Projectors

[Sel]

Does anyone use a projector (not back projector TV) for a home theatre?

Can anyone recommend any models (or pros and cons of what you have) hopefully based on personal experience and available in thailand, but general comments welcome.

Main use DVD's/UBC/PC games.

Theatre room has mid level ambient light not direct sunlight

Would prefer to have 3 component cable (for DVD player) and VGA (PC) connections

Low fan noise would be nice

Looks, weight and size not important

Any places in bangers that have a good selection and hopefully able to see working?

Any other comments on projectors in general?

Thanks

[solo siam]

Hi,

We run a company specialising in Home Cinemas and the ilk.

I would strongly suggest that you buy the projector in Hong Kong or maybe Malaysia, Prices are almost half of what you pay in Thailand. The surround sound stuff isn't quite so expensive here, so you may as well source that here in Thailand.

In regards to a projector, I could recommend a Sanyo Z3 as a starting point - It has 1280x720 resolution and is probably good for up to 100" screen depending on where you are sitting. The price in Hong Kong from these guys http://www.hivizone.com/local-shop/projector.htm is $1,400 US.

In terms of hooking it up to the source (DVD player, PC etc..) your best bet is to use a DVI cable (10m one will run you about 8,000 baht), Soken do a cracking DVD player with DVI output (at 720p) for I think 7,000 Baht.

I use almost exactly this set-up but with the previous incarnation of that projector (the z2) and am very happy with the results - Blows a plasma picture out of the water (in light controlled room). Its up to you how big you want the picture but the bigger it is the more you will see pixels etc... and it will be less bright.

Spend a bit more money and the BenQ DLP's are quite nice, start at 2,500 US$ from the above named HK shop.

If you want help sourcing a screen, Cables, Surround system etc.. then Pm me.

All in all 150,000 Baht will probably give you a very nice starter system.

Oh the UBS will look crap on it, They compress the signal way too much here and the best quality lead from the UBC box is an S-Video lead - best thing to do when watching UBC is to shrink the image to say 60" or so which is just a case of changing the zoom. on the lens.

Edited October 3, 2005 by Ben@H3-Digital

[monty]

I use a Sanyo projector, and am generally happy with it.

Basically it will depend on your budget! Mine costed around 50000 Baht and being rather cheap has some limitations.

If you want to use it in ambient light you'll need a lot of Lumens. Mine has 1500 Lumens and this gives only high quality images when there's very little ambient light.

2000 Lumens and upwards would be preferred in ambient light, but you'll end up in a higher price bracket.

On the noise level, most projectors have a quit mode, but this will dim the projector light bulb, so only doable in darkish surroundings.

For films/ubc, the resolution is not important, for computer use it is. Mine has only 800X600 and this is rather low, but still acceptable for gaming. 1024X768 would be better, but again you'll end up more expensive.

DLP or LCD is difficult to choose. DLP has a much better contrast ratio, but some people are troubled by the so-called rainbow effect. Testing would be necesary...

I guess following model would suit you fine:

http://www.pantipprice.com/detail.asp?pd_id=PD0005481

[solo siam]

I would suggest sticking to a Projector with a widescreen (16:9) resolution, especially if the majority of use is going to be films/UBC.

for example a 1280x720 resolution projector will have nearly twice as many pixels as an 800x600, so less chance of being able to see individual pixels - Also when High Definition DVD player become available the 16:9 higher resolution will be necessary to get the best out of it.

[Sel]

Thanks very much for the useful comments

So a 1280x720 resolution would consistantly give a better picture than 800x600 if the screen size is increased right?

When they say that DVD widescreen quality? is 852x480 does it mean that having a higher resolution projector would only be worth it if you wanted the screen size say over 100" (jumbo, over 100" is pritty big)

I'll look at the links you guys gave in a minute.

I think HD may be an option that is'nt warranted for the next few years in Thailand as I understand it.

What model sanyo do you have monty?

[monty]

The Sanyo Z3 only has 800 Lumens, do you get acceptable results in a non darkened room during the daytime?

I know that due to the higher contrast ratio of dlp the Lumens are a bit less relevant .

