? Small Room Pros/Cons ? - Flat Panel vs. Projector & Screen

[1_sufferin_mind]

Hello! I'm trying to decide between a flat-panel or a projector/screen combo for my new theater room, which will be set up on the short wall of an 11x17ft room. Viewing will always be conducted in the dark. Crunching numbers from my existing set up, I figure I'll be able to expand my current screen size to 70" max diagonal (83 inches wide) without compromising music listening or viewing angle. Questions:

1. Would a $2000-$2500 OLED HDTV have comparable picture quality to a $1500-$2000 projector (assuming a $500 screen budget)? How about a traditional LED HDTV?​

2. Why would you choose a display under these circumstances? A projector?​

3. Are there any caveats to observe when using a projector to throw such a relatively small picture.​

TIA

 

[Todd Anderson]

What will you primarily be watching? TV or Movies?

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

Primarily movies on TV, lol. Seriously though, about a 80/20 mix of movies/shows. Of the movies, the majority would be on Blu-Ray with the remainder on Amazon Prime.

 

[Tony V.]

So there really is no projector in the price range your looking at that will beat an OLED display for contrast. However that being said are you sure you cant go larger than 70"? with my calculations you should be able to get a 100" in there with room to spare for speakers. A projector does have advantages when you get larger due to cost as a display over 70" gets pricey fast.

 

[Grayson Dere]

3. Are there any caveats to observe when using a projector to throw such a relatively small picture.

I wonder about this, too. Does the picture become too bright? if that makes any sense? : P

 

[Tony V.]

No, you can adjust the settings, closer is going to just give you the best picture possible. Put the projector at the rear of the room at ceiling height and you'll be able to get about a 130" image if so desired.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Obviously there are certain throw distance parameters you need to take into consideration... but, logic would say the image will benefit (brightness-wise) from being as close as allowed.

Modern projectors are capable of some really excellent images, but you'll have to pay more than $2-3K to even begin to approach the insane image characteristics of an OLED. Also, you'd really need to have your system in a light-controlled blackout room that's optimized for darkness (dark walls, etc).

Here's my take @1_sufferin_mind :

I think there's something really special about a cinemascope 2.35:1 screen and a projector. But, you need to ask yourself if you're okay with sitting in a dark room to watch your TV, etc. For me, I watch 100% of TV/sports on an OLED and an old plasma on the 1st and 2nd stories of my home. I just like being able to see outside... interact with people... you know... not being in a cave! But when it comes to movies, my movie room is the go to spot. The sound and picture combination for disc-based flicks is killer. In fact, I only have that room rigged for watching discs at the moment.

If you really want that BIG image and you're okay sitting in the dark to enjoy it, I think you could snag one of the new Epson projectors and be very happy. But, you're TV watching experience might be better on a modern OLED that houses quality upscaling processors, etc.

 

[mechman]

As Todd states above, projectors are best in dark rooms. If you cannot control the light or wish to have lights on, OLED will suit you best.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

So there really is no projector in the price range your looking at that will beat an OLED display for contrast.

That’s not what I was hoping, but thanks for the insight @Tony V.

However that being said are you sure you cant go larger than 70"? with my calculations you should be able to get a 100" in there with room to spare for speakers.

Hmmm, did we cross beams? Your calcs seem logical for setting up on the long wall, but not so for the short one—unacceptable to have speakers against side walls.
11’ = 132” wide room ; 132” - 100” screen = 32”
32” / 2 = 16” per side remaining for speakers and wall clearance. Not enough.

Wait a minute... I think it’s starting to seep in!
Do you mean to locate the mains for best SS&I and use a retractable screen that pulls down in front of them? See? I told you I was new to the projector/screen game.

EDIT: 132” room width - 87” screen width (for 100” diag) = 45” / 2 = 22” per side.
Still not enough.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

@mechman and @Todd Anderson
I watch my movies like management treats me at work: keep me in the dark and feed me a lot of crap, lol !!

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

Modern projectors are capable of some really excellent images, but you'll have to pay more than $2-3K to even begin to approach the insane image characteristics of an OLED. Also, you'd really need to have your system in a light-controlled blackout room that's optimized for darkness (dark walls, etc).

Its unfortunate for me that OLED is so far ahead of budget projection, yet it’s a benefit for consumer entertainment. Your description of bringing the cinematic experience into the home renews my enthusiasm for upgrading to a projector!

Here's my take...
...If you really want that BIG image and you're okay sitting in the dark to enjoy it, I think you could snag one of the new Epson projectors and be very happy. But, you're TV watching experience might be better on a modern OLED that houses quality upscaling processors, etc.

Thanks again! I’ll dig into the topic and brand some more. I may even adopt the practice of mounting a conventional display for TV viewing behind a retractable screen used for movies.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

I believe it’s time to raise the bar and go full throttle with a projector/screen combo. Discussions that were originally posted after #11 above now appear in this thread for the better context.

 

[1_sufferin_mind]

Oh yeah... and thanks for following!