HD projector recommendations and things to consider

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def PD

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Hey all,

I'm looking for some recommendations and feedback on 1080P projectors.

What specific things should I be aware of when comparing features and/or be wary of (such as bulb life, DLP vs. LED, brand, etc.).

Do specs for a projector coincide with an HD TV when it comes to 3D support?

Sorry for all the noob questions and thanks in advance!
 
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Really? A friend of mine plays his Xbox on his 120" projection screen and it's awesome. The only time I ever noticed lag is from playing Rock Band but I just assumed it was because his settings were different than what I'm used to at my house.
 
Damnnnn ittttt!!!!!! I wrote so much info and freakin' lost itttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And, projectors do NOT cause lag.
 
[quote name='ChunLiBarbie']Damnnnn ittttt!!!!!! I wrote so much info and freakin' lost itttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And, projectors do NOT cause lag.[/QUOTE]

They don't cause lag the amount of time it takes for the image to get from the lens to the wall creates a noticeable amount of input lag.

My only advice is: don't try and play fighting games or platformers on it.
 
To me, Capcom makes the FASTEST fighting games and I play those all the time. The 'lag' thing is some kind of urban legend people are trying to get going.

Maybe it's your internet, if you have a projector or you read/heard a lie.

I play all kinds of games and there is no lag.
 
[quote name='Smashbro29']They don't cause lag the amount of time it takes for the image to get from the lens to the wall creates a noticeable amount of input lag.

My only advice is: don't try and play fighting games or platformers on it.[/QUOTE]

I don't mean this in a bad way, but that strikes me as odd, considering the speed of light and all. It just doesn't make sense to my brain.

However, projectors can have actual input lag from image processing, just like any monitor or TV can. Quite often, turning down post-processing effects (or using a "game mode") can lessen the lag.

If you want to do a bit of research, this site does projector reviews from a gaming standpoint, including measuring input lag. Quite often, he posts screenshots of an input lag program that displays on the projector and his laptop at the same time, the difference showing the lag present.
 
My source is the Tech Talk section on Shoryuken.com

If anyone knows input lag its fighting game players.

Also, not taking it badly. Just trying to help fellow cheapasses!
 
Appreciate the feedback and info. Thanks for the link BigSpoonyBard.

I'm not going to use a projector for fighting games (specifically for the reasons mentioned above). My friends rage enough as it is when they play on their respective displays.

Any specific models people would recommend that they currently have/used/seen?
 
Trust. You're not going to notice any lag in a fighting game unless it's the online server during online play and/or you have super-human, bionic vision.
 
[quote name='ChunLiBarbie']Trust. You're not going to notice any lag in a fighting game unless it's the online server during online play and/or you have super-human, bionic vision.[/QUOTE]

Stop acting like you know so much about lag input in games, they DO HAVE THEM. Your so called fighting game matches aren't SOURCES.


Sure if you're just a new player from street fighter you won't notice ANYTHING. But there are some of us who has been playing SF for so long, we NOTICE the lag.

It's important for competitive players since even a millisecond matters in Street Fighter, if you mess up your combo, you will get punished and possibly lose the match.
 
I scored an Acer H5360 3D-DLP Projector for under $350 bucks before Christmas, and I love it so much. As far as I know, it's the only HD (720p) projector in this price rage. It's quiet, has a ton of inputs (including HDMI), has a remote, has built in speaker for portability, is mountable, comes with a carrying case and is as bright as hell. I turned down the brightness to only 50% AND turned on the "eco mode" and it's still way bright.

I've been playing Mass Effect 3 blown up on a 72 inch screen and it looks solid and crisp. I've never had any problems with input lag and game with it almost daily. This projector + surround sound = personal movie theater.

Oh yeah, it's also 3-D ready, so if you ever want to upgrade to 3D you have the option!

