Using a projector in lieu of TV

[Mortavian]

Keith's thread about that massive Sony wall projector not withstanding, I didn't see any other recent threads talking about this, so I wanted to ask you guys about this. I may be making a move to a smaller apartment within the next year, and for a variety of reasons I'm contemplating the viability of using a projector in place of the big flat screen that I have currently. I don't really use television services, I only really use the TV I have now as an additional computer screen or for console gaming, all though HDMI input. From what I've searched on Amazon so far, it seems there are a number of viable and extremely portable projectors that are HDMI capable for an affordable price. I'm guessing it might be best to supplement them with an external speaker set up, too.

Just curious if anyone has done something like this and what recommendations people might have? Focusing on something easily portable and within the $300-$600 price range, probably. Thoughts or suggestions? Smacktalk is welcome too, if you think this is a terrible idea. :lol:

[thesameguy]

Inexpensive projectors are inexpensive because they are either low res, low brightness, or both. If you don't need lots of pixels and have a dark room, you can get by with an inexpensive projector. If you need more, you'll spend more. ;)

[Rare White Ape]

Is it a space issue, like no space to put a TV stand?

I'd only contemplate the projector route if all possible avenues had been exhausted where a nice new 55"-or-above 3D LED TV would not possibly work.

[Yw-slayer]

I agree with TSG. Bear in mind that getting a good, bright pic may also require a projector screen, rather than simply a white wall.

High-end projector set-ups are a good way to get 100"+ screens for less than a 100" TV. But it's not like the price differential is THAT large. If you're only looking at 42-50" anyway then it's probably better to pick-up a "last-gen" TV on sale. We're still using my "old" Panasonic 50" plasma from 2007-2008 and I think it's awesome...

If this article is what set you off (http://lifehacker.com/5926235/how-to-put-a-movie-theater-in-your-home-on-the-cheap) the note that the recommended Epson is already US$1,278. For that price I assume you could probably get a pretty decent EOL Samsung/LG 50" LED TV. And that doesn't include the cost of the screen.

Compare this to the Best Buy prices for 50-54" TVs: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?_dyncharset=UTF-8&_dynSessConf=-5645374415381925748&id=pcat17071&type=page&ks=960&st=pcmcat193400050018_categoryid%24abcat0101001&sc=Global&cp=1&sp=&qp=tvtype_facet%3DTV+Type~LED+Flat-Panel%5Etvscreensizerange_facet%3DTV+Screen+Size~5 0%22+-+54%22&list=y&usc=All+Categories&nrp=15&iht=n&seeAll=&browsedCategory=pcmcat193400050018 Most seem a lot less than US$1,200 and even the most expensive Samsung on the first page is US$1,298 - still cheaper than the Epson projector and a screen.

Of course, if you want to hang a picture or some art on the wall, rather than a TV, then I suppose a projector makes sense.

[21Kid]

I agree. I'd stick with a flat screen in a small apt. Projectors are more meant for bigger screens, IMO.
You can always hang the LCD on the wall.

If you want it to take over to a buddies house or something, I could see how that would be easier. You could just keep the current flat screen and buy a projector for that. Best of both worlds.

[thesameguy]

Of course, if you want to hang a picture or some art on the wall, rather than a TV, then I suppose a projector makes sense.

Now that I know a modern 50" TV costs $11 annually to run, I am going to stop hanging artwork and instead hang 50" screens everywhere to just display artwork. Put 'em on a timer so they are only on during my at-home, waking hours and call it done. :lol:

[Random]

Check your electric bill to make sure their assumed rates make sense--also check your summer bill to see if you get into the higher tiers at the end of the month!

[thesameguy]

Believe you me, I have been very on top of our electric bill all year. ;)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/162013fiat500e-opt.jpg

[Random]

Haha, fair enough! :)

[Mortavian]

Thanks for the input, guys. I was considering the option due to space limitations, as well as ease in transportation, but it really does sound like finding a not-quite-new TV may be the better option in the long run. I don't think Japanese apartments even have a space allowance capable of letting you throw a 100" projection up on the wall. :lol:

[Alan P]

It could also end up being more expensive in the long run as some projector bulbs can cost hundreds of dollars and if you fit it wrong or get fingerprints on the bulb they can go pop very quickly.

[Kchrpm]

http://www.engadget.com/2015/04/21/projector-tiny-living-room/

[Yw-slayer]

People actually need articles for that?

[Kchrpm]

Most people would tell you that you're silly if you want to try to stick a 100" projection setup into a tiny apartment, so it's nice seeing that it's not that expensive and not that hard.

[Yw-slayer]

"Tiny" by US standards is probably "medium-sized" by HK standards.

[Kchrpm]

Fair enough, but how common are projector setups? Here they seem to be pretty rare, especially with big flat screens being simpler and more versatile.

[Yw-slayer]

Rare, but more people are looking into them, given that you don't always want something on the wall or whatever.

[21Kid]

We just got one. :)

[Kchrpm]

Jealous. I really should set up a theater room, because my 60" TV is not big enough #firstworldetc

I'll wait for 4K to be more common, though, because right now I'd just end up looking at stuff that doesn't really deserve to be blown up (720p content).

[21Kid]

That's what I was considering... But, at $600 for a 1080p projector, it will be a long time before there's (A)enough content and (B) a 4k projector that's even close to a reasonable price.

Add a $150 screen and you get a 120" screen for $750. :cool::up:

[21Kid]

Wow... $500 today. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00465W7EC?tag=kinjadeals-20&ascsubtag=bf7783b246e031dd7d29a9ff83876c74e72192e4&rawdata=%5Bt%7Cmod-title%5Bp%7C1706259735%5Ba%7CB00465W7EC%5Bau%7C572 7177402741770316)

[Kchrpm]

Yeah, I saw that...but...hmmm....4K? That's a stretch, but it's kind of the only reason to not pull the trigger. That's a smoking deal.

[thesameguy]

As long as the room is dimly lit at best. 2000 lumens is not very bright. Good for an inexpensive 1080p HT projector, though.