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They're not the quality of Blu-Ray, but they're convenient. The projector is in an overhead mount - as another reviewer mentioned, the projector is not small (it's about the size of a small-footprint PC computer box). I've put about 400 hours of use on the bulb, and so far there have been zero problems. The optics are amazingly sharp.We've also used it to practice giving presentations such as Power Point shows, have the computer plugged into it adds another dimension. Rock Band 2 is fun for the whole family, it's like being on stage. My dad also kind of freaked out about watching golf with it; it's pretty close to being there.
Well, this past summer I would take it down and use it for backyard movies for the neighborhood kids (and adults). Why would I do that. With a thrift store amp and speakers, a white bed sheet on a dowel frame, and my Blu-Ray (which is easy to disconnect when using HDMI), that setup was just extra value. I'd hang the projector back in its usual spot before I went to bed, so it can't be too big.Our usual place for the projector is in a basement rec room with no windows, so we have total light control. I got this projector about a year ago, and it's really been terrific. Pretty good menus although it can take a while to find certain things. Since we don't change the setup often that's not really a problem.Wii is just fantastic with it, since it's basically a video wall (our screen is 120 inches).
Blu-Ray and DVDs are great as well, I can't remember ever seeing so many movies. Pairing it up with Netflix makes a lot of sense; Netflix also has immediate-stream movies available which we'll play through the computer hookup/SVGA-in cable. Wii and Blu-Ray/DVDs com in via HDMI from a Yamaha stereo, computer in is via a 25 foot SVGA cable. However, it's not so big that I can't take it off the ceiling if needed. Some Blu-Ray discs, particularly CG graphics movies such as Horton Hears a Hoo, can keep you in continual amazement at how much detail can be projected over 12 feet away, right down to individual hairs on a head.
I can't comment on trying to compete with sunlight, but it seems like a bad idea.We use it with Wii, Computer video in, and of course Blu-Ray and DVDs. It has many inputs and it's easy to switch between them, so it's versatile and fairly user-friendly. We have Verizon Fios, which makes football a real treat. We tried a YouTube party (with anonymous submissions scored by the crowd), that was another computer feature.
The total price came out to $2500 compared to $5500 for the 82in DLP and stand. I had the money to spend though. I wanted to buy a huge HDTV cause I love watching sports and playing PS3. Blu Rays looked great, and the 1080P PS3 games are amazing.
The cost of that tv was about $4500 plus an extra $1000 for a stand. Got one of these, but I really didn't know much about them at first. So I bought theater seats with the money I saved. Sunday football puts you in the stadium and NBA games makes it feel like you are courtside. Then, the guy there took me in the theater room and showed me a Mitsubishi HC6500 on a 92in Projector Screen.
The projector setting was almost perfect, no adjustments really needed to be made. With my new theater seats, I am sitting in the luxury box. Well, I went into Best Buy to buy a Mitsubishi 82in DLP. NBA 2K10 looks so amazing on a 106in screen and the game is in 1080P. It looked amazing and the quality was better when we compared the two, the DLP TV had nothing on the projector.
Then, I went home and did some research and found that the Panasonic AE3000 was a better projector and I got an amazing deal on it with a 106 in screen. I watched the Dark Knight and the new Wolverine movie on the projector as soon as it came and I thought I was on the movie set it looked so live. Why buy a 60in for $2500 when you can get a movie theater in your home for the same price.
You do need to be level, though, or get a mount that allows horizontal tilt.Menus are intuative and vast. Only 160 watts. It is 1600 lumen - the room DOES have to be darkened for good viewing.Positives over the competition: 30 degree digital keystone correctionIndividual horizontal and manual lens offset - can be 100% above or below the scree and also even with the left or right side and still center picture in the frame (that means you do not have to line the projector and screen on centerlines). DO strain relieve your cables to protect the connector board assrmbly.===============First, the negatives:It does not have a 12v screen trigger (important if you have a motor driven screen).
Wait until you really need to (ie when it stsrts ahowing degradation at 1800 - 2000 hours). These things do have an infant mortality of a couple of percent. I would not hesitate to buy it again. There is a lot you can do in setting up. Uses less enegery than a plasma TV.Recommendations:1) USE ONLY CAT 2 CERTIFIED HDMI cable.
Otherwise use a repeater.2) Don't buy a spare a bulb. Keysone adjustment will allow tweaking. Or nothing if you wish.Remote is simple and works well when you point it at the screen (>30 ft range)Very consistent screen brightness.Histogram setup capability (not for the meek.).QUIET. 3) mount to joists or a stringer board affixed to adjacent joist.
UPDATE NOV 14, 2009.I have been using this projector for over 1/2 a year. Do not be fooled by Class 2 - that is an electrical code certification that designates the toxicity of fumes in a fire (a good thing), but has nothin to do with performance. CAT 2 is certifed for 340 mhz and can carry a signal 50ft. An OEM bulb from a dealer is warranted for 30-90 days after purchase, not service. MY chair is seven feet directly below the projector and you have to strain to hear the fan.No noticeable ozone production - cheaper, higher wattage can produce noticebale O3 with these strong UV lamps. This thing is heavy.4) get the Peerless mount sold here on Amazon - amazingly good mount. Odd ommission.
If you need extension get a 1 1/2 to 1 1/4 pipe adapter a 1 1/4 floor flange and som e 1 1/14 pipe, paint it and hange it - a lot cheaper and heavier duty that the Peerless accessory. Cannot overstate this. This unit has a well shielded lamp assembly. You may be buying a $350 lamp that fails in 20 hours and you cannot get warranty, because it's been sitting on a shelf for two years. Black Precision Gear Projector Mount (PRG-UNV)Thanks for reading my review.
I saw this projector last night at friend house, words are not enough how to discribe this projector, we tried all sort of dvd's and blue ray, all i can say is wow, last year i unstall the 2000, but this one is much better in picture quality, i tried several one's, DLP, LCD but the 3000 is something great, you dont have to be in total darkness to see the quality of picture, there were some lights around and picture was amazing.
So I am overseas military and I bought this projector to work on my PS3 and XBOX because there isn't really anything else to do in your off time out here. This is the greatest purchase i've made. It's every bit better then any tv/projector i've ever ownedThe clarity is second to none, I watched the Fifth Element the other day and it was amazing.I would recommend this projector at any price, but 2500 is cheaper then any other projectors that are not even as good. Just compare the specs and the contrast ratio and you'll be sold.
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