I'm going to buy my first projector soon - I'd love some comments etc.

[Karim D. Ghantous]

It has been a long time since I planned to install a basic but decent home cinema. The plan is simple: large display, stereo sound, multiple sources. I will no longer have a TV.

My plan is in two stages. This year, I have budgeted for an HD projector. Next year, I'll be able to go 4K, but I'll get to that below. I found a well reviewed HD projector which has good brightness, no rainbow effect, two HDMI ports, silent running (particularly in eco mode), not made in China, not too big, and under AU$1,000:

Epson EB-FH06 1080p 3LCD Projector White

Buy Epson EB-FH06 1080p 3LCD Projector White and school supplies at Officeworks. Enjoy free 2 Hour Click and Collect. Free delivery over $55 Australia wide*.

www.officeworks.com.au

The problem with it is that it has no audio-out, but I can fix that in one of two ways. I can use an HDMI splitter thingy (what are they called?). Or I can run audio-out from the source (e.g. the Blu-Ray player).

I am going to project onto the wall. I tested this with a cheapie projector I got secondhand on eBay. The paint on the wall does not show up at closer viewing distances. So it's sufficiently flat. I'm sure it's not a pure, clean white, but from my testing, it doesn't matter too much.

My main source will be a BluRay player. Secondary sources, if I use them, will be a VHS player, a LaserDisc player, and a games console. At one end of the room will be the projector, and at the opposite end will be the sources, the audio amplifier, and two speakers. Simple, but effective. The main idea is the huge screen.

So I have a question about BluRay discs. As far as I can tell, there is no NTSC/PAL distinction anymore for feature films. Is that correct? I hope so because it's just so much easier and logical.

Next year, I hope to go up to 4K. I'm going to buy either the Samsung or the Leica, depending on finances. These new generation projectors can be placed very close to the wall or screen, which means they can be placed right next to the sources.

TVs | The Premiere LSP9T Triple Laser Projector | Samsung Australia

Discover triple-laser technology for big-screen entertainment. Buy The Premiere LSP9T 4K Smart Triple Laser Projector at Samsung Online.

www.samsung.com

Leica Store | Leica Cine 1 120 inch Cinema TV

Leica stands for visual enjoyment and lasting value. Our approach and Leica's unique technical expertise make our optical instruments ideal companions offering the highest possible reliability and durability.

leica-store.com.au

Any comments and tips would be appreciated.

 

[Zack Birlew]

I have an Optoma HD27HDR that works pretty well, I got it because there was a good deal on a 3D glasses kit bundle on eBay and it was barely used. Looking around CES yesterday the problem seems to be brightness even on newer models so you may end up finding much brighter HD models versus 4K or 4K compatible models like mine until they figure out how to get brighter without breaking the bank. Laser projectors look to be the best way to do this but, like I said, even at CES with the new models on display I didn't see too much of a boost until stepping up to the top models so I guess we may see that not all lasers are created equally? Good luck and definitely do a double round of research before committing and also go for a very nice screen material. I went with a 120" quick assembly Elite Screens screen in case I wanted to go to my back yard with it, works pretty well and was supposed to help brighten the image with the material it used, not too expensive and thankfully so as I poked a hole in it on first assembly (doh!) but a little white gaff tape on the back makes it barely noticeable.