Confused... Projector or Plasma???????

Mrjstark,

Thanks for the advice.

I'm at a disadvantage living in Santa Barbara unless I want to drive 30 miles or so, because the only serious effort to demo front projection is by a retailer who shows only $10K+ projectors. I saw a Sony VPL-50 with Stewart GreyHawk screen in Reno, and was amazed, but there are undoubtedly other great setups I just don't know about. I do read AVS.

We actually live in Montecito, a village adjacent to SB popular with movers and shakers in the entertainment industry. In suspect there are some grand home theaters in town, I just don't know of them.

Db,
Thanks for the tip and I have a friend who used just that idea for his wall but I have a fireplace and mantle on the wall I need screen on so I had no choice but get a pull down model which arrived today, its a very budget Matte 84' unit so wish me luck!

Chad,

Let us know how it turns out. If it isn't too personal, you might also give us a ballpark idea of the cost of projector+screen. I'm a complete novice with front projection, and would like to get my feet wet with a setup that I'm likely to replace. At even $3-5K I'd feel more or less committed. OTOH, a too cheap trail setup might not be a good test.

db

Dbphd

This is a very nice budget system: Well under $3,000

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z5.htm

http://www.carada.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=PROJECTION-SCREEN-P120P

Dave

I bought a Panasonic PT-AX100U 720P LCD unit which is 2000 Lumens and 6000.1 Contrast, it works well because I can have lamps on and still keep it in economy mode, I payed $600 with a brand new bulb.
The Screen is Da Lite 84' wide screen Matte, manual pull down unit for $150 including 3 day shipping.
Many know I am disabled and on fixed income so I simply cant afford a better system but other than the blacks not being as deep as I would like it really is a great picture, with my Lexicon DVD player I can really further its performance as it has many adjustments, HDTV looks stunning and even 480I content is acceptable.
I have a Sony XBR WEGA tube HDTV which is arguably the best picture period so I have that for critical veiwing, the Projector is mainly to serve my Audio room without affecting the soundstage.......it just happens it is both cheap and large.....and quite nice!
All in all I am thrilled with its performance for what I payed for it, even on my wall while waiting screen to be installed is alot of fun, this Panasonic recieved 5 star ratings across the board, not because it was the best but because it is so good for the money it is a no brainer.
There is new 200 model which is really the same except it has a game mode for Xbox players to optimze it for gamers.
In close for my application and intended use I really cant see going all out for a high priced unit, yes I know there are much better units but for me its Audio first, this is simply a great and cheap compliment to my new room.