Hey guys,

Any home theater nerds around here?

Well, I'm looking forward to buy a Full HD projector for under U$700.

So far, I've narrowed down my research to the following models:

-Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 2150
-Optoma Hd-29 Darbeevision
-Benq Th683

Which one do you think is better? Any other suggestion?

Thanks!

 

Last edited by a moderator: Oct 6, 2018

You might want to post this in a home theater forum instead of a forum dedicated to pro audio as this will probably give more relevant answers.
Unless I am mistaken.

 

ran this maze myself this summer; nice topic

+1 optoma

the slight bump up from the hd29 is the
Optoma GT1080Darbee 1080p 3000 Lumens 3D DLP Short Throw (currently $704 on amazon)

Works unbelievably well for a 16'x9' basement screen, ceiling mounted just over 5 feet away from screen

but please do keep us updated on your choices :D

 

The GT1080 seems like a good choice, but my room is already set up with the ceiling mount about 5 meters away from the screen, so I'm afraid a short throw wouldn't work from this distance.

Did you buy the GT1080, after all? Do you like it?

 

+1 for the Optoma brand. The Optoma HD142X is a 2016 model but with 23000:1 contrast, 3000 lumens brightness and 3D, it's a really nice Full HD projector for the money and one of the top picks for 2018 in many websites like CNET and TechRadar etc. About 550 US in Amazon.
Ps: A buddy of mine has it, it exhibits excellent, almost cinema-like picture in a 108 inch frame. And he bought it for about 800 back in '16. Just keep in mind that the frame you 'll play your content on, can make or break the experience.
Cheers mate.

 

Last edited: Oct 6, 2018

my older setup from last year

i eventually built a proper screen instead of being ghetto and thumbtacking it to my wall at an obscene 200 inch display
hp laptop
built desktop tower on the floor
akai mpk mini
m-audio fastrack
casio ht700
yamaha djx2
m-audio triggerfinger
epson powerlite emp83




i used/use it for split screen running fl studio due to current space restrictions at home .
this powerlite is an older model i bought on amazon for about 100 dollars two years ago.
it wasnt too great for videogames on my xbox360 ,but for night time jams and such it works wonderfully.

i went with epson for the simplicity of being able to purchase bulbs and parts if needed. i suppose thats the one thing that isnt mentioned enough is accessibility to replacement parts

 

Last edited: Oct 7, 2018

+Another 1 for Optoma projectors. I have the 141 with similar specs. Colors are pretty good.
And yes, contrast and luminance will be much better if you invest in a quality screen.
Downsides: with 3200 Lumens, it needs a darkened room. Models with a higher lumen count are much more expensive.
Projector noise: is audible (a little more silent in eco mode). It matters wether you like silent documentaries or loud Hollywood-type soundtracks..
Personally, I'll go with an OLED TV in the near future. There's no (affordable) beamer that comes close to OLED.