May 07, 2008

The Economy of Backyard Theaters

It's that time again. Soon you'll be savoring long, hot nights, and looking for ideas for bigger and better entertainment that doesn't cost too much. So, how will you enjoy those summer nights? How about outside in your very own backyard theater? Sound like a dream? It's not. And it's probably cheaper than you think. Read on.

The Cost of Doing Movies

So let's do a little math. If you were to take your (2) kids (or a date) to see all the big movies coming out this summer; how much would it cost you? Here's a list of just a few of the 2008 Summer Movie releases and their tentative release dates (source):

Iron Man in theaters May 2nd
  • "Iron Man"    (May 2nd)
  • "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"    (May 16th)
  • "Indiana Jones 4"    (May 22nd)
  • "Kung Fu Panda"    (June 6th)
  • "The Incredible Hulk"    (June 13th)
  • "Get Smart"     (June 20th)
  • "Wall E"    (June 27th)
  • "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D"    (July 11th)
  • "The Dark Knight"    (July 18th)
  • "Star Wars : The Clone Wars"    (August 15th)

[ photo: Iron Man is scheduled for release May 2nd, 2008 ]

Now you might not see all of these movies in theaters this summer. In fact, the average family goes to see just about eight movies a year in movie theaters ( source Nielsen). But since you are reading our story, it's likely that you like movies more than the average American. So, let's pretend you actually do want to see all ten of the movies listed above. Below is an approximation at what you would spend:

Estimated Cost for Seeing Ten Summer Movies

  • Adult tickets: 2 @ $9 = $18
  • Kids tickets: 2 @ $7 = $14
  • Refreshments aprox = $20

    • -----------------------------
  • Total per movie = $52

  • $52 per movie x 10 movies = $520
  • ( Resale / Investment value = $0 )

(If you don't have kids, then you can factor in the cost of the kids and refreshments as about what you'd pay for dinner and a movie if you were generous enough to pay for ten with a date or friend.)

Now you've spent $520 on movies, and what do you have to show for it? You'll have the experience, which was hopefully positive, and if the movie was good enough, you'll want to pick up the DVD when it comes out. Other than that, you're pretty much out the $520 bucks. Now if you love movies, it's probably worth it for the big screen experience, the quality time with family, and the movie popcorn.

But what if there was a way to watch movies on the big screen, experience quality time with the family, eat healthier popcorn, and enjoy the great outdoors all summer long with one simple investment?

Low Cost, Better Investment Big Screen Entertainment

A Backyard Theater does not require additional space inside the house, but rather takes advantage of space you have outdoors. Some use their garage door as a screen and set up their temporary outdoor theaters in the driveway. Other folks will take the time to rig up a semi-permanent backyard theater, complete with a projection screen and an outdoor sound system.

Cost of Budget Backyard Theater Component:

  • Low cost projector = $449 and up (example NEC NP100 is coming soon!)
  • Twin size bedsheet or tarp = $10
  • Portable speakers (computer or regular AV)= $35 - $60
  • DVD player = probably already own
  • Component video or HDMI cable (depending on source) = $35 - $99
  • Bug spray = $5 - $10

    • -----------------------------
  • Total = $534 - $628
  • Resale / Investment value = better than $0

[NEC's new low-priced NP100 is coming soon and just might do the trick. It's $499 with a $50 rebate for a limited time.]

But wait, there's more!

So, while the cost of the projector will vary, you can find yourself in for as little as $550 or so. That's just a few dollars more than your ten movie summer. Plus, once the summer is over, you can think about where to set up your projector indoors for the upcoming NFL football season, the holidays, and beyond. Our own anecdotal evidence shows that houses with home theaters will sell better in a tough economy than houses without a home theater.

How to Choose a Projector?

There are a number of important considerations for buying a projector. We have updated our Backyard Theater Buyers Guide from last year for your reference. We made this guide because considerations for backyard use only, might be different from the projector you might choose for a permanent installation in a dedicated home theater like these [ see photos of our customer's dedicated home theaters. ].

Survey Says

A number of American's (about 20%) report that they would prefer to watch movies at home (source). After you get your home theater, you might just be one of them!



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May 02, 2008

Screen Savers - Are Low Cost Screens a Good Investment?

One of Projector People's most frequently asked questions is, "Do I really need a screen?" Our answer to that is usually: "That depends on you."

Some projector owners are perfectly satisfied by an image projected onto a white wall, but those who want the best looking image for their home theater will opt for a screen. In this increasingly HD driven market, recent giant price reductions on HD products are driving record sales, and leaving buyers some additional dollars to make that HD image look it's best. So not choosing a screen seems like a bit of a waste when you've upgraded to HD. But how do you know how much to budget for a screen and how much better do projected images look with a screen anyway?

What are the benefits of a Screen?

Back in the old days, pre-millennium, screens were used to help boost the appearance of brightness from your projector. Shiny glass beaded surfaces actually reflected more light than the projector could generate on its own, and helped to create brighter looking images from those old 400 lumen business projectors.

Today, projectors less than 1000 lumens are no longer being developed for business purposes, and are also less common in home theater products as well. In business settings, matte white screens have become more popular, keeping a bright, true picture to accompany high brightness business machines.

Going Gray?

Gray screens are very popular in home theater applications because they improve contrast ratios, for deeper blacks, and richer colors. This is particularly true in home theaters with some ambient light, since the gray material will reflect less light glare. Gray screens also reduce the visible pixel structure in LCD and DLP projectors. Spaces between pixels on LCD and DLP projectors are black, and they virtually disappear when projected onto a gray screen.

There isn't a significant price difference between a gray screen and a matte white screen in most instances. Ask a Projector Expert when searching for the best price. They can help you determine which screen size will work best based on your room configuration, select the best material for your space, and they may be able to quote you a lower price than we advertise.

