Projector vs Flat screen?
 

What would you guys include in your dream home theater setup? I would stick with my plasma screen, maybe add a few inches, but I'm highly doubtful that any projector could produce the same visual quality a plasma does.

There are front projectors that have as good a picture as plasmas, but they aren't cheap. There are projectors that sell for $15,000 and more. The projector I'd like sells for about $5,000 - $8,000. The new JVC D-ILA projectors look great, as does the Sony SXRD projectors. Some people buy those $600 - $800 ones from Staples. While they work, they are meant more for business presentations. The plasmas have better pictures than these. Plus, you need fully controlled lighting with a front projector. You need no ambient light from windows coming into the room.

I'd have to go with JVC on this one, if it's a dream setup than money should not be a problem and creating a dark room with no external lighting would not be that difficult either, plus plasma screens are way more limited in size than what a projector can accomplish.

I wouldn't spend 15k on a projector even if I had the money in my opinion a 50inch flat screen with HD picture would serve the purpose quite well. Also the HD format will be getting upgraded soon so it would be a waste to make such a big investment at this time.

I own a cheap projector, but in my mind it still beats the flat screen if you are going for a cinema feel and that's what I would look for in a dream setup, to make it feel like the movies with out all the annoyances. I have been eying the Sony BRAVIA VPL-HW15 1920 x 1080 SXRD, for some time and I think it would serve nicely in a home theater setup.

Unfortunately I had to get rid of my projector when I moved into my current apartment and I plan on buying another as soon as I move into a more accommodating space. The short time that I did watch it convinced me beyond a doubt, it's satisfying to watch a 120 inch 1080p movie in your own home. I used mine only for movies and used an LCD for everything else so an a/b comparison was enough to bring my wife around. I used one of the first gen Panasonic 1080p LCD projectors and had no real issues and things have only gotten better and more affordable since then so i would recommend a projector to anyone who has the space.

Yes I prefer a projector, I watched one at a friends house and it was fantastic. Our walls would need to be plastered and levelled before we could even think of having one though.