AudioNervosa

Systemic Development => Multiple Personality Disorders => Optometry Equipment => Topic started by: Carlman on August 12, 2008, 07:04:12 AM

Title: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on August 12, 2008, 07:04:12 AM
One day, when I finish the HT room, I'll need a projector.  My plan is to mount it to the ceiling in the HT and build a sound-isolating box around it.  How isolated can it be if it needs to dissapate heat, though?  So, I'd like something that runs quietly and is small.  Also, I've noticed a lot of people really get the projector down low into the room.  I don't want to hit my head on it nor do I want it to be a dominant part of the room design.  So, if I mount it near the ceiling, is that a problem?  Will it be brighter on the top?

So far the best I've seen (online) is the Panasonic AE2000 which is in the $2,500 range.  I don't want to spend more than 3,k on this... and I've got a totally dark room with a nice and reflective 100" retractable screen.  The ceiling will be black... The area behind the screen will be dark.

I'm not sure if I'll 'need' a scaler.  I can do 2 HDMI outputs directly from the 2 main sources I'll be using. (HD Cable and BluRay/DVD player)  The player outputs 1080P but the cable box only goes to 720P/1080i... unless something changes by the time I get the room done.

So, that's the basic situation... Oh, and the PJ can be about 12-15 feet from the screen.  I looked at specs on all of them when I was placing the outlet and that's what seemed to work for everything.  If I had to go significantly farther/closer, that's no problem either... It's all ceiling to me. ;)

Thanks for any advice.

-C

Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: stereofool on August 12, 2008, 07:19:58 AM
I don't have any projector recommendations...but a thought on the isolation box:

What if you placed a small 'muffin' fan above the ceiling and then connected a venting tube between it and the box...so that it would draw hot air out of the box and vent it into the ceiling...just thinking 'outside-the-box'  :roll:!
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on August 12, 2008, 01:53:16 PM
Interestingly, I thought about running a mini-return line from the HVAC to it... So, you're not far from that thought.. ;)  I'll look into the mushroom fan, thanks!
-C
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Inscrutable on August 20, 2008, 04:20:05 AM
I'm not sure you need to worry about sound isolation. The new PJ's run very quietly in lower power modes - <30dB - but still throw a lot of heat, which could be troublesome for a hush box.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on August 20, 2008, 12:45:10 PM
I think a 4" duct like a bathroom exhaust fan will work.  20db is too much directly overhead for me... but with the noise of the actual movie, should be OK.. but I still want to do what I can.  Maybe hush-ish and not full-hush is what I'll do... enclosed on all but the front side... with foam lining.. I still need air to get through as well.

I gave up on the hush-box in the back of the room... a 27' throw required a lot of money.  :shock:  So, this will be on the ceiling about 15' back. 

I'm wondering how the tilt/keystone thing will end up if the PJ is mounted flush with the ceiling.  Will it be noticeably brighter at the top and dimmer at the bottom?  I always wondered why the PJ's were mounted so low but I guess that's why.  I can't deal with a PJ too far down in the room, takes away from the soundroom pleasure. ;)

-C
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: bpape on August 20, 2008, 12:47:22 PM
Well, if you're still building the room, the easiest way is to run a cold air return inside the box to your HVAC system.  Plenty of air movement and basically zero noise.

