me. AndySTL if you end up with a new projector let me know what you think of it.
Hit me up for super competitive pricing on a JVC if you decide to go that route, I’m an authorized reseller.
AndySTL
Well-Known Member
Well my timeline for making a change in the basement appears to have pushed up. The dependable Epson has developed a green tinted/hue vertical line that displays on the screen about 50% of the time. The projector is used for my kids PS5 gaming for a vast majority of its use these days and they don't complain about it so I am not going to make any immediate changes but I am starting to spend a little more time researching replacements.
I am considering replacements in 3 categories:
I am considering replacements in 3 categories:
- New projector. Considerations include the replacement would need to be a long throw unit, as I really don't want to change the location of the ceiling mount. A newer Epson, like the 5050 UB seems like it would make the most sense. A simple swap of units and away we go.
- TV in the 85"-86" class - Considerations include a possible disappointment in screen size but increased brightness and contrast. Pros also include that this COULD be the cheapest option.
- TV in the 98"-100" class - Hisense and TCL both make TVs in this size for around $3k. This would be in upgrade in every category for me. Resolution, screen size, brightness, contrast. This is the most expensive option that I would be willing to consider.
CMonster
Well-Known Member
If you go the projector route, I think you should consider the Epson LS12000. It supports 4K HDR and uses a laser light source so it’s brighter. This model has been around a couple of years so I’m sure you can find one new for less than the $5000 MSRP. If you’re willing to go used, here’s one for sale on AVS: https://www.avsforum.com/threads/epson-pro-cinema-ls12000-4k-laser-projector.3302876/
I pre-ordered a madVR Envy Core to help with video processing since my 2016-era JVC doesn’t do a great job with HDR. I’m also hoping it helps with dark scenes as I lose a lot of detail due to lack of brightness. If that’s still an issue, I’ll probably jump to an LS12000.
If you decide to go with a TV, go big or go home
.
I pre-ordered a madVR Envy Core to help with video processing since my 2016-era JVC doesn’t do a great job with HDR. I’m also hoping it helps with dark scenes as I lose a lot of detail due to lack of brightness. If that’s still an issue, I’ll probably jump to an LS12000.
If you decide to go with a TV, go big or go home
.
mcad64
Well-Known Member
CMonster I am curious, is your 2016 JVC 4k or 1080P. Not sure of the year of mine but I KNOW it isn't 4k. So is the madVR Envy Core upscaling to 4k or are you just wanting a better 1080P picture?If you go the projector route, I think you should consider the Epson LS12000. It supports 4K HDR and uses a laser light source so it’s brighter. This model has been around a couple of years so I’m sure you can find one new for less than the $5000 MSRP. If you’re willing to go used, here’s one for sale on AVS: https://www.avsforum.com/threads/epson-pro-cinema-ls12000-4k-laser-projector.3302876/
I pre-ordered a madVR Envy Core to help with video processing since my 2016-era JVC doesn’t do a great job with HDR. I’m also hoping it helps with dark scenes as I lose a lot of detail due to lack of brightness. If that’s still an issue, I’ll probably jump to an LS12000.
If you decide to go with a TV, go big or go home
Mike
CMonster
Well-Known Member
Mine uses pixel-shifting to get to 4K whereas the new models have a native 4K chip. The Epson projectors all use pixel-shifting as well, and the technology is really good - it's hard to tell the difference between pixel-shifting and native 4K. My issue is poor HDR implementation in the early JVC models plus lack of brightness. In addition to HDR dynamic tone mapping, the madVR can do other video processing such as non-linear stretching so the screen is always filled, regardless of aspect ratio. For the lack of brightness, I may have to jump to a laser-based projector instead of a bulb, but I want to see what the madVR does first.
mcad64
Well-Known Member
I have been hemming and hawing on replacing my JVC RS10. In Canada the difference between the Procision NZ7 and the Reference 2100 is only $500. Price is still north of 10K but the 2100 , at least in Canada, gets you 5 year warranty versus 3 for the Procision. I feel like laser is the only way to fly at this point. As far as Sony laser offerings I guess it would be the 6000ES? Must admit I am out of the loop as far as this stuff goes. Oh yeah, guess I would need a new prepro that handles 4k?? I think I will just procrastinate on this some more!!
