Budget Projector Home Theater Setup

samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 09:59

Hello friends I'm looking for a Budget Projector Home Theater Setup in the Lounge area for casual movie watching with the family. We were watching movies on a 55" Samsung TV and just want to enjoy them on big screen. I'm on a very tighter budget and looking for a decent setup.

Location - 2nd Living/Lounge Room; 4.4x4.8 Open on one of the 4.8m side. Might put in a curtain on this side.

Option #1

Optoma UHD35+ or Similar - $2000
Yamaha 5.1Ch Home Theatre Pack YHT-1840B - $700
Elite Screen 120" - $500
Misc - $300

Total - $3500

I'm looking to avoid the installation as this is costing me around $1000 in Melbourne (No quotes but an average price). So, the idea is to put a Big book shelf behind the sofa and place the projector on it. Will have to run the speaker wires under the carpet.

Option #2

Xiaomi Mi 150" Ultra Short-Throw Smart Laser Projector - $2000
Yamaha 5.1Ch Home Theatre Pack YHT-1840B - $700
Elite Screen 120" - $500
Misc - $300

Total - $3500

The budget is the same here but will be replacing the normal projector with a Ultra short throw to reduce the mess. But most of these projectors are imported and carry only 1 Year warranty.

Option #3

Optoma HD39HDR - $1400
Sparingly used/Unboxed 5.1 System from marketplace - $250
Elite Screen (Amazon Deals) - $350
Misc - $100

Total - 2100

So, what do you think is the best option. As I see that installation charges are almost 50% of my setup, I'm looking for a simple basic setup. Also, I'm not used to any DIY/home tools. So, may not be able to do even a simple stuff.

Also, happy to hear any other option that could bring down the expenditure. Thanks in advance.

Entertainment Projector

Comments

  • SS625 on 18/05/2022 - 10:14

    my parent upgrade their old school 720p projector to the xiaomi and its a massive upgrade. Laser projector are usually brighter and therefore you can watch it while the room is bright. If you fork out another $700 for the screen, you can enjoy with the window opens.
    I will be getting the xiaomi later as well.

    • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 10:29

      Thanks mate. But what about the warranty. At least 2-3 years will be a good thing.
      $700 is a too big amount :( Want to close everything under $2500

      • SS625 on 18/05/2022 - 10:40

        it still looks very good with the screen.

        as for warranty can be a bit tricky, my parents bought it from kogan, so at least you can chase them up for the standard Aus warranty

        did a quick google search and i can see some local seller also selling, so i guess they need to cover warranty

        https://www.pcbyte.com.au/p/xiaomi-mi-4k-laser-projector-150…

        also have you checked out the hisense? i remember seeing them costing a bit more than your budget but it comes with screen and local warranty.

        I would not recommend buying any non UST laser projector. The old school bulbs one generate a lot of heat

        • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 14:14

          The Hisense UST is around $4500. So, it's out of budget.. Also for the Xiaomi model, I'm looking at the FHD model which is priced around $1800. The 4k model at around $2500 is a bit higher on the budget.

          Will mostly but a Laser projector.. Hopefully the heat as you said and also the fan noise will be low.

  • Meconium on 18/05/2022 - 10:15

    Curtain first. Then UST with ALR screen. Suggest you consider sound too if you’re making it a home theatre room - sides at seated head height, rears, sub etc.

    • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 10:32

      I don't think I can get even an UST with my whole budget :(

      • Meconium on 18/05/2022 - 12:46

        If your budget is as tight as you say and you can't improve the room, I'd suggest a cheaper TV and soundbar instead of trying to jump on the projector bandwagon. A new TV is always nice, you don't have to worry about reflections etc and you can add to the home theatre setup gradually as deals come along that you can afford. Projectors sound good and bigger screens are always better but if your limited budget means you're watching a washed out image on a substandard screen, you'll probably realise then that you'd have been better off going for a cheaper TV instead.

        • ESEMCE on 18/05/2022 - 13:25

          These are all decent quality Projector options.
          As an owner of both a projector (projecting onto a Wall for a 3.5m diagonal screen) and a LG C1, watching the Projector is standard fare for anything long form at night and even in the day with curtains drawn.
          Yes it's washed out compared to the TV, but your eyes rapidly acclimatise especially when your vision is completely immersed.

          • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 14:16

            @ESEMCE: Thanks mate. Yeah I'm not looking for the best picture quality. A decent one should do the job.
            Any particular reason why you are not using a screen?

    • MITM on 18/05/2022 - 10:54

      Yeah, the velvet ones.

