Low Cost Digital Projector

Merrik

I'd like to buy a projector to exhibit my projects.
I want something low cost so that it's not a huge loss if it gets broken/stolen.
Something in the area of R4000 preferably. It doesn't need to be HD.
Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

Rigormortis

I haven't looked at projector prices recently so I might be wrong in this but I think you should try to up the budget to about 8k to get somethhing that is worthwhile.

What I can help with though (in case you didn't know) is to tell you to never unplug the projector until the fan has had time to cool down the lamp. Also dont move it while the lamp is hot. Those two things are usually why the lamps blow out prematurely, which in most cases cost as much as a new projector.

_damN_

Hi there,

Being someone that actually works in retail for AV equipment, you can definitely get a "cheap" projector for about R4000.00, normally from I.T shops. However its more than likely not going to be very good specs in terms of picture quality and lamp brightness(Cant use it in a bright room). The bigger AV dealers normally don't keep those in stock.
Also ask about if there is a service agent for the make in your city and how much the replacement bulbs cost. They will need to be replaced every few thousand hours. Your "cheaper" projectors bulbs actually tend to cost about as much as a new machine.
Like Rigormortis said, with a budget of about R8000 you will probably be able to get an HD(720p) projector with MUCH better specs.

Depending on what you are planning to use it for, it might be better to buy a huge Mercer monitor for about R4000.00?? Im not sure on those prices though.

Hope it helps! :-)

Merrik

Thanks @_damN_

it might be better to buy a huge Mercer monitor for about R4000.00

That's an interesting idea. Could you link me to anything? I'm not familiar with Mercer.

_damN_

I mean Mecer sorry.... hehe:-)

I am not saying its the best quality or anything but here is an example of a 42"
http://www.ikonix.co.za/mecer-42-inch-full-hd-lcd-monitor.html
If you have a Mustek in your city then you can look them up and give them a call.

Apologies i didn't factor in the bad Rand/Dollar rate. I remember last year my friend actually purchased a 46" full HD 3D screen for something crazy like R4999.00. Obviously price depends on what model you go for. That being said, you can visit your local AV retailer and ask them if they can order you the "cheapest" big screen tv for as little as possible. There are a lot of models the retailers do not keep in stock because they are considered bad sellers, in terms of specification. A 42" Plasma can go for as little as R3999.00 and the picture quality will be 10 times better than a projector could ever be.

Hope that helps.
:-D

Merrik

@_damN_ Thanks for the insights! Very useful. I am getting pretty sick of setting up projectors. Having to find space to set it up behind the players makes things awkward and precarious.