The Velvet Border

Fixed frame screens often come with a velvet border. A border does more than add a finished look to the screen. It also helps absorb light that 'leaks' off the side of the screen. In a movie theater, the drapes perform a similar function. Fixed frame screens (most common in a dedicated home theater space) do not all include a velvet border, but they are a very nice feature to have. One low-priced fixed frame screen option is the Elite ezFrame screen. Starting at just $375, the Elite screens are priced very competitively, and include a velvet border. Take a Flash Video product tour of the Elite ezFrame Screen »

How Much Should I Budget for my Screen?

Here is a general price breakdown for a few of the most popular screen options.

  • Gallon of Matte White Paint: $20
  • Screen Material (DIY screens): $12 per square foot ($300 for a 92-inch screen)
  • Low cost Fixed or Pull Down Screen: $149 - $799
  • Fixed Screen with Border: $375 - $2,199 (Elite ezFrame)
  • Electric Screen: $799 and up.

Quick Tip: What's a Foot Lambert (Ft.L)
The light reflected off of a screen is measured in a value known as foot-lamberts. The foot-lambert value is a good way to determine overall brightness because it factors in the screen gain, as it is combined with your projectors brightness, and the location of the projector. Foot-lamberts = Projector lumen rating / square feet of your screen x screen gain.

For questions about rear vs. front projection, screen size recommendations, mounting suggestions, and more, consult our Screen Guide »

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November 28, 2007

A Wii Projector?

Nintendo Wii on Epson MovieMate 72 Projector a Hit with the Neighbors.

Wii Projector - Epson MovieMate 72

"Is that a Wii projector? Where did you get it?" More than one passerby asked this as we played our Nintendo Wii on a 100-inch screen filled by the Epson MovieMate 72 projector in our front yard. At one point, we literally stopped traffic on our side street as someone stopped their car just to ask about our setup.

[ Photo: Screenshot of the Nintendo Wii on a 100-inch screen filled by the Epson MovieMate 72 projector in the front yard. ]

Because the Epson MovieMate has built-in speakers, and decent, powerful ones at that, setup is literally a snap. Get power to the projector, plug in the Wii, and play. We use the wireless sensor bar so that we can have the Wii next to the projector without the cord to the sensor bar getting in the way of our movement. The MovieMate speakers are loud enough for outdoor use, even when we had a dozen people chatting while waiting to play.

How Does the Epson MovieMate 72 Perform with HD Movies?

Wii Projector - Epson MovieMate 72

As the name implies, the Epson MovieMate 72 is not just a "Wii projector." It is an all-in-one digital projector with built-in, up-converting DVD player. It is actually the very first of it's kind to include built in HD (720p) native playback. It is full 720p (1280 x 720) resolution and 1200 lumens bright. It produces a beautiful image with very rich blacks. (See the video of a scene from The Polar Express as displayed by the Epson MovieMate 72 in our front yard this past weekend too.)

The MovieMate 72 has four 5-watt speakers built-in. These speakers are loud enough for groups of 10-15 people. But for larger audiences, or particularly chatty children, then the Epson MovieMate 72 also has an optical audio and subwoofer outputs so you can connect to more robust speakers if you wish.

So, what will an all-in-one, portable Wii and movie projector cost you? The Epson MovieMate 72 is $1,199. It is in stock now at ProjectorPeople.com and it qualifies for free ground shipping.

Images of the Epson MovieMate 72 in action


Screenshot of the Nintendo Wii on a 100-inch screen filled by the Epson MovieMate 72 projector in the front yard.




Nintendo Wii Bowling on a 100-inch screen filled by the Epson MovieMate 72 projector in the front yard.




Playing a scene from The Polar Express on a 100-inch screen filled by the Epson MovieMate 72 projector in the front yard.



Video of the Epson MovieMate 72 in action


The Nintendo Wii in action. Of course as it is with any YouTube video, things are slightly compressed in the video. It looked very good, even though the Wii isn't a high-definition source (480p) and we used just a regular composite cable. The MovieMate 72 handled the conversion well, and the image looked good even at 100-inches plus.

We also ran the Wii on the Panasonic PT-AX200U a few weeks back. The Wii is just fun in general, but make your Mii life size, and somehow the fun gets kicked up a notch. Who knew? Now if only I could find a Wii in stock to buy my mother for Christmas!



Here is the Epson MovieMate 72 again... this time showing a scene from The Polar Express. No cables were needed to hook this up (except the power cable), since the MovieMate has a built-in 720p DVD player. The sound you hear is coming out of the projectors built-in speakers.




One more look at The Polar Express on the MovieMate 72.

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October 30, 2007

Panasonic PT-AX200U Front Yard Theater

Panasonic PT-AX200U outdoor movie night This time of year in Florida is perfect for outdoor movie nights. So, I took home the new Panasonic PT-AX200U this weekend for some family fun on the front lawn.

Here are some shots of our setup and the PT-AX200U in action. We are shooting on a white, twin sheet stretched across my front porch. Not an ideal surface, but this ends up giving us about a 110-inch image in 16:9 format. With that size, the 2000-lumen brightness rating of the Panasonic PT-AX200U really makes a difference. The video came to life as the sun set. The easy lens shift and wide zoom range also made setup a snap. Once connected, it took just seconds to aim, zoom and focus the image to fit our space. Connection was easy too. Just one HDMI cable from the AX200U to the Oppo Digital DV-981HD. From there, the DVD player connected to our receiver, which powered our speakers on the porch.

Panasonic PT-AX200U showing Brad Bird's The Iron Giant

Panasonic PT-AX200U showing Miyazaki's Kiki's Delivery Service

We watched two videos that I have seen countless times before. (We have a five-year-old.) They were both animations – The Iron Giant directed by Brad Bird, and Kiki’s Delivery Service directed by Hiyao Miyazaki. I had never experienced these DVDs as films on the big screen and the experience was remarkable. I noticed details I had previously missed. Our day-to-day TV is a 1080p LCD, so it is not for want of resolution. The change in pure scale is what changes the experience of the content. Now I know why Panasonic so adamantly pursues the director’s original intent.