The OP did specify that the projector should be usable in a room with mid-level ambient light...

I know the price difference can be quit big, but you run the risk of an extra airfare if you ever need the warranty!

Friend bought an expensive infocus projector in Singapore, roughly 50000 Baht cheaper then it costs in Thailand.

After two weeks something went wrong with the electronics (couldn't access menu's anymore) and he got another trip to Singapore. With airfare's, hotels/taxis and food his net gain was absolutely nothing, plus a lot of lost time...

[monty]

I have the PLC-SW35 from Sanyo. Pretty basic model, but serves me well!

Only has vga input (pc), video in and super video in connectors.

When in economy mode the fans spin down to get a reasonable quit running unit with very good image in a darkened room.

Can be had for around 45000 Baht at the moment.

[monty]

Check out this site, lots of info and know how about projectors!

http://www.projectorpoint.co.uk/projectoradvice.htm

[solo siam]

I wouldn't worry about the Lumens ratings, they aren't quoted reliably and most budget projectors use the same bulbs so will all be within a fairly close range. For example the Panasonic next to the Sanyo in that link is in reality an almost identical model, yet quotes 1,000 Lumens.

Ambient light is detrimental to all projectors, if you cant control it (curtains etc...) to some extent and don't want to spend bug bucks then get another type of technology (plasma or LCD Screen). I can just about watch my z2 with the main light on, but any direct sunlight and it just washes the screen out.

The Z3 is an LCD Projector.

The higher reolution will ALWAYS make the picture look better as the individual pixels are smaller, the projector should scale all sources to its native resolution.

The shop in Hong Kong will guarantee 0 dead pixels (make sure to ask) I'm pretty sure they won't in Thailand. Personally I think the warranty from Hong Kong would be a better option than the Thailand warranty, Have you ever tried to return electronics here.

That same Projector (the z3) that retails for 56,000 baht in Hong Kong was on sale here in Thailand for 119,000 Baht last time I looked.

If you get a 4:3 format projector (800x600, 1024x768 etc..) Then you are always going to get visible grey bars at the top and bottom of the screen.

Also as you correctly stated some DVD's use the resolution of 852x480 how will a projector with an 800x600 resolution scale that image considering it wont be able to 'fit' either into its resolution range, it gets distorted.

[Sel]

The Sanyo Z3 gets a favourable review here

http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/home_av/proje...9089240p,00.htm?

Hong Kong prices sound great. I presume they have the same electricity standards as Thailand. They mail international, any idea of the duty rate for thai for projectors?

I could cut out a lot of ambient light I suppose, to the level where there's no direct sunlight but the room would still have natural light. Hard to find thermal backings for curtains here.

Haven't found a review for the sanyo PLC-SW35 yet

[solo siam]

The Projectors are auto switching (Voltage), come with a UK/HK plug but just buy an adaptor for 50 baht.

Wouldn't bother officially importing one, duty will be 20-30% + VAT. for around 10,000 baht you can fly over to Hong Kong and spend a night there.

Alternatively get someone to bring it in for you, Projector easily fits in a hand holdall.

[Sel]

That wbsite that you gave monty is quite useful

They say about brightness (lumens)

"Home cinema users - you can skip this whole article, as all you need to know is that brightness isn't really important for home cinema, which is why there are very few quality home cinema projectors over 1200 lumens. Your time and money is better directed towards preventing as much ambient light as possible from hitting the screen surface, and get a specialist home cinema projector with high contrast and a good video processing chip."

and I suppose quiet

I had a look in IT city today in pantip. The InFocus X2 picture quality looked very good compared to the other 5 or so brands on display. (Though the screen size was only set to about 35" diagonal. They were reluctant to demonstrate on a larger screen) Only SVGA at 1700 lumens for 43900B in fact the cheapest in those demo-ed. Couldn't here how much noise it was making because of all the other sounds in the shop but after reading a few reviews apparently it's classed as too noisy (the fan) for home cinema.

