Anamorphic DVD's and screen projectors

[artcomm]

If you have a projector like the Infocus or Epson, my question is: what is the best way to watch an anamorphic movie? Simply increase the size of the projected image? If you do this, you loose resolution.

If, on the other side, you use the anamorphic images, is there a projector capable fo STRETCHING to fill the sides?

In conclusion, what would you suggest as the best way to properly (best resolution) watch (and project) DVD's with anamoprhic images?

[jcraven]

I may be a newbie to DVD authoring but this is a subject I can definately help out on!

I love movies so when I could finally afford it I built a 1000 sq/ft home theater on the side of my house with stadium seating/recliners - that was the easy part - finding the right projector was tough. If it's in your budget, you really need to find one that utilizes a controller - this is a processor that is wired between your output device(s) and your projector. It has an internal processor and progressive scaler which will automatically adjust the signal stream to match the required output (4:3, Anamorphic Widescreen, & Letterbox) without losing resolution. Some also have a built-in line doubler which also enhances the image. After checking out the few models in my budget I ended up getting a Runco Reflection VX 101. The retail was $13k but I ended up getting it for $9000 - be careful, the retailer have a lot of mark up on these! $9000 may seem like a lot but I have a 10'screen with perfect picture quality. This model is also HDTV ready which you may want to look for. There are lower cost models anywhere between $3000 and $6000 from Sony and assorted other vendors. I've run my projector with and without the controller and it's like night and day. I bought my screen through a company in Ft. Lauderdale (www.frontrowtheater.com), the owner was very helpful and helped me pick out the best equipment for what I could afford. They've also got a showroom so you can see the difference between the various projectors and screens - it would be worth the trip. There is a company in Miami that also supplies this type of equipment but unless you're spending more than $100k they'll treat you like crap, don't waste your time with them. Sorry for writing a book but I didn't want to see you spend all the time I had to researching this.
Good luck!

[artcomm]

I just found out about a new home projector, the price of which I have not been able to obtain (it seems to be absolutely new)...

I am afraid to use this site to post the info but, how else would I be able to know if this a good product?

Well, this company, Infocus, has announced at its site the Infocus ScreenPlay 110. Amazing specs. I don't think the price would be near the 9000 mentioned by jcraven (amount that I would definitely not been able to afford).

If anybody knows anything about this projector, some of us would be quite interested in knowing what it is about.

[jcraven]

You may want to call information and get the number for www.frontrowtheater.com in Ft. Lauderdale, they could at least tell you if that's a good product or not. Another option is contact the manufacturer and try to find a company that has one on display - you'll definately want to see it working before you spend the money. the only reason I was willing to spend as much as I did is because after I priced out decent tvs they were close to the same - and it didn't make sense to pay that much for a 46' HDTV at the time when projectors were available capable of a 25' picture.

FYI - the biggest problem you're going to run into is light - my home theater has no windows, if you're going to use it in a room with any light at all the picture quality won't be that great - nomatter the price, they all need little to no light.

Good luck!