Panasonic's Cinema 1 Mode

The Panasonic PT-AX200U, like the other Panasonic home theater projector models, has a “Cinema 1” mode. Panasonic recommends this preset for viewing movies. In pursuit of the film director's original artistic vision, Panasonic employs leading Hollywood film colorists to tune the color space of the projector to match the color of the original film as closely as possible. Their Pure Color Filter can adjust the light spectrum to produce a level of light that maximizes the performance of the LCD panels while expanding the visible color range and producing richer blacks.

See more photos, video and features of the Panasonic PT-AX200U

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April 26, 2007

Epson Home CInema 1080 Home Theater projector

Kevin Johnson, Epson Home Cinema 1080 owner since April 2007 says...

"A little over a year and a half ago, I went to a buddy's house and was astonished as he showed me a movie on a 10 foot wide screen. Afterwards, he showed me how he did it using a small shelf-mounted LCD projector across the room. I was instantly hooked...

Click here to view full showroom » or for more images from this amazing theater, please visit Kevin Johnson's own Flickr show »

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Panasonic PT-AX100U Home Theater projector

Walt Baker, Panasonic PT-AX100U owner since March 2007 says...

"The Panasonic PT-AX100U projector is installed in our Family Room, which is 24 feet, by 25 feet with a 13-foot ceiling. Our Family Room is the central part of all of the entertaining we do...

Click here to view full showroom »

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Sanyo PLV-Z5 Home Theater projector

Russ & Mandy Cummins, Sanyo PLV-Z5 owners since January 2007 says...

"I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone at ProjectorPeople for their advice and assistance in getting me exactly what I needed to complete my home theater project. I worked with Mike Norton and he was very helpful in answering all of my questions. After all of the comparisons were done I decided to purchase the Sanyo PLV-Z5. This projector was very affordable and easy to install...

Click here to view full showroom »

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February 21, 2007

Panasonic PT-AX100U Home Theater projector

Bobby Benson, Panasonic PT-AX100U owner since December 2006 says...

"We made our purchase with the "Projector People" in December of 2006. Sarah was very helpful with this purchase. She understood we were looking for the biggest bang for our money...

Click here to view full showroom.

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January 11, 2007

Sanyo PLV-Z4 Home Theater projector

Larry and June Rigg, Sanyo PLV-Z4 owners since February 2006 says...

"I would like to tell you how thrilled my wife and I are with our new Home Theater. It all began with a desire to make better use of our Netflix subscription and your kindness and helpful expertise. The quick education I received from you and your on-line calculator helped us to choose the right projector and achieve something we have always wanted, but didn't think we could afford...

Click here to view full showroom.

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November 16, 2006

Home Theater Holiday Headquarters!

The holidays are here again, and our Projector Experts have been busy delivering answers to your questions. To keep with our tradition, we have dedicated our Tech News to fielding some of your most common home theater inquiries.


Where can I learn more about projectors for home theater?

If you are new to projectors, our Tutorials area is full of information to get you up to speed. We suggest you start with our Home Theater Buyers Guide to learn the basics. There you will find information like brightness recommendations, lamp life expectations, letterboxing, and more. Or, if you prefer more in-depth information, try taking our Home Theater Crash Course where you will learn more about resolution and video, and about how projectors interpret formats.


Can projectors display both 16:9 and 4:3 video?

Native Projector Aspect Ratios

Yes! In fact the vast majority of projectors can easily do just that. However, you will see black bars at either the top and bottom or the sides of your image when you are not displaying content that has the same native aspect ratio as your projector.

In some cases, even with a widescreen projector, you will still see black bars on your image. That is because some movies were filmed in formats wider than 16:9. See our FAQ page for more.

Remember that this question is also relevant to your choice of screen. Generally speaking, you should select a screen which matches the native format of the projector.

Check out our Guide to Aspect Ratios to learn more about whether 4:3 or 16:9 format is best for you.


Are there differences between home theater and business projectors?

Yes. There are a number of similarities between projectors designed for business and those designed for home theater. However there are also distinct variations that will create night and day performance differences.

Those ultra-bright business machines may seem like a great choice for home theater, but remember that projector lumen ratings are usually measured in their native modes. A 4:3 projector will be brighter in 4:3 mode than in its widescreen mode. 16:9 native projectors are typically measured in widescreen, so their lumen specifications should be more comparable to actual use. It's also usually the case that brightness in home theater specific projectors is measured in video mode, while a business projector's brightness is measured in the much brighter data mode. That's worth considering if you are planning to watch primarily video content in 16:9 mode, like HDTV.

Video processors are also typically better in home theater projectors, making for fewer artifacts and noise in the image. Home theater projectors will also be more likely to have the popular HDMI connection, while business machines will often have the DVI-D connections which are more common on computers.


Do I need a DVI or HDMI connection to get a high-definition image?

HDMI inputs

DVI and HDMI are some of the latest high-bandwidth digital connection types on the market. HDMI and DVI both carry high-definition signals, and are becoming increasingly more common connectivity options. Standard component video cables can also carry analog high-definition signals, also common.

These days home theater projectors and other consumer electronic devices seem to be standardizing on the HDMI format. Business displays, on the other hand, are more likely to include a DVI input to match outputs from computer sources. The biggest difference between component video and HDMI or DVI cables is that HDMI and DVI cables carry a digital signal. A component cable runs HD content in an analog signal. When analog signals are interfered with, they can suffer from static or ghosting. With a digital connection the signal is either on or off. When the signal is interrupted the screen turns 'blue', otherwise the image is (theoretically) perfect.

See our Deciphering Cables and Connections guide to learn more about the best cable choices for your money.


What kind of equipment will I need to create a complete home theater?

There is more to a complete home theater than just a projector. See a Typical Home Theater Scenario to learn what others often include in their home theaters. Roll over the items you see in the image, and read the information listed down the right hand side to learn about each item.


Realistically, how large an image can I expect to achieve with a projector?

Most manufacturers will specify the image size they recommend for best results. That number usually ranges between 30 to 300 inches.

Football on the House

But, a projector is not a fixed-resolution display, so you can actually make an image significantly larger, can be a lot of fun for get-togethers. Backyard movie theaters or football parties (see image to right) have become more common, and because projectors are so portable, setting up your projector for special occasions isn't a major trial.

