I dont know much about home theaters besides the fact I want one. I found two deals: 1. Optoma H57 w/spare lamp Ceiling mount, surge proctection, 25' component video cable, 100" widescreen for $2,395 or 2. Optoma H57 w/spare lamp for $1999+free shipping How much of a difference does the screen make? I heard the new 106" greywolf for $300 is great, but is it worth the money? Should I buy the package or get the projector and shop around for screen and ceiling mount? Thanks for helping a newbie to the Home theater world.
Ok, projectors and home theater systems are my new obsession and I have researched the subject fairly extensively so I hope my thoughts help you out.First off kudos for picking this projector, it has recieved high praise.It's 3000:1 contrast ratio is above average standards, however I'd be a bit concerned about the lumen level if you intend on having much ambient light in the room. I don't know what your budget for this is but I'd go with option 2. I say this because you can get a good surge protector for under $20, and you can get the ceiling mount for the h57 for $152, and you can get a the component cable for $25. And now the big question: What do you project onto? Many people have differing opinions about this subject. I personally have chosen to go the screen goo route(I am also on a limited budget).Screen Goo is a special basecoat/topcoat combo paint with reflective material in it to make your picture more vivid. I bought one 500ml container of both the top and base coats and was able to to make an 80" screen with a little paint left over for $99 (I'm also limited on space).Now they say that 500ml of this stuff can make two thin 25 sqft coats, this number seems a bit inflated to me though. As for satisfaction, I'm very pleased with this type of screen, color is as vivid as ever and I control the size and shape of it (they use this stuff in Las Vegas for big circle shaped TV's). But there are still those who swear by actual fiber screens, I've watched movies on those as well and the difference to me is minimal at best. So option 2 will save you not that much money and you may have to put a bit of work into it, but thats part of the fun to me.h I hope this info helped an I'll check to see if you have anymore questions.
