Best projector for $1k?

[xyzsurf]

I know this is awfully cheap for a good projector, but whats the best available for $1k? My friend asked me to find one and I've never researched projectors AT ALL, so I'm looking for a place to start.

I'll also need some good cheap web stores for these things!

Thanks! :T

[George Bellefontaine]

The Infocus 4805 was available at $995USD for awhile, but I don't know if it can still be had for that price today. Other than that one, I am not aware of any PJs at $1K, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there. If your friend is willing to spend a bit more, the NEC HT1100, a killer dlp projector, has reduced its Mfgr Suggested Price to $1995USD so it can probably be had for around $1500 to $1600. I own an NEC HT1000, the forerunner to the HT1100 and I'll tell you, I haven't seen anything as good under $7K. I've owned mine for over 3 years now and I am still amazed at the quality of the pic on my 8 foot wide screen.

[hotguy8289]

Check out CRT. It's not for everyone, but "bang for your buck" it can't be beat.

[xyzsurf]

I'll ask him again how much he wants to spend, but I think $1k is it...

How about this Optoma H31? I've seen it mentioned on here some and it appears to get good reviews.

http://www.visualapex.com/LCDprojectors/LCD_projectors_details.asp?chPartNumber=H31&MFR=Optoma

[George Bellefontaine]

Yes, the Optoma is getting good reviews by owners. That seems to be a pretty good price, too.

As for crt, well I go way back in home theater and my first front projector was a crt. But let me say this, if you are a newbie to front projectors and unless you live in an area that has someone who can set up a crt FP for you, you had better stick to lcd, dlp, etc. I taught myself how to reconverge a crt projector and it ain't easy. But yes, the picture is still tops in the world of contrast and black levels.

[AndrewM]

You can pick up a Sanyo Z1 in the $600-700 range. A Z2 for around $1100. The 4805 can be had around that range, ditto for the Optima H31. The Epson S3 can be had in the $800 range. I'm sure there are a few others, no idea which would "best" out of the group.

Andrew

[Azeke]

Here is an URL for you:

Projectors

This is a good reference point, but buyer beware .

Good luck,

Azeke

[sfdoddsy]

I've owned the Benq PB6100, Optoma H30, Infocus 4805 and Optoma H31, all of which are available around $1K. Of these the H31 is the best in my situation, followed reasonably closely by the 4805, which has worse black levels.

Steve

[RobP]

I just went to COSTCO this weekend and they had the Infocus 4805 with a screen for $999. You could probably get one from their website or catalog.

[Jack Gilvey]

The IF 4805 is the best $1000 you'll spend on HT gear. Grab one at Costco and try it.
From what I read, the Optoma H31 is basically equivalent.
Out-of-box, the 4805 is very bright (depending on screen), leading to greyish blacks. An ND2 filter took care of that for me.