However, in dedicated home theaters, following the manufacturers recommendations will provide you with optimum image quality. Images larger than specified may create visible pixel structure, and will magnify any flaws in the video signal.

For a quick look at how the most common video sources will display on a projector, check out our Display Sources guide.


Does my projector need to have a lot of inputs?

Home Theater in a Box

If you purchase a projector as a part of a complete home theater system, it is a good idea to invest in a receiver, switcher, or video scaler. Video projectors may have more than one DVI, HDMI, or component input. But in a dedicated home theater space, the projector will be installed several feet back from your screen and potentially far away from your components (DVD player, VCR, gaming console, etc.). You can use a single cable to connect to your projector, and can connect all other sources (with shorter and cheaper cables) through the receiver, scaler, or switcher. It will also be easier to add an additional component should you invest in an upgraded or new source.


Why should I wait to purchase a projector screen?

Projector People recommends that you buy the projector before purchasing a screen. Why? Because with even the best-laid plans, stuff happens, and in most cases returning a screen is a serious pain, if it can be returned at all.

Install your projector first, start it up, and use it as you would with the screen installed. Pay attention to details: Is the projector blocking the view from any seat? Will your door block your screen? Is the image too large or too small for the space? Is my image too dark? Too bright? Does it need richer colors or deeper blacks? Once you know your concerns, we can direct you to a screen that fits your needs.

Quick Tip: If you have painted your wall a dark color, as is suggested in dedicated home theaters, get ahold of a white sheet, painters drop cloth, or tape a bunch of white sheets of paper together to create a lighter surface.

Check out our fast and easy Screen Selection Guide for more tips.


Did It Themselves - Home Theaters

Home Theater Showroom

Ever wonder what other people's home theaters look like? Visit our Customer Home Theater Showroom to see the passionate work of some our most industrious home theater enthusiasts. From dedicated home theater spaces to modified living rooms, Projector People customers have created some of the most fabulous home theaters in modern times, and the majority did it all themselves.




How do I get the best prices on my home theater equipment?

With these prices, who needs Santa?

If you have decided to purchase your home theater equipment from Projector People, may we just say "excellent choice." So how do you get your best price on your projector and accessories? You already subscribe to our newsletter, which provides weekly price reductions and special offers directly to your mailbox, but here are a few more suggestions:

Still have questions? Call a Projector Expert today for the best advice and the best price on today's best home theater projectors and accessories.

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July 27, 2006

Panasonic PT-AE900U Home Theater and XBox gaming projector

Joey Shipley, Panasonic PT-AE900U owners since May 2006 says...

"Just wanted to share with everyone how much ProjectorPeople helped me out. I didn’t have a lot of room and some what of a small budget. I needed a projector that was going to make me feel like I wasn’t in my apartment, but rather in front of the silver screen, take care of my gaming needs and still be able to run my PC on it when I felt inclined to do so. So after a bit of reading on ProjectorPeople and...

Click here to view full showroom.

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April 20, 2006

Tech News: Future-Proofing Your Home Theater

Future-Proofing Your Home Theater

The high-definition home theater market is booming, which means manufacturers will be providing more options for you. Does that mean your old equipment will become obsolete? Nah, not for some time. But if you care about future-proofing your home theater we have a few tips and tricks for you.


Future-Proofing Must-Haves

These are the must-haves in future-proofing. The 720p projector, a 16:9 screen (or space on the wall), HDMI or DVI cables/sources, and a 5.1 or better sound system.

Projectors of the Future
If you want HDTV quality video right now (and why wouldn't you) you should definitely invest in a high-definition projector. By high-definition we mean at least 720p resolution. You will see a number of different native resolutions (WXGA, WXGA-H, XGA) which can produce a 720p signal. All of these resolutions will do the job, although WXGA or WXGA-H are preferable if you mostly watch HD (16:9) content on your projector, particularly if you are not fond of the 'black bars.' XGA is a native 4:3 resolution.

There will be native 1080p projectors coming soon, but they are likely to fall in the $8,000-10,000 range when they hit the market. 720p native projectors are a more comfortable $2,000, with rebates and incentives making them even less expensive. See our selection of 720p projectors here (select WXGA or WXGA-H resolution).

Quick Tip: If you plan to invest in a screen, the 16:9 aspect ratio is your best bet for future-proofing. HDTV signals broadcast in this native format, and HDTV is the future of television, as well as your best option for watching movies from HD media. If you won't be purchasing a screen, make room for a 16:9 space on your wall.


Cables of the Future
One of the few "givens" in future-proofing your home theater is the dominance of HDMI or DVI connections as the primary HD connection type. In fact, HDMI is looking to be the connection of choice for consumer home theater. HDMI carries both HD audio and HD video, and seems to handle longer cable runs better than DVI. Both DVI and HDMI will produce the coveted digital to digital connection that makes HD look so good.

If you have an HD receiver (cable box) which has DVI and a display with HDMI, never fear. A simple HDMI/DVI converter can be purchased to make the connection. We sell the converters for about $29, so it won't break the bank.

Quick Tip: If you are installing cables, run an HDMI or DVI cable whether you have a source with that kind of output or not. We offer a special cable that has both component and HDMI (or DVI) connections so that the transition is extra simple when the upgrade comes.


The Sound of the Future
HDTV sound has a minimum of 5.1 channels. That iccludes a center speaker, two left, two right, and a subwoofer. If you want the full HDTV experience, investing in a 5.1 system is a must. Good sound will make any image look better, and it will make your space feel more like a real theater. There are also 6.1 systems that include one more speaker opposite the center channel speaker (behind your head). Projector People offers a 6.1 system from Tannoy that is phenomenal for the price. We also offer an exclusive 30-day money-back guarantee if they don't knock your socks off. They start at $599.00.

Quick Tip: It probably goes without saying, but we should mention that you will also need an HD receiver along with all of your components. You can either spend a few hundred dollars and get a receiver from a consumer electronics store, or you can ask your cable/satellite company for their HD box. There is typically a monthly charge ($5-15) just for the box itself, and there may also be an upgrade charge (if you don't already have digital service) to factor in. There are far more HD channels than ever before, so there is a greater demand for the HD boxes. In same cases there may even be a waiting list. So the sooner you put in your request, the better. Even on your regular television, the HD images will look a little crisper.

