Muzzer Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 Hi Guys, Are larger and cheaper plasmas getting you to think that you might go for one of them rather than a projector system? Eg LG has released a HD 60" plasma with a built in Tuner for $5k retail. No, I'm not a fan of LG, it's just an example. By the time you buy a projector for say $3k plus a screen for $1k plus an HD Tuner for say $500 and cables etc you're up for the same price as the LG. But the projector has no sound of course in that price whereas the plasma at least has it's own audio system plus the projector has the consumables cost in the globes which need to be replaced every 2 to 3,000 hours whereas the plasma doesn't have any consumables and lasts at least 60,000 hours to half brightness. (20 years at 8 hours a day) Even if you could replace just globes in a projector you'd be up for about $500 times 8 = $4,000 additional cost but most LCD projectors definanately won't last that long because of the optical block degrading. The plasma doesn't need as dark a room as most projectors either. The obvious projectors advantage is that it'll enable a bigger image again at say 100" So I know this is a general discussion but what do you guys think? Does this put you off buying a projector or would you just buy both a plasma and a projector so you have the best of both worlds? A smaller 40" HD plasma for everyday viewing including news current affairs etc plus a projector and screen for movies and sports etc.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheresbaz Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 Hi Muzzer, I have a PJ in HT room and 42in plasma in Family/lounge room. If you can afford it, this is a great way to go. When wife or daughters want to watch a girl flick. I just watch the plasma which is great anyway. During the day for normal tv plasma is sensational doesn't matter how much light in room clear as a bell. If I had only one room and had to make a choice between PJ and plasma. I would probably go the biggest plasma I could afford even though I love my PJ for movies. Cheers Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzzer Posted April 21, 2007 Author Share Posted April 21, 2007 I guess one of the other questions here is "is a 60" plasma getting big enough to give you that big screen feeling that would make you see a projector as unnecessary?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheresbaz Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 It would depend on the room and what you were used to I think. If you had a PJ before I would say no. But if you never had a PJ I would say yes. Cheers Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roderick Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 I don't think there is much doubt that projectors are an endangered species -- at least in the long run. When large flat sceens are availible in sizes of 2 metres, or more, for the cost of todays 50" HD plasmas there won't be many projectors sold anymore. The need for a totally dark room is a disadvantage that front projectors will never overcome. Give it 5 to 10 years and big screens will become much lighter and thinner -- very easy to wall mount. For LCDs, new backlighting technology will ensure a much thinner screen. I hear nanotechnology is enabling paper-thin, big-area light souces with a very wide gamut. I'm sure plasma technology won't stand still, either. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c912039 Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 Hi Guys,Are larger and cheaper plasmas getting you to think that you might go for one of them rather than a projector system? Eg LG has released a HD 60" plasma with a built in Tuner for $5k retail. No, I'm not a fan of LG, it's just an example. ... Nope, the plasmas have to 'grow' at least another 40" before I would think of swapping. ...A smaller 40" HD plasma for everyday viewing including news current affairs etc plus a projector and screen for movies and sports etc.? I have a 36" HD CRT for everyday viewing. The projector is for movies, and the occasional sporting event Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foggy Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 It's not just about the screen size. There's an ambience about using a projector that just makes the movie feel more enjoyable. It probably has something to do with having the dark room and light being thrown across it, which recreates the cinema experience. Viewing my plasma just feels like I'm watching TV, whereas darkening the room and firing up the projector brings forth an anticipation of something grand, a special event.... it's hard to describe, but it's definitely a more involving experience, and one that can't really be broken down into a cost per inch/hour calculation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheresbaz Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 It's not just about the screen size. There's an ambience about using a projector that just makes the movie feel more enjoyable.It probably has something to do with having the dark room and light being thrown across it, which recreates the cinema experience. Viewing my plasma just feels like I'm watching TV, whereas darkening the room and firing up the projector brings forth an anticipation of something grand, a special event.... it's hard to describe, but it's definitely a more involving experience, and one that can't really be broken down into a cost per inch/hour calculation. Hey Foggy, You have a way with words. I am excited just thinking about watching a movie tonight. The ambience, the light being thrown across it, the involving experience. I'll have what he's having. Hehehe. Cheers Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 It's not just about the screen size. There's an ambience about using a projector that just makes the movie feel more enjoyable.It probably has something to do with having the dark room and light being thrown across it, which recreates the cinema experience. Viewing my plasma just feels like I'm watching TV, whereas darkening the room and firing up the projector brings forth an anticipation of something grand, a special event.... it's hard to describe, but it's definitely a more involving experience, and one that can't really be broken down into a cost per inch/hour calculation. Totally agree with you Foggy, the ambience of watching a movie on my PJ far outways any movie experience on the plasma. We simply use the plasma for normal TV viewing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gino Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Personally for me, it doesn't matter if it's a plasma or some other sort of flat screen or a projector. So long as it fills my needs... I just don't see flat screens getting there and at a comparable price point for over a decade. I'd like to see a 4m flat screen do what my projectors are doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foggy Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Hey Foggy,You have a way with words. I am excited just thinking about watching a movie tonight. The ambience, the light being thrown across it, the involving experience. I'll have what he's having. Hehehe. Cheers Bill I always keep a box of tissues in my HT for just such an occasion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheresbaz Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 I always keep a box of tissues in my HT for just such an occasion! Thanks for the tip foggy. Thats what I like about this forum the sharing of the little things that help make the movie experience so enjoyable. