Leslie Fiedler

How do video games look on a low end projector?

I am going to buy a low end projector <1000$ at 800x600 resolution 2000:1 contrast and 2000 lumens so is this good for video games PS2, PC, and Xbox360. And most importantly how do games look on a 800x600 projector if the room is dark?

Public Comments

1. It depends on what you're viewing it on now. If you have just a standard TV, you won't notice a difference, it'll just be a whole lot bigger, and it's definatley worth it. If you're using an HDTV already, it will look worse, but the 360 is the only one that can use HD anyway, so your PS2 would look the same. As for your PC, that depends on PC's setup, it's pretty much the same deal, if you're graphics card and all that make it look HD, then it'll look worse, but if you're PC isn't that advanced (don't worry, most of America's isn't that advanced) you won't notice any difference, and again, it'll be well worth it to play on a giant screen. And something else you should consider, if you hook it up to your PC, I don't think you can easily switch to the other console (sure you could unplug it all, then re-set it up, but that seems like a bit much), and vice versa. Also, I'm sure whatever room you have your videogames in is set up with a couch or chair facing a TV, and the videogames are right next to the TV, or on top, or underneath it or something. Keep in mind your set up will change because while the screen will take the place of the TV, you now have a projector above and behind you, and the videogames need to be plugged into that behind you as well. And if this room has windows, invest in big thick sun-blocking curtains, trust me. But all in all, it comes down to if you have a standard TV now, the picture will just get bigger, if you have an HDTV now, the picture will get a little worse, and bigger, so it's just up to what you want and what you're willing to live with.
2. Unfortunately the final processed video game image will not be very bright since many manufacturers rate their image brightness to a fixed slide/PowerPoint. So that a 2000 lumens rating is not applicable. You should be checking out various reviews at www.projectorcentral.com for the "video" brightness of a projector. Currently, the brightest and best buy DLP projector [rated at 350 lumens] is the Infocus SP4805 which is customer reviewed at amazon.com and sells for about $550 [refurbished]. Unfortunately, a similar LCD model [any by Epson] project very low lumen images [well below 250 lumens]. Good luck!