what projector would you recommend?

[wuhlei]

I'm looking for an every day use projector so I think I'm going with LED, unless the bulbs are really cheap? Any one know how hard it is to replace the LED?

[cybereality]

Are you looking for a 3D projector or just 2D? Does it have to be 1080P, 720P? How much do you want to spend?

[BlackShark]

There aren't many LED projectors, and most of those available have little lumen output and are 720p or lower models.
I suggest you do your light calculations. Unless you have some very low needs (screen size and brightness), you'll find out you'd be much better off with a light bulb based projection system.

Most projector light bulbs cost in the 200~400$ range. Whether you consider this as expensive depends on the projector initial cost.
If you buy an entry level projector (<600$) it will seem like a lot and you'd rather buy a new projector.
If you buy a higher end projector however, that light bulb is a bargain.

[tritosine5G]

I burned thru 2.5 bulbs already with 2 pj's and not paid a dime, everytime you send in the h5360 or v700 you get a new bulb, even when it has 20 hours (ask relaxman ) , or 3000 hours ( like i did ) Acer service department and bulb DLP is a great combo. I enjoy my DLP monitor a lot.

You guys are way too cautious when it comes to DLP , it's funny.

[wuhlei]

Are you looking for a 3D projector or just 2D? Does it have to be 1080P, 720P? How much do you want to spend?

I think about 1000$, I was going to use the dual projector, polarized lens setup.

There aren't many LED projectors, and most of those available have little lumen output and are 720p or lower models.
I suggest you do your light calculations. Unless you have some very low needs (screen size and brightness), you'll find out you'd be much better off with a light bulb based projection system.

Most projector light bulbs cost in the 200~400$ range. Whether you consider this as expensive depends on the projector initial cost.
If you buy an entry level projector (<600$) it will seem like a lot and you'd rather buy a new projector.
If you buy a higher end projector however, that light bulb is a bargain.

How many lumens should I go for? 2000 sounds about right with a good enough screen? I live in a small apartment. I wonder if the LED projectors uses an LCD because if it doesn't that should give LED projectors a huge advantage.

[cybereality]

Well when I was looking at projectors, it seems the Acer H5360 was about as good as it got for the low-end price-range. For $550 you are not going to do any better: 720P, Nvidia 3D Vision compatible. You could certainly get some non-3D projectors for cheaper to put together a dual-pj rig but I'm certain that will cost a bit more. Especially considering the cost of the silver screen, filters, custom rack, etc. There are even some DLP-3D projectors in the $300 range, but I don't believe the compatibility is as good as the H5360, so I won't recommend them.

[Fredz]

The Optoma H67N DLP projector is also compatible with 3D Vision and is better than the H5360. It depends on the price at which it's available, but in a french review of both projectors the guy said the H67N wins hands down even with a price difference of 150€. I didn't find an equivalent review in english though.

[tritosine5G]

yeah it must be so much better , sharing a common reference design & lamp

rebadged, its enough to buy the v700 & hack the inf.

[Fredz]

Optoma HD76N :






After calibration :
Gamma : 2.2
Brightness : 600 cd/m²
Black level : 0.38 cd/m²
Contrast : 1567:1

Acer H5360 :






After calibration :
Gamma : 2.1 (impossible to obtain something equilibrated or to obtain 2.2 )
Brightness : 470 cd/m²
Black level : 0.45 cd/m²
Contrast : 1037:1

Same reference design you said ?

[tritosine5G]

Yes according to DLP Link it should be the same in stereo , both are just RGB and in this case both darkchip3.

It'd be best if you make a hush box with new light dump, and calibrate it yourself then it would be like 5x better, neither is close to the native contrast of darkchip3, both are corrupted . I also want better optics than either of these. Im getting short throw.

Our local reviewers also made Hd67 and H5360 comparison and it wasnt this night & day , this is messed up somehow. Don't make it out like 'HD67N' worths the price premium it commands.

[tritosine5G]

DLP has way too easy job. I am dissapoint.