home theater projector for PC video?

[John Doe]

I'm sure there is more than enough hype in home theater literature,
so I'm asking about real world technical stuff. Is home theater for
personal computer video output workable? What are the drawbacks,
complications, difficulties?

I already use the computer from in bed, using cordless devices, so
that's not a problem. I guess one could use it from a desk with the
projector pointing at a forward wall.

I guess you wouldn't want to use a projector in a work/group
environment involving potentially sensitive material.

Specifically, I'm wondering about gaming.

Offhand, I can see there might be a difficulty with dual monitors, I
guess maybe using a standard monitor or TV as a secondary.

What video card output would the home theater projector be driven
by?

Is there much difference for personal computer video between low-end
and high-end home theater projectors?

Would the projector be all that's required? In other words, can you
skimp on the other components if all you want is the video output?

General experience (or significant research) about this application
is appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Mike T.]

I'm sure there is more than enough hype in home theater literature,
so I'm asking about real world technical stuff. Is home theater for
personal computer video output workable? What are the drawbacks,
complications, difficulties?

I already use the computer from in bed, using cordless devices, so
that's not a problem. I guess one could use it from a desk with the
projector pointing at a forward wall.

I guess you wouldn't want to use a projector in a work/group
environment involving potentially sensitive material.

Specifically, I'm wondering about gaming.

Offhand, I can see there might be a difficulty with dual monitors, I
guess maybe using a standard monitor or TV as a secondary.

What video card output would the home theater projector be driven
by?

Is there much difference for personal computer video between low-end
and high-end home theater projectors?

Would the projector be all that's required? In other words, can you
skimp on the other components if all you want is the video output?

General experience (or significant research) about this application
is appreciated.

Thank you.

OK, your typical home theater projector won't handle resolution high enough
to work as a computer monitor. You can get a high-def projector with DVI
input (most current video cards have DVI output, some have s-video as well).
But that will cost thousands of dollars for anything decent. Plus, the
bulbs will need to be replaced once or twice a year. They are several
hundred dollars a piece, and your projector might have more than one. But
beyond the price hurdles . . .

Projectors aren't too adept at changing resolution quickly. I wouldn't want
to use one for gaming use. Plus, there is considerable setup time involved
in getting ONE display resolution working correctly. If you've never done
it before and have really GOOD instructions to follow, figure on spending
all day getting 1280X1024 adjusted (for example). Then the next day, you
can adjust a different resolution. Of course, you could always pay a
professional to do it. (Not to brag, but with my experience, I could have
it set up in 15 minutes or less, without reading the manual.) All of the
above assumes that your projector will handle typical computer monitor
resolutions. That's not guaranteed, even with a high-def projector.

But if you've got a lot of time and money to burn, it would be an
interesting experiment. Note I said a LOT of time and a LOT of money, to
BURN. -Dave