Projector?!!!!!!

[andrew_callow]

hey guys,

I am thinking of getting a projector for FS9 and i was just wondering if its really worth it?

cheers, andrew

[FridayChild]

A projector just for FS9 is not worth it IMO.
It IS worthy if you also use it for DVDs, TV and for other games too.  ;)
Remember that the lamp has a limited life, and so if you spend many hours in front of FS (like most here do, probably) be prepared to replace it often.

[Jared]

We had an older model at my church and the bulb lasted many hours, until it was broke in transit...cost a few hundred to replace as well..;-)

Not sure what things are like these days..;-)

Also some of the ones they use at the school can only be on for about an hour before they overheat and automatically shut-down, all of which could be prevented with some cooling I'm sure, but still..;-)

[beaky]

We had an older model at my church and the bulb lasted many hours, until it was broke in transit...cost a few hundred to replace as well..;-)

Not sure what things are like these days..;-)

Also some of the ones they use at the school can only be on for about an hour before they overheat and automatically shut-down, all of which could be prevented with some cooling I'm sure, but still..;-)

Don't pay less than $800-1000 dollars (US) for (a new) one; anything cheaper is crap. And beware of used bargains: lamps are expensive, and the more you use them, the faster they burn out. Projector LCDs don't last forever, either. Now, you could get an old 3-gun CRT projector, but they're a bear to calibrate and are really big. OK for watching the game in the local bar, but not good for FS, I'd say.
Get a great big CRT or LCD monitor instead if you've got that kind of dough... you'll be happier. If you get a nice projector, you then need a nice surface to project onto. Ordinary white paint is OK, but not ideal. It'd be like spreading caviar on white bread. Plus, you need a dark room, etc., etc... unless you're setting up a total simpit with some kind of rear-projection setup (expensive screen!!!), it's prob'ly not worth it.
 I know all this because I install all kinds of projectors and other high-end AV stuff for a living. Normally don't deal with the smaller consumer jobs, but from what I know about "desktop" models, you can rely on what I said in my first sentence...
If you're still interested, I'd recommend NEC, Sanyo, or Christie, as far as mfrs. go.

[chomp_rock]

I concur, get a big fancy LCD or CRT monitor, it will cost less and look better.

[yf]

And my opinion is:
Get you the glasses that you wear on, so you do not see anything but FS (no keyboard no joystick

[the_autopilot]

For fs2004 alone, its not worth it cause cheap projectors suck and the ones that are good aren't worth it just for fs2004 when you could get a CRT monitor with higher res, longer life, and better quality of picture.

For DLP projectors, the rainbow effect really comes out when you use computer screens.

LCD projectors aren't really good for anything (I hate them) and their darks suck. I had once and ended up wanting to bash it.

CRT projectors will put the local cineplex to shame. They are big, bulky, require wiring and calibration. However, once setup, you'll wonder if its even possible to look at a reg computer moniter again without vomitting.

[JBaymore]

Lots of simpit builders use projectors and find thenm just fine.

best,

...................john

[ctjoyce]

did u ever put a projecter in your cockpit john??

[JBaymore]

ctjoyce,

That is where it is eventualy headed for the windscreen view.  Side window(s) will eventually get lcd monitors.  The simpit is still in the early stages of construction .... even though it has been a multi year project already  ;) .  If you look at the latest thread (Part 13)...... you can see that I am just starting on the enclosure.  After that comes the overhead.  Then all the interfacing.

Long way to go yet.  


best,

...............john

[TacitBlue]

you could attempt to build one. But Ill give you a warning: Only attempt it if you are really good with electronics, and willing to spend $200- $300. http://www20.tomshardware.com/howto/20041113/index.html explanes how, and reccomends monitors to use.

[the_autopilot]

I wouldn't follow that tutorial.

LCD projectors aren't the best as is, even worse if you build it yourself.

Go with DLP projectors.

[andrew_callow]

cheers to all i have actually decided to try that do it yourself one ass dodgy as it seems got a few monitors to play around with so i guess its worth a try will post a report on how good it works when done cheers to all

kind regards, andrew

[Fly2e]

Don't go with the DLP, they have a shelf life and they are susceptible to "phosphor burn". Meaning, if you pause your sim and leave it for a while, you will run the risk of having something permanently on your screen.
LCD, especially since they have just come out with a new way of developing the actual LCD Screen for allot less money. The screen is what costs so much on these so I guarantee you will see LCD's come down allot this year!

Dave

[the_autopilot]

Don't go with the DLP, they have a shelf life and they are susceptible to "phosphor burn". Meaning, if you pause your sim and leave it for a while, you will run the risk of having something permanently on your screen.
LCD, especially since they have just come out with a new way of developing the actual LCD Screen for allot less money. The screen is what costs so much on these so I guarantee you will see LCD's come down allot this year!

Dave

But LCD's are still suffering from things like bad blacks. The image quality is much better with DLP, desipte its possiblity of burn in. Plus, newer technology has allowed burn-in to become less frequent.