Dvd Projector

Dvd Projector
DVD Projector...?

I want to buy a projector, but I don't know what to buy. I need one to be reasonably priced or inexpensive. It just needs to play dvd's well.

It's not a simple answer.

But before going into more detail consider that projectors use expensive lamps which need to be replaced every 2-3000 hrs (3-4 yrs based on 2-3 hrs/day). Typical replacement costs are $300-$450. So ... projectors are not inexpensive to run.

You also need a screen (or at least a large white wall). However, you can make a screen for under $100 that will work as well as most commercial screens costing under $1000.

On a positive note, projectors are THE BEST WAY to see movies at home and the only way to reasonably approximate a movie theatre.

There are basically three classes of projectors based on resolution and two classes based on use.

The three resolution based classes are 480, 720 and 1080. Prices start at ~$500, ~$1000, and ~$2200, respectively.

The use classes are business and home theatre. business class projectors are less expensive, tend to be pretty bright, have low contrast ratio (CR) and poorer colour accuracy, and typically have poorer video processing than HT projectors -- which are more expensive, often somewhat less bright, but have better video processing, colour accuracy and CR. HT projectors are more suited to movies.

Given that lamps cost about the same for all projectors there is no advantage to buying a cheap projector.

If the above hasn't scared you off, for movies I would suggest you look at 720 class, HT projectors. See the 1st link for a number of recommended models (and a source of lots of info) and the 2 nd link for more info and reviews.

You can often find a good projector as a discontinued model, or refurbished. Used is not necessarily a good choice since the lamp is often nearly gone, and prices new were probably much higher than the equivalent today so owners often overprice.

Hope that helps.

R2-D2 DVD Projector By Nikko MUST SEE