I'm trying to wrap my head around this debate. it seems to me that a projection panel would be preferrable, all else being equal, because it is sized to work with an OHP. (assuming we were using an ohp, and not a custom enclosure).
But even the qa-2500 has a contrast ratio of only 150:1.
So -- are LCDs from flat panel monitors preferrable only because of the contrast ration? what are the other reasons folks preferr LCDs to projection panels?
You panel afficinados out there -- what makes you stick by your panel?
But even the qa-2500 has a contrast ratio of only 150:1.
So -- are LCDs from flat panel monitors preferrable only because of the contrast ration? what are the other reasons folks preferr LCDs to projection panels?
You panel afficinados out there -- what makes you stick by your panel?
I've got a polaroid polaview 3000 panel.
I've only just got my set-up completed a couple of weeks ago but I have to say, I can see why people go for the lcd monitor option.
With most new lcd's, you get 1024*768 if not more which matches the qa-2500.
The price for a decent lcd is usually cheaper than the qa-2500.
They are newer so have a warranty, unlike the qa-2500.
It's also less likely to get a new lcd monitor with dead pixels than a 7+ year old qa-2500 will have.
Lcd monitors allow people to fiddle more with settings, and since they can be directly connected to a pc, there is usually less fiddling around with wires. Anyhow, most people start this diy thing to get to do it yourself. The panel option is sort of done for you already kind of.
Spare parts and after sales advice is better for lcd monitors because they're currently around and selling well. Panels, to my knowledge, aren't being made any more. All in one projectors have taken over the old panel and OHP route. The lcd monitor is for people who don't have a spare grand to buy a projector.
I would say the panel is the stepping stone to true home theatre projection, and the lcd option is best, full stop.
Mind you, thats my opinion, and I'm still on the panel route. I just need to save up money and courage to buy a lcd monitor.
I've only just got my set-up completed a couple of weeks ago but I have to say, I can see why people go for the lcd monitor option.
With most new lcd's, you get 1024*768 if not more which matches the qa-2500.
The price for a decent lcd is usually cheaper than the qa-2500.
They are newer so have a warranty, unlike the qa-2500.
It's also less likely to get a new lcd monitor with dead pixels than a 7+ year old qa-2500 will have.
Lcd monitors allow people to fiddle more with settings, and since they can be directly connected to a pc, there is usually less fiddling around with wires. Anyhow, most people start this diy thing to get to do it yourself. The panel option is sort of done for you already kind of.
Spare parts and after sales advice is better for lcd monitors because they're currently around and selling well. Panels, to my knowledge, aren't being made any more. All in one projectors have taken over the old panel and OHP route. The lcd monitor is for people who don't have a spare grand to buy a projector.
I would say the panel is the stepping stone to true home theatre projection, and the lcd option is best, full stop.
Mind you, thats my opinion, and I'm still on the panel route. I just need to save up money and courage to buy a lcd monitor.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't cracking the case wide open and stripping it down constitute an invalidated warranty?
Especially if you damage a ribbon cable in the process?
There are some of us who could put the thing back together well enough to disguise the fact it's been opened up, but others may not be able to do so, so they might want to consider that the warranty issue isn't exactly a perk.
I'm not knocking this - I'm already convinced I should have bought a monitor to strip and my QA-1650 isn't due to arrive until 9/11, but I've seen the difference on the posts here, and that's what I want.
I also think that eventually, when all the projection panels finally crap out a few years from now after they've outlived their usefulness, they are going to be hard to find and harder to replace, whereas lcd monitors should be around for some time, making replacement parts more widely available.
I just received my Dukane 4003 OHP in the mail today. Slapped my Sharp QA-1200 panel on it and 
is it ever pretty! Me and the roomates were watching the football game tonight in amazement.
Let me tell you, the $225 i spent produce an image that is as good as a friends $1200 year old commercial projector. (as far as watching DVD's)
As long as you have a GOOD OHP you will be fine.
is it ever pretty! Me and the roomates were watching the football game tonight in amazement. Let me tell you, the $225 i spent produce an image that is as good as a friends $1200 year old commercial projector. (as far as watching DVD's)
As long as you have a GOOD OHP you will be fine.
I know, I know, I ain't dissing the panels, I've got one and am impressed with the quality(try monsters inc or shrek on dvd!!!) but am just stating that if this thing fails, I can't really get spare parts for it. Plus I can't really tinker with it, which is basically what 'DIY' projection is all about is it not. Doing-It-Yourself.
Ham, I basically agree with something you said earlier.
PJ panels are a stepping stone - we all pretty much start there and it gives us a flavour of true home cinema glory for very little cash. The panel, the lightsource, and the video settings (if you're using HTPC are all tweakable).
Then once you're tired of that you either innovate or capitulate.
Innovate - and go the custom design TFT monitor route - and really get creative with enclosures, light sources, pj surfaces, lenses, etc, etc.
Or, if you're a bit lazy like me, you optomize your panel+OHP setup and enjoy it in all its limitations til you save up the £650 GBP, capitulate and order a brand new Infocus X1 DLP projector with awesome contrast ratio from Best Buy in the USA
The exchange rate has been really good recently 1.6:1
PJ panels are a stepping stone - we all pretty much start there and it gives us a flavour of true home cinema glory for very little cash. The panel, the lightsource, and the video settings (if you're using HTPC are all tweakable).
Then once you're tired of that you either innovate or capitulate.
Innovate - and go the custom design TFT monitor route - and really get creative with enclosures, light sources, pj surfaces, lenses, etc, etc.
Or, if you're a bit lazy like me, you optomize your panel+OHP setup and enjoy it in all its limitations til you save up the £650 GBP, capitulate and order a brand new Infocus X1 DLP projector with awesome contrast ratio from Best Buy in the USA
The exchange rate has been really good recently 1.6:1
hmmm, 650 quid does sem pretty darn good for that projector, I may just start saving, but mind you I would want to buy 1 or 2 extra lamps at the same time to avoid any price hike for them in the future and avoid any hassle of hunting them down. I'm sure if you buy them all at once, you can get a 1-200 quid nocked off the total price.
Well, I'll be getting a 3M 9550 soon off ebay so it should, hopefully improve the results of my 20 quid, classroom OHP.
Well, I'll be getting a 3M 9550 soon off ebay so it should, hopefully improve the results of my 20 quid, classroom OHP.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.