I see advertisements about using projectors for home theaters, but I’ve seen projectors in conference rooms, and they’re all washed out. Would it be better to buy a projector or a large flat-screen TV?
– Jim T., Dripping Springs

As with most things in life, Jim, the answer depends on a number of things. In this situation, it all comes down to Location, Lighting, Lifestyle and Loot.

Location: If you read my article in the previous issue about how to decide on the size of a screen, you were probably surprised by how large of a screen was recommended for a really immersive experience (for a viewing distance of 15 feet, the recommended screen size ranged from 110” to 135”). Does the room you’re thinking about for this home theater have a wall that can be used for that size screen? Or are there immovable objects in each wall?

Lighting: Too much light in the room used to be the Achilles’ heel of projectors. It would wash out the picture, making objects on the screen look like just different shades of grey. But recent advancements in screen technology have helped this situation tremendously. For instance, Screen Innovations (an Austin-based company) makes the new Black Diamond projection screen. This screen will give you a great picture in almost any lighting situation! A large projected picture in a light-filled environment is no longer an oxymoron.

Lifestyle: One of the best parts of having a dedicated home theater with a giant screen is the control it offers. Instead of having to pay to sit in seats next to crying babies, people talking on cell phones, eating $5 popcorn, and missing part of the movie if “nature calls”, you’re in total control. On the other hand, if you have three-yearolds that like to write on the walls with crayons and markers, a projector and screen is probably not your best bet at this point in your life. How about the idea of playing Halo or Wii Sports on a life-size screen – sound good?

Loot: Most people believe that they will have to spend much more to get a front projector than it would cost to get a flatpanel. But this is really one of the biggest misconceptions about front projectors.

Today’s flat-panel television prices start to show diminishing returns around 58”. To get a larger TV, you’ll have to spend significantly more money for a couple more inches. Want a 100” diagonal screen? That’ll set you back around $100,000. Want a nice 100” projected screen? Maybe one-tenth of that figure.

With current prices, the crossover – the size at which front projectors become less expensive than good flat panels – is about 65”.

So, Jim, a little analysis of your current situation – and perhaps a home visit by an audio-video professional – can help you determine what’s best for you.

P.S. This issue of Your Address is all about giving back. As a cancer survivor, one of my favorite charities is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org/ctx). Literally hundreds of thousands of people are alive today due to the research work they’ve provided.