Home Theater

Home Theater Projectors :

You're finally making the jump to the holy grail of home theater video displays; the front projection system. There's nothing else that delivers that really big, impressive video image like a front projection system. It's how you get that real cinema experience in your home theater. Home theater projector prices have plummeted in recent years, and the size of the units have shrunk right along with the prices. No more do have to live with a coffin sized box on your ceiling. As sizes have decreased, the image quality and brightness have actually improved dramatically. You'll notice image quality and brightness are two separate issues.

How do choose the correct home theater projector for your application from the myriad of projectors on the market today? There are so many different units, each with their strengths and weaknesses. First of all, there are two main projection technology categories, analog and digital. Analog projectors are based on CRTs, a mature technology that's been around for decades. Those are the projectors with the separate red, green and blue picture tubes and three lenses on the front. The other projectors use one of the newer digital technologies. These projectors have a single lens on the front. There are three major types of digital projectors on the market today; LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon). Each type of digital projector has it's advantages too.

You need to evaluate your specific requirements in order to make the proper decision. First of all, look at the room. Is it a dedicated home theater or a multi use room? Do you have complete control of the light? What aesthetic concerns are you dealing with? What is your projector budget? How large of an image do you want? Do you watch primarily DVD movies, TV movies, sports, or other TV programming? What specific source components will you be using with your projector now or in the future? Is picture quality the most important thing, or are other concerns, such as noise, size or brightness more important? Are you installing the projector yourself, or are you hiring a custom installer to do the installation for you? Where must the projector be placed? Can you get the required video and control cables to that location? These questions must be answered to ensure you get the proper projector for your home theater. If you are using a custom installer, they will take into account these factors and specify the appropriate unit for you.

Dramatic improvements in the picture quality of digital projectors notwithstanding, CRT projectors still deliver the most film like image. They have no pixel structure and deliver rich, deep blacks. Properly set up and calibrated, with a good video processor, and with the proper size screen, a CRT projector will deliver simply stunning picture quality. You'll need to use a good quality projection screen, typically with 1.3 – 2.5 gain depending upon the size, viewing angel and ambient light in the room. Prices on really great CRT projectors have fallen like a rock in the last year or two. You can get a 9” CRT projector that used to cost $35,000 to $50,000, for less than a third of that figure now. Many firms no longer make CRT projectors due to the decreased demand for projectors using this technology. In addition, the required video processors have decreased dramatically as well. Ten years ago a great video processor used to cost $10,000 to $20,000. Now you can get one for well under $5,000 and as little as $2,000, brand new. They also easily last 8,000 – 10,000 hours when properly set up.

If they are so fantastic, why doesn't everybody still use CRT projectors? Well, there are many detriments to a CRT projector as well. The best ones, with the 9” tubes, are simply huge. It's like hanging an upside down bathtub on your ceiling. If you want to put one under a coffee table, it'll be one large table. They are also very heavy, around 150 – 200lbs, so you need the proper structure to support them. CRT projectors also require precise placement. They must be perfectly square with the screen, at the correct elevation for good picture quality. In addition, while many digital projectors have zoom lenses, allowing the projector to be placed at a range of distance from the screen, CRT projectors must be at a very precise distance for a specific screen size. These factors severely limit placement options. While the larger CRT projectors put out more light than their smaller counterparts, they have pretty dim images compared to even the least expensive digital projectors. Finally, CRT projectors require specialized setup in order to get a watchable, much less an optimum image. Every 6 months to a year, they must be re-calibrated to ensure you are still getting optimum picture quality.

There are some very good reasons why most people are using digital projectors in their home theaters today. Many are small and light, require minimal setup and calibration (compared to a CRT), are quiet and have a bright, sharp image. But, there are many different digital projectors, ranging in price from around $700.00 to over $100,000.00. Which one is the best for your specific application? Thankfully, the situation is changing, but many of the digital projectors marketed for home theater use are really just re-badged presentation units. Presentation projectors sacrifice good video quality for brightness. Brightness is much more important when giving a Powerpoint presentation in a lit room than the correct color palate or the black level. The red on the pie chart looks great, no matter what, as long as you can see it from the back row.

You want to choose one of the newer units that has been truly designed for home theater applications. The actual technology used for the imaging chip is not all that important, there are great examples using all three of the digital technologies. Companies such as Sony, Runco, InFocus, Vidikron, Marantz, Benq, Panasonic, Sharp, Optima and Sanyo and some others all make great home theater projectors. The projector will have great black levels, to accurately reproduce detail in the darker areas of the picture and give great contrast. Absolute brightness is not extremely important, unless you have a multi-use room without complete light control or you have a lot of people over for sporting events. If you are entertaining many people for sports, it's nice to have some light on in the room, so a brighter projector is advantageous.