Now I think i'm leaning towards better resolution than SVGA just to get a pritty big screen

[Sel]

I have little technical knowledge of surround sound. Just the basics of what it's suppose to do and that it has 5+base speaker (for 5.1 anyway)

What are the components. That is you need 5 speakers + a sub-woofer and what. And where do your cables go, to your projector or through your DVD player?

[solo siam]

I would recommend a digital Coaxial from the DVD player to the Surround AMP (SP/DIF), Speaker wire x 5 to all of the 5 speakers. Another (RCA type) lead to the subwoofer from the amps subwoofer out.

DVD player would be best hooked directly to the projector via DVI or HDMI these are digital leads.

Good amps would be;

Marantz, Denon, Yamahao, Onkyo

[Sel]

Thanks for the useful info

Ben I just read your reply on the home theatre thread

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...pic=45798&st=15

Where is good to shop for all the sound components?

When theres talk about entry level, is they're really a big difference as you go up in level for the averge person or do you really have to be a professional muso to appreciate the quality from high end, or is it a case of mine is bigger than yours.

I spose I'm askin - What are you missing out on if you go entry level and whats such a systems limitations? i.e. won't be loud enough, bare in mine for something like a 6x6x3.5 meter room (20x20x11ft), or destortion etc?

[solo siam]

Hi Sel,

For normal sized rooms volume will very likely not be an issue in terms of how much the amplifier can generate. As with most hi-fi and home entertainment you generally pay a lot more for a little more quality with the higher end units.

I would probably recommend buying the 2nd or 3rd from cheapest amplifier by any of those above mentioned manufacturers. The cheapest units are often fairly identical but with some pretty important features cut out.

Also make sure to buy speakers from a speaker manufacturer, of some note would be Paradigm and Mordaunt Short. Try not to get speakers that are too small, normal sized bookshelf size speakers are fine, and should be able to cover the entire music/sound range.

Don't worry too much about quoted volume in watts RMS, Different manufacturers quote differently when realistically 80-90 watts per channel is on par for that price level.

IMO if you haven't heard a proper home cinema surround sound setup before, the volume levels and crispness of sound will probably blow you away initially. Really even a 'starter system' is so far beyond what the little "all-in-one" packages can do.

[Thairish]

When I bought my system I prewired my house for 2 zone audio. Giving me a 5.1 surround Home Theatre and 2 outdoor speakers for the patio. The HT speakers had to be wife friendly so I choose the tiny Anthony Gallo Speakers. The projector I got is a decent lower end one, that I can run at half lamp to preserve lamp life with very little loss in picture quality. Saying that I had to make the room as dark as possible. My setup is listed below, this came in at around 250k baht.

Actually out of curiosity Ben what do you think of these speakers? I'm more a movie watcher than an audiophile type..

Hope this helps..

The setup I have is:

Boxlight Matinee 1HD 16:9 LCD Projector

http://www.avdeals.ca/boxlight/matinee1hd.htm

Onkyo TX-NR801 7.1 Channel AV Receiver

http://www.intl.onkyo.com/products/av_comp...r801/index.html

Anthony Gallo Acoutic Micro Speakers (5)

http://www.anthonygalloacoustics.com/

PB10-ISD SV Subwoofer (10" 300W)

http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm

Knoll SR62 In-ceiling Speakers (2)

http://www.knollsystems.com/prod-sr62.html

OS 100" 16:9 Projector Screen

http://www.osscreen.com/osi/products/index.html

Thule DVA100 DVD Player

http://www.thule-audio.com/products/dva100.htm

[solo siam]

Hi,

The Projector is actually a rebranded Sanyo Z1,

The Onkyo Receiver is nice but probably a little over the top power wise for the Gallo's.

Gallo's are nice speakers actually, no real mid-range so to speak but when the wife gets the last say (80% of the time) they make a nice compromise.

Those Knoll in-ceiling speakers are EXACTLY the same as the ones we sell, I'd be interested how much they cost you here in Thailand - We sell ours for 8,000 baht a pair +VAT.

Sub looks good, haven't heard too much about them but specs wise it looks fine.

The Thule is a nice DVD player.

