A few questions about projectors and gaming

good evening.

im planing on buying the BenQ MW512 3d projector and have a few questions.

1) How will 1280x800 look at 75 inches across
2) I have a smooth white wall that I plan on projecting to how will it look
3) how many years do you think 6000 hours will last
4) is DLP technology any good
5) can I do 3d with a ati card and the 3d projector if so, How?
6) do I simply connect the projector via hdmi and walla it works or will i need to do more seting up
7) can i close my laptop lid and use a external keyboard while gaming on the projector and if so, what will i need to do in order to prevent laptop from shutting down


responses to some or all questions would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

1) Should look pretty good, if the brightness of the projector is high enough. I'm not sure about refresh rate, and if you'll get ghosting or not.
2) Is it a glossy paint on it? You actually want a matte surface for the best picture. Glossy doesn't look good. If it reflects too much, you may consider hanging a white sheet perfectly flat against the wall for a cheap solution, or get a projector screen.
3) 6000 hours is entirely dependent on how much you play games. 40 hours a week and you're looking at less than 3 years. 10 hours a week and you're looking at almost 12 years.
4) Yes
5) ATI requires 3rd party software to do 3D.
6) The word is "voilà", and it should. If HDMI out works to other devices, no reason it won't work to a projector.
7) Yes. Just change the power settings. Be careful though, as some laptops use the keyboard for venting, which means closing the lid could make yours overheat.

 

I've been looking at getting a projector myself, a few words, get a screen, don't use your walls. All the AV forums advise this, you can get screens to improve colours and glare and other goodies. Generally Lamp life wont last after a year, it starts to dim alot sooner then 6000 is what im told, projectors aren't for people worried about pennies thats for sure. Also consider audio, You'll be wanting atleast a cheap surround sound that does HDMI in and out, because projectors don't come with speakers, just a heads up. 800p may be a bit low for pixel density for a 75 inch throw, this is purely in the eye of the beholder ofcourse. for $600 though that seems pretty low price for a projector. I suspect you get what you pay for.

Edit: Just like I thought, looking at the official website for the product it says 6000 when in economy mode, which is probably really low light levels, so you looking probably 1.5 years max before you notice some fading and the image not being as bright. I do stand corrected though, it does have stereo speakers, probably not the greatest im guessing.

 

I used to run a 1024x768 projector and threw it across 100 inches and it looked great. I agree though, get a screen. You will notice every single imperfection if you throw it on a wall or paper.

My projector had a bulb rated for 5000 hours, and put well over 2000 hours on it and it lost nary any brightness. I'd expect to buy a replacement bulb though after running it 2/3 it's rated life only due to brightness.

Wish I had never sold mine. Will probably run another one, one day. 720p is fine IMHO, and affordable. 1080p is just too darn expensive.

 

Agreed, I'd pull the trigger on a 1080p but nothing less then 100 inchs will do!!! That said the resolution is definitely in the eye of the beholder. Another reason I probably won't is im waiting for a HMD thats 1080p / 100 inch screen at 6 feet comes to being affordable. That will be the next step in immersion for me.

 

i got a 1080p one for around 1000$ 2 years ago. what a nice experience it is. really great for the "cinema for the small crowd".

but yeah, 720p should be nice, too. for gaming, less pixels means higher settings => the pixels you see will be awesome

 

For movies & games I think 720p would be fine.

For using it as a monitor replacement where you will be reading websites and navigating the desktop I would then pay the extra for 1080p.

 

Sensics once an HMD like this becomes affordable enough for the masses, video games will never be the same! Soo Immersive, but at 23000 for 1 pair, its a bit steep.

 

Wouldn't a LED projector solve the bulb life expectancy problem?

 

well guys, first off thanks for the helpful input. big smile

I was very very nervous about purchasing the mw512, no reviews ect.

My gut said get a more expensive 1080p projector.

A couple problems with getting a 1080p projector, would be. Performance would be poor with my 5650 and I lack a bluray player, the next problem would be finding one with a short throw distance as i dont have very much space in my tiny room.

but needless to say I went ahead and bought the projector yesterday and I will report back honestly for those of you looking to get a projector.

It looks simply amazing, no other word to descrobe how good and sharp it looks.

The guy at the store said it would look similar to a standard tv, and boy was he wrong. even with my face up against the wall staring at the screen looking for pixels, they are rougly 1mm across and at 6 feet away it would be impossible for any eyes to see pixelation.

I lucked out i think. I bought it for 579 at memory express. and apparently it has SRGB. makes the colors look that much better as well as a 6 layered wheel running DLP tech with an amazing throw distance.

my only gripe is damn this thing gets hot fast. like 90c in 10 seconds.

overall im glad I took the advice from the forum before deciding if it would be right for me and am very grateful. thanks guys.

ps if you dont own a projector and are thinking of getting a cheap one. this is probably the best you can get for the money and you will not be disapointed.