Coolest. Gaming Set-up. Evar.

[Steel_Wind]

So, yes I realise this is a very short throw distance but at least the Toshiba 261 projector you posted about will deal with this. Can you point me at any which will also do so, which are still in production?

On the Toshiba TLP-261U, there is a refurb unit available for sale at LA Computer Centre for 850.00

Now - if this is simply a used unit with a used bulb - that's a little more than I would want to pay for it; however, if this is a unit that has a brand new bulb in it and a cleaned air filter - that would be worth it.

When you replace a bulb in a projector, you are in many respects GETTING a new projector. Contrast & brightness are all at "brand new" maximum, so a new bulb on this unit would be well worth looking into for those who are challenged by especially short throw distances in their gaming room setups.

The link to the seller is here. I know absolutely NOTHING about them other than what a web price search revealed - so poke around a bit and check them out if it's of interest to you.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

2 words: Bra Vo!

Very innovative- definitely something worth considering. I'm sending a link to this thread to my compu-geek gaming buddies.

 

[WampusCat43]

Steel_Wind, I just want to repeat the thanks you've heard from the other members of these boards. I suspect there's a lot of us lurkers out here following this thread and itching to pull the trigger on one of these setups. Every little bit of advice you and the other posters give on this subject helps bring us closer to that goal. Everybody, muchos gracias! :wheresthatsombrerosmilie?:

 

[Blakey]

On the Toshiba TLP-261U, there is a refurb unit available for sale at LA Computer Centre for 850.00

Now - if this is simply a used unit with a used bulb - that's a little more than I would want to pay for it; however, if this is a unit that has a brand new bulb in it and a cleaned air filter - that would be worth it.

When you replace a bulb in a projector, you are in many respects GETTING a new projector. Contrast & brightness are all at "brand new" maximum, so a new bulb on this unit would be well worth looking into for those who are challenged by especially short throw distances in their gaming room setups.

The link to the seller is here. I know absolutely NOTHING about them other than what a web price search revealed - so poke around a bit and check them out if it's of interest to you.

Thanks for the heads up, however I'm in the UK so I'll really have to see about picking up a projector over here I think.

Very much appreciate your information and help on this subject - as clearly do many people on this list.

I'm still looking at options and if I find what I think might be a suitable projector for my situation (i.e. having only about 4' throw distance), then maybe you could give me your opinion of it?

Thanks heaps
Blakey

 

[Blakey]

Please review this projector:

Hi Steel_Wind,

Could you please review the NEC-VT470, given my groups' requirements (specifically a throw distance of about 4'). I have looked through the numbers and it seems perfect to me - but I'd greatly appreciate a second opinion from an expert.

Its quite expensive at £800 (UK sterling), but we might be able to afford that between us.

Thanks!!
Blakey

 

[Steel_Wind]

Re: NEC VT 470

Blakey,

If you were getting this unit used, I might be inclined to see the wisdom of the purchase; however, I cannot in all conscience confirm this would be a wise purchase as a new projector at this stage.

The problem is that you would be investing money for a new projector – and rather serious coin at that – which has not one outdated technology present in the unit – but two:

1. LCD The NEC VT 470 is an LCD projector. The market has gone to DLP because of that technology’s smaller size, reduced price and much better contrast. DLP picture quality is simply better than an LCD’s. There it is. That does not mean that LCD sucks – but it does mean that all things being equal, you’ll be better off with a DLP. It’s not a huge issue. (I have both an LCD and a DLP and each has different strengths.)

But I don’t have an 800x600 LCD, and I wouldn’t be buying a new one with those specs at any price for more than 900 USD or so.

2. SVGA: Above all, you are paying money for a new projector which has a resolution of only 800x600. Unless you are buying a used projector, or a brand new projector at the very low end of the cost scale (less than 900 USD), I don’t recommend buying a model which only has SVGA resolution. That’s true even if it is a DLP. If it’s a LCD – all the more reason not to buy this unit. Given the unit you propose to purchase and its cost, I think it’s a waste of your group’s money, to be honest.

