Suitable projector for retro games

[that1crzywhtguy]

I see some real inexpensive 320x240 led projectors out there, and though probably awful for watching HD content and likely to perform pretty poorly unless the room is TOTALLY dark, seems like they might be perfect for the retro games... Anybody try to use one of these for retro gaming or have thoughts?

[Exhuminator]

Well I think you would be better off buying a more expensive projector that has a quality upscaler built in. Not only would it do well for retro games, but it would also do well for modern resolutions making it more versatile for you.

[that1crzywhtguy]

Well I think you would be better off buying a more expensive projector that has a quality upscaler built in. Not only would it do well for retro games, but it would also do well for modern resolutions making it more versatile for you.

I have a couple of really nice LCD tvs that I use for my HD content, so what I'm really interested in is a bigger screen for my retro stuff. Don't think I want to hunt down a 200 lb television though so I thought this might be a decent solution. I absolutely hate how my 240p systems look stretched across a HD screen and can't imagine a HD projector would do much better.

[Exhuminator]

can't imagine a HD projector would do much better.

Depends on your budget. A Sony VPL-VW500ES 4K with an XRGB Mini would look phenomenal. I doubt you will get the quality you are looking for out of a cheapo low res projector honestly.

[that1crzywhtguy]

can't imagine a HD projector would do much better.

Depends on your budget. A Sony VPL-VW500ES 4K with an XRGB Mini would look phenomenal. I doubt you will get the quality you are looking for out of a cheapo low res projector honestly.

I don't want to do upscaling, that's not really my goal. I want lo res.

[dogman91]

well... the projector isn't going to look as good as a tube CRT SDTV. My opinion is to not be disappointed and just go for the "200lb" solution

[samsonlonghair]

I bought a cheap projector for retro video games. It was called "eye-clops" or something equally stupid. It was clearly marketed towards children. It only worked at night. It was kinda crappy, but I had fun with it anyway. I only spent thirty bucks on it, so I don't feel like I wasted a ton of money.

I say if you're doing this just for fun, go ahead and get yourself any crummy lo-res projector you like. Don't expect too much, and you won't be too disappointed.

Edit: I just found the amazon product page for my crummy little projector:

Apparently amazon wants a hundred bucks for this thing. I found it on sale for thirty dollars at a local discount store, which is closer to what it's really worth.

[Exhuminator]

I don't want to do upscaling, that's not really my goal. I want lo res.

If you want to be able to do low res with interlacing and such natively, and also project the image, and have it look good, one of these is your only hope:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRT_projector

[Anapan]

I had planned to get a 4x3 older Optoma. They're really cheap on kijiji &Craigslist. The good screens are very expensive tho. My brother got a 720p 16x9 along with a 130" screen for under $300 for his kids xbox and wii. For on-the-road portability I got a Macrovision ShowWX+ HDMI. It's 480p and laser-driven. It does well for both computer and consoles but was really expensive at the time.
I played with some older cheap pico projectors that were led driven but even in complete darkness they were dull if they projected over a 24" picture and the projection left a lot to be disired clarity-wise. They also lacked anything but composite. One thing I love about the showwx is @480p it can do scanlines.
Your best bet is to look on projectorcentral. There's a new pico projector that's way cheaper and brighter than the showwx. Still, I saw an optoma for just over $100 that was 2400 lumens yesterday.
I'm looking into that reflective projector screen paint again. It's still cheaper than a decent screen, tho the prep on a wall is still pretty extensive I think it's the way I'm gonna go I'll probably just put another peice of drywall over the wall and have my friend mud&tape it so it's completely smooth.
Check out projectorcentral.com and check the price of a new bulb on the unit you decide on. If you buy used that's all you need to worry about. The DLP projectors along with an upscaler and SLG will make everything great. I'm now looking at a 2013 Optoma (the 2014 top pick) that's 1080p and can stream all the media downstairs while still doing a good 480 scanlined picture at 3500 lumens. I'll just clock the lamp down to comfortable and throw a buch of easy chairs in the room.
Still, my suggestion is to buy a used one, a cheap scaler and a new bulb. Even on ebay with shipping projected on a white wall they're really affordable and will get you a good picture. Just do some research on the one you're interested in that's under your price range.