Projectors $2500-$4000 SRP?

James Romeyn · « **on:** 23 Nov 2023, 07:54 am »

I respectfully request recommendations for a new 4k or "Enhanced" 4k projector for this application:
Movies and sports, no games, Fire TV is the most common source
Total light control
92" perforated retractable screen about 17 years old, 1/3rd of viewing area vertical height = seated eye level about 38 inches
Ceiling mount on 7 ft-8 inch ceiling, any throw distance OK

I replace a virtually antique but dead quiet Mitsubishi projector. If the replacement projector is too loud, I intend to damp its noise with an internally damped 4-sided box.

zybar · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Nov 2023, 03:57 pm »

In this price point and for what you are looking for, you can do a traditional pj or you could go with a UST (ultra short throw) approach.

Best places for research are:

projectorcentral.com
projectorreviews.com
avsforum.com

Good luck.

George

James Romeyn · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Nov 2023, 06:03 pm »

Thank you very much! I surely prefer having narrowed my potential search sites from virtually infinite to a few reliable ones.

GeneS · « **Reply #3 on:** 23 Nov 2023, 11:15 pm »

With no disrespect intended to the other sites mentioned, may I also suggest
Projectorpeople.com

Although it sounds like you have a very good idea about what you want, the above has some helpful tools to help narrow the search.
Good luck!

glynnw · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Nov 2023, 04:49 pm »

FWIW, I replaced my projector and 100" screen with an 85" wall hung TV and love it. These now go for less than $1K. No light worries, sharp picture, in my mind better in every way other than not having the screen disappear when not in use. But your projector is still out there all the time, taking up space and demanding a power outlet. There is one today (Black Friday) at Best buy for $750.

James Romeyn · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Nov 2023, 12:59 am »

Unfortunately, as the above picture confirms a solid screen is fail in this dual-use room. The cabinet around the perforated retractable screen hangs from the ceiling a little IFO the L/R speakers. The phantom center image from our proprietary LORA/"Late Onset Reflection Assist" accessory speaker outperforms any known physical center speaker. The 2-ch preamp, power amp and L/R speakers provide singular performance for video that I'd never trade for better image qulaity even if the screen size was equal.

Tyson · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Nov 2023, 03:58 am »

Look for projectors that have high native contrast. For me that was the main driver of whether a projector created a look that was ’filmic’.

I also run only 2 channels in my HT. Once the speakers got to be above a certain level of quality I kicked multichannel to the curb and never looked back.

gene9p · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Nov 2023, 01:45 pm »

I use the original 4K UST projector.usually on sale for 1999 from VAVA..and their 100 inch ALR screen...fantastic for movies and sports...built in Harmon Khardon Speakers but you can use a sound bar or your HT sound instead. It sits on a small AV stand about 2 feet high and 8 inches from the wall. You can also get their 3 lense version and a screen ,100 or 120 for around 3K. Without a screen you can get 150 inches but the screen makes a huge difference.They are also 3D capable.