1- What to look for? I like DLP. Better in every single respect, IMHO, to LCD except for the fringing on fast moving motion (see next question).

Make sure you get a good zoom, so you can easily and quickly set up in different room situations. Make sure it has lots of inputs. Certainly composite and VGA, but DVI will be increasingly important.

2- What to avoid? If you get DLP, make sure the color wheel rotates at least 2x for every frame, or faster. This minimizes the fringing issue.

3- What would be neat to have with it? Line doubler (the InFocus XL1 had this for under $1,000, but it is no longer sold).

4- Lamp prices? This isn't a pretty scene. What the printer companies make on ink cartridges is nothing compared to this racket. Use Froogle and other shopping search engines to try to minimize the pain.

5- Lumens Vs Distance? Light output is important, but better contrast (which the DLP provides) and having a screen with good gain can be just as important. Have you included a portable screen in your calculations?

6- Fan noise? This can be an issue. Most comparative reviews will give you some clue as to which models to avoid. It is tough to really know without actually hearing them yourself in the same room, under the same circumstance, or without a reviewer doing the same thing.

7- Anything else? Get something that you can use at home to watch movies when you're not on the road with it. These tiny, "inexpensive" projectors can provide some amazing "cheap thrills" when used as a home theater device. I highly recommend spending some time looking at the posts in the AVS Forum. They have some pretty responsible opinions on display there.

Hey Grazie,

First, for more info than you ever wanted to know (or even thought of asking) on projectors, check out the A/V forum at:
http://www.avsforum.com/

Secondly, will you be showing this off in a darkened room (like a theater) or in a room with a lot of ambient light (like a boardroom)? The brighter the room, the higher the number of lumens you'll need. Conversely, if you're going to be showing this off primarily in a microcinema-type setting, you can probably save a bundle by going for something with somewhat less lumens and higher resolution.

I haven't purchased one, yet, but I want to make sure I get one that can handle native HD resolution, if and when I ever upgrade to HDV. At the moment, that generally means 1280 x 720 in an affordable range, but my guess is that 1920 x 1080 will soon drop in price (mayber after NAB)?

Contrast ratio is something to look for (the higher the ratio, the better). "Screen door" and "rainbow" image distortions are things to avoid. As with any electronic gear, you pay more for smaller packages. If you don't mind something fairly bulky, you can get a more powerful/higher resolution at a better price than the "Kleenex-box" sized super-portables.

I've got my eyes on the Panasonic AE700, which looks to be a pretty decent all-around performer. The film festival I just attended (as an exhibitor!) had one they were using with a DSR-11, and the image was superb.

Somewhat off-topic, but be sure to include an audio solution in your portable setup.

look at a projection design F1+

nothing comes close to the performance and size and quality ...

if you need a special throw or configuration -- they will build it for you ...

2 different resolutions to pick from ...

these are made for heavy duty use 24/7 with a magnesium case - yet only weighs 3.4 kg

http://www.projectiondesign.com/Default.asp?CatID=1169


(projection design is the OEM for several Christie and Digital Projection models and other companies)





<edit> just saw your price limit --- which is well below the price on these puppies -- unless you leased it ..

I Think its important to make a list of features that are important and make SURE they are on the Model you buy !

So often recommendations are based on what Widgets it has.... Pic Quality would be MY No1 Priority and Not can I watch it with the Lights down low... although this could be a consideration if showing Publicly... Anyway my Thoughts would be to have a look at the screenplay Lineup.. The 5700 won proj-product of the year (DLP)2004 What Hi Fi Mag...Sevenoaks are doin a deal on it at the Mo... Also consider the 4805 DLP

Hope this Helps :)

Wow! You guys are truly astounding! . .thank you .. . Much to cionsider.

I will visit the websites mentioned - JM, thakns for the detailed response . . what a Guy!

I'm kinda landing on anything INFOCUS. I've used them in the past and they "specialise" in projectors. I just went and felt one at PC World . . it has plenty of ports.

Oh yes the audio too!

So, INFOCUS is where I'm kinda focussing on - focussing on . . dear oh dear! Do others have pet hates or loves?

TIA

Grazie

. . Jay . .Just call me greedy!

Note that ANSI lumens are meaningless for combined data&video projectors.

Why? Because they measure say 2,000 lumens brightness in data projection mode, then when you set up and adjust for video, the max you can get is perhaps 600 lumens...

ANSI really needs to develop a new standard for properly set up VIDEO projection.

The Hitachi PJ-TX1000 is the by far best affordable video projector I have seen. It is only 1450 euros in Europe ($2800 street at U.S. authorized dealers).

It is native 1280x720 DLP, has a lens with outstanding contrast and sharpness, and the picture really really rocks. Going through reviews of every projector released over the last year, I couldn't find anything else that was even close in this price range.

If you want your videos to look good, this one will make a very different impression from one of the affordable Infocus projectors, which are more optimized for data.

Grazie check this one out :
fits in your hand and 699US

http://www.chait.net/index.php?p=572&page=1

Coursey . .thanks for the heads up on the Infocus . .. er . .. oohh?.. . . ok. I guess I'm gonna get even more confused before I get clearer . . that's a good thing!

Nat! That is just too cute! But, Hitachi wouldn't make something if it wasn't proper, yes? But it is now a consideration as "another" option. 20" at a foot throw .. . hmmm.. interesting. No, really, this is interesting.

I got my miniDVD player which is great .. . I just want an easy, affordable and not too techie ridden piece.

Maybe I need 2 devices .. and shelve the idea of one for home AND travel?

Interesting SWOT analysis forming over here in London!

Thanks again Guys!

Grazie

Personally I would steer Clear of PC World.. I had to take them to Court after being Mis-Sold a Warranty...

Oh no I woulndn't buy there . . I just window shop!

G