Projectors come in a number of different resolutions. The lower the resolution, the smaller the screen you can use before you can see pixel structure. Also, the lower resolutions will not support true HDTV. Most will display HD, but at a decreased resolution. The lowest end projectors typically have resolutions of 800 x 600. The Texas Instruments Matterhorn chip is popular on budget priced wide screen projectors, and has a resolution of 1024 x 576. Anything over a resolution of 720 will allow for true HDTV. The TI series of HD-2 DLP chips has a resolution of 1280 x 720. In April of 2005, TI announced new DLP chips with 1920 x 1080 was ready for production, allowing for true 1080p resolutions. Projectors with this chip will begin shipping in Q1 of 2006. Blu-Ray Disc has stated they will support 1080p, so by late 2006 there will be commercially available 1080p content besides Microsoft's WMHD discs.

Another very important aspect of home theater projectors is the internal video processing. This is one of the primary differences between good home theater projectors and presentation projectors. Digital projectors must display progressive scan images at the native resolution of the chip, so any interlaced signal, such as 1080i HDTV, must be de-interlaced and then scaled to the native chip resolution. Poor quality video processors, weather in the projector or external units, cause all sorts of video artifacts that can get in the way of a satisfying video presentation. This subject alone is too in depth for this article, as entire texts have been written on the subject. However, one common video artifact is “jaggies” where diagonal lines are jagged instead of straight. Another annoying artifact caused by poor video processing is moire'. This is a pattern seen as alternating light and dark lines that change position as the image moves.

You'll want to be sure your projector supports the HDMI or DVI with HDCP copy protection to allow you to connect a HD-DVD, scaling DVD player or Blu-Ray Disc player. These devices will only allow maximum resolution on a display that has a digital video input with HDCP copy protection. In the future, cable TV and satellite providers may restrict the maximum resolution to their digital outputs too.

When choosing your new home theater projectors, make sure it has the video quality, brightness, size, auditory and budget characteristics that you need. Projectors are a large investment, choose carefully and you will be rewarded with years of thrilling video in your home theater.

