Thread: DG-747 Digital Galaxy projector. Do you own one? Better model for similar price?

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The DG-747 Digital Galaxy projector seems to be good for Halloween applications due to its low cost (~$300), relatively high lumens (~2500), and low cost of replacement bulbs (~$20 to ~$30). Resolution is 800 x 600. The copy on the projector says it is "HD compatible" but 800 x 600 is not HD. So I take that to mean it can accept an HD signal and perhaps downsample it to 800 x 600. Another downside seems to be that the DG-747 doesn't accept a standard projector mount and that it may not be bright enough to serve double-duty for giving standard "lights on" office presentations. Might be nice to spend a little more and have that capability but that's not critical. I do intend to project from a second story window onto a lawn in an environment where there's a street lamp close by. So more lumens may be useful to me. Not sure I need resolution higher than 800 x 600 (I won't be using it to show movies).

Does anyone here own a DG-747 projector? Not the LED bulb model (that one has a lot less rated lumens--and lumens and lumens regardless of the type of bulb). If so how do you like it and what other models did you compare it with? Have you found the lumens and resolution sufficient or did you move on to a higher lumens model?

I'm only interested in projectors with replacement bulbs that are in the under $50 range. No way am I taking a risk of buying a used projector for $100 to $200 on eBay, then having to buy a $400 replacement bulb later on!

Although my Wonderwall projector is lousy for some applications (e.g. watching movies) it works absolutely fine for close range, low res projections like a Madame Leota ball or a Grim Grinning Ghost choir. Glad I have it in my arsenal of tools for the price ($50). I'm following the same philosophy for my second projector. Buy something inexpensive enough that provides sufficient performance for the applications I have in mind. That frees up cash to buy a third projector or for building other effects.

Getting rained out last Halloween, and given that Halloween is a One Night Only engagement in my buckle-of-the-bible-belt location, I'm thinking it would be smart to add more projection effects.

Anyway, what other options do I have in the $250 to $350 range for a projector that meets similar criteria:
* Lumens rating of at least 2200 (preferably 2500+)
* Replacement bulbs costing $50 or less (preferably $30 a pop; and I believe the DG-747 often comes bundled with a free spare bulb)
* Resolution of at least 800 x 600
* Availability in a local retail store might be nice (so it can be easily returned), e.g. Best Buy, Staples and other "office stores", I have a local Comp USA (formerly Tiger Direct), etc. The DG-747, so far as I know, can only be purchased online. At least where I live there seem to be no local purchase options.
* Having a standard projector mount might be nice (evidently the DG-747 doesn't have a standard mount)
* Need keystone capability to adjust shape of projected image

There are so many projector models out there that I don't know how to filter things down.

I saw this online last night and thought I would pass it along. The lumens is only 900 but it is LED and weatherproof so it has some nice features even though the lumens is lower than you had hoped. I haven't seen it first hand so I can't provide any personal feedback. I attached the webpage and Youtube links below.

http://www.ultraprojector.com/index.htm


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFr2e...der&playnext=1

Originally Posted by doto

I saw this online last night and thought I would pass it along. The lumens is only 900 but it is LED and weatherproof so it has some nice features even though the lumens is lower than you had hoped. I haven't seen it first hand so I can't provide any personal feedback. I attached the webpage and Youtube links below.

Thanks Doto. I've read very good things about the ultraprojector. But I think it's not much better than a $50 Wonderwall. The ultraprojector does have a built-in capability to play and loop digital video. But I have a DVD player for that. It does sound like a very convenient projector for low res, short distance projection applications. Plug in, turn it on, and let it go.

But I need at least 2000 lumens (preferably 2500+) and preferably a minimum of 800 x 600 resolution. The ultraprojector has a resolution of 320 x 240. I also need keystone adjustment. The ultraprojector doesn't have that.

I've seen the following two models recommended for around the same price. But the replacement bulbs/lamps for these two models are between $175 and $200:

* BenQ MS500
* Viewsonic PJD5123

What other models should I compare the DG-747 to that have low-priced replacement bulbs/lamps for Halloween applications? Again, low-priced replacement lamp to me means less than $50 each. No such animal? Is the DG-747 really in a class by itself? Why are its bulbs so much cheaper than for similarly priced projectors (~$300)?

I have had a this projector or one just like it going on 4 years.Mine came with 2 replacement bulbs but I still am on the first one.I love mine paid under 300 for it from ebay.I have posted a pic in another thread of it in use but will post it here to.

I think mine may be led bulb model but it is 2000 lumens .Different model but I really love mine.Best money I ever spent.

Originally Posted by halloween71

I think mine may be led bulb model but it is 2000 lumens .Different model but I really love mine.Best money I ever spent.

Thanks H71. Is it the Digital Galaxy DG-737 model? Would you mind checking the bottom of the projector for a specific model #? I'm very close to purchasing the DG-747 model. But want to be sure I'm not overlooking something similar that I might be able to buy locally. Every time I look up a projector model from a local store, it seems the replacement bulbs are very expensive.

mine is the dg 852 like I said i have had mine for 4 years they may not make this one anymore.

Here is the info on mine http://www.yourhomeprojector.com/Dig...r_p/dg-852.htm

Originally Posted by halloween71

Here is the info on mine http://www.yourhomeprojector.com/Dig...r_p/dg-852.htm

Thanks H71.

Anyone use a 3000+ lumens projector for halloween projections? And if so, what model is it and how much does a replacement bulb cost? Thinking I should take the plunge on the Digital Galaxy DG-747 and a halloween projector. But I don't know if the lumens will be enough to, say, project ghostly foot prints onto my lawn from a second story window (the main application I'm thinking of for a new projector in Halloween 2012).

Also still interested in any ~2500 lumens projectors taking replacement bulb/lamps that cost no more than $50 at a local store--so I can easily return it if it doesn't perform as I expect. But again, most of the ~$300 models I've looked up that I can find in local stores (Staples, CompUSA, Best Buy, etc) seem to take replacement lamps/bulbs costing at least $150. Hate buying stuff that can't be easily returned if I don't like it unless I know it will be a Slam Dunk purchase. The main vendor I see selling the DG-747 on Amazon.com is a vendor named Lonestar Industries. Never heard of 'em and they don't have a 99%+ satisfaction rating. Think it was more like 92%. Sounds good but that may be a lot of unhappy customers.

Also thinking of experimenting with a Disney Phantasmic-style mist projection wall (punctured garden hose set-up) and figure that might take a lot of lumens. Anyone know how many lumens that might require on a lawn where there's a moderately bright street light across the street?