looking for insight on a Front Projector

[mbajner]

looking into getting a front projector and screen. never had one before so looking for those that have experience with this type of setup. looking in to 2,000 to 2,500 price range. reading reviews and comments and noticed issues with all, none are perfect.

Mark

[michael hurd]

There are a lot of great bargains if you don't mind used, on most of the forums you will find people constantly upgrading. Research the projector first to see if it is going to be bright enough ( projector central has tests on projectors with the actual measured lumen output ) as well as if it will be suitable for the amount of vertical offset and to see if the throw distance / screen size will work for you.

Most of the projector companies have a distance calculator like this:

http://www.optomausa.com/distancecalculator.asp

Once you have a projector mounted in your room ( or even set up on a table at the appropriate distance ) you can evaluate screen samples to choose which screen will be right for you.

[mbajner]

looking at the Panasonic PTAE4000U, the price is around $2,000

has a good rating from projector central and lens has a good zoom ratio for easy placement and has power zoom and focus which is hard to find in this price range

not sure of the screen size yet

[rigma]

IMHO the best bang for the buck in that range is the Epson 8500 UB

[Youthman]

I have the 3000u and it's a great projector. The 4000u should be great as well. I have some reviews and lots of screenshots in my build thread in my signature.