Daily Blog - Ross Jones - June 19, 2008: THE FRONT PROJECTOR IN THE LIVING ROOM
We’re starting a series of front projector reviews, including systems that can be used in non-dedicated environments (such as family rooms) without requiring custom installation. I’m guessing that, given the current state of the economy, projectors that can deliver the goods in a multi-use space will become increasingly popular.
As I’ve mentioned before, my home doesn’t have a dedicated theater room, so it is a perfect guinea pig space for these systems. Last Saturday night, I sat the family down on the couch with Transformers (HD DVD), a 1080p projector, 84” screen, and many bowls of popcorn. My six year-old (who has encyclopedic knowledge about Optimus Prime) giggled with delight every time the autobots appeared, while my teenage son stared open-jawed at a larger-than-life Meagan Fox (not that I noticed, of course). Even the wife approved of the movie theater ambience.
Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?
July 7th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I believe there is an untapped market of renters and home owners who want the benefits of a “portable” big screen theater experience that they can take with them when they relocate. Highly mobile professionals usually have money to spend, but either do not want or are not allowed to cut holes in walls for cabling, speakers, etc. I had the unfortunate experience of spending many thousands on a dedicated theatre in my home - only to be unexpectedly forced to relocate to another city within a year. I was faced with the decision either to sell the house with the theater equipment or to have the theater equipment removed and the room converted back to being a big empty room. Either way, I would have to take a big loss in today’s housing market. So I sold the house with the theatre, substituting cheaper equipment where feasible - but taking a big loss anyway. I have now moved to a new home, but will never have a dedicated “built-in” theatre again. Yes, I miss my Vandersteens, 110″ screen and Sony projector that descended from the ceiling via a Draper SL-8 scissor lift. BUT, today I am happy with my on-wall speakers and 73″ rear projection Mitsubishi. I will keep my eyes open for your projector reviews in case there is a quiet front projector that I can place under a coffee table in front of an electric on-wall screen. Who knows, maybe some small online speaker company will team with a projector manufacturer and offer a total solution that addresses this market. Great on-wall speakers and “portability” are essential for this marketing model to succeed.