I Just Don't Get Video


At this years CES, I was able to catch the Faroudja demo, which some of you may have also seen.

I rarely watch television and dont get too excited about video, but I must say it looked AMAZING -- a scene from a recent (?) movie showing a high school drum corp competition or something.

Because I am clueless about video, I felt a bit like the audio neophyte that may like what he hears but just has no idea what he is listening to or where or how to attribute the quality or critique various aspects of the sound.

From what little I now understand, that demo used Faroudja's new DLP front projector ($12,500?) and a combination DVD player and video processor that I think is about another $10,000. Didnt ask about the screen but I imagine it costs more than a bedsheet as well.

Unfortunately, 12,500 is a bit more than I want to spend on the projector and my wife is lobbying for a 50" flat plasma screen at the foot of the bed.

Therefore, could someone please explain video processors and how they would impact my watching Time Warner Cable in HD in New York City?

Would a processor dramatically enhance the occasional DVD on my Sony 9000 ES?

Would it make sense to invest in a processor even if I went with a more ordinary and less expensive -- albeit HD - display device?

Or -- extra credit !! -- is there a bargain out there for last years model where I can get 90% of Faroudja's demo for < 50% of the price?

Thanks
cwlondon
There a number of DLP projectors(4:3,XGA) in the $2k to 4k (street price) that incorporate "some" faroudja processing (if not present in the dvd player) & will get you "80%" of the way towards the "best", another $1 to 2k for a screen & some serious blinds for ambient light control & you'll be set(and the screen doubles as a "bass trap" as a bonus)
Yeah...I saw that Faroudja demo at CES also. Very nice.
With the big screen they had, I thought you'd comment on the High-Definition life-sized swimsuit models !LOL!
You don't have to get a Faroudja. Check http://www.projectorcentral.com/rpt_top_10_free.cfm
Get a sub $2k digital projector with high light output (lots of lumens). Infocus X1 has 1100 ANSI lumens (IIRC) and the BenQ 6100 has 1500 ANSI lumens (IIRC). That should work well if you don't have total light control in your bedroom or living room. The entry level digital projectors have really come a long way in the last 2 years or so.

You could likely get a NEW sub $2k digital projector and sub $100 DIY screen which could subjectively get you 80% or that demo at 1/10th the cost. YMMV. The DIY screens are supposed be only be slightly worse than commercial screens costing $800-2000. YMMV. no it won't be 'true' HD c.1920x1080 but it *could* still be pretty jaw dropping for you.

Hang around in the sub $3500 projector forum on AVS and read the back discussions. Also search the screen forums for parkland plastic, gatorboard, and Behr 'Misty Evening' paint. It's scary the level of video performance a little over $1k can get you these days!
I guess when I see somethig great; I buy it;or it's little brother. You're going to be downsizing from the projectors mentioned. The best is always the best. WHY?? because it costs more. Do some looking around. Plasmas and these new tech rptv and entery level projectors ALL have trouble doing either blacks/ greys/shadow detail (darker sceens in movies) I say pick up a lower price plasma. The tech. changes so fast you'll want something better shortly. That way you wont loose to much. And, make the misses happy(which as we all know;makes us happier)Then get your self one of those 3 chip 25k Sim projectors. Oh yaa the Firehawk screen will be about 4k. No video processor needed unless you are using down-rez stuff like lazer/vhs tapes.