Big Screen TV Deals

OVERVIEW
While Home Theater Projectors are the least popular route to big screen home theater, they can offer a big screen experience that is the closest to being in a real movie theater. Unlike the rear projection TV’s which project an image onto the back of a screen, a Home Theater Projector projects onto the front of a separate projector screen. Costs start at around $3000.00 for a decent projector that supports widescreen and HD formats. Screens start at $150, but a good quality fixed mount screen can cost up to $1000.00.

THE PROJECTOR
While the cost and specifications of projectors can range widely, there are a few key elements to a good quality projector.

Aspect Ratio and Supported Resolutions
Not all projectors support the 16:9 widescreen ratio and not all support the higher resolutions needed for HDTV and other high definition signals. Be sure the model you’re considering has what you need.

Brightness
The brightness is usually shown in ANSI lumens and the numbers can range from less than 1,000 to over 10,000. The 800 to 1,200 lumen projector, typically offered for home theater use, require a dark room in order to display a good quality picture. Projectors offering higher levels of brightness can tolerate more ambient light in a room. Projectors offering greater than 3000 lumens are generally designed for larger venues.

Throw Ratio
The throw ratio is the range of picture size that can be projected from various distances. The throw ratio and distance to the screen will determine the size of screen your home theater can accommodate. If you already have a screen size in mind or the distance from your projector to the screen is inflexible, the throw ratio will make a difference.

Talk to a knowledgeable technician in order to determine your projector needs.

THE PROJECTOR SCREEN
There are three types of screen available. Electric, Manual and Fixed. Electric screens are automatically retractable and can be either tensioned or not tensioned. Tensioned screens are less susceptible to swaying or rippling. Manual screens are the cheapest available and are similar to the projector screen one might see in a school. Fixed screens are permanently mounted and tensioned to provide a flat steady and permanent viewing surface. Fixed screens are often hidden behind curtains or foldaway doors when not in use in order to hide them from view and protect the screen surface, while the other screen types can be fully retracted. A good quality screen should accompany a good quality projector in order to maximize the use of both.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Style, Color and Mounting
This is largely personal preference. Consider how you want everything to look in the room and plan accordingly. You’ll have to live with your big screen set up, so you don’t want a set up that you find to be an eyesore.

Real World Use
Home Theaters with Projectors generally require a dedicated room. If you don’t want to dedicate a room to your home theater you may want to consider another type of big screen. If money is an object and space is not, you may want to consider a rear projection big screen. If space is more of a concern than budget, a flat screen may do the trick.

Bulb Life
Projector bulb life is generally about 3,000 hours and the bulbs can cost from $200.00 to $400.00.

GETTING YOUR BIG SCREEN OPERATIONAL
A few things you might not have thought of.

Delivery
While not necessarily heavy, your new equipment may not fit in your car. Be sure to inquire about delivery options and costs.

Stands and Mounts
Your Home Theater Projector will require a stand or a ceiling mount, but these are rarely included in the price. Be sure that the stand or ceiling mount suits your needs and can accommodate all of the equipment you will be attaching to the projector. If using a ceiling mount make sure that you can accommodate the attached equipment without having unattractive cables running up and down your walls or hanging from the ceiling. Some in-wall wiring may be required in order to achieve an uncluttered look. Your projector and screen may require some precision alignment and professional installation should be an option.

Cables
If you’re buying your first HDTV you will likely need specialized cables to accommodate the higher quality video connections to your new big screen. These will not be included with your new projector. Be sure to ask about what you’ll need to hook up your equipment.

TIPS
With all this new technology, it may be a good idea to maximize your warranty coverage. Some credit cards will automatically double the length of any factory warranty for any item purchased using that credit card. A separate extended warranty might also be useful.

Make sure you have the right equipment to complete your home theater. While most of the big screens are HD ready - meaning they can accommodate a Hi-Definition signal - you still have to send a HD signal from your equipment. You may want to think about a new DVD player or HDTV tuner if available. Speaking of High Definition, you’ll want to make sure your big screen can accommodate a variety of input connectors including the newer DVI and HDMI connections. This will ensure compatibility with the latest high definition equipment.

Be sure to evaluate all options and comparison shop before choosing a home theater projector

HOME THEATER PROJECTOR OPTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
New Home Theater Projectors are primaily available in one of two technologies: DLP and LCD. Since these technologies are outlined in our article about rear projection televisions, we won’t repeat ourselves. Instead we’ll compare options and talk about the unique considerations of incorporating a Projector into your home theater plans.