Projector for racing sims

Hi folks,

I'm a long-time racing simmer (started with Indy500-The Simulation by
Papyrus) who usually lurks here. I'm not up to date on the latest sims,
since I still have much fun with GPL and Nascar2003, and more recently,
RBR.

Recently I got talked into trying a projector on the computer. I was
concerned about speed, having heard all the stories about slow response
time in LCD screens. I chose a projector that is DLP, and is native at
4:3 and 1024x768, my normal racing resolution. It cost under CDN$1000.

Well I'm here to tell you all that it is nothing short of incredible! I
haven't seen other discussions about projectors with sims, so I thought
it was worth mentioning. The immersion factor goes way up with a huge
projected image in front of you. On my first few runs in RBR, I almost
felt queasy when the car jumps around on rough bits, like right after
the 2nd jump on the Harwood Forest stage. Then I set a new personal
best for the stage, and I was sold.

Best part is, I can even watch movies and sports if for some strange
reason I get tired of racing! <g>

....Ron

Zuben el Genubi > wrote in news:zuben-
:

> Recently I got talked into trying a projector on the computer. I was
> concerned about speed, having heard all the stories about slow response
> time in LCD screens. I chose a projector that is DLP, and is native at
> 4:3 and 1024x768, my normal racing resolution. It cost under CDN$1000.
>
> Well I'm here to tell you all that it is nothing short of incredible!


Howdy Ron. Sounds very interesting, I've been thinking of trying it myself.
Where in this giant wasteland are you located? I'm in Vancouver.

Don

What projector are you using? Most at that resolution are still over
$1000CDN.

"Zuben el Genubi" > wrote in message
...
> Hi folks,
>
> I'm a long-time racing simmer (started with Indy500-The Simulation by
> Papyrus) who usually lurks here. I'm not up to date on the latest sims,
> since I still have much fun with GPL and Nascar2003, and more recently,
> RBR.
>
> Recently I got talked into trying a projector on the computer. I was
> concerned about speed, having heard all the stories about slow response
> time in LCD screens. I chose a projector that is DLP, and is native at
> 4:3 and 1024x768, my normal racing resolution. It cost under CDN$1000.
>
> Well I'm here to tell you all that it is nothing short of incredible! I
> haven't seen other discussions about projectors with sims, so I thought
> it was worth mentioning. The immersion factor goes way up with a huge
> projected image in front of you. On my first few runs in RBR, I almost
> felt queasy when the car jumps around on rough bits, like right after
> the 2nd jump on the Harwood Forest stage. Then I set a new personal
> best for the stage, and I was sold.
>
> Best part is, I can even watch movies and sports if for some strange
> reason I get tired of racing! <g>
>
> ...Ron

Glad I am not alone in my sickness. It's actually been in remission
quite a while, as I had to move and am only now getting my projector
set up again...

Have you built a proper cockpit yet? Once you do that and get your
surround speakers and butt-shakers going, you will be in the disease's
terminal stages. ;-)

Cheers,
Gerald

In article <8ywxf.79145$AP5.16644@edtnps84>,
"schooner" > wrote:

> What projector are you using? Most at that resolution are still over
> $1000CDN.

It's an Optoma EP719. Future Shop had it marked down $200, and there
was a factory rebate for $100. I know it's not the greatest for home
theatre, but it works for that, and it's great for racin'. Gotta keep
those priorities straight, eh? <g>

I don't have a cockpit, but I use the Logitech Momo wheel/pedal setup,
and have the Logitech 5.1 speakers (I think it's the 680, or 6800?) and
an Obus Forme office chair with various adjustments, which all works
reasonably well.

And for Don in Vancouver, I'm just east of Toronto.

