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HDTV front projectors |
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| If you've ever considered getting a front projector,
your basement remodeling project may be the perfect opportunity!
Front projectors need a light-controlled environment. If you
can get the room completely (or almost) black you'll enjoy the
best picture. Most basements have just a few small windows to
contend with, which makes it a perfect spot to create a home theater
experience!
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Some things to consider as you make your decision:
- Front projectors offer a better inch-for-inch value than flat
panels or RPTVs. You can get a decent 720P projector for under
$1,000. This will allow a screen size of up to 100" (maybe more!)
which should be plenty for any basement theater.
- 1080P projectors have really dropped in price, with models
from Epson, Panasonic, and others available for under $2,000.
If you can afford one, they're the way to go! This will be the
perfect match for your new Blu-ray player!
- You'll need to figure out how you'll mount your projector.
The ceiling is often the best place, but you can also put it
on a high shelf in the back of the room, or even on a coffee
table near the front of the room.
- If you do go with this option be sure to create separate 'zones'
for your lighting- all with dimmers. This will enable you to
have your viewing area be dark, while still allowing adequate
lighting for other activities (cards, games, etc.) in other
areas of the basement. Check out my basement
plan for details of how I plan to setup my lighting.
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- Since your projector will not include a tuner, you'll need
to use your cable box or satellite receiver.
- The bulbs on front projectors will last about half as long
as those in RPTVs. So despite the cheaper up-front costs, you'll
spend around $300-$400 for a bulb every couple of years or so.
- You'll also need to purchase a screen. These can run $500
and up. One of the options I'm considering is Screen Goo. This
is a special paint that allows you to create your own screen
for about $200. If I end up going that route, I'll let you know
what I think of it.
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