Highly Recommended Extras

Some additional recommendations for future-proofing include a universal mount, up-converting DVD player, re-tensioning screen, and a USB programmable remote control.

Up-converting DVD Player
An up-converting DVD player will take your existing DVD library and maximize it for HD viewing. There are a number of options, including the popular Oppo, which sells for right around $200; a great deal less than it will cost you to replace your (most likely 480p) DVD library with high-definition versions (remember what a pain it was to purchase all your VHS tapes on DVD?).

Quick Tip: The $200 up-converting DVD player is a great option, even if you think you may upgrade in a year or two. Though many people have their opinion, there is no clear front-runner in the HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray competition.


Universal Projector Mount
The universal mount may save you the expense of a new mount if you should decide to get a new projector. They fit about 90% of current projector models (mostly those under 18 lbs.) and are very reasonably priced. We offer Universal mounts from both Chief and Peerless. Peerless also offers a telescoping bar which allows you to adjust the distance of the mount from the ceiling.


Nice to Have

Some cool stuff you might consider for your home theater.

USB Programmable Remote Control
A Harmony USB programmable remote isn't really a future-proofing device, but it is futuristic. With the most advanced remote from Harmony you can operate all components from one easy-to-use remote control. And what's even cooler, is that you can also train it to perform functions in one click. For example, if you want to watch a movie, you can simply push one button called "watch a movie" and the remote will turn on the projector, the DVD player, and switch sources on your receiver, all with one click, just like they did on the Jetsons.

Re-tensioning Screen
The re-tensioning screen is a very cool option from Draper. After a few years use, tensioned screens will stretch slightly, making for a slightly droopier appearance. The re-tensioning screen (Draper Onyx) has wires inside of it which can be tightened when the stretching settles in. The screen can be adjusted just a couple times, but since the stretching takes awhile, this should keep your screen nice and taut for several years.



Summary Components of a Future Proof Home Theater

    First Priority
  • Video Projector with native HD resolution ( at least 720p)
  • 16:9 aspect ratio screen (or wall space)
  • 5.1 or 6.1 surround sound system
  • HDMI/DVI cables (run them even if you don't need them just yet - stick with 720p minimum resolution)
  • HD receiver from your cable or satellite company.
    Highly Recommended Extras
  • Chief or Peerless universal projector mount
  • Up-converting DVD player (stop-gap while Blu-Ray and HD-DVD duke it out)
    Nice to Have
  • Harmony USB programmable remote control
  • Re-tensioning screen (like the Draper Onyx)

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March 09, 2006

Mitsubishi HC3000U Home Theater projector

The Blansett family, Mitsubishi HC3000U owners since December 2005 say...

"I bought a non-HD big screen in 1999, knowing that in about five or six years HighDef TV would be a little more affordable. When I heard the Xbox-360 would support HighDef I knew it was time to buy. I choose the Mitsubishi HC3000U, mainly because of the new chip technology and...

Click here to view full showroom.

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February 27, 2006

Real Life Viewing on the Big Screen

Let's take a look at common sources you might use with your home theater.

Television

NTSC Broadcasts (regular television)

Rabbit ear antennas are not as common as they used to be, but there still may be a few folks out there using over-the-air broadcasts as their primary television source. If you are currently getting good reception on your small screen TV, you will get decent results with your front projector. This is not the optimum arrangement, however. Those imperfections you see as reception fades are only amplified on the large screen.

Image Quality: Low to OK


Cable TV (satellite or terrestrial)

More common than NTSC broadcasts, cable television is a giant improvement in picture quality. With most cable services, there are both standard definition (480i) channels (typically below channel 100) and high-definition channels. You may have noticed that cable signal quality varies from home to home based on external factors like the length of cable from the outlet and the strength of the signal reaching your home.

High-definition cable services offer more high resolution (typically 480p, 720p, or 1080i) options. These high-def services convert all signals, even local channels, to a digital signal, which means you should receive consistently better looking images across the board.

Image Quality (Regular Cable): Good to Very Good
Image Quality (High-definition Cable): Very Good to Excellent


Home Video

With DVD and VHS players, there are two factors to consider. The source material (i.e. video or DVD movie) and the player. The general rule, as the saying goes, garbage in - garbage out. High-resolution source material will most likely look better on any display, be it low or high resolution. The best results will come, obviously, when high-resolution source material meets a high-definition player. Here's a little more about VHS and DVD players.

VHS and S-VHS Players

Remember the day when 4-head VCRs were the best thing ever? Well the good news is we have come a long way since those days. The bad news is your old VHS tapes won't perform terribly well on the big screen. However, for a gathering of friends and family (without Uncle Videophile) the image will look OK. If possible, s-video will provide a better image than composite video.


There are some S-VHS players available that can produce high definition resolution (usually 480p or 720p) images with high-definition videos. This is a somewhat niche product, and may be more difficult to find some of the titles you are interested in. However, when a high-definition combination is reached, S-VHS will look very good on a high-resolution projector.

Image Quality (4-head standard VHS): Low to OK
Image Quality (S-VHS): Good to Very Good



DVD Players (standard, upconverting, and high-def)

DVD players come in different varieties. Most will match current NTSC resolution output of 480i resolution. However, there are new DVD players which can convert standard NTSC up to a 480p (progressive scan), 720p, or even 1080p image. These new DVD players are much less expensive than they used to be, and cost less than external scalers but cannot upconvert all incoming signals as an external scaler does.

Image Quality (standard DVD player): Good to Very Good
Image Quality (upconverting DVD player): Very Good to Excellent
Image Quality (high-definition DVD player): Excellent


Video Game Consoles

If you enjoy playing video games, you haven't really lived until you have played your favorite games with a 120-inch screen. But to get the best image, gamers will need to invest in the high-definition cable options. Most game systems ship standard with composite video cables, which cannot carry high-resolution signals. For the best looking images from your game console you should order a component video (or at least S-video) cable. There is talk of next generation players offering HDMI outputs, which will give you the best image.