New LCD HD TV Projector 1080i HDMI DVD PC Home Theater    US $99.99

Gigaware Micro Projector use w TV Laptop IPOD    US $92.00

Mini Portable Pocket Projector For Laptop PC VGA SD    US $374.86

Optoma Movie Time Digital DVD Projector    US $500.00

MITSUBISHI LVP XD350 LVP XD350U lamp VLT XD350LP    US $185.00

NEW OEM INFOCUS SP LAMP 017 LP540 LP640 C160 C180    US $124.95

DELL PERIPHERALS 17IN LCD MONITOR 468 7413    US $151.14

BenQ MP512ST DLP Projector USED    US $350.00

SANYO LP XU88 LP XU88W PLC XU75 PLC XU78 PLC XU88 LAMP    US $190.00

AOSOM 100 HDTV MOTORIZED PROJECTOR SCREEN 87x49 BLACK    US $189.98

SANYO PLC XP51 PLC XP51L PLC XP56 PLC XP56L    US $180.00

84 Motorized Electric Projector Screen 43 Black HD    US $104.97

New DG 737 HD Video Game LCD Projector 4 Home Theater    US $177.50

SHARP XG C330X XG C335X XG C430X LAMP AN C430LP    US $210.00

Sharp XV 10000 XV Z1000 XV Z10000 Projector lamp    US $215.00

Infocus LitePro 580 projector    US $20.00

Toshiba TLP XD2000 TLP XD2500 TLP XD2700 TLP XC3000A    US $170.00

EMP 530 EMP 720 EMP 730 EMP 735 Projector Lamp    US $155.00

EMP7800 EMP7850 EMP7900 EMP7950 PROJECTOR LAMP    US $195.00

EMP5600 EMP7600 EMP7700 EMP 7600 Projector Lamp    US $150.00

EMP 5550 EMP 5550C EMP 7550 EMP 7550C Lamp    US $155.00

100 Motorized Electric Projector Screen 43 Black HD    US $116.17

EMP 5550 EMP 5550C EMP 7550 EMP 7550C Lamp    US $195.00

EMP 5500 EMP 7500 Projector Lamp    US $185.00

EMP 5100 EMP 7100 Projector Lamp    US $160.00

EMP 5350 EMP 7250 EMP 7350 Projector Lamp    US $175.00

LCOS Mini Projector Pocket Cinema for Wii ipod PSP PS3    US $.99

EMP 5300 EMP 7200 EMP 7300 Projector Lamp    US $205.00

EMP 5300 EMP 7200 EMP 7300 Projector Lamp    US $170.00

ZENITH 50 INCH OLD STYLE PROJECTION TELEVISION    US $29.99

TY LA2005 Projection TV Lamp Bulb    US $149.00

Panasonic PT56DLX25 Projection TV Lamp Bulb    US $149.00

Sharp PG D210U LCD Projector    US $1,950.00

SmartBoard 660i 275w Projector Lamp Bulb    US $489.00

Hitachi CP S420 HD Projector    US $875.00

Home Cinema LCD projector 150W bulbs lamp 6000h    US $.99

SmartBoard 680i 275w Projector Lamp Bulb    US $489.00

WT61LP Projector Lamp Bulb    US $489.00

1080P Home Theater LCD HDMI Projector HD TV WII PS3 DVD    US $9.99

Projector Christie LX37 model 38 VIV211 01 Projector    US $3,000.00

24 Coby TFTV2425 1080p LCD TV Monitor wHDMI Input HDTV    US $299.16

32 Coby 1080p LCD TV Monitor with HDMI Input HDTV    US $419.99

Sanyo 610 276 3010 Projector Bulb    US $200.00

Epson PowerLite 5550C LCD Projector    US $51.00

InFocus IN24 DLP Projector Barely UsedWITH CARRY CASE    US $299.00

PT LM1 PT LM2 ET LAM1 C ptlm1 Panasonic Projector Lamp    US $199.00

6 PCs HD20 Optoma Bundle 120 169 fixed Screen more    US $1,429.95

Panasonic Projector Lamp ET LAM1 ETLAM1    US $179.00

GE FI 130 49 to 1 Lens Light Valve CRT Projector    US $30.38

General Electric 7 to 1 Projector Lens Light Valve    US $42.75

110169 WHITE CASE ELECTRIC MOTORIZED PROJECTOR SCREEN    US $249.99

InFocus LP250 LCD Projector    US $39.99

AOSOM 100 HDTV MOTORIZED PROJECTOR SCREEN 87x49 WHITE    US $179.99

AOSOM 136 ELECTRIC PROJECTOR SCREEN 96X96 BLACK CASE    US $189.99

AOSOM 136 ELECTRIC PROJECTOR SCREEN 96X96 WHITE CASE    US $189.99

AOSOM 92 HD Projector Projection Screen 80X45 BLACK    US $159.99

AOSOM Tripod Portable Projector Projection Screen 84X84    US $94.99

AOSOM TRIPOD PORTABLE PROJECTOR SCREEN 70X70 BLACK    US $74.99

Astro Celestial Laser Star Projector Cosmos Light Lamp    US $6.99

SP88R01GC01 Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Optoma EP708 Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Optoma EP708S Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Optoma EP708E Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Optoma EP712 Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Optoma EP712E Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Optoma TS350 Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Optoma TX650 Projector Lamp Bulb    US $159.00

Open Box SIM2 Domino 30H BS Projector    US $500.00

AOSOM HDTV MOTORIZED PROJECTOR SCREEN 104X58 WHITE    US $249.99

New Epson ELPLP30 lamp Bulb    US $99.99

Mini Video Projector LED Light    US $100.00

NEC MT 1065 LCD Projector 2004 MUST SEE    US $199.95

Epson V13H010L18 Replacement Lamp 720C 730C V13H010L18    US $433.06

InFocus X2 DLP Projector    US $47.00

250W Uhp Replacement Lmp PB7100PB7100 PB7200 PB7220    US $359.96

Electric Projector Screens Tab Tension 92 Diag 169    US $474.00

New HD 1080i video Projector 4 Home Cinema DVD TV Wii    US $162.51

VVME Manual Motorized Selflocking Projector Screen 100    US $109.99

Optoma EP751 EP756 EP757 EP758 Projector Lamp Bulb    US $368.99

HITACHI CP SX1350W Projector Lamp Set for DT00601new    US $238.00

DELL 1100MP PROJECTOR    US $125.00

9x10 6 B ADEALS IN OUTDOOR PROJECTOR SCREEN MATERIAL    US $109.98

Sharp PG E630U 3LCD Projector    US $1,560.00

Tab Tension 100 Brand New Electric Screen 60x80    US $229.95

Dell DLP 1201MP Projector 4 parts repair    US $89.99

Viewsonic PJ853 Projector Lamp Bulb warranty fast ship    US $170.00

Top 1080P HDMI Projector Home Theater HD TV WII PS3 DVD    US $199.99

Mini Projector Pocket Cinema TV For PSP Ipod Wii PS3    US $.99

Epson EMP 83 Home Theater PowerLite 83c LCD Projector    US $469.99

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	16' x 9' Home Backyard Theater System Projector Screen List Price: $1,999.98 Average Rating:
	Description By OpenAir Cinema The 16' x 9' Home Backyard Theater System Projector Screen rips the roof off the home theater and take it outside. This is no cheap, sagging, inflatable screen. Set up is a snap. Simply attach the quiet air blower to inflate the screen and tie down to twist stakes... Features Use it anywhere: swimming pool, backyard, on the roof, BBQ, party, beach...