In regards to wife approval, we actually sell in-wall speakers which are much the same as in-ceiling speakers but rectangular and designed to be built into walls, cabinets, entertainment units etc...

[TizMe]

If you are thinking about buying a DLP projector, make sure that everyone that you expect to be viewing frequently try it out.

When i bought mine (about 2 years ago), I tried out a DLP (can't remember the model now). The rainbow effect was really severe to my eyes. 3 other people that were with me didn't notice anything but to me it was like being in a hallucinogenic trip.

I finally settled for a Panasonic PT-L500U and I'm very happy with it. The room tha I've got it in gives me a screen of about 250cm or 100inches.

I use an Onkyo AV Reciever just for the pre-amp and use an Australian made Redgum 6 channel power amp with B&W speakers.

[Thairish]

Hi Ben,

The second reason I went for the Onkyo, was for the 'Nettune' feature, so when I finally get my ADSL connection I can get net radio through it, not to mention stream my mp3s! The similar spec Harmon Kardon, looks beautiful, but you need an external box to stream mp3s.

As for the Knolls I remember paying a similar price for them definately not more than 9000 baht (inc. VAT)

Actually I was glad about the lamp warranty of 3 months, as my first lamp dies almost 3 months in, so I got a free replacement!

As for in wall speakers I actually don't have enough wall space for them, my screen is in is surrounded by windows, I have black out blinds, the house is one of these modern contemporary, lets have lots of big windows type houses.

Cheers Ben,

Thairish

[solo siam]

Hi Thairish,

Where did you get the boxlight BTW? (was it Music & Movie lovers)

I like the Onkyo Receivers and prefer their sound to the Harmon (for movies).

Tizme

DLP's have come on quite a lot in the last few years with colour wheel speeds/segments, I'm betting that the newer models (especially the HD2+ and DMD ones) would cure the rainbow problem even for yourself who may be particularly succeptable to it.

[Thairish]

Ben,

Yes it was Music & Movie lovers, the whole deal I did with them. I was drawn in by the Gallos..

[nbee]

Ben,

Yes it was Music & Movie lovers, the whole deal I did with them. I was drawn in by the Gallos..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi

Where is a good place in bangkok to buy a stereo system for a restaurant / beach bar?

Thanks!

[Sel]

An update on what I bought

First thanks to the posters for their input

Bought a projector from hong kong Hivizone

Sanyo PVL-Z4 1000 lumens, 7000-1 contrast ratio

73,000 baht there abouts

Quick response time with emails and delivery

They didn't accept payment by credit card only wire transfers or cash. Luckily had a friend in HK that payed COD and the projector was delivered the day after confirmation by email and picked it up over the weekend.

The projector itself is awsome. Mates had a large LCD (the size of a door turned on its side maybe a plasma?) and blew their load when we hooked up the ps2 to the projector (about 15 ft on the diagonal as the wall in their HK apartment wasn't any larger). They'll be getting one for christmas.

Bought yamaha package for sound. RX-V357 (lowest model amp) with 2F, C and 2S. No subwoofer for about 24,000B from homepro. Does the job well but I'll probably get a SW later to see what improvement is made.

Using an older panasonic DVD player on an s-video cable for the moment.

[solo siam]

I'm glad you are enjoying it, You would be lucky to get a 32" LCD or Plasma TV for that price here in Thailand.

Make sure that ASAP you pick up a DVD Player with either a DVI output or HDMI, Make sure that it can do 720P. This will enhance the resolution of DVD's to that of the Z3, as its a digital signal it will be a very clear picture. These are available for around 6k baht here in Thailand, Soken do a good DVI one, then you just need to get a DVI-HDMI cable for 600 baht or so.

If you thought the projector was a clear image on a S-Video connection, it will be a very pleasant surprirse.

[gogreen]

Does anyone check this topic thread anymore? I have some rather complicated (to me anyways) projector questions and would like to see if anyone is available on this thread before I post.

[gogreen]

Probably just better to ask the questions.