Bryan
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on August 20, 2008, 12:49:14 PM
I'm ready for drywall, just tying up loose ends now before I move on with my life. ;)
I'll do the return for the HVAC then... only thing is will it be on often enough to actually do anything.. ?
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Inscrutable on August 23, 2008, 02:01:44 AM
Quote
I'm wondering how the tilt/keystone thing will end up if the PJ is mounted flush with the ceiling. 
Carl, do NOT even think about using the keystone correction.  If you can't mount the projector/screen with the proper geometry, then make sure you get a projector with lens shift.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on August 23, 2008, 12:19:25 PM
I think I'm covered on lens shifting, then.  I understand the concept, glad to know the AE-2000 has it...
Quote from: Panasonic AE2000 Features
A 2x optical power zoom/focus lens and a lens shift function together make it possible to project a 120-inch picture from as close as 11' 10" (3.6 m) to the screen or as far as 23' 7" (7.2 m) away. In addition, the image can be shifted ±100% vertically, and ±40% horizontally. This gives you outstanding setup flexibility. If you choose to ceiling-mount the projector, you can zoom and focus by a remote control.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: bpape on August 24, 2008, 05:25:14 PM
I'm ready for drywall, just tying up loose ends now before I move on with my life. ;)
I'll do the return for the HVAC then... only thing is will it be on often enough to actually do anything.. ?

A couple different options.   

If the fan is left on instead of 'auto' when watching, it's plenty good.  If not, then you can use an attic thermostat in the hushbox tied to an inline duct fan to pull air.

Bryan
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on January 28, 2009, 05:42:27 PM
Well, the sheetrock got put on hold and we're back in business now... and I'm back to finalizing cables and such from the projector.  I'm now getting the AE3000: http://www.projectorcentral.com/panasonic_ae3000_projector_review.htm

So, I'm running 3 HDMI cables, 1 VGA, and 1 component set.  There is also a serial cable but I don't know what that's for.  Any ideas? 

Thanks,
Carl
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: ik632 on January 29, 2009, 07:04:57 AM
Serial is usually for control (if you had it somewhere that IR wouldn't reach). For what it's worth, when I had my projector mounted I had it upside down (as suggested) so the throw was correct for my screen and I didn't need to use any keystone correction.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on April 29, 2009, 12:37:05 PM
OK, it's been called to my attention that Panasonic has a dust bunny issue.. So, I'm entertaining other ideas.. Also, from what I've seen, I really prefer the look of DLP and LCOS technology over LCD.

I found a Sony HW10 to look nice.. and somewhat tips the budget of 3,k. 

This pj will be used for movies mainly, from a Bluray player.. and some high-speed gaming on occasion... and maybe TV, but that's a distant 3rd.  Being quiet is important.  Being sharp, and color correct is important.. .and a nice smooth picture but that isn't 'soft'.

It's still getting ceiling-mount.  If I could afford it, I'd get the JVC DS10 but that's just too much and it is only 'average' in audible noise.

Any suggestions?

-C
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: bpape on April 29, 2009, 12:55:44 PM
If you want smooth, the JVC or the Sony is the way to go.  I have a bit of a hook up on pricing for the JVC if you're interested.  PM me for specifics.

Bryan
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Black Sand Cable on April 29, 2009, 07:05:04 PM
OK, it's been called to my attention that Panasonic has a dust bunny issue..

My bad...... :(

As for what to get, I still like the Epson 1080. For the money it's hard to beat.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on April 29, 2009, 08:12:34 PM
Isn't that one LCD like the AE 3000?  It also appears to only have 1 HDMI input.  I have a can of air. ;)
-C
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Black Sand Cable on April 29, 2009, 08:52:15 PM
I have a can of air. ;)
-C

Air wont work. From what I have read most of the projector needs to be taken apart when this happens and some folks have gone as far as to return them to Panasonic for repair and in some cases, a refund.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Black Sand Cable on April 29, 2009, 08:53:48 PM
It also appears to only have 1 HDMI input.
-C

My 720P has only one but given I run everything through my pre, I only need one so it works fine for me.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: hometheaterdoc on April 30, 2009, 12:26:00 PM
call me tonight and let's talk...
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: zybar on May 01, 2009, 06:31:14 PM
OK, it's been called to my attention that Panasonic has a dust bunny issue.. So, I'm entertaining other ideas.. Also, from what I've seen, I really prefer the look of DLP and LCOS technology over LCD.

I found a Sony HW10 to look nice.. and somewhat tips the budget of 3,k. 

