School me on HD projectors

I haven't looked into anything related to the topic, but within the next year I'd like to get some sort of HD projector setup for my basement living room. There are no windows in this particular part of the basement and a fairly sizable wall, so I figured this would be a fun thing to do.

My budget isn't huge for this, so I might need to scrap the idea, but can I get a decent projector and screen setup for $1k?

Also, I've seen a couple of CL postings in my area which seemingly contain decent equipment, but I can't find much info when I look for reviews. If these are trash, just say so

Edit: FWIW this smells like the good ol' White Van Scam.

CL Option 1:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ele/3552345375.html

CL Option 2:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ele/3596088404.html

CL Option 3:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/ele/3597068361.html

If you are going to go projector, you really should go all the way. I've been contemplating putting one in my basement theater too and I've priced out a good set up including an electric screen for ~$1700.

All of the ones you linked to look like they'd be crappy and projectors aren't as forgiving to inferior technology as LCD panels are.

Edit to add: Those specs are far too good to be true, and especially for the price they are asking. Keep looking.

There is a lot more to projectors than specs.

You get what you pay for (to a point.)

JMO.

Originally Posted by SamDoe1

If you are going to go projector, you really should go all the way. I've been contemplating putting one in my basement theater too and I've priced out a good set up including an electric screen for ~$1700.

All of the ones you linked to look like they'd be crappy and projectors aren't as forgiving to inferior technology as LCD panels are.

Edit to add: Those specs are far too good to be true, and especially for the price they are asking. Keep looking.

Yep I spent some time digging and just as I thought, these are bogus Chinese POS projectors....white van scam!


I have no need for an electric screen, so hopefully that could bring down the price somewhat. I'm mainly concerned that I get something worthwhile, so I'll need to do my homework. If it ends up that I need to spend more, I may do it.

I wonder if these are subject to Black Friday sales and such...if so, I'm patient and can wait.


@Glock - Thanks, any recommendations?

Ony one thing to say about projectors, buy one from the known brands. Sutch as BenQ, Sony, JVC.. Read up on home cinema forums and do some homework on each before you buy.
You will be way more satisfyed with a used 720p at a decent quality than a crappy new one.
Guess a BenQ W5000 with decent lamptime should be easy to get on that budget in US, and if you go that way i promise ull wont regret buing it.

Screen is a easy DIY. MDF, sand it, sand it.. Paint with paintcode s-1500 grey as matte (? None reflective) as you get, sand it and paint again.

Exaple of mine, 3 hours of work to make it.

Originally Posted by SLVR JDM

Yep I spent some time digging and just as I thought, these are bogus Chinese POS projectors....white van scam!


I have no need for an electric screen, so hopefully that could bring down the price somewhat. I'm mainly concerned that I get something worthwhile, so I'll need to do my homework. If it ends up that I need to spend more, I may do it.

I wonder if these are subject to Black Friday sales and such...if so, I'm patient and can wait.


@Glock - Thanks, any recommendations?

Look hard at Epson. Very good quality/value.

Make sure you buy a home theater projector not a data projector.

Good thoughts here. Thanks for the input.

Originally Posted by Kvasi

Screen is a easy DIY. MDF, sand it, sand it.. Paint with paintcode s-1500 grey as matte (? None reflective) as you get, sand it and paint again.

Exaple of mine, 3 hours of work to make it.

That looks great but I want to have a TV behind my screen so an electrically retracting one is ideal for me.

Amazon has great deals on good screens.

Also, that home theater looks awesome.