Seriously, The $800+ projectors I've seen at Staples aren't even HD. I did a crapload of research before the holidays and am very confident with my choice. Please consider getting this projector. You'll never go back to gaming on a TV again.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-EY-K0701-020-Acer®-3D-DLP-Projector/dp/B0036R9ZKA
 
I would look into an Epson 8350. Currently $1199 from Visual Apex or Projector People (after adding to cart, and I have ordered a projector from each of them in the past...they are frickin' great).

Here's a quick little post from Evan @ Projector Central about the input lag on it:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/pro...iew-status-Epson-8350-for-Gaming&entry_id=490
Sounds like it's one of the fastest right now. And I know from my current Epson that the picture will impress.

And here is a previous thread I posted on about projectors, warning -I was a just a wee bit long winded, and the thread kinda got off on another tangent at the end:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286872

Btw, if you do go to buy from one of these 2 sites, shop one against the other - I was able to get them to start knocking money off, or start throwing in frrebie stuff to get me to buy from them instead of their competitor :)
 
[quote name='Gannikus']Stop acting like you know so much about lag input in games, they DO HAVE THEM. Your so called fighting game matches aren't SOURCES.


Sure if you're just a new player from street fighter you won't notice ANYTHING. But there are some of us who has been playing SF for so long, we NOTICE the lag.

It's important for competitive players since even a millisecond matters in Street Fighter, if you mess up your combo, you will get punished and possibly lose the match.[/QUOTE]

Don't try to tell me WTF I KNOW. I have been playing Street Fight for YEARSSSSS. I'm sure I'd have noticed a lag by now. Do YOU even own a projector?

Since you're such a VET to SF, I'm sure you MUSTTTTT know about FIGHTING STREET. The ORIGINAL SF. If you do or you don't, you can keep your NEWB bull**** the f**k out of my face.
 
[quote name='Taren Fox']I scored an Acer H5360 3D-DLP Projector for under $350 bucks before Christmas, and I love it so much. As far as I know, it's the only HD (720p) projector in this price rage. It's quiet, has a ton of inputs (including HDMI), has a remote, has built in speaker for portability, is mountable, comes with a carrying case and is as bright as hell. I turned down the brightness to only 50% AND turned on the "eco mode" and it's still way bright.

I've been playing Mass Effect 3 blown up on a 72 inch screen and it looks solid and crisp. I've never had any problems with input lag and game with it almost daily. This projector + surround sound = personal movie theater.

Oh yeah, it's also 3-D ready, so if you ever want to upgrade to 3D you have the option!

Seriously, The $800+ projectors I've seen at Staples aren't even HD. I did a crapload of research before the holidays and am very confident with my choice. Please consider getting this projector. You'll never go back to gaming on a TV again.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-EY-K0701-020-Acer®-3D-DLP-Projector/dp/B0036R9ZKA[/QUOTE]

Great post, been meaning to get a good projector on the cheap but I do have a couple questions though. I see this model, Optoma HD66 being compare to the Acer H5360. What's your opinion between these two and any display screens would you recommend as well? I also read about the 3d feature too, what are my options as for as 3D glasses and box converter go ftom? I'm a n00b to projector displays and been thinking of getting one for a while now so I just want to get the best bang for the buck if you know what I mean.
 
I picked up a Optima hd65 new on clearance for $300 a few years back and have been using it as my main TV ever since. I went to avsforums to find a good paint for the wall. The picture shines at night but is basically unusable during the day. Motion blur is bad compared to my 32" LCD in the bedroom but watching blus or gaming on a 9 ft. diagonal screen with 7.1 sound just can't be beat.

I'm ready to upgrade now that this bulb has 2200 hours on it...could go the easy route and get this 3d setup or actually spend good money for something nicer. (above poster should look at this model as well. Looks like you don't want to spend much and this is 3d, not 3d ready. The paint cost me $11 if I recall to do two coats giving me 110" screen. Ceiling mount from monoprice was dirty cheap too)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005G2HR6W/ref=mp_s_a_7?qid=1332164354&sr=8-7
 
Shouldn't everyone get a 1080p projector if the image is going to be over 50"? That's my plan at least. I need to do a ton of research but I'll be buying one probably around Christmas - I'm planning on 110"-120" probably 16x9 screen since I mainly watch TV/sports and play video games. Not sure if I can get a good 3D projector or if that is something I even need/want. I want to do it right when I finish my basement (theater seats, wet bar, etc.) even if it ends up costing more and taking longer to finish. I figure just the room alone will run me $25-$30K hopefully not all at once so $1,500-$2,000 on the projector will be money well spent, IMO.
 
