Topic: Recommend a Projector

[madrigal]

Hello,
  I'm in the market for an LCD projector for HT.  Mainly for dvd's and vhs format.
all are SVGA with 1000 lumens only.  more than this, it is above my budget.  not more
than P120,000 sana.

Here are my choices:
1)  inFocus lp 280    P97,000
2)  Canon lv-s1        P95,000
3)  Sanyo plc-sw20   P120,000

4)  NEC lt-150??? (i don't know how much)
5) or other brands?

I will project it in a 120 inch draper screen.   (I tried the sanyo already and it is ok naman
in my taste.  No visible lines in my viewing area.)  
Ano ba ang ok?

Thanks a lot....

[madrigal]

Ay, sagutin ko na tanong ko.

1) the infocus lp 280 pala is not good for HT.   for conference presentation lang ito ok.
    No composite/component video in.   bad for dvd's
2) The  panansonic pt ae100 naman only has 700 lumens so malabo ito. plus, di maganda
ang reviews nito abroad.
3) NEC lt150?  700 lumens lang yata ito. i might be mistaken
4) THe sanyo sw20 is ok all around but quite expensive at P120,000 but with a 5 yrs warranty

5) the canon lv s1 seems to be the best with all the goodies such as a component video input,  16:9,
very sharp focusing lens plus cheap price of P95,000.
   the bulb cost P30,000 though for 2000 hours only.

Ano kaya?  baka there is something better from the ones on my list.

Thanks

[madrigal]

Finally bought a projector:

A sanyo plc sw20.     It is the best compared to any lcd around.  The worst has to be
the panasonic ae100 with a very obvious screen door effect.   Sanyo has a very fine
screendoor not visible even when you are 1 meter away.  Actually, you will notice that
it only has a horizontal line but no vertical lines that can be seen unlike the AE100, infocus 280
or the canon and nec lt100.     So what if the ae100 has 5000 hours, it only has 700 lumens and the picture
is really bad.    You will waste your time and money with this projector

In the sanyo, The colors are perfect with the skintone, blacks and shadow controls set in auto.

I can even project it in a 200" inch white wall.  

If you have P100,000 to spend, don't concentrate to much on AUDIO or Subwoofers, receivers etc.
they are all junk compared to the satisfaction you will get in purchasing a sanyo projector.

Try it yourself in electronics depo libis.  

[jambam]

Madrigal, thanks for the info you gave . I too am looking at the sanyo. But my choice was the plc xw20. XGA projector

Microdata is selling this one at P145K  w/ 2 yrs warranty and provides a service unit in case it needs repair.

Does electronic depot also sell the XW

[madrigal]

Hello jambam:

I don't think Elect Depo sells the XW at the moment but I think they can order it.  The supplier is
IMATECH.  I guess there is only one supplier of Sanyo Projectors anywhere you buy it.

Haven't tried the xw  xga of sanyo yet.    It is over my budget anyway.  I got the sw20 for P94,500.
the svga is not really that bad since the screen door effect is not too obvious.  

The disadvantage of the lcd's from the 3 days I had it:
1)   2000 hours or less lamp life
2)   You cannot turn it off or on like a tv.  
3)   needs a dark room
4)    Dirt accumulates inside the lens easily.  
5)    Cable TV reception from VHS is Bad.  
6)   It runs very hot and needs a ventilated shelf
7)  Pag binuksan mo na, don't turn it off and on again kasi masisira ang bulb.
 Has a burning smell

[audionote]

Madrigal,
Thanks for sharing.  BTW have you had the chance to look at DLPs? I am planning one but got sidetracked when a bought a Toshiba 53 RPTV last Jan

[madrigal]

Audionote:
    Yeah, tried the DLP's too but it was over my budget.  Tried an Infocus DLP in
av driver shangrila for P250,000.    There was a screendoor effect too but not too
obvious like a sanyo.      
    The dlp's is supposed to be superior with the inclusion of a faroudja technology line doubler?
but I think it looks the same as the Sanyo lcd's for only P94,500.    You cannot tell the difference
if it was a blind test.   With the P150,000 you can save, you can buy a Stewart grayhawk screen
plus a new speakers?
    The CRT's of course is the best  if it is in your budget.  

[jambam]

Hi Madrigal, Did you buy any screen together w/ your sanyo. Any recommendations for the budget consious.

Also what is available and easy to setup.....

