1080P Projector recommendations

[JesterJJZ]

Hey guys. Looking for some recommendations on a good 1080P projector. (real 1080p not "capable")
Ideally something bright and under $1500.
Also, I'm pretty prone to rainbow effect so anything known to have minimal of that is a plus.

Thanks guys!

 

[octothorpe8]

I'd check out thewirecutter.com — they've got really thorough reviews. If that rainbow thing bothers you, you probably don't want a DLP model — there are some nice LCD-based ones listed in their review section.

 

[howardnow]

I have the 3 LCD Epson 3020 to avoid any rainbow effect. I really enjoy it. I do wish I had bought the wireless model, but that depends on your set up. I only seem to use the 3d as a demo to friends who are always amazed.
The best source for projector information is projector central which reviews all projectors http://www.projectorcentral.com
Start with their 10 best home theater section (under $1500).

 

[RosebudYT]

Epson 8350

I have an Epson 8350, which is probably the best 1080p under $1500. used it for years, still love it.

I also have an Epson 3020e (with the wireless function). This is a great projector too, and I use the 3d all the time. I watch pretty much every movie that is available in 3d on it. I gave up on the wireless HDMI, but otherwise its a great time.

I have a 120" screen.

The 8350 has better mounting options as it has lens shift (more forgiving if you place it in the wrong spot). The 3020 has to be mounted just right as it doesn't do lens shift. We have both projectors ceiling mounted.

I'd recommend either one. 8350 if you don't care about 3D, and 3020 if you enjoy 3D movies.

P.S. The 3020 uses RF glasses, not IR. This means they work better (never lose sync), but aren't cross-compatible with most IR glasses. But there are several 3rd party versions of RF glasses out there. But I just bought 2 extra from Epson, so I have 4 of the same ones that came with the projector (it comes with 2).

P.S.S. Epson projectors, which are all 3-LCD, do not have the rainbow effect. That is from DLP projectors. I can see the rainbow effect (not everyone can see it), so I stayed away from DLP.

 

[laurim]

I also have an Epson, the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3010, Full HD 1080p, 2D and 3D Home Theater Projector. They have since upgraded the model I bought in 2011. It has been awesome! 3D movies look great and are true 1080p for each eye. Haven't had a moment's trouble with it in three years and I already bought a replacement lens for whenever the current lens finally gives out because I expect to have it a very long time and figured the lens would become unavailable if I waited too long, lol. I have my living room set up with an electric screen that comes down in front of my regular tv. I watch the regular tv most of the time and save the projector for movies and anything I watch after a movie, mainly because I can't block out all the light in my living room. Even with a little light remaining in the room the image looks really good so you don't need absolute darkness. I've even played GTA on the 109" screen but driving crazy at high speed on a screen that large makes me nauseous after a while The newer version 3020 is $1,382 at Amazon.

 

[RosebudYT]

good points

Before we get too carried away on a mac forum, just wanted to point out: the 3020 is the newer update to the 3010. The one major update was the change from IR glasses to RF (infrared to radio frequency). The problem with IR was if the projector was behind your head (typical of projector setups), the glasses had a tendency to get out of sync under certain circumstances. The RF technology is much more reliable.

Other than that, either one of these (8350 or 3020) is a great home theater projector that will give you years of non-rainbow-effect viewing.

Also, I bought my 3020e as a refurb direct from epson (they have a clearance section on their online store). I kept my eye on the clearance section and one day a refurb popped up. They sell out fast. I suspect mine was more of an open-box versus one that was repaired. It was pristine and all the stuff was inside (2 glasses, remote, battery for remote, wireless HDMI transmitter, etc).

 

[JesterJJZ]

Yes, I was also looking at the Epson 8350.

Was looking at the Optomas as well but they are all DLP and I see the rainbows like crazy on those.

Right now I am leaning to the Epson 8350.

3020 looks nice too. What's the difference between that and the 3020e? Can't find it off the bat.

Thanks guys!

 

[howardnow]

The 3020e is the wireless version of the 3020. I do wonder why rosebud gave up on the wireless (maybe there's a conflict with other devices).

I bought a 70 foot hdmi wire from monoprice for about $60. I ran it all around several walls to the projector sitting on my coffee table.

Not having lens shift is tricky. You have to center the projector in relation to the screen. It does have digital horizontal correction so you can sit it on a low table or mount it on a ceiling (along as it is centered).

Again the 3d is great, but I rarely, rarely use it. Also I run the projector during the day and have a lot of ambient light. It still looks okay for me, although its much better in a darkened room.

 

[rosiel122]

I have been pretty happy with my Epson 8350. The only negative is that the bulb hasn't lived up to the 4000hr lifetime. Ours lasted only ~2000 before needing replaced. Hopefully the next bulb lasts longer.

It could be our viewing patterns since we use it with Apple TV for our main TV/movie needs, not to mention long periods of video game playing.