Projectors?

I'd also like to try front projection without spending much money, and a starter setup like Firnlamb describes seems ideal, but I'm concerned that Geoffgarcia is right, and that a low cost setup will require watching in darkness. We now use a 14 watt super daylight florescent mounted on the wall behind the 40" LCD monitor for room illumination. That level of illumination is adequate for us, but I worry that it may be too much for low cost front projection.

My target would be something like a Sony VPL-60 with a 92" Stewart FireHawk SST screen, but that's at least a $5K setup.

db

I just installed the Panasonic PTAX100 recently, paid $600 with new bulb and I have no complaints, Projector and screen for $800 shipped..........a no brainer.

I guess going with LCD OR Plasma,on a little smaller size and saving for a better projector makes the most sense.Thanks for everyones time.

Be patient. Prices are dropping rapidly. What used to cost $25K 5 years ago, can now be had for $2K. Be patient, I suspect the rate of price falls to continue, with even better picture quality, better reliability, easier maintance and set up. That is, unless of course, the US dollar doesn't hold up it's end of the bargain.

I use a Sharp XR-20X Projector. It throws an incredible image from 25 feet away onto a 240 inch diagonal screen. Very bright projector. You can buy them for around $800 at Fry's Electronics. Killer bang for buck projector. Plays 720p and 1080i.

You will love this projector.