  • spal on 18/05/2022 - 10:29
    +1

    I recently bought Xgimi Horizon Pro. Usually available around $2400. I got mine for $1800 off eBay (used). I have hooked MiBox3 and audio system and just project it on my white walls. Maybe, see if Xgimi might be something which will work for you. It is LED short throw 4K (not sure native or upscaled) has HDMI ARC and USB ports. ANSI 2200, which is pretty bright. Should be any issues if you have a dark enough room. Setting it up was easy. The best experience ever for me, might be different for you. Now I will need to get rid of my TV.
    For laser UST projectors in bright environments you will require ALR screens. If you opt for auto floor rising screens, the screen itself will cost you nearly $3K. That would bust your budget. If you have dark environment, and white or dark wall, you will save on cost of a screen.

    • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 10:33

      Thank You. Will check this projector.
      BTW, I saw some dirty cheap screen less than $50 on Amazon. By any chance did you try them or do you think that will make a difference instead of the wall?
      Also, was the wall painted recently or with a special paint?

      • ESEMCE on 18/05/2022 - 15:29
        +1

        Wall was painted when we moved in 10 years ago.
        It's just regular wall paint, no different from the rest of the house. It's a white paint with a touch of grey tint, but looks white to the eye.

        I've never bothered with a screen cause I've found the wall is perfectly fine for my needs and it increases the Wife Acceptance Factor dramatically.

        • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 16:13

          May be I'll try to pick the items at different stages and see how it goes.. Will try to use the Projector on the wall that was painted an Year back and see how it goes…

      • spal on 19/05/2022 - 08:38

        Ours is a brand new house. So, recently painted, standard paint. Be careful with ALR paints, they are difficult to paint and easy to damage. As you can imagine, after finishing a new build everything is on a budget, so did not try any screens.
        Also, Xigimi does not need to be installed. You just place is on a flat surface and it would set up itself. So, no hanging things up on the ceiling. It weighs about 3 kilos, so you can change it to any location.

        • samp365 on 19/05/2022 - 10:25

          Thanks for the info.. I'll check this brand.. Seems to be sufficient for me..
          BTW, how good/bad is the fan noise? I'm guessing we will be sitting close to the device..

          • spal on 23/05/2022 - 08:29

            @samp365: I can't hear it when watch something. Actually, my server fan is probably I hear when nothing is playing. l It is LED lamp, so doesn't generate much heat I guess.

  • ESEMCE on 18/05/2022 - 11:06

    Be careful with a Full throw projector as to it's zoom capabilities from your planned projection distance and the screen size it will generate.
    Last thing you want is to have everything set up and find that the narrowest screen size is still wider then your projection surface!

    Use ProjectorCentral's calculator to ensure that the screen size is suitable for your projection surface.
    https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.c…

    I just project onto a wall with our Epson EH-TW5600. It's unobtrusive and performs fine except in really dark scenes.

    Installation is all pretty easy stuff for a home handyman.

    • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 14:23

      Thanks for the handy tool…
      You said you were projecting a 3.5m diagonal image. What's the distance from the projector to the wall?
      I choose "Optoma UHD38 Projector" and it shows a throw distance of 5.07m for a 3.5m diagonal image. I thought we could get that image from around 3.9m from the Optoma website.. Not sure which is correct.

      • Brotality on 18/05/2022 - 15:04
        +1

        You want to look at the Zoom Ratio next to each projector. It will look like "1.1x" or "1.3x" or "1.6x"
        The bigger the number next to x, the closer the projector can be to the wall while maintaining the same screen size. 1.1 is not much, 1.3 is better. 1.6 is quite good. Most tools will have a zoom figure you can play with to see how much difference it makes.

        Perhaps you should look into ViewSonic PX-748 or the lower brightness (higher colour accuracy) brother PX-728. These are similar enough to your Optoma with better zoom.

        https://www.justprojectors.com.au/viewsonicpx748-4k.htm

        • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 15:28

          Looks like I have to do a bit research on the projector features.
          Do you mind suggesting me your top list under 2k. TIA

          • Brotality on 18/05/2022 - 15:39

            @samp365: I've haven't looked at the market in a while, but the Benq W2700 was on the top of the list when it was close to the $2000 mark, now it's $2800. It would have much better black levels/colours, but worse at gaming.

            I can see there is a new Short Throw Benq (BenQ TK700STi) with 4K and gaming features. But for about $1000 less, the ViewSonic seems like a much better deal.