- I would like to buy a projector in the USA and bring it over here to Thailand to use. I checked the specs. on some of the projectors that I wanted to buy and they all stated that they were able to receive PAL TV signals. Does this mean that I will be able to use those projectors to watch Thai TV without having to buy any additional hardware? Will the signal come in as clear as if I was to buy the same projector in Thailand?

- If I am primarily going to be using the projector for watching movies (sometimes TV watching) should I choose DLP or LCD?

- Does anyone have any experience using any Infocus projectors

Which models are better than others for primarily watching movies and TV?

Which models are loud/quiet?

Any problems with Infocus projectors?

- How much of a difference does 800 X 600 resolution compare with 1280 X 720 resolution? Basically, is the higher resolution worth the extra money (in your opinion)?

- How much of a differenct does 750 ANSI lumens compare with 2000 ANSI lumens? Again, is the higher brightness worth the extra money?

The room I would like to use this in can have very high or very low ambient light. I can easily control the amount of light to let in or keep out.

[bkk_mike]

800x600 or 1280x720

The answer basically is - what do you intend to watch on it, and how big a screen do you intend to project (and how far back from it will you be sitting).

If it's primarily stuff in widescreen, and especially if you have an HD source (like an XBox 360), or some other high-resolution source such as a computer - you're definitely better off with the 1280x720. If you're only going to be watching regular TV, the 800x600 is all you need as there are no HD broadcasts in Thailand currently.

High lumens is really to let you generate a bigger picture, and get around levels of ambient light that are really too high. If you can control the ambient light properly, you don't need 2,000 lumens. (although 600 seems low if you want a biggish picture).

As for taking a US projector to Thailand - you've answered the obvious issue of whether it copes with a PAL input, but you will still have issues with voltage (Thailand is 220v, US is 110v), and there's a remote possibility you could have an issue with the change in frequency of the electricity supply (Thailand is 50Hz, US is 60Hz).

(You can get around the 120v issue with a step-down transformer, but I don't think that will change the frequency).

A bigger issue in the long run could be getting a hold of 110v replacement lamps.

I personally believe that fan noise from the projector is less of an issue here, as there will generally be the background hum from the air-con to cover it.

The other way of doing things, if size really isn't an issue, and to keep the costs down, is to turn an LCD monitor into a projector. - i.e. look at http://www.lumenlab.com - that possibly seems a better way of doing things here, as it's cheap to get someone to build the enclosure for you, you can order the 240v parts, and LCD panels are fairly cheap.

Edited June 19, 2006 by bkk_mike

[solo siam]

Most projectors are multi-voltage and auto-sensing, although you would have to check that is also the case with projectors bought in the USA.

I would have to suggest a 16:9 projector, a 4:3 projector will be set-up and designed specifically for data projection, for presentations and the like - ALL home cinema projectors are 16:9 and designed from the ground up like that.

The Infocus projectors are quite good, even the entry level 4800 series are rather good for their price (although standard resolution 848x480), I use a 4805 in my bedroom at around 80" and its comfortable to watch with the curtains closed and the lights dimmed.

However, if it was me I would suggest either a Sanyo Z4 or Panasonic PTAE-900 - both are budget projectors but are incredibly good value and both support HDMI and 720P (1280x720). I've had a Sanyo Z4 up against an Infocus 7205 which costs around double the price of the Sanyo, and the Sanyo won in terms of picture quality.

[monty]

Hi, my 2 cents...

I have 3 projecters, an older Sanyo LCD (PLC-SW35 ), a brand new Benq DLP (mp610) and a brand new Epson LCD 5100 Lumens (outdoor 300" screen)...

In my opinion both the Sanyo and the Epson give very good quality, but I'm deeply disapointed by the Benq... The image isn't as crisp, the colors weird, the 2000 Lumens quoted is a joke, the Sanyo at 1250 Lumens is just as bright...

Do note, apart from the Epson, these are entry level projecters( 1000$)

For a pretty big selection and prices (in Thailand) check out this site

http://www.shop4thai.com/en/category/?cat=127

Basically I'm not really for importing things like that, since the savings (which admittedly can be quite big) can go straight out the window with any technical problems like guarantee, spare parts etc...