This pj will be used for movies mainly, from a Bluray player.. and some high-speed gaming on occasion... and maybe TV, but that's a distant 3rd.  Being quiet is important.  Being sharp, and color correct is important.. .and a nice smooth picture but that isn't 'soft'.

It's still getting ceiling-mount.  If I could afford it, I'd get the JVC DS10 but that's just too much and it is only 'average' in audible noise.

Any suggestions?

-C

Epson 6500UB

http://www.projectorreviews.com/1080p-projector/Projector_Best_In_Class_Awards.php

George
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on August 12, 2009, 01:12:06 PM
Just a quick update, I ended up with the JVC DS10 and couldn't be happier with the picture quality.  If it's on the DVD, it's on the screen, it's that simple.  I watched Spiderman 3 the other day and the graphics were just fantastic in every way.  The movie sucked but I enjoyed the eye candy nonetheless.  I think that movie may have been made to sell TV's... I don't know... but it would work. ;)

I've watched several types of movies and regardless of the quality, it still looks good... I was worried since it was so big it'd enlarge the problems of the original... but everything just looks good.. or as good as it can.  I've hooked up cheap camcorders w/ RCA cables, watched old movies, etc... I'm never dissapointed.  I watch a good bit of regular DVD's and Blu-ray's.  I have seen some 'banding' I think it's called.. but not much... and I think it might be the DVD and not the PJ because on some movies with lots of gradation, it looks smooth and perfect.  Video is a weird mess of non-standard practices... hence, why I wasn't really interested in investing a ton into it. 

BTW... A Sony Playstation 3 doesn't do 7.1 through toslink.  It just won't.  It'll do it through HDMI only.  So, if I can either degrade the picture quality and run through my receiver.. but get 7.1.. or run 5.1 and run direct to the PJ... So, now I've got an extra pair of speakers.  :duh  Gee thanks, Sony.

-C
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on August 12, 2009, 01:24:18 PM
Welcome to the wonderful world of projectors Carl.  8)
It's a beautiful thing.

I never tried to run 7.1 through my PS3 (as I don't have a room large enough to support that many speakers), but I didn't know the optical was limited to 5.1 either. Hmm...
Have you tried to run HDMI to the receiver? It "shouldn't" have that big of an effect.

Bob

p.s. Off topic Carl; What are playing on PS3?
COD4 by chance?  :twisted:
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Black Sand Cable on August 12, 2009, 01:29:08 PM


p.s. Off topic Carl; What are playing on PS3?
COD4 by chance?  :twisted:

I'm hooked on that dam game but.....on XBox 360.
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on August 12, 2009, 01:30:47 PM
Ahh.... :(  That's a shame. I'd love to play against "the audio dudes".

Bob
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Carlman on August 12, 2009, 01:45:15 PM
I'm not much of a gamer but I've learned how to play 'Tekken' fairly well thanks to a friend.  I have another friend that came over and put a bunch of demos on it but I can't get into them.  They're just too complicated.. and too much like work for me to enjoy.  With Tekken I just memorize a few combinations and react to the opponent... kind of like speed-chess.
The online component isn't activated on my system.. yet... maybe this Fall.. we'll see.  One thing at a time! ;)

BTW, I don't think the optical is limited to 5.1 (I could be wrong), I think Sony chose to limit it for some reason which annoys me.  There is no coax out either.. but I half expected that.  HDMI through the receiver degrades the video enough for me to notice.. it's an overall 'dulling' to the image quality.  I've tried all the settings and it doesn't matter... just sucks for video unfortunately.

-C
Title: Re: HT Projector Suggestions needed
Post by: Bob in St. Louis on August 12, 2009, 02:42:34 PM
Sorry to hear about the HDMI/video issue. I can't think of any other solutions.....  :?
Regarding the PS3 being online, it's free and doesn't take long to set up. Lots of fun.

Bob