I don't have a basement. No basements in FL and NV. I sure wish I did. You could make it really great then. I'm afraid I have to go a different route. I have been reading over on the AVS forum and also on another projector forum.
Just thought I'd like to hear from some non-tech geeks what your experiences have been. They really get into the nitty gritty over there.
They have some machines out now that are much brighter and more suitable for family rooms (ambient light). My viewing will be confined mostly to evening time. I have TV in my bedroom (regular LCD) if I want to see anything during day.
I can't of course (or rather won't) paint my ceilings and walls black, but might consider black out drape material sewn behind regular drape material to help with outside light if it wasn't totally dark out.
I was really curious how much you use yours, and if you feel you made the right decision going that route. I'm sure those of you who have dedicated basement rooms also have TV's upstairs. In my current home I have a 32" LCD in my bedroom, and a really nice 55" Panasonic Viera plasma in the living room. The one in the living room, between the picture quality and size is much more enjoyable to watch. (size does seem to matter) Will be leaving that TV at the Florida house for now.
In my case, I was thinking of forgoing buying a larger plasma (will have viewing angle problems in this house with the only wall I can put a wall
TV on.) Which is what led me into looking for another solution.
The regular DLP's made for "man caves" are not suitable for a family room for the most part. I do understand that. But baring all that. Was it worth the effort, cost, etc. for you? Do you use them on a regular bases and get a significant added enjoyment from your watching experience? I don't know how costly running wires up the wall and accross the ceiling to get to projector and also speakers will be. Not something I'm capable of doing. It's a single story house though, which makes it more doable.
Also, some of you mention you upgraded from a 720 to the 1080. Did you see a significant difference? Anyone have 3D? Though I'm sure it would be a hoot to watch something in 3D, I don't know if I'd like wearing those 3D glasses while relaxing, and I'm not sure how many 3D movies I'd want to spend the money for. My viewing experience will be limited to OTA TV passed through a HTPC computer, Netflix, and DVD's. So, I'm not a total audio/video geek type.
I've even considered buying a cheap one they sell on Amazon for $329 (Oops. Just went up in price now)
http://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-PJD...&qid=1349365036&sr=8-1&keywords=dlp+projector and putting it in my sons room, which is much smaller for his games and TV, and see what I think about it. I know the picture quality would not be nearly as good as found in the more expensive units $1,000 plus, but I'm sure he would like it, and it would give me a taste for the whole thing. People give excellent reviews for them on Amazon. But I know, everything is relative, and even going to an inexpensive DPL from a regular tV must be an experience. But anyone used to the quality of a much better machine, would poo poo the cheap one and think it's awful.