rec.autos.simulators

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

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

Have you built a proper***pit 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

I don't have a***pit, 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

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 ***. Thankfully we
finished our ba***t, and I have a perfect corner of the ba***t dedicated
to my *** 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.

  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 ***, 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 ***, preferably
720p (or higher, but I know that's expensive).

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

http://www.racesimcentral.net/

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

  Sorry for the delay in my response to you.

  So you are looking for the cheapest projector that will give you true
widescreen (16:9) in 720p?  I have a PS2 gamer who just called me to
tell me how sweet the machine I sold him back at Christmas time is
working out for him.

shipping)  plus there is a rebate from the mfg for $300, good until the
end of this month.  So you get out for under $1K.  Take a look at it
and let me know what you think.

http://www.racesimcentral.net/

  Thanks for your interest and I hope I have been helpfull..

  I have been playing NASCAR 2004 for my PS2, got it as a gift a few
years ago and never really played it until a few months ago.  I like
the motocross\ATV games as well.  I know,  I need to get caught up on
my ***, LOL.

  Have a good night guys.

  Jay