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Thread: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

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    Registered User johnthehappyguy's Avatar
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    Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    For my new house I am considering getting a projector to use as a TV /DVD player.

    I would link it up to my mums old PC which would be used only for that purpose. (It is surplus to requirements )

    I guess it would need a TV card as it does not have one. I will be using broadband. I would add "home cinema" speakers too. Alternatively I could connect the projector directly to my regular TV.

    I hope to pick up a projector quite cheaply ( as long as it has a newish bulb)

    I am a bit concerned that I might need to close the curtains to watch during daylight ?

    Can anyone offer any advice or possible pitfalls in my plan ?

    thanks,

    John

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    Registered User jacksondonut's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Hiya John..

    We had a projector, with a large cinema type screen installed in our converted Garage... for films, games, tv.. (now a extra room in the house)

    I am no expert in the installation of it, or how it works. It is very impressive and the kids have a whale of time inviting mates round for film nights, sleepovers etc., its been operational for about 1 and half years now.

    Apart from not having a clue how it works... (dont spend any real time in there myself) the only problem so far, is a bulb blowing in the projector. It cost £200 to replace.. we discovered that if it was turned off incorrectly the fan inside stopped and failed to cool the bulb slowly enough, causing it to break. As long as it is turned off by the remote (i believe) that should be ok.

    Being totally unfamiliar with the workings of it still... I tend not to bother with it. But, it is a great hit with the kids.

    Hope some of this helps.

    Jan


    ps in the daytime you do need to have something over the windows...

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    Papa Smurf
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by johnthehappyguy
    For my new house I am considering getting a projector to use as a TV /DVD player.

    I would link it up to my mums old PC which would be used only for that purpose. (It is surplus to requirements )

    I guess it would need a TV card as it does not have one. I will be using broadband. I would add "home cinema" speakers too.
    You will only need a TV card for the TV source not for DVD (usb freeview sticks are now £20 - oooh cheeeep). The broadband is only relevant if you're likely to be streaming stuff. I would make sure you connect to the projector with the DSUB(monitor) cable rather than any composite or s-video connections which may not allow video display depending on your GFX card setings. For home cinema speakers, make sure you have a decent sound card first - it may be part of your motherboard.

    Alternatively I could connect the projector directly to my regular TV.
    Could you? It has TV out? on a TV?

    BTW..
    Does anyone want to be a media centre PC? Its a brand new ASUS pundit PH1 with onboard 5.1 sound and graphics in a sleek jet black unit with two spare PCI slots for tuner cards. I'll throw in a new black NEC DVD-RW. £140 altogether - its a bargain.

    Can anyone offer any advice or possible pitfalls in my plan ?
    These people can, including your questions about daylight .

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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe
    Does anyone want to be a media centre PC? Its a brand new ASUS pundit PH1 with onboard 5.1 sound and graphics in a sleek jet black unit with two spare PCI slots for tuner cards. I'll throw in a new black NEC DVD-RW. £140 altogether - its a bargain.
    Me. Me. I want to be one!!

    (I especially like the 'sleek' part!)

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    Registered User David Franklin's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by TheTramp
    Me. Me. I want to be one!!

    (I especially like the 'sleek' part!)
    And judging by the diet thread, you'll be overjoyed to be 140 pounds as well...

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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    ok how 'buy' became 'be' I just dont know

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    Lovely Moderator ducasi's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe
    ok how 'buy' became 'be' I just dont know
    Isn't that what fashion is all about – buy cool and be cool...
    Let your mind go and your body will follow. – Steve Martin, LA Story

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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by ducasi
    Isn't that what fashion is all about – buy cool and be cool...
    I cant really answer that, my wife dresses me

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    Registered User killingtime's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by jacksondonut
    Apart from not having a clue how it works... (dont spend any real time in there myself) the only problem so far, is a bulb blowing in the projector. It cost £200 to replace.. we discovered that if it was turned off incorrectly the fan inside stopped and failed to cool the bulb slowly enough, causing it to break. As long as it is turned off by the remote (i believe) that should be ok.
    An LCD projector tends to run cooler and has less issues with bulbs exploding. They are also generally lighter but tend to be more expensive (though maybe not now-a-days). Projectors do have contrast issues and since you are projecting them onto a light surface tend to have difficulty producing dark colours. I did think about getting one myself but in the end I went for a flatscreen TV.

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    Registered User El Salsero Gringo's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by johnthehappyguy
    For my new house I am considering getting a projector to use as a TV /DVD player.

    I would link it up to my mums old PC which would be used only for that purpose. (It is surplus to requirements )
    A good friend of mine has one, connected to his Windows Media Centre Edition pc (along with a 36" LCD screen ). The fan is a wee bit noisy, but less intrusive now that it's bolted to the ceiling.

    It's great for watching films (the news from Iraq on a projection screen can be a little too graphic) but yes, you do need to close the curtains during the day.

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    Registered User El Salsero Gringo's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe
    I cant really answer that, my wife dresses me
    I thought all Smurfs dress alike? How many variations are there on the 'nappy' theme anyway?

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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by El Salsero Gringo
    I thought all Smurfs dress alike? How many variations are there on the 'nappy' theme anyway?
    not many, but she does try to vary it and check what Im wearing is actually clean etc...Also theres a bandana under my hat and how could you forget socks and underwear

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    Registered User El Salsero Gringo's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dreadful Scathe
    not many, but she does try to vary it and check what Im wearing is actually clean etc...Also theres a bandana under my hat and how could you forget socks and underwear
    Thought for the day: Does Commando Smurf wear underwear?

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    Registered User johnthehappyguy's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    thanks for all of your help,

    unfortunately the cheap projector deal fell through.

    will keep my eyes open for another one.


    Thanks very much,

    John

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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by johnthehappyguy
    unfortunately the cheap projector deal fell through.
    I was watching this thread with interest as the bachelor pad may well be calling for one of these too loudly to resist...

    What is a cheap projector? Where would I be getting one?

    Thank you...

  16. #16
    Registered User johnthehappyguy's Avatar
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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Ceroc Jock
    I was watching this thread with interest as the bachelor pad may well be calling for one of these too loudly to resist...

    What is a cheap projector? Where would I be getting one?

    Thank you...

    I am a big fan of the small ads, and saw one with only 8 hours use being advertised for £220 ONO, which is what prompted this thread.

    Unfortunately the vendor is never in and has no answering machine


    Will keep my eyes peeled.

    Does anyone else have any ideas how to get one cheaply ?


    John

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    Re: Using data projector instead of a TV ?

    Quote Originally Posted by johnthehappyguy

    Does anyone else have any ideas how to get one cheaply ?
    £400 new is quite cheap? ebuyer

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