Page 1 of PROJECTION

Hi. I have a budget of between 1000-1500 Pounds to be spent on some AV Equipment. I will only be using this at night so, and it will be in a fairly darkened room.
What I would like is recommendations and what to look for in a projector (obviously LCD at this price range) and whether it is best to buy new or look at a second hand model.

I`m genuinely interested in this now (sigh)...

What`s the picture quality like from LCD projectors? is there an alternate projector?

If I were to buy one, as I like the idea of having everything tucked away until showtime, would I need to retain my TV as well - i.e will it be good enough for general day to day, all light conditions type use?

eh?

A grand (or there abouts) will buy you the likes of a half-decent Sharp LCD projector which will give you a nice big (up to say 6 foot realistically) image.

However, unless you spend more than 4 grand you won`t get one that is bright or high enough resolution to avoid honeycombing, or have good colour definition. Also LCD has very grey looking blacks.

For me personally, I can`t stand watching films on a small screen (small being anything less than 50") so the size benefit of a £1,000 projector outways the inferior picture quality. You will notice that close ups look amazing, but when shots start to rely on small figures everything looks very hazy. However, having said that, after around 5 years of owning an LCD projector Ive outgrown its capabilities and got myself a DLP model.

Getting a demonstration is a MUST before you consider buying one. Sharp are probably the best in your price range.

For the guys interested in projectors, have a look further down the forum messages as I posted a lot of detailed information of the three projector units DVD Reviewer owns and uses. This is in response to a similar question from a reader.

Hope it helps.

Mark

Thanks..

Will have a gander..