What do you think of this projector for video?

I'm looking at buying a projector for video.

I saw the Optoma TX800 DLP Projector at;

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?webid=664663&AffixedCode=WW

Any one have any thoughts on it?

Could you list the specs? I can't follow the link.

Optoma TX800 DLP Projector

Features:
Resolution: Native XGA (1024 x 768)
Brightness: 2500 ANSI Lumens
Contrast Ratio: 2200:1
Display Technology: 0.55" XGA DDR DMD DLP® Technology by Texas Instruments
Lamp Type and Life: 230W SHP; 2000/3000 Hours (STD/ECO)
Throw Ratio: 1.93-2.13:1
Image Size (Diagonal): 34.67" to 305"
Projection Distance: 4.8' - 39.4'
Projection Lens: F=2.35-2.47, f= 21.83-23.81mm, 1.1 Manual Zoom and Focus
Projection Methods: Front, Rear, Ceiling Mount, Table Top
Noise Level: 33dB
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 5:4, 16:9
Displayable Colours: 16.7 million, 256 Shades of Grey
I/O Connectors: Dual D-Sub 15, DVI-D w/ HDCP, S-Video, Composite Video, RS-232, Audio-In, D-Sub 15-pin Connector for Monitor Out, Audio Out
Keystone Correction: ±16° Vertical
Horizontal Scan Rate: 31.5-80 kHz
Vertical Refresh Rate: 56-85 Hz
Wireless Remote Control
Monitor Loop Through: D-Sub 15 VGA Output (Functional in Both Normal and Standby Modes)
Computer Compatibility: XGA, SVGA, VGA, VESA, SXGA+ Resized, PC and Macintosh Compatible
Video Compatibility: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, HDTV (720p, 1080i)
Dimensions: 9.3" x 3.8" x 8.2" (238mm x 96mm x 210mm)
Weight: 4.4lbs (2Kg)
1-year Limited Parts and Labour Warranty.
90-day Warranty on Lamp.

Is there a website that explains what all this means?

Looks good to me my projector is only 2000 lumens and it does a great job.

It supports 720p HDTV you should be good to go.

Yeah, I think lumens are probably the most important spec...2500 is plenty.

What lumens do most mobile VJ's use?

What's the average distance from the screen to place the projector for best results?

(In reference to my projector and specs above).

I went back to the store, spoke to another sales clerk and he wants to know how dark the room/hall will be for most presentations. I told him what I was going to use it for and he said that perhaps I need a higher end model. One that has a lumens for each colour (RGB) and costs about $5,000!

Gentlemen, your comments please. You know what type of places we play in. (Halls, Legions, Banquet halls, school gyms, bars, etc.) He said that the lighting in the hall will determine the final result on the screen. So, how does that work? The less light in the hall the better the picture on the screen or just the opposite? I want to run pictures as a slideshow for some weddings and music video for teen dances.

Do I need a higher end model or is the sales person just giving me some "bull"?

judging from the folks who already replied it seems this guy is looking to soak you.

First of all remember this guy is a saleman and not a DJ. He's trying to work your lack of knowledge in his favor. I use two Dell 2300MP's (they don't make the model anymore)...bought the first one new for $1500 and the second with 20 hours on the bulb off of ebay for $500! They are a 2500 lumen projector with a decent contrast ratio - nothing special...have run it side by side with another DJ's more expensive projector with better specs and could tell zero difference on the screen! Check out my website and click on the "platinum package video" on the homepage www.platinumsound.biz and you'll see what a $500 ebay projector can do on a 10 foot rear projection screen.

Of course the darker the room the brighter the picture, but I use these projectors in bright reception halls for slideshows and in dark gyms showing movies for 1000 kids, they work great and won't break the bank - until you need to repair them and they don't make them anymore:sqmad:

Buy a decent lower end model, a decent rear/front projection screen and get started - you could even buy some projection fabric (strechy screen) for a couple hundred bucks and get the job done.

knardini. nice video, nice set up.

How far behind the screens do you place your projector?

What lights are you using in the video; only par cans?

I think a crowd of 300 in a gym will probably be the max in my market.

Thanks for your advice.

knardini. nice video, nice set up.

How far behind the screens do you place your projector?

What lights are you using in the video; only par cans?

I think a crowd of 300 in a gym will probably be the max in my market.

Thanks for your advice.

Thanks! My projectors are placed about 15-20 feet behind the screens. I tilt each screen inward about 5 feet to gain some extra throw room behind the scenes. The all white blinders were good ol' par 64's, the lights on the truss were 12 LED pars programmed with the rest of the set up. The crowd at that dance was pushing 600-700 so we needed all the sound and lighting we had. Good luck getting into video. I actually don't make the upsell that often in the HS market for video packages but do for sweet 16's and private parties...and Proms.

Later

I was thinking maybe teen dances and some high end weddings.

I've been feeling out the market during my last three bridal shows and only caught two brides; maybe. They haven't call back yet. (lol)

2500 lumens is definitely enough. My church is thinking about getting projecters, and they are going with 2500 lumens (i think) because it is still visible even with the glare we get from our windows and how bright it is in our sanctuary.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/
http://www.projectorcentral.com/


also, be warned,... just because it "supports" hd video, does not mean it projects in HD. from the look of the specs, it is a standard 4:3 with a fairly high resolution. It's perfect for computer use. I saw comparably priced projectors (toshiba & panasonic) in the $800-900 USD range.... Hope this helps

Ryan Lelek

I bought the projector at the end of last month. It had a savings of $300 off the price, so I thought now or never.

Anyways, I just found time today to try it in my basment. I tired it with the lights on and off. AWESOME! It works great.

Thanks people!

Note: While I was trying it out, a Bride called and ask for the projector system for her wedding. Funny eh? (lol)

A little late, but...

http://www.benq.com/products/Projector/?product=1239

http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-MP771.htm

http://www.google.com/products?q=BenQ+MP-771&scoring=p