Is this a decent entry-level projector?

[JQLeitch]

Want a decent home theater in my bedroom which I plan to hook up to a ITX HTPC to play games and watch films from my NAS. Heres the projector: http://www.amazon.co.uk/2800Lumens-..._rec-ht_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0526KV6856BHD9BQGH23

No name brand, >720p, decent enough reviews.

Completely a noob with projectors so I thought you guys could help me out

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Ahem,
Native Resolution 854*540

 

[JQLeitch]

Ahem,
Native Resolution 854*540

The one I was looking at has a resolution of 1280x768.

Here it is: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DBPOWER-Pro...n-Multimedia/dp/B00TJULSIU/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

 

[Kaido]

My suggestion would be an LED projector (provided you can get some light control on your windows via shades or blinds or drapes). My current recommendation is the 800-lumen Viewsonic 720p model:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viewsonic-PLED-W800-Ultra-Portable-Projector/dp/B00NQTNQIU/

Turns on instantly (no warm-up time, it's on in like 2 seconds), great contrast, fantastic picture, and the bulb life is over 10 years with 4 hours of usage per day. I have the older 500-lumen unit & it is fantastic, I just wish mine was a little brighter, which is what this newer 800-lumen model fixes. I work with projectors a lot (lamp, laser, and LED models) & this one has been my favorite so far for home theater.

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Even the 720P versions are going to look like crap when blown up on a large screen. But if you are OK with seeing highly pixelated images (or are blind) then go for it.

 

[purbeast0]

Even the 720P versions are going to look like crap when blown up on a large screen. But if you are OK with seeing highly pixelated images (or are blind) then go for it.

OP this isn't true unless you are going ridiculously big. i have a 120" screen and 720p stuff looks fine. not as crisp as 1080p of course, but its far from looking like crap or "highly pixelated".

 

[Excelsior]

OP this isn't true unless you are going ridiculously big. i have a 120" screen and 720p stuff looks fine. not as crisp as 1080p of course, but its far from looking like crap or "highly pixelated".

Agreed. Had 720p with 108" screen and I sat about 11 feet away, was very acceptable.

 

[Excelsior]

My suggestion would be an LED projector (provided you can get some light control on your windows via shades or blinds or drapes). My current recommendation is the 800-lumen Viewsonic 720p model:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viewsonic-PLED-W800-Ultra-Portable-Projector/dp/B00NQTNQIU/

Turns on instantly (no warm-up time, it's on in like 2 seconds), great contrast, fantastic picture, and the bulb life is over 10 years with 4 hours of usage per day. I have the older 500-lumen unit & it is fantastic, I just wish mine was a little brighter, which is what this newer 800-lumen model fixes. I work with projectors a lot (lamp, laser, and LED models) & this one has been my favorite so far for home theater.

So 800-lumen isn't too low? My last projector was rated at 2000 and I can't imagine going much lower than that. Hmm...

 

[tential]

So 800-lumen isn't too low? My last projector was rated at 2000 and I can't imagine going much lower than that. Hmm...

Depends on standards I guess. I mean it's the same as someone being happy with logitech PC speakers, another person being happy with Polk Monitors, another being happy with a Silk Tower Speaker and another still needing a DIY build and someone else getting speakers from JTRspeakers.

All different levels of spending/quality of speakers used for different tasks at different enthusiast levels.

IMO, I'd never get a projector that wasn't at least 1080p and ya, I wouldn't get sometihing less than the standard W1070 which is the most recommended entry level projector which I ended up getting and am very happy with it. Wish I had bought it first rather than my 70 inch LED HDTV. In fact, I'd have a FAR better PQ and projector than my entry level 70 inch I own now and since both were an option at the time of purchase it sucks to know that! .

But lots of people use those projectors and are happy with them so I recommend OP try it out. It's off Amazon Prime, then definitely do it. I've returned just about everything to Amazon.

 

[Excelsior]

IMO, I'd never get a projector that wasn't at least 1080p and ya, I wouldn't get sometihing less than the standard W1070 which is the most recommended entry level projector which I ended up getting and am very happy with it. Wish I had bought it first rather than my 70 inch LED HDTV. In fact, I'd have a FAR better PQ and projector than my entry level 70 inch I own now and since both were an option at the time of purchase it sucks to know that! .

But lots of people use those projectors and are happy with them so I recommend OP try it out. It's off Amazon Prime, then definitely do it. I've returned just about everything to Amazon.

Hah, the W1070 is what I bought last year to replace my HC1500. I too could not be happier with it for the money. Hell, I think I got off Amazon for $700. That is a steal. Yes, front projection really is a revelation. I applaud anyone for trying to get into it no matter what they go with really, it's just that great.

 

[Kaido]

So 800-lumen isn't too low? My last projector was rated at 2000 and I can't imagine going much lower than that. Hmm...

LED projectors are rated a bit differently in terms of brightness due to the way the eye perceives LED light (or some mumbo-jumbo). Anyway, here's the 800-lumen model in a semi-lit room:

Pretty bright!

 

[Excelsior]

LED projectors are rated a bit differently in terms of brightness due to the way the eye perceives LED light (or some mumbo-jumbo). Anyway, here's the 800-lumen model in a semi-lit room:

Pretty bright!

Indeed, the perceived brightness based on that image is solid, especially for a semi-lit room.