Thanks

[madrigal]

Hi jambam:
 
   As for the screen,  I did not buy one and just tried to paint my wall off white to gray.
It is a huge wall that can project up to 200".    The results were OK.
   Now, I am about to get a screen since sayang ang capabilities ng projector since
a real screen would improve on picture brightness and color.  
   The best cheaper screens would be the da-lite brand.   It ranges from P5,000 to P15,000
depending on size.    Check the yellow pages for availability and prices.
   I ordered a 120" wall type manual for P14,+++ whick will arrive by october.
   Draper brand is mid prized at P22,000 plus and the top of the line would be the Stewart brand which is
almost as expensive as the projector.  
    Don't purchase a screen at hifi stores since malaki ang mark-up doon.  Get direct from the
dealer.    Also, a DIY screen from shell canvas is I think "crap"  Ang mahal ng projector tapos
Do it Yourself screen lang?   Plus, you can only get a 50" size maximum yata.  

[levi]

For more details on projection screen, you can check this out projection screen or you can send a PM to neo.

[Hamann]

The Infocus DLP projector at AVDI is being sold for 169,000 until the end of the month. I've tried a couple of projectors you've tested also and DLP is really way over them in terms of performance. The extra cash is definitely worth it.

I've also been actually looking for a projector/screen combo that would range from 150-200k. Funny thing is, I realized that a top-notch turntables such as ClearAudio or Project would give me more joy than a projector.  

After trying out these systems for quite a while I realized that their novelty would wear off after a while. So no offense, but spending 100k+ on audio equipment cannot be labeled as trash. It all depends on the satisfaction it gives the person, right?  

[madrigal]

To Hamann:
   Hello,  sorry.  Harsh nga ang reply ko re: spending on audio.

In my experience, Iv'e been spending  thousands on Hifi, power amps, speakers
sources etc...... been doing so since I got the audio bug since the 80's. I can say na
exhausted na siguro ako.  

With the advent of the DVD, what is a good Hi Fi audio on dvd with a puny TV.
been using a 48" rear projector since 1990 but you can get total movie experience
with a 120" screen and a quality LCD or DLP projector on a stewart screen.

Just had a party last night ang all my friends were at awe with the projector on a 120" screen
than the dts audio or the room shaking bass of my subs.  
Who cares if our tube amps or vinyl produces live sounding audio.  You are staring at a blank wall listening to music!! when you can listen to superior DTS concert dvds viewing it on a huge screen.  Entertainment
value is tripled.

People actually watch DVDs rather than appreciate the sound of the disc.  Audio is secondary.

This is my experience.  

[purple_jedi]

The best cheaper screens would be the da-lite brand.  It ranges from P5,000 to P15,000
depending on size.    Check the yellow pages for availability and prices.
  I ordered a 120" wall type manual for P14,+++ whick will arrive by october.
  Draper brand is mid prized at P22,000 plus and the top of the line would be the Stewart brand which is
almost as expensive as the projector.  

Hi madrigal,
I'm also looking for for a 120-150" Stewart or Da-lite manual wall mounted screen.  Where did you order yours? Thanks  

[Hamann]

Yup! whatever makes you happy. Where'd you get the projector anyway? How does it compare to DLP?

[Hamann]

Oh didn't see electronic depot. So how does it compare anyway?

[Arnel E.]

I'm working in Beijing, but I'll be coming back to Phils for vacation this December.  I'm planning to get a projector that is portable enough as hand-carry luggage to bring to Beijing.  It's just for my apartment system, so expensive models >P100K aren't needed yet.

A friend who works in Japan can buy a Panasonic projector at around P60K, so that's also an option.  But if you can suggest a locally available model with comparable performance-value less than P100K, the better.  Pls tell me where I can buy it, and if they do home deliveries.

I will be hooked up to the component video output of a Sony DVP S9000ES switched to progressive scan.

If possible, let me know of the most affordable, locally available screen that you've come by, too.

Thanks a lot in advance for the help.

Regards,
ARNEL

[madrigal]

To Hamann:  
              Hello,  In my point of view, the sanyo lcd  (they have a promo now in the newspapers)
           is comparable to a DLP of infocus (P200,000?) sold in avdi.     I am not a salesman of sanyo but i think
           it is really great for its price of less than P100,000.      For the money I can save, I can get
           an extra P100,000 budget for audio or a pair of lazyboy chairs...  

