16:9/LCD video projectors questions...

Can anybody out there give me some info on Video projectors.  I am looking to buy one because I want a huge screen for my DVD\'s/TV/Games.  I am looking at an Infocus.  Is there a place to find one in the $450 range.  Any good sites with info on them.  Any help would be appreciated, as this would really complete my home theater experience.

It\'ll cost you more than that!  Think a couple grand my friend.

Like DT said, cost is definitely an issue.  You\'ll want to spend $3500 at the very least for an ok projector.  I\'ve seen some that have cost $140,000 if you can believe it.  There\'s also different types: standard internal CRTs, LCDs, DLPs, and now the new D-ILAs by JVC.  Though D-ILAs yield the best brightness:quality ratio, DLP and CRT are your best bests for a great value projector.  Decent brands include but are not limited to: Runco, Marantz, NEC, Sony, Barco, & Mitsubishi.

If you want to go with Infocus, they have a great sight to decide which projector is right for you: http://www.infocus.com/projectors/which.asp

For the best advice check out http://hometheaterforum.com http://avsforum.com and http://projectorcentral.com.

Once you go projector you never go back...  Or so they say (I\'m too poor to afford one) .

Once you have a projector, do you need a TV.  Can you just hook up your DVD player, VCR (w/ cable going through it to get cable reception on big screen) and everything and just watch it, or do you need to keep your TV??  Because I am planning on selling my tv once I get a projector.

[videoholic]

Think of the projector as your computer monitor.  It only knows what you put into it.  You need a cable box/direct tv/vcr/etc.....

450 bucks will get you half a screen for the projector to shine on.  You won\'t find a cheap worthwhile LCD for less than 3500 right now.  But I wouldn\'t get an LCD cause they have an awful time reproducing black.  It comes out grey.  I would only get a CRT or DLP.  I have a CRT projector.  You can find them used on the internet for about 6 grand.  New they are over 30,000..  

DOn\'t forget though that tv is about 500 scan lines, you blow that up to 100+ inches and you start seeing scan lines.  I never bothered getting a line doubler because I have an HD receiver which makes all signals 1080i so I don\'t see scan lines, but I do see scan lines with my PS2.  It doesn\'t look bad, but I wish I had a doubler for it.


Anyway, my point is, unless you have at least 5000 in your pocket, don\'t bother...