Sony Projector Vw50
US $140.99
Sony VPL-VW50 projector 1080P
Projector SONY VPL-VW50 or PANASONIC PT-AE1000, which is better for new Projector user? Where to buy cheaper?
I'm a new projector user. I'm considering to buy either SONY VPL-VW50 (HK$36000/US$4615) or PANASONIC PT-AE1000 (HK$21000/US$2692). Any recommendation to me as first projector user?
I'm also considering to buy GRANDVIEW 100" electronic screen at HK$10,000/US$1282. Is it good choice? Where could I buy cheaper?
Distance between sofa and the screen is 13.5 feet. Do you think 100" screen is too large or good?
What do I need to be careful when selecting the projector and screen?
I'm also moving to a new flat and therefore I could decorate and install the projector and screen. What should I pay attention.
I'm living in HK. Any merchant in HK would you recommend (pls provide phone number if you have)?
Both your suggested models are good projectors, but each has advantages and disadvantages, and since choice often comes down to factors that are important to you I recommend reading the reviews at the first three links (and see comments at the fourth). They will also give you a good idea of issues to consider. For example, you have identified the distance to the screen, but you must also consider resolution, brightness, contrast ratio, whether lens shift is important to you (this will depend on how you plan to mount the projector (ceiling, shelf, table)), technology (DLP, LCD, LCOS), lens zoom ratio, fan noise, bulb lifetime, types and number of inputs, etc.
I highly recommend reading as much as you can, get opinions, but ... finally, make your own decision based on knowing what is important (and not important) to you. The four sites I have suggested will provide (almost) all the information you need to make a good choice. But also go and see projectors if possible.
As to size of screen, see the 5th link, but basically the screen when viewed from your preferred location should subtend an angle (left to right) of about 36-40 degrees. I am using a 110" screen (diagonal) and sit 12 feet from the screen, so 100" at 13.5 feet is certainly not too large.
As to the type of screen, again this is somewhat personal. You are considering an electric screen, but unless you need to be able to retract it a fixed screen would be cheaper. And it lends itself to building your own for a lot less $$. See the fourth link and the DIY screen forum for details ... but you can paint your own screen on the wall for $50 (US) that will rival a $1000 commercial screen.
Sorry, but I can't suggest HK stores.
I hope this helps. Good Luck ... you will love having a projector!