           For a demo of the sanyo, go to elect. depo.  But do not buy since it is more expensive.

To jlo2:   For my da-lite screen, the prices are almost the same in all the av stores.
             The problem is the availability of the screen.   You can get a 120" from Island
             Photo (try the yellow pages)      84x64 model B. Matte white spectra video.
             If there is no stock, try makati cinema square.  There is a 120" there.  I just
              forgot the name of the store.  

[madrigal]

Check the papers last saturday oct 13.  there is a promo of a sanyo plc sw20 at
P99,000 with a free 70x70 screen.  

The sanyo is the best there is for less than P100,000.  
Forget the panasonic.    The screendoor effect really sucks.  the  AE100 in particular.

[Hamann]

So where did you buy your Sanyo for less than 100k?

[purple_jedi]

Thanks madrigal. I hope you won't mind if I PM you regarding installation once I get the FP screen.

[Arnel E.]

How about the lower-spec Sanyo PLC SW15?  Is it any good?

Thanks.

[Hamann]

Hey madrigal, sorry to burst your bubble, but I was browsing through the pages of the Sanyo and it stated that this product is also marketed as the Eiki LC-SM3 (Eiki is also owned by Sanyo).

Sonny Tuason of the Home Theater is selling the Eiki LC-SM3+, the upgraded version with 1600 ANSI LUMENS, and I think a 400:1 contrast ratio, for around P85,000.

This was the projector I tried out in his shop, and yes, it's very good indeed for its price.

[jambam]

Hamann,

Are there any other Eiki models available , also where is this shop....

Thanks

[Hamann]

Yup he does have other models. Call Sonny at 8125235 tell him Ryan told you to call him

[madrigal]

To Hamann and to people in the market for a projector:

    Great to hear that.  I did not know that Eiki brand is also a sanyo.  
    It is good that you liked its performance.    Also, at 85,000, it is very cheap.
    Post here what projector you will decide to purchase.
 
    When I saw the sanyo, I immediately bought it in a few days after auditioning various brands.

   Would have saved P10,000 if I have seen that Eiki a month ago
the sanyo at 1000 lumens is perfect for me.   From what I researched on the
internet, a projector bulb with a 1600 lumens or above has a LOWER life span.
maybe 1200 hours or less
   A panasonic ae100 for example at 700 lumens can last up to 5000 hours.    Picture brightness
is not really noticable as long as the room is really dark.
 
  I guess you know why people like higher lumens.  (for corporate presentations
with uncontrolled lighting conditions.,)    But for a dedicated DVD HT, a 1000 or 1200 lumens
is perfect.    
   

[jambam]

madrigal,

another question is , did you get your screen and how do you handle 16:9 material,

what I plan is to connect it to an HTPC once I get a projector, I have been reading a lot in the AVSforum and they say you can get a better picture thru a PC.

[madrigal]

Hello jambam:
    Ordered a  120" dalite screen spectra video format.  84x64 inches.  But as of now,
I am using a DIY screen on a fixed wooden frame with a 120" screen size.
  It is a 4:3 aspect so if I want a widescreen then there will be black bars. I prefer this
4:3 since I can watch tv shows, vhs tapes etc.  undistorted.  

   The sanyo can project a 16:9 or a 4:3 depending on its setting but you cannot
buy a screen with a widescreen here unless you order in avdi.  
 
   As for the PC.  I am not knowledgable with this.   But it guess it will work.
I just think a quality component connection to a dvd is unbeatable with the best clarity and
brightness.

[kimera]

what I plan is to connect it to an HTPC once I get a projector, I have been reading a lot in the AVSforum and they say you can get a better picture thru a PC.

this is correct since the vid card output displays at high resolution, if ur vid card can display 1024 x 768 resolution at 32bit  color quality witout any problem, then i dont think a DVD player can match this, not even a progressive scan one (well i could also be wrong you know)

this will be my future setup if i can get hold of a good but very reasonable projector..only problem is the controls esp when ur accessing the special features section :-)

[jambam]

Madrigal,

Do you have the number for imatech , i would like to check if they will be importing the Sanyo plv-z1, w/c i think will be the projector for me.

thanks

[revskie]

I am currently demoing an Epson EMP-TW100 LCD projector.  And boy, can this machine deliver stunning video with amazing color and clarity.

I want to measure it against the performance of other projectors such as the usual NECs, Sanyos and Sonys.

Anybody interested with a shootout?