Projectors and screens

[yello]

I'm looking to get a projector and screen for showing movies in my den (yes, I have a den!)

Things is, I know nothing about them. I've looked at a few specs, read stuff on a couple of forums but I'm still none the wiser. All tech speak to me.

All I want is to show films (not interested in powerpoint presentations!). Doesn't have to be state of the art, super quality (though HD capability is of interest).

I know some projectors can read files (.avi, .mp4, .flv, etc etc etc etc) from a USB stick, that'd be a useful feature as it'd save running cables etc.

I'm intending to ceiling mount the projector and have the screen around 4 - 5 metres away.

What sort of questions should I be asking myself? What sort of things should I be concerned with?

Any pointers appreciated.

 

[derrick]

the one below is nice, waste of money buying a cheap one,

http://www.audiot.co.uk/products/optoma-hd87-full-hd-projector-1855.aspx

 

[yello]

Thanks for the link but, for my uses, it's a waste of money spending that much! I'm looking at maybe £400 tops and I know you can get projectors within that budget. I'm not looking for the real cinema experience, I just want t watch films periodically. If it can't be done at that price then I'll not bother.

 

[crazy580]

You can get a fairly decent projector for about £450, I recommend Optoma, but a screen might set you back another £80-£100.

 

[dalewheeler]

Got away with projecting onto a plain (light cream painted) wall for many years, until the girlfriend moved in and we got some patterned wallpaper :-(
Keeping as much light out of the room is important, especially sunlight which you have no control over

 

[crazy580]

Blackout blinds are excellent for keeping the light out

 

[soulful dog]

Got away with projecting onto a plain (light cream painted) wall for many years, until the girlfriend moved in and we got some patterned wallpaper :-(

Yep, paint the wall a single, light colour and save yourself the cost of buying a screen. My brother uses a projector as their main "TV" in the living room, and you get a cracking picture on the wall. Just close the curtains at night and it's like being in your own wee mini cinema. Not so great in the summer mind you!

 

[yello]

I'll have to get a screen as painting the wall is not an option.

It's the projector I'm more concerned about, I haven't got a clue what to look for!

 

[515mm]

Jump onto the sevenoaks or audio-t websites and see whats available ex-dem. An lcd projector(PJ) will be nice and bright but a dlp pj will have better picture quality - much more filmic looking, but will need a darker room.
Look at the throw ratio of the PJ. The greater the number, the bigger the image for a given distance from your screen. 5m distance will give you a 2.5m image measured horizontally. Remember to place the centre of the LENS opposite the centre of the screen. Most PJs have an off-center lens. PJs that are a couple of years old from a store should be dirt cheap - ask about the bulb usage. Most PJs will need a new bulb after about 3000hrs. Negotiate on that basis - any serious offer won't be refused, especially in the current climate!
Ah, just seen you habite France - same rules apply but with French stores!
Optoma,JVC, Panasonic and Epson are all good, reliable makes - you should be able to pick up something tasteful for your 400 notes. Try phoning your nearest store and explaining what you're after. I would not buy an Infocus as there is nowhere in the UK that can repair one at the moment.