Recommend me a decent sub-$500 1080p projector

ImagesAndWords

ImagesAndWords

StayblCam.com
Nov 7, 2006
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Hey homies..
So the other day I started tinkering with the idea of adding a projector in the room next to my office. Doesn't have to be 3D or anything too fancy, but it should have native (and decent) 1080p + HDMI. I'll use it for the occasional xbox breaks, a movie here and there, and maybe sometimes as a big-ass desktop screen to hook up a tablet or laptop too.

There are quite a few on Amazon, but many have either almost no reviews - or reviews that look paid...lol. Any suggestions are welcome.

Kthnx!
 


images
 
You might as well try to get the best 720p you can find at that price range. Otherwise you'll end up with a junk brand that'll give you headaches. You should be asking this question in one of the home theatre forums like avsforums.


/inb4 jon bans for suggesting another forum
 
The Optoma HD20 is supposed to be a good "cheap" 1080p projector, but it is over $500. It is currently $749 on Amazon.

I haven't heard or read about any decent 1080p projectors for less than that.
 
Hmm, maybe $500 was a bit optimistic lol... Well I did see a few of them here:
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st?bbn=300334&keywords=1080p+projector&qid=1361054757&rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A!493964%2Cn%3A541966%2Cn%3A300334%2Ck%3A1080p+projector%2Cp_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A3365277011%2Cp_72%3A1248879011&sort=price]Amazon.com: 1080p projector - 4 Stars & Up / 1080p / Video Projectors / Computers & Accessories: Electronics[/ame]

..but I guess only a couple of them are actually 1080p. Some list 1080p with 4:3 ratio. wtf.
 
ImagesAndWords said:
..but I guess only a couple of them are actually 1080p. Some list 1080p with 4:3 ratio. wtf.
Click to expand...

There's some really misleading product descriptions there. You have to scrutinize the tech specs because they will all accept a 1080 signal, but are actually only like 1280x800 or 800x600 native resolution. You probably need to be prepared to spend a couple hundred more to get into true 1080 models. I think you might find some relatively decent Viewsonic and Benq models in the $700 range.
 
I -love- my Optoma. I'm getting on to about 1200 or so hours on it, never had a problem. My Viewsonics, on the other hand, had a ton of weird display issues - finally sold them this fall.

Not sub $500 but well priced - [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD20-Definition-Theater-Projector/dp/B002G0CWSU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361208623&sr=8-1&keywords=optoma"]Amazon.com: Optoma HD20 High Definition 1080p DLP Home Theater Projector (Grey): Electronics[/ame]
 
Fatbat said:
There's some really misleading product descriptions there. You have to scrutinize the tech specs because they will all accept a 1080 signal, but are actually only like 1280x800 or 800x600 native resolution. You probably need to be prepared to spend a couple hundred more to get into true 1080 models. I think you might find some relatively decent Viewsonic and Benq models in the $700 range.
Click to expand...

Yeah misleading seems to be an understatement the more I read into the specs of these, lol. I might go into the $700 or up..

SkyFire said:
I -love- my Optoma. I'm getting on to about 1200 or so hours on it, never had a problem. My Viewsonics, on the other hand, had a ton of weird display issues - finally sold them this fall.

Not sub $500 but well priced - Amazon.com: Optoma HD20 High Definition 1080p DLP Home Theater Projector (Grey): Electronics
Click to expand...

Thanks for the recommendation. Will definitely check that one out!
 
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