            Make sure you also look at the availability and pricing of the replacement lamps for the projector you're considering (if its not laser). Most replacements are available but it's better to be safe than sorry!

            projectorcentral.com is very trust worthy. Their reviews are everything you need.

            • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 16:12

              @Brotality: Thanks a lot mate… May be will push my budget to get a better projector and upgrade the sound and screen at a later stage..

      • ESEMCE on 18/05/2022 - 15:24

        I can't recall exactly but it's in the high 4m (almost 5m) range I reckon. I could get bigger, but I run out of wall…

        As per Brotality, adjust the zoom function (bottom left of the Graphic) to achieve your desired screen size against your throw distance.
        The Optoma UHD38 can project a 3.5m Diagonal from 4.57m at full zoom.

        • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 15:26

          Does the Zoom affect the quality of the image? Is the quality same with 1x Zoom 3.5m image and also the 1.3x image of the same size?

          • ESEMCE on 18/05/2022 - 15:31

            @samp365: It's optical zoom, so no impact to the image outside of decreasing the brightness as you zoom out and spread the light wider, but that will happen whether you use throw distance or zoom to achieve a bigger projection.

            The calculator says that the Optoma's projection on a screen with 1.0 gain will be too bright…
            Personally I think that's a good thing as it just means that you could run it in Economy mode to achieve perfect brightness and extend lamp life.

            • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 15:35

              @ESEMCE: Cool.. Thanks a lot…
              Do you have any suggestions under 2k..

              • ESEMCE on 18/05/2022 - 15:54

                @samp365: Sorry no.
                I haven't been in the market for a few years.
                I prefer the LCD projectors to the DLP ones cause although not uncomfortable, I do get niggled by the rainbow effect of the DLP units.
                Just another thing for you to consider… :D

                • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 15:58

                  @ESEMCE: No worries.. I see there are only few LCD projects.. Did you mean Laser Projectors?

                  • ESEMCE on 18/05/2022 - 16:35

                    @samp365: I have no idea how Laser PJs work.

                    DLP manipulates a grid of microscopic mirrors to reflect white light from a bright Lamp through a rapidly rotating colour wheel to generate an image.
                    LCD splits the light from a bright Lamp into 3 colours and passes the light through 3 LCDs (one for each colour) and then merges the picture back together to generate the image.

                    Downsides of each
                    DLP you can see a rainbowing effect due to the colour wheel. (although they've probably just about eliminated it by now)
                    LCD you can spot the grid of the LCDs on a white screen if you're close enough to the projection surface.

                    • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 16:50

                      @ESEMCE: Thank you.. Looks like I overlooked a bit… Its clear now..

                    • samp365 on 19/05/2022 - 15:49

                      @ESEMCE: Do you think it is worth getting the 4k models rather than the Full HD.. If it's only a minor thing then I can save a lot of money..

                      • ESEMCE on 19/05/2022 - 16:06
                        +1

                        @samp365: My current system is FullHD and it's excellent, I have no intention of upgrading.
                        But when I bought it, the bottom end 4K projectors were in the $5000 range versus the $700 I paid from the Epson Seconds shop.

                        If I was in the market now, then yeah, I'd be buying a 4K unit, cause the price difference is too close not to and I'd be worried about buyers regret.
                        If it's stretching the budget, forego the screen for a year or two.

                        • samp365 on 19/05/2022 - 16:13

                          @ESEMCE: Got it… Thank You..

                        • samp365 on 19/05/2022 - 18:00

                          @ESEMCE: Do you mind comparing these 2 models and let me know if they are missing any features that might come in handy.. Like the Zoom etc..

                          ASUS F1 LED Projector
                          Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 Pro

                          These are just some sample projects I found in a decent price range.. Not the final one.. Based on what features these ones are missing I'll look for other models..

                          I'm looking to have a Ladder Bookshelf behind the sofa set to place the projector and will use a Firestick.. The cables will be run under a rug.. I'll use the Yamaha 5.1 home theater and for the screen looking for a Elite Screen portable projector that's on sale for around $375 usually..

                          • ESEMCE on 19/05/2022 - 21:30
                            +1

                            @samp365:

                            I'm looking to have a Ladder Bookshelf behind the sofa

                            Firstly, I think this is a bad idea. It's just going to introduce problems as below and leaves the projector exposed to carelessness (like using your platform to hold a drink at a party, then spilling said drink all over the projector, or a kid climbing on the bookshelf or on the couch to play) both things you should be avoiding for this level of investment.

                            If you continue with this plan, straight away you frankly NEED a projector that can do Vertical Lens Shift, and neither of your examples have this feature.
                            Your examples both have Keystone correction, which may suffice, but that's not ideal as you lose image quality, and again, you're making a big investment, you shouldn't be compromising on image quality.

