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Sure there are the new plasmas, flat screens, and those big box rear projection TV screens; but, let's face it-they are simply TVs! If you want that "real" theater look, you'll want to project your image onto a screen. These days, Front Projection is easy and affordable. Current Front Projector models recommended by the product review gurus at DVDWeekend.com cost between $1,500 and $5,000. It's amazing what you can get for a couple thousand bucks these days. The image from Front Projectors DON'T LOOK LIKE TV, they look like YOU'RE AT THE THEATER! You'll never need to go to a movie outside of your home again! Think of what you'll save in popcorn and concession costs (especially if you live in LA! I recently paid $6 for large popcorn. Ouch!!). You'll need to keep several things in mind when buying a Front Projector: Projector Brightness Your viewing environment is key when deciding just how bright your projector needs to be. Most home theater projectors throw out between 700 - 2,100 lumens (of light). If you're going to set up your theater in a dark room, you'll need a projector that throws out less light than a room where ambient light comes through windows, under doors, etc. Recommendation: Choose a projector that is 1,000 lumens or brighter. The projector in our theater is 2,200 lumens - and the image looks fantastic, day and night, in a room where there is a lot of ambient light. Aspect Ratio Projectors display a picture in specific aspect ratios: 4x3, 5x4, and 16x9. Currently, most TV set and computers are in 4x3 ratio. If you want that real theater look, get a projector that features a 16x9 aspect ratio. HDTV and DVD signals are telecast or encoded in 16x9 format. Again, when watching DVD widescreen movies, you'll want to be watching them in 16x9, not 4x3. Note that some Projectors display images in multiple aspect ratios - just make sure that they can project a 16x9 image. Sometimes you'll see LETTERBOXING or side BLACK BARS appear on the screen when using a projector that projects multiple aspect ratios-this is normal. Recommendation: Buy a native 16x9 aspect ratio projector that is HDTV ready. If you want to wow over your friends, GO WITH 16x9!! Projector Features First and foremost, select a projector that fits your needs. If you can mount it on the ceiling, then you'll need a projector that can throw the image upside down. Not every projector can be mounted on the ceiling - but we highly recommend it. This way, your projector will be out of the way of kids play and accidents. I've got a 4 and 6 year old. My projector is mounted on the ceiling-so I never have to worry about the kids messing with the lens or knocking the thing over! Further, if you ceiling mount your projector, you will have more of that automated screening room feel. Projector menus must be easy to understand. You'll want to be able to make adjustments in the picture "look" and switch video sources depending on where your image is originating from (TV, DVD, vhs, satellite, HDTV, etc.). Many projectors now come with great remote controls, where you can make all needed adjustments from your producer's chair! Make sure that your projector has a CINEMA MODE feature. This will give the picture a mellower look-more like film. Generally speaking, projectors that play CINEMA MODE are also quieter when playing in Cinema mode. Your projector's fan should not exceed a noise level of 36dB, especially if you're placing it on a table next to you, rather than mounting it on the ceiling. Image Quality Do you want a clear, theater-like picture? Of course you do! Bottom line: Resolution is key. Resolution is measured in the number of pixels seen on your screen (left to right/top to bottom). We highly recommend a projector that has a resolution of 1024 x 768 (this is also referred to as the XGA format). If you want that wide-screen look, then you'll want a WXGA projector (especially if you have a major DVD library full of widescreen DVDs!). In addition, find a projector that throws out equal parts of light over the entire screen. This is referred to as Brightness Uniformity. Always look for a projector of a uniformity rating of no less than 85-90%. This will result in a picture that is beautiful from edge to edge! Connections Make sure your projector has at least one component video input and one S-video input. Most projectors will also offer a composite input, but a composite video image is not that great. A component video cable actually splits the video signal into three unique parts. Recommendation: Buy new cables! Cables do make a difference in picture and audio quality!! Generally, the better the cable, the better the picture. Lamp Life Projector lamp life usually ranges from about 2,000 to 4,000 hours. However, the light will look best when it is between 1,000 and 2,000 hours (this, of course, varies from projector to projector). As the lamp gets older, it gets weaker. Generally speaking, lamp replacement costs ranges from $200 and $500. One lamp will probably last you about two years, if you are using your projector 10 hours a week or less. If your projector is going to replace your current TV set, then you are going to run up a bill replacing bulbs! However, if you're basically going to buy the projector to watch DVD movies and Sunday football games, then bulb life should be very good. Throw Ratio The line of distance between your projector and the screen is called the "throw." Generally, you need about 10 feet distance between a Front Projector and a screen. My home theater room is 13 wide by 15 deep - and my projector lens is only 12 feet from the screen. This gives me about a 6 foot screen image - plenty big enough for the room size - and much better than a big screen tv! |
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