Video Asylum

Posted by Lex (M) on March 31, 2004 at 19:12:42

In Reply to: Re: What should I buy ?plasma vs. projector ? posted by Rod M on March 25, 2004 at 09:49:37:

Rod, 2K buys so much more than 1K does. While DLP projecctors in the 1K range do have a lot going for them. They also have some things working against them, like a single color wheel. Rainbow effect is a common issue for DLP, especially lower priced ones with less color wheels. The benefit is, they do the full color spectrum better than LCD. LCD redsd can typically wash out to orange some, and blacks aren't as black as DLP.

LCD projectors on the other hand typically can have what's called screen door effect. I've not personally sat down and viewed budget DLPs, but I do own 2 LCD projectors. My entry projector is a 4:3 Best Buy special, View Sonic. PJ-51. I watch this projector the most. Let's call it my "daily driver". It's plenty viewable even on DirecTV satellite through my Samsung DTV receiver with component output. S-video would have major problems with the screen size. Put it on my Samsung DVD-HD1000 DVD player that does 720P or 1080i output with Faroudja processing though, and whala, we have a excellent image!

My second projector CERTAINLY does most things VERY right. The Studio Experience 2HD (limited supply), but same as Sanyo Z2 (fairly good supply, though in high demand) But I can't view any screen door from 14 feet with either PJ. Closer up, you can see some on the View Sonic which is 800 X 600, vs the Sanyo 1284 X 764. Would rainbows have been a problem for me? I can't say. But I can say, I am very happy with my 2 LCD projectors. I baby the 2K one though. I only watch premier movies on it, and actually haven't even fired it up in a while. The good thing about that is, though, I'll have it for a long long time I think. :)

Plasmas I understand are good for about 10,000 hours. I can't say that's true for sure, but I am pretty sure that's what I heard. My bulbs cost 300-500.00, but last for 3000-4000 hours on saver mode, which for me puts out plenty of light for a moderate lighted room or dark room.

Lex