Sharp NoteVision PG-M20X Projector. Why Buy a Bigscreen TV? :)

[Apex]

http://www.sharpusa.com/images/pro_PGM20X_pic1.jpg

If I didn't already have a projector, I'd be sorely tempted to get this one.

Sharp NoteVision PG-M20X Specs (http://www.sharpusa.com/products/ModelLanding/1,1058,782,00.html)

New TI 12 degree XGA native DMD
1000:1 on/off contrast, 800:1 ANSI contrast
1900 ANSI lumens
37 dB of noise
5.8 lbs, just over 3" thick
DVI input (along with S-Vid, composite, USB, and the normal converters)
List: $4395

If you have pretty good ambient lighting control in your room, this would make an awesome TV, especially at $2646 with free shipping. Price on this model is usually $3k or so and above.

LA Computer Center (http://www.lacc.com/lacc/datasheets/projector/sharp/PGM20X.htm)

2000 hour replacement bulbs are just over $350, and will probably drop. This gives it a current operating cost of about 17 cents per hour, probably dropping down to about 12 cents an hour when you actually need to replace it.

[ribitch]

i would love to get a projector for my system. I am just strapped for cash until i graduate.

How would one go about getting a TV signal to it? Would you need an aftermarket cable TV/satellite box? or do they have a tuner built in? I would like to eventually eliminate the TV, and have my reciever & DVD changer connected to a projector.

[Apex]

I'm personally using one of these:

http://www.viewsonic.com/images/IMG_vb50_lrg.jpg

Viewsonic VB50 (http://www.viewsonic.com/products/video_box_vb50.htm)

It's about $90 or so.

However, any VCR will do, since they have a tuner in them. Same with TiVo or ReplayTV. HDTV tuners will work too, as will TV cards in your computer.

Viewsonic is also releasing a HDTV tuner box for $199 next month:

http://www.viewsonic.com/companyinfo/pressrelease_detail.cfm?key_press_release=145

I'm guessing street price will be about $150. That'll be pretty awesome, as most tuners are about $400-600 or so now.

[ribitch]

thanks for the info