Quick Tip: Select video projectors with picture-in-picture can allow you to view more than one video source from your projector. A great feature for team gaming. Be sure to check that the projector can run two live feeds for picture-in-picture. In some cases the projector may only be able to do computer and video simultaneously.


Cables and Screens

Your cable and screen selection will also affect your final image. Our guide to cables and connections will walk you through some cable basics, but the short version is this: HDMI, DVI, or component video will give you the best image. The brand of cable can also affect picture quality, as cheaply made cables are less able to protect the signal from interference. Consult a projector expert for more about which cables will work best for you.

Quick Tip: Shorter cable runs usually mean less interference and better picture quality. However, when longer runs are necessary, cable quality becomes more important and distribution amplifiers may be required.

We are often asked the question, "Do I really need a screen?" The answer to that question depends on you, and what kind of image you are trying to achieve. The right projector screen can make a huge difference in your final image. Gray screens will help improve the appearance of black in an image, and are a good choice in rooms with some ambient light. In controlled environments, a matte white screen might also be a good choice.


Last But Not Least… the Projector Factor

So far you have learned that both your source material (broadcast signal, DVD or VHS movie) as well as your source input (cable box, game console, DVD or VHS player) all factor into creating the best looking images. But the road to the ideal image doesn't stop there. Getting the right video projector is the final element for perfect projection.

The single most important specification in home theater video projectors is resolution. If you purchase a WVGA (480p) projector, you will never have the benefit of seeing native 720p resolution in action, no matter how good your source, or source material are. However, WVGA will cost you a few hundred dollars less that WXGA - H. And if you don't have any high-resolution sources, it is a low-cost way (some as low as $799) to get a very big screen. But if you can spend the money, WXGA-H is going to look better and allow you to 'future proof' your home theater.

Quick Tip: Higher contrast ratios (2000:1 - 7000:1) are also desirable in home theater projectors. For more about projectors such as, brightness recommendations, aspect ratios, and differences between DLP and LCD, call a Projector Expert today, or visit our tutorials section.

Image Quality WVGA (480p) projectors: Good
Image Quality WXGA - H (720p) projectors: Very Good to Excellent


Wrap-up: The Essential Elements of an Ideal Image

  • High-definition cable service (satellite or terrestrial)
  • Upconverting or native high-resolution DVD player
  • Receiver with high-definition output
  • Game console with component video output (or at least s-video)
  • WXGA-H video projector with component, HDMI, or DVI input.
  • High-definition source material (DVDs or S-VHS)

Have more questions? Call a Projector Expert today for the best advice and the best price on projectors for work and home.

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January 11, 2006

Panasonic PT-L500U Home Theater projector

Cliff Miller, Panasonic PT-L500U owner since January 2005 says...

"I had been looking for a 'big screen' option since I put in a home theater area in the house over the winter of 04. A friend of mine, who had been using projectors for HT use for years, suggested that I check it out online. I worked with Sarah B. at Projector People and finally landed on Panasonic's PTL-500U. The overall experience (both customer service and home viewing) has been amazing.

Click here to view full showroom.

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October 28, 2005

A Home Theater Under the Stars

Rich and Lisa Morgan have turned their back yard into a showplace for movies, football and even PlayStation.

By ELIZABETH BETTENDORF

Published October 28, 2005

LUTZ - Beneath an old Florida canopy of lanky oak and pines trees, Rich and Lisa Morgan watch a captivating show against the night sky.

Yes, there's a scattering of stars overhead.

But there's also another kind of outdoor entertainment this evening: a Disney movie.

The big screen isn't at a long lost drive-in, but on their patio outside their cozy, art-filled house in Lutz not far from Nebraska Avenue.

"Our friends think it's really cool," explains Lisa, 37. "They say, "How did you do that? Where can I get that?"'

Of course, they fall in love with it. A tented gazebo with wicker furniture offers an outdoor living room for kicking back.

And prime seating for the night's event.

The movies play on a 12-by-9-foot screen that Rich - a projector sales representative and amateur outdoor theater designer - made from a $12 painters' drop cloth. The poles are PVC pipe. He added grommets to hoist the drop cloth into the trees with a rope. A small, $999 Sanyo LCD projector plays the nightly flick. The image is as crisp as the moon on a fall evening.

The family can watch movies, football, even use a PlayStation.

Setup was a cinch: He ran a cable to the audio visual system in the house; a couple of speakers nestled in the planters provide surround sound.

Their two children, Amelia, 4, and Adam, 21/2, watch enraptured.

"It really beats going to the movies," says Lisa, a stay-at-home-mom and artist whose paintings of sailboats, woods and beaches fill the walls of their small house that backs up to a wooded county park.

"We wait for everything to come out on DVD and then watch it together at home."

A longtime salesman for Projector People, a local company that sells projectors on www.projectorpeople.com Rich has been known to cart his 9-pound model PLV Z2 projector to block parties and even to the country, where he has shown movies to friends on the side of barns and in the middle of fields.

It's a true "high-definition projector," said Rich, 37.

His point?

Even if you don't have big bucks to blow on an entertainment room or big-screen plasma TV, you can still watch movies on the big screen, stylishly and for not a lot of money.

And with little technical skill.

"Most people think you have to live in an MTV crib or be a rock star to afford a home theater, and it's just not true," he says. "Projectors are so much cheaper than many big screen TVs and the quality has just gone up and up and up."

If you live in Florida, you can enjoy outdoor movie watching year-round. The setting can be adapted to anyone's taste or preference.

The Morgans' outdoor theater area is beautifully designed and romantic-looking. It has a hand-laid flagstone patio, a pond that Rich built, a curtained gazebo and canopy of lush trees.

The only drawback is the cost of replacing the projector lamp - $300 to $400.

"But even if you show movies a couple of times a week, (the lamp) should last you three to four years," Rich says.

For the Morgans' annual Halloween costume party, which also celebrates their anniversary, dozens of guests mingle while movies play on the big screen outside.