[quote name='Mojo691']I would look into an Epson 8350. Currently $1199 from Visual Apex or Projector People (after adding to cart, and I have ordered a projector from each of them in the past...they are frickin' great).

Here's a quick little post from Evan @ Projector Central about the input lag on it:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/pro...iew-status-Epson-8350-for-Gaming&entry_id=490
Sounds like it's one of the fastest right now. And I know from my current Epson that the picture will impress.

And here is a previous thread I posted on about projectors, warning -I was a just a wee bit long winded, and the thread kinda got off on another tangent at the end:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286872
I
Btw, if you do go to buy from one of these 2 sites, shop one against the other - I was able to get them to start knocking money off, or start throwing in frrebie stuff to get me to buy from them instead of their competitor :)[/QUOTE] I thought I remembered posting in that thread. That was my setup at the moment and I have since upgraded with paint screen, permanent ceiling mount, and blackout curtains for day time gaming. Much better!
 
[quote name='UNDERSTAR']Great post, been meaning to get a good projector on the cheap but I do have a couple questions though. I see this model, Optoma HD66 being compare to the Acer H5360. What's your opinion between these two and any display screens would you recommend as well? I also read about the 3d feature too, what are my options as for as 3D glasses and box converter go ftom? I'm a n00b to projector displays and been thinking of getting one for a while now so I just want to get the best bang for the buck if you know what I mean.[/QUOTE]

Whichever you choose, a good thing to do would be to research their Chinese version of there bulb, as well. As, the bulbs 'can' cost in the hundreds.

Optoma is a well-known brand. So, if you choose them, it could be wise to check the price of the bulb & see if there is a 'knock-off' version of that bulb with really good reviews. Watching YouTube videos and reading through the eBay/Amazon/Google reviews will help.
 
[quote name='shadowkast']I picked up a Optima hd65 new on clearance for $300 a few years back and have been using it as my main TV ever since. I went to avsforums to find a good paint for the wall. The picture shines at night but is basically unusable during the day. Motion blur is bad compared to my 32" LCD in the bedroom but watching blus or gaming on a 9 ft. diagonal screen with 7.1 sound just can't be beat.

I'm ready to upgrade now that this bulb has 2200 hours on it...could go the easy route and get this 3d setup or actually spend good money for something nicer. (above poster should look at this model as well. Looks like you don't want to spend much and this is 3d, not 3d ready. The paint cost me $11 if I recall to do two coats giving me 110" screen. Ceiling mount from monoprice was dirty cheap too)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005G2HR6W/ref=mp_s_a_7?qid=1332164354&sr=8-7[/QUOTE]

$300?????!!!!!!!! :hot::drool:

I was checking out that short throw. Those are good for big pictures in small spaces. This says 200". Obviously, not taken with an HD camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIYCjOrZEfY
 
I laugh when someone says don't get a projector because of lag, it's just not true period.

That said, there are things that cause lag - just not the simple fact that it's a projector vs a tv.

I've been gaming on projetors for years now, and all on panasonic projectors, my latest is a panasonic ptax200u, it even has a special video gaming mode built in. (something about optimizing frame rates and stuff). It has vertical, horizontal lens shift and an amazing throw distance. You can mount it just about anywhere.

The upgrade bug has struck again though and it's time for me to buy another projector.

If anyone is interested in a great gaming projector let me know, I'm selling it for 350.00 (they sell on ebay low at 300 and high at 550).
 
