On this week’s show we look at what movies are trending for on demand viewing and we try (again) to help Braden decide between a UST Projector, a traditional projector and a large format TV. We also look at email and news of the week.
We received an email from a listener asking if we were building a media room today, would we still go the projector route and more specifically, if we went the projector route, would we go with an ultra short throw projector?
There is a lot to unpack there. This listener is building out a media room in his basement and is in a situation where he can control lighting and has space for a 120 inch screen. He also said he does not mind buying higher end equipment since he intends on using it for the long term. Here is how our thought process goes.
Large Format TVReasonable cost and very good bang for the buck. Samsung is selling an 85 inch QLED TV that is 4k, HDR, Your assistant of choice, and many many more features for $3300. It's a good TV that has good reviews and would make an excellent choice for anyone’s media room. However, is 85” big enough if you have enough room for a 120 inch screen and you have the budget? We think not. But still It's amazing how simple it is to install this TV in a room with full light and get an incredible big screen experience for a mere $3,300!
Traditional ProjectorThere are plenty of Long Throw projectors that are 4K that cost about the same as the samsung TV. The advantage is that you can get a 120” picture on a screen and it won’t break your back moving the projector into the basement. The JVC LX-UH1B is a 4K UHD with HDR Projector that costs $2500. It does achieve 4K by using pixel shifting by from what we have seen it's not going to be any issue whatsoever. Going this route requires mounting the projector to the ceiling and the purchase of a 120” screen. Since there is no issue with ambient light a traditional screen can be used which should bring the cost to be about the same as the Samsung TV. You will need to pay attention to the cables being used to make sure that they support 4K HDR. But a very doable proposition at a reasonable cost. The only possible downside is that the room will be difficult to modify. However, that may not be an issue as none of my rooms have changed configuration in twenty years.
Ultra Short Throw ProjectorThe UST projector is, in our opinion, the best of both worlds! You can get a screen size of 120 inches that is easier to install than both the Long Throw Projector and 85” TV. There are many models from multiple manufacturers to choose from. The cost is a little bit more expensive than the TV or the Long Throw projector. However, if you are having the Long Throw projector installed by a professional it may end up costing you more money. Although a minor benefit. It's easy to move the UST projector around. If your aesthetics committee wants to change the room it can be done without a major headache. The Picture quality of the UST projectors are incredible and they work extremely well in light controlled environments. But imagine if you have a big game room next to the media room and the lights are on it has no real impact on the picture brightness. It's harder to get that kind of performance out of a traditional projector without spending a lot of money on an ambient light rejecting screen.
Our TakeIt's Ultra Short Throw Projector for the win! You have more options for where you can use them and anyone can install them with minimal effort. They are easier to maneuver into and around your home and to get a TV of similar picture quality in 85” will cost more money.
