~$2000 projector recommendations - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

patp · 2011-09-05, 07:11 PM

I was wondering if someone could give me a few recommendations for projectors that are under $2000. I noticed that Futureshop was selling the Sony VPL-HW15 for $1999 so I ordered one for the time being until I make my decision on keeping it or buying a different projector that is better suited for my needs.

Main needs:
1) Hockey (might be streamed from NHL.com)
2) Movies (Netflix or DVD rentals / online HD rentals mostly)
3) Some cable TV shows
4) Some Xbox 360 gaming (NHL 12, Forza 4, Gears of War 3)

Room type:
-20 ft long X 11 ft wide
-Limited sunlight entering room

Not sure what other information would be useful but if I missed something, please let me know. I will mostly be watching hockey that will be streamed through the NHL.com package so this is probably one of the main uses for this projector.

Other options I am considering:
$1750 - BenQ W6000
$1500 - Mitsubishi HC4000

Am I going overboard based on my needs? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

hugh · 2011-09-05, 08:46 PM

Frankly, anything streamed is going to look pretty crappy on a 100 inch screen.

Why did you narrow down to these three? and why the Sony?

patp · 2011-09-05, 09:25 PM

I honestly didn't narrow down to these 3 at all.. they just happen to seem like good prices for reasonably well accepted models. I'm completely open to other suggestions.

So even if I stream a high definition movie, it'll look crappy? I'll see if I can find any videos online for comparison but if any of you happen to have found something, I'd appreciate the links. The only thing I know is the type of content I will view on it.. trying to figure out what is the best option for my content viewing. I'm trying to move away from Rogers PVR and onto Netflix and other online services (including NHL Game Centre Live).

Thoughts?

timbo · 2011-09-06, 05:54 AM

How much money are you allowing for a screen?

Have you given any thought to how the correct/proper/good match of screen and projector will suit your needs?

Just curious.

Inzane · 2011-09-06, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patp

I honestly didn't narrow down to these 3 at all.. they just happen to seem like good prices for reasonably well accepted models. I'm completely open to other suggestions.

Thoughts?

Then you definitely need to consider the Epson Home Cinema 8700UB.

It retails for about $2249, and also has a mail-in special for a free bulb (a few $hundred in value right there).

This is the projector I chose for my home theater and will be installed at the end of the month.

Here's a review:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epso...00ub/index.php
and you can find more at projectorcentral.com.

patp · 2011-09-06, 05:52 PM

@timbo: I was leaning towards ~$500 for the screen although I might be convinced to spend a bit more if it truly makes a justifiable difference.

As for the match of screen/projector, no, I hadn't given it any thought. I honestly didn't realize that only certain screens worked for certain projectors. I'd be curious to hear thoughts on this in case it limits some of my choices.

@Inzane: That was a really interesting read (8700UB). Seems to be a lower cost of operation and cheaper bulb which means that my Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) should be lower than most other models I had considered if I keep it for roughly 5-8 years. (haven't done the calculation so maybe this isn't 100% accurate). So given the choice, would you buy the Epson 8700UB + bulb for $2249 or the Sony VPL-HW15 for $1999?

Any recommendations for screens? Or does that vary based on the projector I choose? (this is a lot more complicated than I thought it was going to be)

Lastly, do any of you know where I can see some of these projectors around Ottawa? That might help in making my decision I suppose.

eljay · 2011-09-06, 06:29 PM

I vote for the BenQ W6000. A buddy of mine has the W5000 and it's amazing. The 6000 is supposed to be even better.

As for screens, I recommend Grandview. Excellent quality at a very competitive price.

2011-09-05, 07:11 PM	#1
patp Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 22	~$2000 projector recommendations I was wondering if someone could give me a few recommendations for projectors that are under $2000. I noticed that Futureshop was selling the Sony VPL-HW15 for $1999 so I ordered one for the time being until I make my decision on keeping it or buying a different projector that is better suited for my needs. Main needs: 1) Hockey (might be streamed from NHL.com) 2) Movies (Netflix or DVD rentals / online HD rentals mostly) 3) Some cable TV shows 4) Some Xbox 360 gaming (NHL 12, Forza 4, Gears of War 3) Room type: -20 ft long X 11 ft wide -Limited sunlight entering room Not sure what other information would be useful but if I missed something, please let me know. I will mostly be watching hockey that will be streamed through the NHL.com package so this is probably one of the main uses for this projector. Other options I am considering: $1750 - BenQ W6000 $1500 - Mitsubishi HC4000 Am I going overboard based on my needs? Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

2011-09-05, 08:46 PM	#2
hugh Member #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Toronto Posts: 47,492	Frankly, anything streamed is going to look pretty crappy on a 100 inch screen. Why did you narrow down to these three? and why the Sony? __________________ As of January 2012, I am no longer the owner of the Digital Home website. If you have questions about the operation of the site, please contact VSAdmin. For personal inquiries contact me at the Hugh Thompson website.

2011-09-06, 06:29 PM	#7
eljay Premium Supporter Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ottawa (Orleans), ON Posts: 8,345	I vote for the BenQ W6000. A buddy of mine has the W5000 and it's amazing. The 6000 is supposed to be even better. As for screens, I recommend Grandview. Excellent quality at a very competitive price. __________________ MY HT SET-UP (PICS & GEAR LIST)

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2011-09-05, 09:25 PM	#3
patp Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 22	I honestly didn't narrow down to these 3 at all.. they just happen to seem like good prices for reasonably well accepted models. I'm completely open to other suggestions. So even if I stream a high definition movie, it'll look crappy? I'll see if I can find any videos online for comparison but if any of you happen to have found something, I'd appreciate the links. The only thing I know is the type of content I will view on it.. trying to figure out what is the best option for my content viewing. I'm trying to move away from Rogers PVR and onto Netflix and other online services (including NHL Game Centre Live). Thoughts?

2011-09-06, 05:54 AM	#4
timbo Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brampton, Ontario Posts: 845	How much money are you allowing for a screen? Have you given any thought to how the correct/proper/good match of screen and projector will suit your needs? Just curious.

2011-09-06, 05:52 PM	#6
patp Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 22	@timbo: I was leaning towards ~$500 for the screen although I might be convinced to spend a bit more if it truly makes a justifiable difference. As for the match of screen/projector, no, I hadn't given it any thought. I honestly didn't realize that only certain screens worked for certain projectors. I'd be curious to hear thoughts on this in case it limits some of my choices. @Inzane: That was a really interesting read (8700UB). Seems to be a lower cost of operation and cheaper bulb which means that my Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) should be lower than most other models I had considered if I keep it for roughly 5-8 years. (haven't done the calculation so maybe this isn't 100% accurate). So given the choice, would you buy the Epson 8700UB + bulb for $2249 or the Sony VPL-HW15 for $1999? Any recommendations for screens? Or does that vary based on the projector I choose? (this is a lot more complicated than I thought it was going to be) Lastly, do any of you know where I can see some of these projectors around Ottawa? That might help in making my decision I suppose.