                            Projectors are designed to project from a desk onto a wall/screen (or from a ceiling mount onto a wall/screen with the projector inverted).
                            The lens is shaped to make a rectangle starting a few degrees above immediately horizontal and up.
                            If you're projecting from around chest level (so that you don't get heads in the way), the bottom of your projection is going to start around 1.5m off the ground at best… In my place, with 2.5m ceilings) that leaves only 1m of screen height, with the rest of the projection on the ceiling.
                            Tilting the projector will bring the image down, but result in a trapezoidal projection.
                            That's where you'd need vertical Lens Shift or Keystone to re-square the projection.

                            You avoid all of these problems with a ceiling mount.

                            • samp365 on 19/05/2022 - 22:02

                              @ESEMCE: Yeah.. I understand there are problems.. Sadly the budget is making me look for different options to avoid the installation which is costing around $1000.
                              Thanks for giving me valuable inputs.. I'll explore a bit more.. watch YouTube videos and will see what best works…
                              Never thought there are too many things to take into account..

                              • ESEMCE on 20/05/2022 - 09:22

                                @samp365: I see no reason why installation would cost $1000.
                                Even allowing generous sums for parts below, the Labour is $700 for maybe 2 hours work.

                                A ceiling mount is $50
                                A few bits of timber in the roofspace to drill the mount into, unless you're lucky and there's a rafter to drill directly into at your mount location options. There's another $40 being VERY generous
                                10m 4K HDMI cable $130 (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/333426651923?chn=ps&norover=1&mk…)
                                Ceiling mount Powerpoint and HDMI wall plate combined $30
                                HDMI wall plate $20
                                Electrical Cable $30

                                If you DIY, you still need to get an electrician in to put a powerpoint in your ceiling. Get him/her to chase the HDMI cable through the ceiling as part of the same job.
                                I wouldn't expect that to cost much more than $300 Labour if you supply the HDMI cable.
                                Get them to install a ceiling mount at the same time might add another $100 in Labour at a guess or just do it yourself.
                                Finally, you get up on a ladder to attach and position everything.
                                Installation cost halved.

                                • samp365 on 21/05/2022 - 21:07

                                  @ESEMCE: Thanks a lot mate… You gave me a lot of inputs..
                                  But sadly things have a changed a bit now.. Was discussing this with wifey and she feels that a portable setup is much better as we can also use the setup in the large Alfresco area that is covered with roller blinds..
                                  I know we were thinking in a different direction.. Sorry for that again.
                                  So, if I were to have a portable setup.. can you give some projector suggestions.. Based on the budget I see "Viewsonic PX748-4K" , "Optoma UHD35+" , "LG HU70LG 4K"
                                  For the screen I'm eying on - "ELITE SCREENS T100UWH 100" 16:9 PORTABLE TRIPOD" which is coming to $375 or the "Elite Screens OMS120H2 Yard Master 2 Outdoor Projector Screen with Stand" that is on offer at around $375.
                                  Sorry again..

                                  • ESEMCE on 23/05/2022 - 09:22
                                    +1

                                    @samp365: If you can't mount it, I'd look at Short throw units.

  • Brotality on 18/05/2022 - 13:39
    +1

    I remember this very Yamaha system being $360 a year or 2 ago. It looks like it's $520 at Appliance Central so you can save a bit there

    • samp365 on 18/05/2022 - 14:19

      Thanks for the share mate. Yeah looks like a good deal…. Will order this..

  • BigTriangle on 19/05/2022 - 14:12

    I'm using a white roller blind as a screen. It is much cheaper than a screen. It doesn't look flat when you roll it down, but it's great for movies.

    • samp365 on 19/05/2022 - 15:48

      Nice idea… Should be better than a wall I assume..

      • BigTriangle on 21/05/2022 - 12:05
        +1

        The blind is whiter than my wall, a lot whiter. So the wall is off white, not really noticeable until you put a really white object next to it

  • daft009 on 28/05/2022 - 22:25

    I did a 4k setup on the cheap.
    Cost me $3.7k with 100" ALR screen and the Xiaomi 4k 1s projector back in November 2020

    • samp365 on 28/05/2022 - 23:10

      Did you add any speakers.. Do you mind sharing me the details..

      • daft009 on 28/05/2022 - 23:43
        +1

        Yeah picked up a Sony 5.1 soundbar for $800 refurb. Wireless rears. Z9F. Yeah that's on top, sorry

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