Cheap Projectors

[Andrew Pratt]

I'm having to replace my 50" Toshiba RPTV since its red gun is nearly worn out. I was all set to simply pick up a 32" tube set for regular TV and start saving up for a projector of some sort but I've come across several cheaper projectors that I could buy now to get me into the game so to speak while I wait for DLP prices to drop etc. Anyway I've seen a number of cheaper refurbished CRT units that look ok and a few LCD models that might work but this is a new arena for me so I'm looking for some guidance....ie would you simple forego these cheaper models and buy a 32" set for now and continue to save up or are these ok starter models?

For example one LCD model I came across was this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1373251901) on Ebay. It claims to have a 16:9 mode which would be nice.

On the CRT side there's several models that are similar to this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1373342008) being sold by a guy in BC who refurbs them.

Thoughts?




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[Daryl Furkalo]

Andrew,

I bought my CRT from Curt in BC. In a couple more weeks I can give you a demo! I can email you a CRT FAQ in Word format to give you an idea if CRT is for you. It has advantages and disadvantages, but so do the other formats.

[Andrew Pratt]

Daryl I already have that document. Which CRT did you go with? How much was shipping etc? Which screen are you using?




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[Daryl Furkalo]

Do you have the update 22 page version or the original 15 pager? The new one finishes up the manufacturers.

I have a Barco Graphics 800, shipping would be around $350 roughly, keeping in mind it weighs 150lbs isn't bad. I will be using a DIY 80" 16:9 screen as well as a Da-lite pulldown 4:3 eventually. The key word there is 'will'. Hoping that the debut is WWE SummerSlam on the 25th.

[Andrew Pratt]

I have both versions I think. How are you doing the DIY screen




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[Daryl Furkalo]

It is the raved about Parkland Plastic polywall from another forum. It is currently sitting on the spare bedroom floor unflattening itself. I bought two in case I made a mistake directly from Parkland. With shipping and taxes it comes out to $40CDN each I think, they are 4x8's.

What video sources do you intend to feed the projector? A scaler or HTPC will be necessary with a CRT.

[Andrew Pratt]

Can you pleases elaborate on the Parkland Plastic polywall? Are you also saying you have an extra one available?




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[Daryl Furkalo]

Check out this link if it works at the AVS Screens area. For CRT it seems to be very good. I did buy 2 sheets, but the second will not be available until I am done with the first one. What video sources will you be sending to the projector?


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93780

[Andrew Pratt]

I found that thread on AVS and it seems like this will work nicely. I take it you couldn't find it locally at HD etc?

I'll be running my DVD player, DSS and VCR through it for now but mostly just the DVD I think....




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[Daryl Furkalo]

No western Canada dealers. They are mainly only a Eastern US fabricator. Of course there are other kinds of plastic you could experiment with, but who knows how many other possible problems could crop up with hot spots, wrong screen gain, etc.

With DSS, VCR and DVD you will be requiring a scaler/doubler with multiple inputs, otherwise it will look terrible. I got one of the B-stock Quadscan Pros, but there are no more available from AVS. This will add cost to your CRT plans. Iscan V2 doublers only have 2 inputs I think, Iscan V3 Pro's have one component, s-video and composite, the older quadscan pro has two of all three and a VGA pass though. If you only want DVD, a HTPC is the ticket and will give you ALL the flexibility of a real expensive scaler/doubler with infinite resolutions possible.

[Andrew Pratt]

I currently let my Rotel 1066 do all the switching so if I can get a scaler to accept a single s-video and component I'd be happy.




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[George Bellefontaine]

Andrew,
I can't get excited about that Sharp lcd. It has lower resolution than my Sony which you saw. Also, the earlier Sharps were bad for the screendoor affect. Too few pixels. It has 4:3 panels so anything widescreen will have less resolution as well.

As for the crt, NEC is one heckuva projector. Kenny Gunlock had one of these that he bought used. He could tell you all about them if you have his e-mail address. These days he hangs out at HTT.




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[Daryl Furkalo]

Ebay will probably be your best bet for the V3 Iscan or QS if you need component input.

[Andrew Pratt]

No worries george I'm sold on the CRT's and the NEC is at the top of the heap. I now have to figure out if I'm going to get the projector now and the tube TV later or vise versa...common sense would dicate I get the tube set first but where's the fun in that:)




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[George Bellefontaine]

Oh the heck with "common sense", Andrew. :LOL:




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[Pat]

Andrew, the NEC you linked to only has a 36 Khz scan rate, if you are even remotely considering HiDef or a HTPC I would look at a different PJ.

Here (http://inlineinc.com/cgi-local/projref.cgi) is a good comparison chart for CRT PJs

A word of advise...I "settled" for a Sony 1272 and now I wish I would have sprung for something with at least 8" tubes.
My PJ looks awesome but if I had bigger tubes I think it would look even better.

Too bad you are not closer so you could see for yourself.




Pat's Page (http://pat.home.mchsi.com)

[Andrew Pratt]

After giving it some more serious thought last night I've come to realize that CRT's likely aren't going to work for me and my room. Simply put I don't want to give up the sweet spot for music which I'd have to do for floor mounting and my ceiling is pretty low for ceiling mounting a large CRT so I'm now left with a widescreen RPTV or going LCD.




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[George Bellefontaine]

Andrew,
I replied to your e-mail. Also, Pat is correct about the 7" tubes. My Zenith has 7" and the picture is wanting for brightness.




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[Daryl Furkalo]

Andrew,

Zenith CRT's have very short throws, close to 1:1 I think. You don't want to end this CRT quest yet to settle for an LCD!