"Halloween is very special to us. We love Halloween," says Lisa, who grew up on Davis Islands and met Rich back when he played guitar locally in an 1980s rock band.

Dangling from the rafters are dozens of fuzzy handmade spiders with pipe-cleaner legs she created with her daughter.

"We show kid-friendly (movies) first, then, when it gets late, scary ones for the adults," Rich says.

Guests watch outdoor movies and mingle in the renovated house that's a tribute to Lisa Morgan's art skills. Handpainted murals adorn the walls in the children's rooms. The theme is nautical in Adam's room, in deference to their love of sailing. They sail their small Catalina 25 sloop out of New Port Richey, a regular weekend outing that includes the kids and sometimes their 120-pound chocolate lab, Buddy.

When the weather's too hot or cold for outdoor movies, the couple relaxes in movie-theater comfort in their lodge-style living room, where Rich affixed a similar, but more permanent, roll-up screen to the ceiling beams.

Still, there's nothing like watching a flick on the patio, they say, something their friends will enjoy this Halloween weekend.

At a party, no one's really watching, he says. It just provides a back drop for fun.

Kind of like at the drive-in.

At home.

[ originally published in the St. Petersburg Times, October 28th, 2005 ]

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August 18, 2005

What's New in Home Theater Projection?

The past year has brought change to the world of projectors. From price reductions in high-definition and entry-level projectors, to longer lasting lamps, the latest in projection technology will lead to more projectors in the hands of savvy home theater consumers.

High Resolution Under $1,000?

Two years ago we saw the first video projector (InFocus X1) drop below the $1,000 mark. These low-priced projectors were typically SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, and ranged in brightness from 1,000 - 1,500 lumens. While not ideal for home theater specific use, the low prices popularized the projectors in both home theater and business applications. Currently there are dozens of products available in this price range, most of which provide a decent video image. See our list of projectors under $1,000 here.

High-resolution home theater projectors are also getting less expensive. Native high-definition (720p) signals are now commonplace, and can be had for as little as $1,049 (Sanyo Z2 LCD projector) on our site today. High-resolution DLP™ home theater projectors have also seen price reductions, and can be purchased for as low as $2,499 (BenQ PE8700 HD2+).

Image Presets

Sometimes you want the technology you use to just know what you want, without having to do anything. That's a part of the idea behind image presets. With an intuitive menu, and available image presets, you can train your projector to remember your settings and implement them at the touch of a button. It's a handy little feature for people who use their projector during the day and at night in rooms where ambient light is not controlled. For example, you create a setting that boosts the brightness during the day for a brighter, clearer picture, and can have a nighttime setting that lowers brightness and increases contrast. Image presets aren't new, but are an increasingly popular feature in home theater projection.

DIY Installation Assistance - Lens Shift, Optical Zoom, and Centered Lenses

Lens shift has become much more common in the past year, with many more manufacturers including it on their home theater products. Lens shift is a function that allows for easier positioning of your projector in installed environments. Some projectors provide room to move the lens within the housing left or right, and up or down. Using lens shift will produce better results than using digital keystone correction because it maintains the integrity of the original image rather than compressing the pixels to square the image.

Optical zoom allows you to make a larger image from a given distance, without physically moving the projector or sacrificing image quality. As easy to use as a zoom lens on a camera, the optical zoom is usually just the turn of a lens, or a press of a button.

Projectors have varying degrees of zoom capabilities. Some can nearly double the size of your image. Optical zoom is listed in the projector specs as a number such as 2x, or two times for double the image size from the same distance. This feature may also allow you to use shorter cables, which may mean less signal degradation and a lower cable cost.

Most projectors have an offset lens rather than a centered lens. That means when planning where to hang your projector mount, you need to account for the degree of offset, rather than just centering the mount based on room specifications. A projector with a centered lens takes this extra equation out of the picture, making for a theoretically easier installation.

Higher-Resolution Projectors on the Way?

It seems a natural step for video projectors would be to increase resolutions to match the outputs of today's higher-resolution television signals. But projectors have yet to reach a true 1080p high-definition solution that is affordable.

Currently the highest-resolution LCD projectors in widescreen formats include WXGA-H (1280 x 720) and WUXGA (1920 x 1200). These ultra-high resolution projectors cost significantly more (from $4,000 on up), and are not expected to fall into a lower price category for some time.

Liquid Crystal on Silicone (LCoS) has been a promising technology for overcoming the technical challenges of increasing resolution. Production issues have kept LCoS from taking a larger portion of the market segment. If LCoS does take off, however, there may be news to report by the end of this year.

Longer-Lasting Lamps

Projector lamps have nearly doubled in lamp life over the past two years due in part to improvements in projector cooling systems. Manufacturers are including longer lasting lamps (up to 5,000 hours), and are even increasing the lengths of their lamp warranties. Expect to see more manufacturers offering six-month/1000-hour warranties in the coming year. InFocus already offers an optional extended lamp warranty with free replacement for the first year.

Economy Modes Become Standard

An economy mode is now available on most current projector models. This handy feature allows you to extend lamp life and lower the fan noise level with less loss of brightness. In some cases, the lower lumen output is a useful feature as well. As projectors get brighter, there are some applications where the brightest setting may actually detract from the picture, washing out black and darker colors.

More Options in Home Theater Projection

There are currently home theater options available from nearly every major projector manufacturer. That means more selection than ever before, and it may also mean fewer products in the previously popular "crossover" category. Crossover projectors are lower-cost models that are used for both business and home theater applications. A business-during-the-week and party-on-the-weekend product, you might say.

It's not that there are fewer options in this category, because most business projectors still do a good job displaying video for the casual viewer. However, as the technology improves, people are looking for products that can produce videophile-quality images at the same low price. Manufacturers have answered this need by producing more category-specific products, and more clearly defining specifications such as widescreen resolution and higher quality video processing.

