Mini with a DLP?

[AuroraProject]

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Anyone running a Mini connected to a big screen DLP? Hows it look? Any issues?

 

[btbrossard]

WAnyone running a Mini connected to a big screen DLP? Hows it look? Any issues?

The one big issue that I could think of would be text readability.

Our Samsung DLP (720p/1080i model) was pretty bad as far as reading smallish text on it. Nothing was ever really crisp (most likely due to the very small display size and then being blown up via mirrors to a 50" screen).

Video on the DLP was always good, but text wasn't that great.

 

[lovekeiiy]

the text is not just related to just DLP. This really comes down to how displays are designed. Stuff in the living room is designed to be seen from a distance, say six feet. You PC monitor is meant from viewing within a few feet, such as on a desktop with you sitting at the desk. Thus most resolutions sent out the PC are within those spectrum.

This is really only an issue when moving around in the OS, the web, and so forth. Stuff like Plex and Hulu Desktop is build around that distant viewing, so reading text is not an issue.

I found it helps to put the text size as large as possible. It's not perfect, but you don't need binoculars to read text outside those media apps.

I have my HTPC connected to a 2000 55" Mitsubish HD RPTV Diamond series. This was build several years before DLP.

 

[Osamede]

I have mine (2010 mac mini server edtion) in use as an HTPC connected to an InFocus In78 DLP projector (720p) to a 92" screen scape.

Works perfectly, with Safari, Plex, VLC, Itunes and all. No problems viewing anything on screen. I control the mini it mostly with a magic touchpad and the Apple wireless keybaord, occasionaly with VNC viewer on my iphone.

No am am not writing articles or developing spreadsheets on this setup. I cant imagine anyone would do that with a projector anyway - would be crazy o look down at a keyboard to type then up to a screen that high up. Just not a relevant use case. But for HTPC usage, you wont have any ergonomic problems at all.

Remember that you can customixe icon and font sizes in the operating system, so you can make the viewing experience anything you want to. I did that and it all works great

Also was able to use the OS to tailor the display output to match color, contrast etc.

Dont hesitate, I would say. Go for 1080p projector - why not? It's only gonna be even sharper and better than an already good 720p experience.

 

[AuroraProject]

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Thanks! I'm going to try it with my 73" 1080p Mitsubishi tv. I have a 23" ACD in the garage to fall back on if the tv doesn't look good. It'll be used as a media server and web surfing only. I already have a magic trackpad and wireless keyboard.

 

[b-rad g]

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Thanks! I'm going to try it with my 73" 1080p Mitsubishi tv. I have a 23" ACD in the garage to fall back on if the tv doesn't look good. It'll be used as a media server and web surfing only. I already have a magic trackpad and wireless keyboard.

I think you'll be fine using as a media server in the living room. Like others said all media based stuff will look great and the web will look pretty good. Your eyes will strain on text heavy sites, but would be fine for most.

Take a look at the MagicWand from Twelve South for your keyboard and trackpad. It's very nice to have the trackpad connected to the keyboard as one unit. It's well worth the money.