Small apartment – expert projector advice needed

[JoshMuzza]

Hi there,

 

I really need some expert assistance with purchasing a projector for my small apartment living room. I think I've come to the right place. 

 

There are so many options available online it can get really confusing to choose. I hope you can help.

 

 

What I'm looking for:

- A projector to watch a movie 2 or 3 times a week. 

- Want to be able to set it up and put it away - fully aware this will take time but am ok with that.

- Would most likely sit on the coffee table about 2m away from the wall (Short throw) or be on the sideboard (Ultra Short Throw) 

- Attached is a photo of the view from the couch. Lamp/plant would be removed for viewing

- Will be projecting on a white wall.

- Have a Sonos set-up - A Soundbar and 2 x Sonos 1s so it doesn't need great sound.

- Have an Apple TV

- Don't want a permanent TV in the living room. Definitely, want a projector solution

- Budget around $1,500 AUD

 

 

I know the resulting picture won't be Cinema quality. It doesn't need to be the best. It just needs to be enjoyed now and then, and be the smartest choice for a budget. 

 

So far I've looked at:

 

1. Optoma ML1050ST+

WXGA 1280 x 800, 1000 Lumens, Short throw

https://www.optoma.com/us/product/ml1050stplus/

 

2. Xgimi h2

1920 x 1080, 1350 Lumens, 

https://www.xgimi.com/en/H2-immersive-home-projector.html 

 

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Josh

 

 

 

 

 

[MaxPlumage]

Hi there. if you can wing it I'd take a look at this:

 

https://www.mi.com/global/mi-laser-projector-150/

 

I understand it's somewhat outside your budget, but do check it out - it's a 4K, ultra short throw laser projector. There have been some good reviews and a mate of mine bought one recently. So far, he's been extremely happy with it.

 

But if all you're after is a Full HD projector, you could do better second hand. You can get the Epson EH-TW 8200 or 9200 for under 1K, used. The picture quality is amazing and if you don't really care about 4K and HDR I'd consider it.

Edited April 25, 2019 by MaxPlumage

[hopefullguy]

well you wont buy a 8200/9200 unless you want to mount it over 3m away.

[MaxPlumage]

well you wont buy a 8200/9200 unless you want to mount it over 3m away.

Very true!

[betty boop]

5 hours ago, JoshMuzza said:

1. Optoma ML1050ST+

WXGA 1280 x 800, 1000 Lumens, Short throw

that doesnt seem resolution wise really upto things ? movie wise ? not even 1080p ? 

 

5 hours ago, JoshMuzza said:

2. Xgimi h2

1920 x 1080, 1350 Lumens, 

https://www.xgimi.com/en/H2-immersive-home-projector.html 

would you be paying for the HK sound there ? when have a sound bar anyways ? id rather put whole budget in the projector if have sounds happy with.

 

isnt there a benq short throw that is suitable ? likely be in the around $1500 budget as well ? @Matt_Walker anything to suggest I imagine this is benq bread and butter

 

atleast have something upto task, can go see what its like in a local store and full warranty and service support after purchase. $1500 is still la bit of money might as well get something suitable and have peace of mind  

 

 

 

[JoshMuzza]

 

 

 

4 hours ago, MaxPlumage said:

Hi there. if you can wing it I'd take a look at this:

 

https://www.mi.com/global/mi-laser-projector-150/

 

I understand it's somewhat outside your budget, but do check it out - it's a 4K, ultra short throw laser projector. There have been some good reviews and a mate of mine bought one recently. So far, he's been extremely happy with it.

Thanks for the suggestion @MaxPlumage, the Mi Laser looks awesome but it's $1,000 over budget damn it. Got to find a solution within my means.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

19 minutes ago, betty boop said:

Xgmi H2 - would you be paying for the HK sound there ? when have a sound bar anyways ? id rather put whole budget in the projector if have sounds happy with.

 

That's my thoughts @betty boop - it looks like a sweet little unit but I wouldn't be using the speakers! 

 

This is kind of why I'm a bit stuck. There seems to be a load of super cheap rubbish projectors and loads of ultra pro ones - the middle market is a bit empty.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Matt_Walker]

@JoshMuzza - my immediate thought with your sideboard is the MH856UST:

 

https://business-display.benq.com/en-us/findproduct/projector/interactive-classroom-projectors/mh856ust.html

 

This is a FULLHD (1080P) Ultra short throw that will sit on your cabinet  

 

But if you want to try something a little cheaper check out this factory refurb:

 

http://shop.benq.com.au/mw853ust-interactive-projector-refurbished.html

 

It a WXGA Ultra short throw that will give you a great picture up against the wall, at a cheap price.

 

Or have a wander through here:

 

http://shop.benq.com.au/projectors.html

 

There may be something else of interest?

 

Either way best of luck with your decision 

[Gradenko]

I can't see what the rest of your room is like from your photo, but having had an apartment projector setup I can offer some advice. The key is to sit the projector on top of a bookshelf at the back of the room. The benefits are such:

• No setup/tear down time. This will save you from a major PITA. Not only are they fragile and heavy, you'll need to focus it every time you set it up. Which means staring at cross hatch patterns standing cm from the wall if you're projector has remote focus, or staring at cross hatch patterns with binoculars if your projector has manual focus.
• Opens you up to the wide world of normal throw projectors. An Epson would be my choice - new or used. I was projecting to 115" (2.35:1) from 3m back (lens to wall) with a Panasonic PT-AE8000.
• Audio/video equipment can stay plugged in and on the bookshelf. No video cables running across the room.
• No permanent modifications needed to the room. Handy if renting. Essential with a slab roof.

I used a Lack bookshelf from IKEA, but there are slim unobtrusive ones that you can arrange furniture around or in front off. Give it some thought and good luck! 

Edited April 30, 2019 by Gradenko

[yohoes]

Setting up / packing away an ultra short throw 3 times a week is going to be a super annoying experience.

 

Gradenko's idea is much more sensible

[oztheatre]

I would consider this http://shop.benq.com.au/w1090-refurbished.html

100 inch screen image from 2.5 metres throw distance. pretty good for your setup.