At work I've bought both short throw and regular projectors. Eiki, Epson and Optima projectors are all good. Optima seems to give you the best bang for your buck as far as lumens. Short throw projectors are nice because you cant walk in front of the screen.... but are kind of ugly because they are right there on top of the screen. You need 13ft from the screen on average for a good picture. ALL PROJECTORS throw is different. Make sure you match up your screen size with the right type of projector. There are screen calculators on the net.
 
i've gone through quite a few projectors: multiple LCD, multiple DLP, 2 different CRT (yes, the ones with the 3 big ass guns sticking out).

My recommendation: Get either the most expensive Sony or JVC 1080p you can afford.

Note, you get what you pay for. There are no killer deals.
 
[quote name='ChunLiBarbie']Don't try to tell me WTF I KNOW. I have been playing Street Fight for YEARSSSSS. I'm sure I'd have noticed a lag by now. Do YOU even own a projector?

Since you're such a VET to SF, I'm sure you MUSTTTTT know about FIGHTING STREET. The ORIGINAL SF. If you do or you don't, you can keep your NEWB bull**** the f**k out of my face.[/QUOTE]

No one's talking about the original Street fighter, we're talking about SSF4 and the NEWER GAMES where the lag could mess you up. And we're not talking about your average idiots who play SF a lot, we're talking about the PROFESSIONALS you idiot. Of course casual players who are even above average don't care about the LITTLE lag, it's more about the VERY COMPETITIVE players competing for MONEY

Ok newb, how about this. WHY don't they just use HDTV's or projectors for EVO competitions in vegas?! The top tier players such as Daigo and the others prefer the standard tv's since a millisecond MATTERS to them.


If you didn't know what EVO is, it's like the Superbowl of Fighting game tournaments :roll: and obviously the lag Im talking about is not visible unless the game requires strict timing
 
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[quote name='Gannikus']No one's talking about the original Street fighter, we're talking about SSF4 and the NEWER GAMES where the lag could mess you up. And we're not talking about your average idiots who play SF a lot, we're talking about the PROFESSIONALS you idiot. Of course casual players who are even above average don't care about the LITTLE lag, it's more about the VERY COMPETITIVE players competing for MONEY

Ok newb, how about this. WHY don't they just use HDTV's or projectors for EVO competitions in vegas?! The top tier players such as Daigo and the others prefer the standard tv's since a millisecond MATTERS to them.


If you didn't know what EVO is, it's like the Superbowl of Fighting game tournaments :roll: and obviously the lag Im talking about is not visible unless the game requires strict timing[/QUOTE]

Lol FILTH. You know NOTHINGGGGGGGGGGGGG about projectors and NOTHINGGGGGGGGGG about Street Fighter. NEITHER VERSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not in the mood to argue with a RIDICULOUS NEWB WITH NOOOOOO PROJECTOR OR STREET FIGHTER KNOWLEDGE.

CLICK.
 
It's known to many Fighters that SSF4 has strict timing, clearly you don't have anything to say because you know nothing about Street Fighter. Gobacktothekitchen
 
Well that quickly went on a tangent. Just to add my 2 cents, I don't play competitively (anymore, I simply couldn't keep up with the competition no matter how much practice and time I put in), but I have friends that do and there are specific sets that are used in competitive play to minimize input lag since playing at a highly competitive level requires strict/specific timing and many players in the FGC rely on frame data. There's a huge psychological aspect that play into fighting games (e.g. footsies) where you know the timing of a move's (startup, active, etc.) frames, when to throw 'em out, bait 'em, and what not.

I haven't met one professional or competitive player that plays any fighting game (for money) seriously on a projector.

Aaaaaaanyways. Thanks again for the recos!
 
I bought an optoma gt750 a couple months ago, 720p, 3d, glasses are $70, projector was $750.

Even in economy mode it has a good picture w/ the light on my ceiling fan on.

It's short throw ~5ft=100" screen

Also, based on what others have said about it, as well as my experience using it, there's little to no imput lag. According to some folks it has 0 lag

Great for gaming, great for movies, even 3d

it comes w/ an rf emitter for the glasses as well so you can use active dlp link or RF
 
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