Cheap Projector Project

pointless martyr on 19/12/2015 - 21:11
Last edited 19/12/2015 - 21:12

Im looking for a cheap projector mainly for outdoor use to watch the cricket over the summer by the pool. I know that ideally needs dark conditions but will be in a shaded area with no direct sunlight but will still need to be pretty decent lumens obviously

dont want to spend much, looking on gumtree for around $100…had a quick gander on ebay but it looks to be full of the mini type that look like cheap toys for around $50. No lumens there im guessing, regardless of bulldust ratings

Any pointers? Im fairly tech savvy but dont know much about projectors…cheers

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • supnigs super skids on 19/12/2015 - 21:20

    I've never seen a projector work outside in daylight before which is decent quality. They only really work in dark environments.i still have my Infocus which I used projected outside onto a wall but that was only at night. Never worked well during the day.

    • pointless martyr on 19/12/2015 - 21:24

      Thanks for response - Its a pretty dark area - under a patio/gazebo covered in vine and a tall fence on one side - no direct or reflected sunlight at any time of day on dark brick ground cover . Can easily see torch spotlight in midday light levels…i know it wont be optimum but good enough will be good enough, sort of thing

    • pointless martyr on 21/12/2015 - 19:42

      Hi again, in case you may be abke to help ive posted a few questions below? Thanks a lot

  • ESEMCE on 19/12/2015 - 22:22

    If as you say it's reasonably dark, then anything over 2000lumens should be OK.
    Look at XGA units as a minimum. SVGA is pretty pixellated.
    I have an XGA, it does the trick.
    You're also going to need a Set Top Box with VGA or component output. You're not going to find a PJ with HDMI at the prices you're considering.
    The PJ will likely only have a VGA input, but that input will likely accept component if you have the appropriate adapter cable.
    Finally, you'll need speakers.. many data PJ's have inbuilt speakers, but they're pretty rubbish. A pair of powered computer speakers will be perfect.

    • pointless martyr on 19/12/2015 - 22:43

      Thanks heaps mate - will use xbox 360 with media centre for live tv, have a lepai 12v amp rigged with old clarion car speakers for audio.

      Can get hdmi 2000 -4000 lumen chinese ones on gumtree for under $100 - complete rubbish? I know lumes over represented etc….thanks again

    • pointless martyr on 19/12/2015 - 22:53

      Something like this , but second hand for like $75 if i can get it…..complete rubbish ? Or good enough to do an ok job? Keep in mind it will be pretty ghetto…screen will likely be a bed sheet on mdf or somrthing liek that

      http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HOME-THEATER-MULTIMEDIA-2000lumen…

      • ESEMCE on 19/12/2015 - 23:34

        Get yourself an old door..
        Or a Holland blind.
        to use as a screen.. they'll give you a nice flat surface easily. Sheets are way harder.

        850*540 resolution is essentially SVGA.. Resolution wise it'll be watchable, but that's about all that can be said.

        Couldn't comment on the lumens claim… It's not impossible by the looks..

    • pointless martyr on 21/12/2015 - 19:41

      Hey scuba, i got a one and set it up, it was an obscure brand optima hdp600 for only $50 but it handles 1080p, using an xbox 360 for tv and plex.

      looks good on just brick wall. I painted some mdf off- white this arvo and will give it a crack a bit later.

      The PJ didnt come with manual but i got an annoying prob where top and bottom of image are truncated - only noticabel when watching news ticker or cricket as it has stats on the bottom.

      H- positikn and v- position only seem to adjust the superimposed menu itself, not the actual image….maybe you have a clue?

      Also in the menus it has duration and halftne, any idea what these are for?

      Cheers

      • supnigs super skids on 21/12/2015 - 20:40

        Try lowering the resolution and see if the image is still truncated. Maybe the projector cannot such a high resolution or refresh rate.

        H and v position is used to move the projected image horizontally or vertically, usually it's also accompanied with a h and v size which adjusts the picture size.

        What type of input is this projector? Is it a vga in?

        • pointless martyr on 21/12/2015 - 21:31
          -1

          Hdmi in, will try as you suggested, thanks

      • ESEMCE on 21/12/2015 - 20:46

        Change the xbox to 4:3 ratio maybe?
        (or 16:9 ratio, if it's already set to 4:3)

        There may also be an option in the projector menu to change ratios.
        Maybe keep your eye peeled for Pan and Scan.

        No idea on duration and halftone

        I presume you've googled for a manual?

        I've projected onto a roller door before which was fine after about 5 minutes (brain just edited out the lines), so doesn't surprise me that it looked OK on a wall.

        • pointless martyr on 21/12/2015 - 21:32
          -1

          Its a pretty simple one so notmmany options but will have another crack when i get home, thanks again…wil try your suggestions

  • Randxyz123 on 19/12/2015 - 23:03

    If you are feeling adventurous how about http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Benq-Data-projector-/331731420231…

    • pointless martyr on 19/12/2015 - 23:18

      Thanks but i think globes r like 100$ on their own, pass

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