Hi guys,

I have a question. Anyone has a DLP 1080P projector?

I am wondering, if I spend $3000 on a DLP Projector, will that be better or if I spend $3000 on a lumenlab projector with the best parts available?

What will look better on Screen? DLP vs 19'' LCD screen ?

Anyone has a comparison?

Thanks

Start reading HERE. Then come back and post if you still have questions. Welcome to the forum!

Maybe I can sum it up for you if you don't want to dig into the beginner forums.

I'm pretty sure everyone here would agree that any consumer DLP solution will be much brighter than a DIY LCD version. (This doesn't mean it will not produce as good of a picture, you just have better visibility in ambient lighting conditions which makes the projector more flexible.)

In general, you can still save some money with DIY but you'll lose out on a lot of the features that consumer grade projectors have. Building your own projector though is a VERY satisfying and exciting experience, and to a certain degree you can make your own design and you get to troubleshoot along the way so if you enjoy building things then it's definitely worth it.

I'd recommend building one with a cheap LCD first to get an idea of the process, then upgrade to the high def panel because it would be a shame to destroy one of those. The trick to save money there is to not cut your Fresnels for the cheap panel, and buy the optics & lamp you'll need for the HD LCD. Looking for used panels on craigslists without FFC issues is a good place to start.

All in all I think the picture quality is very good, but heed the warnings about folded designs unless you have a very easily adjustable/tweakable setup. (Actually for folded designs it's generally easier to put the mirror after the projection lens, but you don't get the space savings.)

Anyways, just my thoughts on the subject since consumer 1080p projectors are coming down into the $1500 price range
(LCD but still good) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GCUIK8

Jack

Thanks, WebDext & WindCalmer for the reply.

The only thing that worries me is the construction of a projector box. I will need to learn some woodworking before I can build a box for the projector.

If you're not confident in your woodworking skills, you can get Home Depot (or whomever) to cut the pieces for the box for you. The result is something that's a bit more complicated than Ikea furniture to assemble, but not much.

DIY advantages: (v. 1080p Commercial)

Lower initial cost
FAR lower lamp usage costs
Pride of accomplishment.

DIY detriments:

Large box. If you're not much of a carpenter, it'll probably not be a very attractive box, either.
(Less mobile, less flexible.)
Lower brightness.

If you have 3000 to spend and dont have a NEED to build your own unit. Stop looking around here and go to the avs forums... 3000 dollars will get you a really nice commercial projector that a diy will never come that close too. jmho ymmv

Before buying a commercial projector, make sure you also research the cost and lifespan of replacement lamps. If your projector costs $3,000, are you willing to spend $250 - $450 on a replacement lamp that lasts only 3,000 hours?