....Ron

Ah yes, I seen it was on sale. I have the Benq 6100 but it is only 800*600
but still does an amazing job for HDTV. Next upgrade will be a 720p
projector, then I can setup a new sim pod :-)

"Zuben el Genubi" > wrote in message
...
> In article <8ywxf.79145$AP5.16644@edtnps84>,
> "schooner" > wrote:
>
>> What projector are you using? Most at that resolution are still over
>> $1000CDN.
>
> It's an Optoma EP719. Future Shop had it marked down $200, and there
> was a factory rebate for $100. I know it's not the greatest for home
> theatre, but it works for that, and it's great for racin'. Gotta keep
> those priorities straight, eh? <g>
>
> I don't have a cockpit, but I use the Logitech Momo wheel/pedal setup,
> and have the Logitech 5.1 speakers (I think it's the 680, or 6800?) and
> an Obus Forme office chair with various adjustments, which all works
> reasonably well.
>
> And for Don in Vancouver, I'm just east of Toronto.
>
> ...Ron

"Zuben el Genubi" > wrote in message
...
> Hi folks,
>
> I'm a long-time racing simmer (started with Indy500-The Simulation by
> Papyrus) who usually lurks here. I'm not up to date on the latest sims,
> since I still have much fun with GPL and Nascar2003, and more recently,
> RBR.
>
> Recently I got talked into trying a projector on the computer. I was
> concerned about speed, having heard all the stories about slow response
> time in LCD screens. I chose a projector that is DLP, and is native at
> 4:3 and 1024x768, my normal racing resolution. It cost under CDN$1000.
>
> Well I'm here to tell you all that it is nothing short of incredible! I
> haven't seen other discussions about projectors with sims, so I thought
> it was worth mentioning. The immersion factor goes way up with a huge
> projected image in front of you. On my first few runs in RBR, I almost
> felt queasy when the car jumps around on rough bits, like right after
> the 2nd jump on the Harwood Forest stage. Then I set a new personal
> best for the stage, and I was sold.
>
> Best part is, I can even watch movies and sports if for some strange
> reason I get tired of racing! <g>
>
> ...Ron

Yep. I am more into combat flight sims, but I bought an Optoma EP719 four or
five months ago for $800US. Going price is about $1000, but I found it on
sale and had a gift card. Anyhow, it is excellent for gaming. Thankfully we
finished our basement, and I have a perfect corner of the basement dedicated
to my gaming habit (thanks wifey). I would prefer a little longer throw for
the projector, but it's at about 85" diagonal right now, which I guess I
should be happy with I ended up building a desk to accommodate my setup,
and have interchangeable stands for flight sim controller, wheel/pedals, and
my XBOX Steel Battalion controller.

Anyways, if anyone can afford it, I highly recommend it as well. Just keep
in mind that you will need an open area in a room dedicated to the
projector. And I highly recommend a screen, unless your wall is perfectly
flat, otherwise you will notice the blemishes. At least it bothered me.

Hey Guys,

Just bouncing around the groups this AM and came across your
conversation. What you guys are doing sounds wild! If you are in need
of a projector for gaming, give me a shout.. My name is Jay and I sell
these projectors. SVGA, XGA, you name it, and anything you need to go
with it. Feel free to drop me and e-mail and I can tell you more and
give you contact info. Or check out our website
www.theprojectorpros.com I'm not here to advertise, just to help. I
am always amazed at the different uses people find for these machines.

Take care guys,

Jay

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hey Guys,
>
> Just bouncing around the groups this AM and came across your
> conversation. What you guys are doing sounds wild! If you are in need
> of a projector for gaming, give me a shout.. My name is Jay and I sell
> these projectors. SVGA, XGA, you name it, and anything you need to go
> with it. Feel free to drop me and e-mail and I can tell you more and
> give you contact info. Or check out our website
> www.theprojectorpros.com I'm not here to advertise, just to help. I
> am always amazed at the different uses people find for these machines.
>
> Take care guys,
>
> Jay
>

Well, if you are not advertising, then hopefully you come back to these
forums to answer my question.

What is the most economical projector for widescreen PC gaming, preferably
720p (or higher, but I know that's expensive).

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Glad I am not alone in my sickness. It's actually been in remission
> quite a while, as I had to move and am only now getting my projector
> set up again...
>
> Have you built a proper cockpit yet? Once you do that and get your
> surround speakers and butt-shakers going, you will be in the disease's
> terminal stages. ;-)
>
> Cheers,
> Gerald
>

If you don't feel like building a cockpit, take a look at these:

http://store.yahoo.com/saitekusa/cosi.html

It's $300 for a steel tube framed cockpit with chair. You can add-on from
there.