Cheapest Half Decent Projector?

Zascar

So my projector just died. Well the power button no longer responds and its too old and crap to think about getting repaired I think. It only cost me €150 on special offer, reconditioned or something, but it has served me really well for close to 2 years! The quality was pretty pants, movie's were fine but it was kinda hard to see text on windows etc, resolution was really low.

So I need to replace it. I'm really not looking for anything special at all. Anything I get is going to better than it and it did me fine. I have been conencting via s-video (I had to get a special connector for a mac) so I'd like one that has an s-video connection. A remote to turn it on and off would be nice but not essential.

So, can anyone recommend where I should start looking to find one?

Abelloid

Mine is dead too (Optoma H30), 300 quid for a new lamp...:eek: I'm looking at an ACER instead to replace it.

http://www.misco.ie/Product/168266/Acer_X1230PK_projector_with_3_Year_De_Re-install_and_3_Year_Unlimited_Lamp_warranty

I'll report back if I find anything interesting.,

Zascar

Thanks mate yeah please do. That looks like a good one, although I'd really like to spend less if possible. I actually barely even know what specs are important in a projector. What should I be looking for, or looking to avoid?

Anyone?
Thanks!

Abelloid

Here's another -

http://www.misco.ie/Product/Q222172/Acer_X1230PK_XGA_2300_ANSI_Lumens_Projector

It's 5 years since I bought mine. Comparing specs the ones I have linked appear to be better, but I really don't know...

Zascar

Here's a few more in the low end price bracket:

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/4346384/art/acer/x110-3d-video-projector.html
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/3704146/art/epson/eb-s72-video-projector.html
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/3746944/art/benq/mp515-video-projector.html

I like the way some have keystone correction - but on these it only seems to be vertical - My projector is mounted to the side slightly. 2 of the 3 have s-video, but I'm sure i could use composite instead. I'd like one with a speaker, but one of them says its only 1watt - will that be any better than my macbook's built in speaker?

I see they all have manual focus which is fine, but I think some have zoom so you can control the size of the picture? Mine is in my bedroom and the wall is not that far away so I'd love to be able to zoom out, so I can get as big a picture as possible

Abelloid

Just bought this -

http://misco.ie/Product/Q222172/Acer_X1230PK_XGA_2300_ANSI_Lumens_Projector

It's a great deal, I've seen these listed for up to €500. Spec looks pretty good for a low budget projector, and as I'll only use it for watching DVDs and downloaded TV shows HD isn't really important to me. It's not ideal, but for the money I can't complain.

I'll let you know how it is when I get it set up.

€429 Pixmania

€477 Expansys

sTuMbLeD

That Acer looks like a great deal with misco.

You get yours set up yet JustinOval?

Abelloid

Yep, watched a film or two and an episode of Dexter on it. For a budget projector it's really not bad, the whites are very bright, too bright sometimes, and the colours (particularly skin tones) are over-saturated but it seems to handle movement well. When in 16:9 mode there is a noticeable light leak filling the 4:3 frame, but it won't bother you once settled in to watching a film.
There is no horizontal keystone adjustment and limited zoom which means I have to move my old ceiling mount about 10cms to get it spot on, but if you're not installing this probably won't matter.
For €300 odd it's a great little projector.

Zascar

Just to drag this up again... Definitely want to get a projector beofore xmas.
I think this is the best one I can find right now: http://www.misco.ie/Product/Q256077/BenQ_MP515_DLP_SVGA_2500_ANSI_Lumens_Projector if anyone knows any better ones can you let us know?