[Jottle]

I've used projectors in my setup in the past by buying old but high lumen ones off of ebay. I had success with 1080i Dell projectors as well as others, but I always found these older but high lumen projectors to be a huge compromise because they tend to only have vga or older composite vide inputs that require either a computer or old dvd player hookup.

On the flip side, I really like the home depot projectors that are being sold right now that have a handy usb input that lets me easily throw a few files on a flash drive and set the projector up anywhere I see fit. Of course, this projector is super budget and it really doesn't have the light output for serious early dusk displays (personally verified last year).

I know I can find a small media player ($30) plus hdmit to vga adapter to hook up to a somewhat older projector, but those require buying yet another accessory or two, adding to the cost of getting the setup I want.

So my question is does a value projector exist (~$50-80) that has a good amount of light output and has a usb input ?(not those cheapo micro projectors or $40 no-name ones)

 

[giantstogie]

when you find it please tell me.

 

[Kwll2112]

I've wondered the same thing. I understand the need for a decent projector for a prime location (main prop, etc.), but what about for use in a cemetery or elsewhere, where the animation isn't the main focus, but another layer to the scene?

There are a few projectors on Amazon in the $30-$50 range which get decent reviews (3+ stars), but I have little experience with projectors and don't know how well they'll work for such applications. I know these have low brightness (~ 200 lumens), but wouldn't know what kind of effects that would be good for.

 

[Bruzilla]

There's the Texas Instruments P1+ projectors that are for sale on ebay. They are about $70 and have USB inputs. I've never tried one out to see how bright they are though and they are coming from China so they'll take about a month to get.

 

[Jottle]

bumping this to see if anyone has any updates?

 

[Icepick]

There's the Texas Instruments P1+ projectors that are for sale on ebay. They are about $70 and have USB inputs. I've never tried one out to see how bright they are though and they are coming from China so they'll take about a month to get.

Be warned that a USB input does not mean it will play video formats. I can’t say for certain on the Texas instrument one as I couldn’t find it on eBay.

 

[ThinBlueLineHaunter]

Here is what I ended up going with. https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=142935980754&view=all&tid=1575714894004

It worked great for my Singing Pumpkins Display and the volume is very loud if needed. Has USB, HDMI, VGA and composite inputs and external speaker output. Not sure how it will work on projections such as AtmosFX ghosts, etc on screens but if I get the chance to test it out, will post it here.

 

[Brianaala]

Home depot put the Window F/X projectors (all 3 types) at an insane discount right before and directly after Halloween! I managed to pick up their "Pro" version (high DPI/ Lumens and contrast, with a bluetooth speaker) for $47!!!! The low end version (Window F/X) was going for $22!!! This includes a tripod, 4x6 scrim and a usb with some animations on it!!! Best deal I found yet, but they went quick!!

 

[Frankie's Girl]

I just picked up a projector from Aldi for $6 that has USB, scrim, and 7 Halloween routines and 5 x-mas routines and pretty loud speaker. No idea of the actual quality, but I set it up and the resolution wasn't terrible, and it looks pretty decent considering what all it can do and you can't beat that price...

 

[dddougal]

Any UK sources? Im determined to put a lot more effort into my props from now on!

 

[chaney]

I ordered an led projector on amazon. Also live in the city and have a very bright street light to deal with and the projector is amazing for $129.00 Super Bright***** Projecting on 3 double hung windows an area about 8'x4' 1/2'


Projector, WiMiUS 4000Lumens Home Theater Projector Support 1080P, 200" Display Compatible with Fire TV Stick/HDMI/VGA/USB/TV/Box/Laptop/DVD/Smartphones White

 

[Therewolf]

I just picked up a projector from Aldi for $6 that has USB, scrim, and 7 Halloween routines and 5 x-mas routines and pretty loud speaker. No idea of the actual quality, but I set it up and the resolution wasn't terrible, and it looks pretty decent considering what all it can do and you can't beat that price...

@Frankie's Girl , I know this is an older thread, but how was that Aldi Projector? I'm in the market this year, but I blew most (ALL) of my budget on HD 12' Skellys.

 

[Frankie's Girl]

@Frankie's Girl , I know this is an older thread, but how was that Aldi Projector? I'm in the market this year, but I blew most (ALL) of my budget on HD 12' Skellys.

it's pretty low resolution and the light is very dim. I'd not recommend it for anything more than very basic window projection in a dark area. I feel like the $6 clearance was a decent deal on it.

 

[christmascandy1]

thats funny u said that..i bought 2 this year and 2 last year..and still looking for the inferno!!

 

[Jackreaper]

Here is what I ended up going with. https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=142935980754&view=all&tid=1575714894004

It worked great for my Singing Pumpkins Display and the volume is very loud if needed. Has USB, HDMI, VGA and composite inputs and external speaker output. Not sure how it will work on projections such as AtmosFX ghosts, etc on screens but if I get the chance to test it out, will post it here.

Hey new guy here! Reading thru some posts on projectors. I want to do this pumpkin one for my kids. What projector did you end up using? I'm just a couple years late to the thread and the link doesn't work anymore. Is this fairly easy to setup? Thanks