Video Asylum

Posted by townsend on December 24, 2003 at 18:52:58

I spend most of my time in music forums but am also a film buff, with a small collection of DVDs.

I'm not trying to build a full-fledge home theater--I haven't got the space. I do have a 11' by 13' bedroom w/ my stereo (NAD T751, Marantz DV-8300 DVD player, & Monitor Audio silver speakers) on Bell O'getti stand. The only way to set the room up is to have the video source on a wall, and sit no more than 11' from that source.

I've agonized for a long time and ruled out CRT (30" 16:9 set--heavy & screen size too small; 34" sets are super heavy & too thick (2') for room, LCD (I like, but 37" and 40" sets are pricey and narrow viewing angle), & plasma (not my favorite technology & pricey [I'm not impressed by $3,000 plasmas]). Never liked rear projection.

I'm down to a front projector. It makes the most sense for watching movies. (No, I don't want to reconsider plasma, with all due respect). I could spend about $3,000, but would prefer something around $1,500-2,000, maybe $2,500 at the most.

Even with a short-throw distance, it would give a large enough picture to give the feel of watching something more than a movie on a TV-size screen.

I think a DVI-I input is a necessity, though not found on cheaper projectors.

Any suggestions? Studio Experience Matinee 2HD is 2,000 and has a digital input. It's LCD, and some would prefer DLP.

I've read alot at www.projectorcentral.com, and I've also read posts at avsforum--they are very informative & I'll post this "newbie" question there if need be. Thought I would try here first, since I'm registered and have enjoyed numerous interactions on Rocky Road, DVD-Audiobahn, and SACD forums.

Thanking you in advance and wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy NY.

regards, townsend