Poll: Projectors vs Televisions

[BlindMessiah94]

So I just moved into a new place and rather than buy a new HDTV for gaming I am considering getting an HD projector and screen or just painting the wall black.

Does anyone use a projector system here, and give me a rundown of pros/cons or any advice?

I don't want to spend a billion dollars or anything, but If I buy one I want to make sure it is good and not gonna break down.

Thanks Escapists!

Also, I live in Canada, so I'd rather not buy something from some crazy Russian Dealer or anything Unless shipping is free

 

[DividedUnity]

Pro's youre projector is alot less of a target for bumping into than a huge tv.
Easily moved

Cons, a lot of excess light from a projector. You may need a set of heavy blinds or blackout curtains if you dont want the neighbours compaining

Those are the only I could think of, sorry

 

[BlindMessiah94]

I used a projector a few times. If you can get a good one, it's good, but good ones are quite expensive. You only really start getting great ones when you can pay ?800 (whatever that is in Canadian) or more, below that, they get rather low resolution, especially on big walls.

They're better, but harder to get and more expensive. Sort of like Vinyl vs CD.

That's what I figured. Right now I am using an old CRTV so anything is an upgrade really from that lol.

But I guess considering good HDTV's cost a few hundred dollars more maybe it is better getting a projector. Did you use a screen or project on the wall?

 

[BlindMessiah94]

I used a projector a few times. If you can get a good one, it's good, but good ones are quite expensive. You only really start getting great ones when you can pay ?800 (whatever that is in Canadian) or more, below that, they get rather low resolution, especially on big walls.

They're better, but harder to get and more expensive. Sort of like Vinyl vs CD.

That's what I figured. Right now I am using an old CRTV so anything is an upgrade really from that lol.

But I guess considering good HDTV's cost a few hundred dollars more maybe it is better getting a projector. Did you use a screen or project on the wall?

A fold down screen. Didn't cost too much, about 40 for the screen and 10 for the mounts.

Hmm that's not bad. Pretty reasonable. Know anything about brands to get or resolutions? I was looking at some cheaper ones but they go max at about 800x600 with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
What specs should I be looking for, bare minimum. I'm not heartset on HD or anything, though it would be nice.

 

[Vladamir69]

I say a TV. Im no technology wiz but i think that it is more economical to have a TV. From classroom experience projectors are more prone to breaking. and also the lifespan on a good TV is better then the lifespan on a good projector of the same price.

 

[RUINER ACTUAL]

I just got a new computer monitor when my HDTV started crapping out. If you just want to use it for gaming, get a monitor. They're cheaper, usually have better resolution for the price, and you can use it with your computer.

 

[Marter]

I prefer just normal TVs, but not really for any particular reason. They're also much cheaper.

 

[VZLANemesis]

Get a "high priced" big on lumens 720p model, projectorpeople.com is the best place to buy it, it'll be a thousand times cheaper than a 1080p model and the difference is negligible. Also, Don't even consider buying it unless you can control the lighting on the room you plan on using. Love my projector, would never buy a tv again.
(btw, it'll look better and be at kind of the same price range of a 30"+ tv)

 

[razormint21]

For gaming, imma stick with TVs. Movies look good on projectors since they are already edited and most are digitally mastered. Games don't have the same appeal for me though.

Besides, you need a clean wall, a dark room, and a large space to accommodate the projector's environment. You'll also may want to consider airconditioning for that room since you might want to avoid windows. You can also kiss bringing the projector on hotels or relatives houses goodbye for extended gaming trips because the configurations may not apply properly.

Biggest con, you can't game outdoors. Or at least at a space with open air and sunlight.

Imma stick with TVs

On another note, what do you guys think of this, TV-Projector hybrid?

http://www.ostendotech.com/crvd/

 

[BlindMessiah94]

More people seem to be TV fans.
As far as I can tell the cost difference is really negligible if I go high end with either a projector or a TV.

Get a "high priced" big on lumens 720p model, projectorpeople.com is the best place to buy it, it'll be a thousand times cheaper than a 1080p model and the difference is negligible. Also, Don't even consider buying it unless you can control the lighting on the room you plan on using. Love my projector, would never buy a tv again.
(btw, it'll look better and be at kind of the same price range of a 30"+ tv)

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

So far I like that a projector is easier to move than a TV, and less fragile.
I don't like that it is noisy and that you have to replace the bulbs.
I might try renting a projector and screen for a weekend and seeing what its like.