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomohawk Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Well that got inappropriate quickly. I've found the noise from the projector's fans off putting on many occaisions which would seem to say that the plasma might be better. But you just can't get the same size from a plasma. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheresbaz Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Well that got inappropriate quickly. I've found the noise from the projector's fans off putting on many occaisions which would seem to say that the plasma might be better. But you just can't get the same size from a plasma. I can honestly say I cannot hear the projector during movies. SanyoZ4 which is ceiling mounted pretty well above seating position. Whats innappropriate about wiping tears from your eyes when watching tear jerkers. We are just in touch with our femine side. Cheers Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilsact Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 I don't think there is much doubt that projectors are an endangered species -- at least in the long run.When large flat sceens are availible in sizes of 2 metres, or more, for the cost of todays 50" HD plasmas there won't be many projectors sold anymore. The need for a totally dark room is a disadvantage that front projectors will never overcome. Give it 5 to 10 years and big screens will become much lighter and thinner -- very easy to wall mount. For LCDs, new backlighting technology will ensure a much thinner screen. I hear nanotechnology is enabling paper-thin, big-area light souces with a very wide gamut. I'm sure plasma technology won't stand still, either. Rod Projectors will always have a market. Whilst other technologies are getting better, projectors aren't just sitting still waiting to be overtaken!!! They are also getting better and better with each model, as well as cheaper...like other big screen technology. And I doubt whether a 100" + alternative will come along at a competitive price anytime soon, and I definately wouldnt be putting off my viewing enjoyment for '5 to 10 years' in case something does:) For that real movie experience you need a totally dark room anyway, so I don't see this as a negative with a projector......with those night time movie sessions, who watches their plasma, rear pro, or LCD with the lights on???? Dark rooms are always better where possible. I agree with others, if budget is available a plasma, as well as a projector/screen is the way to go for that real movie feel. Projectors just have that 'real' movie feel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foggy Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 I think you'll find that most of the newer projectors have negligible fan noise. My 8720 is mounted about 2 feet above my head, and I can't hear it. Yes, as Bill said, there's another benefit of watching movies in the dark, the wife can't see your tears during the soppy movies. :ph34r: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highjinx Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Perhaps the pixel density provided by Oled may/will be the end of projectors........! Plasma ain't a match currently..........try sitting 1.5 screen widths away from one...screen door city! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gino Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Perhaps the pixel density provided by Oled may/will be the end of projectors........! Yeh ok.... show me the 169" version for under 6 figures and I'll take it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweet Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 One great advantage of a projector is portability, try moving a 100" flat panel display from one state to another or sending it back D.O.A I have two projectors,but a 100" SED in place of one.... anytime. Contrast is everything in image presentation and this is where manufacturers of projectors need to give greater attention in order to compete with the likes of SED . C.M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franin Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 One great advantage of a projector is portability, try moving a 100" flat panel display from one state to another or sending it back D.O.A I have two projectors,but a 100" SED in place of one.... anytime. Contrast is everything in image presentation and this is where manufacturers of projectors need to give greater attention in order to compete with the likes of SED . C.M I think projectors have come along way.I was showing my mate the sim 2 domino d35 which he his happy to buy off me and he was amazed by the picutre quality.I think there are projectors out there that better most plasmas is in detail and all the other aspects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAVX Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 And on a personal note they (plasmas at 1.78:1) are just the wrong shape... Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franin Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 And on a personal note they (plasmas at 1.78:1) are just the wrong shape...Mark Hi Mark, what your thoughts on the new JVC DLA-HD1? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EZYHD Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Like some we have both. Watch TV on Plasma like local shows, current affairs, news etc, sports and DVD's on PJ. See under my Sig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yamapro Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 And on a personal note they (plasmas at 1.78:1) are just the wrong shape...Mark Agree Totally. The best thing about PJs is the flexibility with placement and the chance to do a CIH set-up. And as good as a 60inch Plasma at $5k may be a 120inch PJ at 4 times the screen size for $3.5 - call it $4 with a screen is a far better proposition for any serious home cinema... especially when it can then be upgraded to CIH to really bring the Cinema experience home and all for a very small upgrade cost... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilsact Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Perhaps the pixel density provided by Oled may/will be the end of projectors........! Plasma ain't a match currently..........try sitting 1.5 screen widths away from one...screen door city! Haha...... I'm putting off on that new car, until they master hydrogen power;) Seriously though..... If you keep waiting for the next big thing, you will be waiting a long long time, and missing many years of viewing enjoyment. Decent plasma, LCD, and projectors are now only getting down to affordable levels, the new technologies will take many many years away before they are both competitive and affordable.....and then there will be something else on the horizon that promises even more!! I honestly think people get way to caught up in all the hype and specs, and forget to just relax and enjoy what they have now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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