Our Wish List

Based on our interactions with customers, here are a few wishes for future projection technologies from your Projector Experts:

  • Seamless wireless video (built-in or external solution)
  • Battery-powered portable projectors
  • Self-masking chips or lenses which adjust to elimiate black bars in non-native format
  • Greater zoom capability on more models for greater flexibility in installation or portable use
  • Switchable lumen/contrast outputs for day/night use. [ for example 2000 lumen 1000:1 contrast for day use, 1000 Lumen 2000:1+ contrast for night use]
  • True 1900 x 1080 projector under $3,000
  • 5,000-10,000 hour lamp life
  • More flexible throw distances for easier installation.

    • Your Wish List?

    We would love to hear from you about features and technology that you would like to see. We will pass along your ideas to manufacturer representatives during one of our regular training sessions. If you would like to share your thoughts, simply reply to this email, or send an email to [webmaster(@)projectorpeople.com].

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    August 16, 2005

    Feature on FOX's Renovate My Family

    Shelbyville Residents Receive Movie Theater Donation from ProjectorPeople.com.

    TAMPA, FLORIDA, August 16, 2005 – Projector People.com®, the leading projector reseller on the web, today announced a charitable donation of projection equipment to the community of Shelbyville, Texas. This donation is a part of an event which was documented by the FOX television show "Renovate My Family" which aired on August 15th, 2005.

    The "Renovate My Family" episode "Martin/Community Center", produced by Rocket Science Laboratories, shares the poignant story of the Texas town of Shelbyville. In 1997, the wife of a local Reverend was struggling with the loss of her mother when she became overwhelmed with grief and turned to prayer. Those prayers let to inspiration, as she decided to reach out to needy children and offer the gift of a loving, nurturing, and stable home; just like the home her mother gave her.

    This bold woman’s passion led to the remarkable transformation of the town, as many other families followed her lead and adopt more children, particularly those who were "hard to place" or "high risk." These kids would otherwise likely spend their entire childhood in foster care. Since 1997, the community of Shelbyville has adopted over 70 children into their homes. This humble community has put aside their financial concerns to give children who have never known a home the experience of a loving family. The Shelbyville story has been featured on Oprah and several other television programs; they are the recipients of the 2000 Essence Award and have received acknowledgment from their state congressman.

    "We have witnessed many stories about the uniting power front projectors have in families and communities." said Kelly Lamison, Vice President of Internet Marketing for Projector People. She added "Projectors are not just for businesses anymore. They are finding their way into homes, churches, schools and community centers. They are more and more mainstream."

    Together with Da-Lite and Panasonic, Projector People donated a top of the line movie screen and front projector. The screen, a new product from Da-Lite Screen Company called the Acoustical Imager screen, integrates a fixed frame screen with a JBL 5.1 Surround Sound (left, right, and center channel) speaker system into the frame. The front projector is a Panasonic PT-D5500, a large venue DLP™ projector with 4500 lumens of brightness with a dual lamp system.

    "We hope the community theater will be well-used and heartily enjoyed by this special group of people" said Lamison. "We are just glad to have had the chance to make a difference."

    For more information on ProjectorPeople.com®, or the "Renovate My Family" episode, please contact Jennifer Andrews at (800) 282-6733 ext. 2295. Projector People’s headquarters are located at 6313 Benjamin Road, Suite 106, Tampa, FL 33634.

    Known as "the people who know projectors," ProjectorPeople.com® is the leading projector reseller on the web, and was the first online store created by a traditional AV reseller. ProjectorPeople.com provides the sale and repair of projectors from top brands like Panasonic, Mitsubishi, NEC, Hitachi, InFocus, BenQ and more. On the web since 1999 as the e-commerce division of Audio Visual Innovations, Inc. -- ProjectorPeople.com boasts over 25 years in business and millions of dollars in annual revenue.

    Projector People’s direct sales model offers one-on-one relationships with professional account managers; telephone, fax, and online ordering at www.projectorpeople.com, and post-sales technical support. Additional information can be found at www.projectorpeople.com.

    ###

    About "Renovate My Family"

    The new FOX series, "Renovate My Family" hosted by best-selling author Jay McGraw, son of Dr. Phil McGraw, takes the makeover concept to a new level. This redemptive, uplifting series will give a family the opportunity to make a new start toward a better life by providing the resources and expertise needed to address many important issues in their household. The selected families will receive the experience of top professionals who will pave the way for a successful future in the truest fashion of a complete transformation. Each hour-long prime-time episode on the FOX Network will focus on one family's transformation. More than just a quick once-over, Mom, Dad and the kids will go through a life changing experience designed to astound and engage the viewing audience.

    About Rocket Science Laboratories

    Rocket Science Laboratories is one of the most successful network television production companies in Hollywood today. The pioneering work done by Rocket Science Labs in the genres of documentary and reality has helped them to establish a reputation for creating high-quality, thought-provoking programming, while achieving landmark ratings. Under the guidance of founding partners Jean-Michel Michenaud and Chris Cowan, Rocket Science Labs has originated some of today's hottest network reality-based franchises, including the smash hits "Joe Millionaire I & II", "Temptation Island I, II, & III" and most recently, "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance". In 2003, Rocket Science Laboratories entered a multi-year overall production deal with the FOX Broadcasting Company.

    About FOX Broadcasting Company

    Fox Entertainment Group, Inc., the parent company of FOX Broadcasting Company is 82.1% owned by The News Corporation Limited (NYSE:NWS); is principally engaged in the development, production and worldwide distribution of feature films and television programs, television broadcasting and cable network programming. Fox has total assets as of September 30, 2004 of approximately US$31 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$12 billion. The Company's studios, production facilities and film and television library provide high-quality creative content, and the Company's broadcasting and cable networks provide extensive distribution platforms for the Company's programs.

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    July 14, 2005

    Panasonic PT-L500U Home Theater projector

    Steve Perry, Panasonic PT-L500U owner since February 2005 says...

    "We really love the theater and have been buying widescreen movies ever since it was completed. Even the guys at the home builders supply yard have been keeping track of my progress and want to check out the theater. They sort of feel like they had a hand in its creation since I bought all the wood there! People who have visited don't have a clue when they walk into the theater how impressive the image is going to be. Many have been "converted" to home theater fans...

    Click here to view full showroom.

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