Another new 720p projector for $999

[Ralph Kramden]

The new Benq W500 LCD projector is due out late November. It's native 1280X720, 5000:1 contrast ratio, hor. and vertical lens shift, dynamic iris. There's info on the main page at Satelliteguys.us. Now there's two 720p projectors coming out for $999. The other one being the Optoma HD70 DLP. It's a beautiful thing.

[SRW1000]

This is an amazing time for home theater.  I don't think many would have guessed that these prices could fall this quickly.

I really like the dynamic iris and lens shift of the Benq, but much prefer the picture of a DLP.  Too bad they couldn't combine the best of both.  I guess we'll have to wait until next year for that.

Scott

[Ralph Kramden]

I'm a DLP fan also. I'm very interested in the new Optoma HD70, 720p DLP projector, priced at $999. But it doesn't have lens shift(if you need that). There's a couple threads going at Avsforum.com about it. "Guitarman" already has one and he's posted a review on it.

[SRW1000]

I'm a DLP fan also. I'm very interested in the new Optoma HD70, 720p DLP projector, priced at $999. But it doesn't have lens shift(if you need that). There's a couple threads going at Avsforum.com about it. "Guitarman" already has one and he's posted a review on it.

I saw that post.  There's no doubt that either one is a bargain.  It'll be really interesting to see what this market looks like in another year.  1080P, maybe?

If anyone reading this is wondering how to get the biggest bang for their HD buck, and has the right space for a projector, you should definitely look into these projectors.  100" HD image for less than a grand?  Simply amazing.  Pair it up with an HD tuner, HD DVD player, or an Xbox 360, and you have got an incredible experience.  Movie night would never be the same again.

Scott

[krauts]

Hey Ralph,

I think I talked to you awhile back about the Infocus 5000 projector. Well I never did get it. I tried a few times on eBay but never won any auctions. Now that the Hd70 is out, hopefully I will be ordering that one shortly.

[Ralph Kramden]

I'm very interested in the Optoma HD70 also. It got a pretty good review at Projectorcentral.com, and a couple guys at Avsforum.com already have it, and speak pretty highly about it. I want to upgrade my X1 projector in a few months to a 720p DLP.

[krauts]

I just picked up the HD70 during CC's recent sale. 10% off , 100 rebate and $50 gift card. No matter what anyone says on avsforum, for 750 its a great deal and it will serve me just fine. If anyone else was following the threads on avsforum, it got pretty carried away. Based on price I was thinking about the infocus 5000, but this should be much better.

I am going to Home Depot today to try and find do able board and make my own 100'' screen. If anyone is interested in the results let me know.

I also have to get another box from TW to get my HD content. Unless comcast takes over this week. I just read the other thread.

[Ralph Kramden]

Krauts, I'd love to hear your "review" of the HD70 after you get it set up and adjusted. I'm interested in the HD70 and the new Mitsubishi HD1000. I plan to upgrade in 2-3 months. I've been following the HD70 threads there also, and I know what you mean. The HD70 tweaker's thread had to be closed for a few days for guys to cool down. Does Circuit City still have the 14 day, 100% money back guarantee for projectors? They did 2 years ago when I bought my X1 projector.

[krauts]

I'm not sure if that have that or not. I bought it onlnie as the local stores were all out. I have it mounted and currently it projects 106'' at about 13 feet back. I can adjust and make it smaller if needed. I haven't been able to find do able board. I have to try the Home Depot in Sheboygan today and see if they carry it. I believe the biggest you can get with do able is 100'' which should be fine as well.

[Ralph Kramden]

Are you considering any other screen choices if they don't have it? My first screen was blackout cloth, but I replaced it after 6 months because it was too dull white. Then I painted a sheet of MDF, and it's worked out great.

[krauts]

i didn't find do able tonight. after reading avsforum i guess you really can't find it anymore. they had another product that is close but i have to find out if the do able was a dull finish or shiny. this stuff was dull but every sheet was dented or crappy in some short. Otherwise another home depot had a real thin sheet of white stuff and that may work. I'll have to read up on it some more. I didn't want to have to paint and worry about what paint mixture etc, so that is why i chose the do able route.

what color did you paint your mdf? how many coats etc?

[Ralph Kramden]

Another popular DIY screen is a sheet of Parkland Plastic. It comes in 4'X8' sheets, but it's only 1/8" thick and flimsy. I looked at it but decided against it because it would be too hard to mount it. Do you have a Menards or Lowes near you? They might have the Doable board. Those are popular with people who don't want to paint, along with blackout cloth. I used a sheet of 1/2" thick MDF and painted it with Behr Ultra Pure White, flat finish, from Home Depot. I used 2 coats of white primer, then 2 coats of paint, sanding lightly between all coats. I used white because my room is painted very dark, and I have total light control. I needed MDF bigger than 4'X8', so I ordered a 5'X8' sheet from my local lumberyard. Home Depot, etc. only stock 4'X8' sheets. Also, MDF is available in 1/4" thickness(if you want the lighter weight).

[krauts]

what is your final screen size then? If i stay with 106'' do able wouldn't work anyway. i might end up making my own with boc then. are there any reasonably priced 106'' screens out there? between material and time I wonder how much mroe I would have to pay for a regular screen (not homemdae.)

Anyone here looking to part with one about that size?

[Ralph Kramden]

My screen is 106" diagonal, 52"X92". You can buy a pulldown screen for $100-$150, but they tend to develop wrinkles. If you do buy one, make sure you buy a tensioned screen. My BOC screen cost about $40 to make. I used 1X4 pine.

[krauts]

Well I ended up making a diy BOC screen yesterday. It ended up being 104 inches diagnol. I moved my cable box from my other TV and watched a taped episode of Mythbusters and it looked fine. I turned on the World Series game last night and it looked awesome in HD not to mention everyone was huge. I haven't done any tweaking yet, but it really looks good in my opinion. I was too busy enjoying it to worry about tweaking. Once I get the rest of the basement done and a new DVD player hooked up then I might have some time to refine all the settings.