There is an alternative product put out by NEC, the NEC VT 670 which is identical in all respects except it has XGA resolution, not SVGA. The optical and brightness qualities are otherwise identical. It offers all the features of the 470, including a decent size image at 4’ throw and it’s bright, reasonably ok in contrast – but above all – it’s XGA resolution in size at 1024x768.

VT 470 @ 4’ throw:
816 pixels per sq. inch at 34” diagonal; 564 pixels per sq. inch at 42” diagonal

VT 670 @ 4’ throw:
1316 pixels per sq. inch at 34” diagonal; 924.6 pixels per sq. inch at 42” diagonal

The image on the VT 670 is therefore far clearer and more detailed at max zoom (it’s very worst focus at 4’ ) on a 42” map than the 470 is at its very best focus 34" map created at 4’ throw. That’s the math.

If you are going to drop money for a brand new projector in the $1500-1700 USD range, you should not, IMO, be dropping it on 2 outdated technologies at the same time. I’d go a touch higher to get the VT 670 and get the additional resolution. The payoff in picture quality and pixel density will translate to far improved graphics on the tabletop and will not be out of date should you wish to sell it or use it for Home Theatre. If you go 800x600 at the price you are quoting, it is my view that you will be sorry that you did.

Now – if you can find the 470 used for 700 USD or less, I’m changing my opinion and I’m all for it. But not if it’s new – it’s not worth the money.

Note: with a brand new bulb, the refurb 470 below for $790 would be worth it, IMO.

 

[Steel_Wind]

Is duty that *nasty* in the UK?

You can get a VT 470 refurb (new bulb) for $790 USD: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=75417&item=5772527311&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

You can get a VT 470 brand new for $1090
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32863&item=5772578381&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

You can get a VT 670 *factory* refurb (good as new imo) sealed in the box for $1120 USD.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48654&item=5772277353&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

You can get a brand new VT 670 for $1399
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=86709&item=5193265549&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

800 quid should get you a brand spanking new VT670 with shipping and VAT. Is duty that much a killer?

 

[Ridley's Cohort]

My gaming group just put in an order for a NEC VT670. I think we are paying ballpark $1300 brand new, $200 rebate not included. I would let you all know how it turns out.

The NEC VT570 and NEC VT670 have large images at relatively short throw distances, so they are attractive for gaming purposes. It seems to me that the contrast ratio would be a minor issue with respect to gaming because the ambient light will wash out truly dark darks. (I would probably not buy either of these machines if I were interested in home movie projection BTW.) These machines do tend to be on the large and heavy side when compared to DLPs, but I would consider that a minor issue, too.

The prices of the VT570 and VT670 are coming down right now because new models (VT575 and VT675) will be out soon, so I think they are trying to reduce stock. NEC had a $200 rebate appear on its web page recently for the VT670. $100 for the VT570. I would not be surprised if the rebates were to get larger (but there are risks in waiting...)

VT575 and VT675 look like slightly inferior machines for gaming compared to the older models, so I would not wait for them.

 

[Blakey]

If you are going to drop money for a brand new projector in the $1500-1700 USD range, you should not, IMO, be dropping it on 2 outdated technologies at the same time. I’d go a touch higher to get the VT 670 and get the additional resolution. The payoff in picture quality and pixel density will translate to far improved graphics on the tabletop and will not be out of date should you wish to sell it or use it for Home Theatre. If you go 800x600 at the price you are quoting, it is my view that you will be sorry that you did.

Thanks very much for your frank review of my choice. Very pleased I asked! I looked at the VT670 and that costs £1200 over here! That's simply too much money for our group to splash out.

I'm definitely going to look into shipping possibilities. I just need to find someone willing to send it over here. Trouble is, if it doesn't turn up or turns up broken it is a lot harder to track down the problem when you are dealing with international shipping and its too much money to shrug off if it goes wrong.

Looks like I'd best start doing the lottery!

Are there any people on this thread who are in the UK and who have bought projectors? If so what did you get and where did you get it from?

Thanks
Blakey

 

[realmaster]

This is totally awesome , we have used an overhead projector in our game before but this....THIS is an overhead projector.