Projector recommendations?

[john-o]

I'm looking for a projector for our Town govt to purchase. Doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles, but it does need to do more than 800 x 600 (preferably 1024 x 768, or maybe even 1280 x 1024?), and be suitable for frequent use. VGA or DVI or S-video?

Any suggestions? I did a search recently, but figure there are people here that probably keep up on the latest and greatest better than I'm able to (in this realm anyway).

Thanks!
John

[btfc]

http://www.projectorcentral.com/

Check out the reviews and buyer's guide

[bfd]

Things to consider:

1) Lumens (more is better)

2) Resolution (XGA is good enough, you probably don't need HD)

3) Mean life and cost of replacement bulb (a biggie, and there is a wide variation in both - some bulbs are rated at 200 hours or less. If you use it two hours at a time, that's only a hundred uses - replacement bulbs can easily cost half of what you paid for the entire unit)

4) Depending on whether or not you'll be toting it around, you may or may not want to pay extra for a more portable unit.

[mikebw]

More lumens is better especially if this is going to be used in daylight conditions. Also if the projector is far away from the projection surface (wall). In a dark room you don't need that much brightness because there is no other light to compete with.

[jimbrady]

Hey john-o--

Maybe you could elaborate on the uses you intend. Dark room? Movies? Presentations-only? Portability important?

There are some very nice and cheap units for showing DVD content out there for less than $500.

I actually use a DELL 2300MP that was less than $1000 almost two years ago (that was a very good price at the time)--it's 1024x768, has a beautiful 16:9 mode for movies, and does a very decent job in medium light. I use the economy mode almost exclusively, which claims it will allow the bulb to go 2500 hours (never heard of a 250 hour rating--that would WAY-suck).

The 2300 comes with a ton of adapters and cables (no DVI or HDMI) and a custom carrying case that's quite handy. When I'm not using it for work, it lives mounted upside down on an old tripod head (easy tilt/pan adjustments) hanging from the ceiling in my basement... 18 feet away from an 8 foot wide homemade roll-up screen, and connected to a $250 ONKYO Home Theater in a Box.

[john-o]

Thanks all!

Very helpful... Jimbrady, I would say that my intended uses would primarily be computer-based presentations in medium light rooms. Definitely not dark rooms, sometimes during the day, in a large meeting room with simple blinds as the only way to block light coming in the windows. I'm guessing we'll have to be okay with 1024 x 768 and the possibility of 16:9 mode. I didn't know if DVI was becoming more common; VGA should be fine.

What else might you need to know?

I have been leaning towards finding a deal on a Dell model, so some model numbers to look for might be nice. How are the InFocus models rated these days? I know, I need to head over to projectorcentral right now, to check out the reviews, but specific model suggestions would be very welcome regardless!

Thanks again,
John

[john-o]

One more quick question: what's the difference between DLP and LCD display, if it doesn't include a screen???

[jimbrady]

I've liked the Dell--check this page: http://www.dell.com/content/products/com...ctors?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

Seems like the 1800, 2400, and 3400 would all work OK for you. The 2400 would be brightest for flexibility w/regard to light in the room, but of course it's the priciest at $1200 (but you're never supposed to pay list for Dell stuff, right?).

DLP is a newer (and more popular/preferred AFAIK) technology than LCD for projectors and TVs--both refer to the method by which the image is created behind the projectors lens... the screen (a sheet or a wall) is not part of that equation.

[nwyaker]

I suggest looking at Viewsonic models, and, in particular, their lamp warranty
(best in industry ). I recommended several for clients in the past.

The lamp is the single largest expense. For that reason, a good case to reduce shock is a good investment in the long run. Doskocil and Pelican make ones that fit ( customizable foam ) most projectors.

Example : http://www.cases4less.com/detail_seal_tight_lg.html