	84X84 Cosmopolitan Electrol Mw Wall Or Ceiling Electric Screen List Price: $1,007.16
	Description Cosmopolitan Electrol is ideal for applications where a recessed installation is not desired or feasible. It features patented in-the-roller motor mounting system for quiet operation. Its handsome white textured case blends with any decor... Features 84x84 INCH - Matte White Surface .

	Cosmopolitan 110 Diag HDtv Mw Electric Wall/ceiling Screen List Price: $1,079.56
	Description Cosmopolitan Electrol is ideal for applications where a recessed installation is not desired or feasible. It features patented in-the-roller motor mounting system for quiet operation. Its handsome white textured case blends with any decor... Features Viewing Angle: 50° Gain: 1.0

Home Theater Defined DVD Average Rating:

Description The Home Theater Defined DVD not only explains what hi-definition and surround sound is and how to use them, but we also discuss how much hi-definition you need to buy and how the movie studios utilize each speaker so you know where to place them in your theater room... Features Explains what hi-definition actually is and how much you need to buy. Explains what surround sound is and how to use it. Compares LCD vs Plasma vs DLP vs CRT monitors, 480i vs 720p vs 1080p and 1080i resolution. Compares flushmount vs micro vs bookshelf vs tower speakers. What you need to buy for your home theater and where you can cut corners and save money.

2.4Ghz Wireless Mini Multimedia Keyboard With Touchpad For Windows and Mac List Price: $25.12 Average Rating:

Description This is a wireless mini Keyboard and keypad set. The wireless Input set acts as a portable mini-sized keyboard and keypad that can be easily carried around. The wireless keyboard is best suited for interactive presentations, discussions, meetings, lectures and talks... Features Wireless remote control of your PC up to 33ft. (10m),USB Dongle included to attach to your PC (Plug and Play, No software to install) Enhanced Internet TV viewing with Remote Control "Just like your TV remote control" Adds a professional lecturing and teaching tool to presentations Small compact design fits in the palm of your hand,QWERTY layout keypad Large touch pad for mouse operation and handwriting (2"x 2-1/8"),Rechargeable via your USB port (No batteries needed)

Optoma HD20 High Definition 1080p DLP Home Theater Projector (Grey) List Price: $999.99 Average Rating:

Description When it comes to presentations and projecting your ideas to a crowd of people, trust Optoma to deliver the image. Connect a computer or a TV tuner or another Video device and view images as large as 300 inches (measured diagonally) in up to 16:9 widescreen and 1080p... Features True High Def 1080p Resolution 1700 Lumens Brightness 4000:1 Contrast Ratio Up to 300-Inch Screen size HDI Component, Composite, Video, and VGA Connections

Eforcity Black 6 FT / 2 Meter DVI-D M/M Digital /Digital Dual Link Cable for ... List Price: $25.99 Average Rating:

Description Supports digital signal only.Compatible with Flat Panel Displays, Digital CRT Displays, HDTV and Video Projectors, including DFP and LCD types.Color: Black.Cord Length: 2 Meters Features The standard interface for a high-performance connection between PCs and flat panel displays These precision-engineered cables are fully compliant with the DVI standard Connectors: DVI-D (24+1 pin) Male to DVI-D Dual Link Double-shielded with Mylar foil and braid shield reduces interference Supports hot plugging of DVI display devices

	StudSensor i65 OneStep
	Description 61960 CenterVision technology finds the center of studs in just One Step. StudSensor i65, part of Zircon's OneStep family of intelligent wall scanners, finds the center of wood and metal studs and joists up to 1-1/2 inches deep beneath the surface of walls, ceilings, and floors, in one simple step...

Hitachi ILLUMINA ED-S3350 Home Theater Projector List Price: $1,795.00

Description The ED-S3350 from Hitachi comes in a new range of projectors designed especially for education use. These products provide many input and output connections required for versatile ceiling mounting in the education environment... Features HDTV theater-ready SVGA projector; measures 11.7 x 2.5 x 9.2 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 5.5 pounds 2000 ANSI Lumens, 800 x 600 SVGA resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio Low 32 dB noise rating, manual focus, gamma correction, 4x digital zoom Inputs: 1 composite, 1 S-Video, 1 component, 2 VGA/ 1 VGA out, 1 USB 1-watt internal mono speaker; stereo mini-jack inputs and outputs

	Cosmopolitan 133 Diag HDtv Mw Electric Wall/ceiling Screen List Price: $1,172.80 Average Rating:
	Description Da-Lite Cosmopolitan Electrol is ideal for applications where a recessed installation is not desired or feasible. It features the patented in-the-roller motor mounting system for quiet operation. Handsome enamel case blends with any decor. Features Viewing Angle: 60° Gain: 1.0