So. Talk me into buying a projector.

[berzerkmonkey]

I found a deal online where I can get a factory refurb Viewsonic PJ551D DLP Projector for $340. This is the cheapest projector I have found, short of Ebay, and I don't trust the projectors there.

Assuming I pick one up, what can I do with it? Obviously, I'd love to do the singing busts, and while they would be a hit (if I can pull it off), it seems like I have the potential to do much more. And yes, the Bates Haunt is awesome, but a) I don't have a neighbor directly across the street from me, and b) I don't have the type of house conducive to something like that.

So, what I am asking you to do is: Give me some ideas! Link to cool things people have done with their projectors, and talk me into this!

[frstvamp1r]

You can actually do a hybrid Pepper's Ghost...just like in the Haunted Mansion with their new Attic Bride...they project footage of a ghostly woman onto a blank full figured bust.

YouTube- Haunted Mansion Attic Bride

[saint paul mn]

I have opted to buy the torpedo projector (i know, the resolution in crap and all around cheap). I am editing up a movie with scenes from movies (nothing gory or violent, just some chase scenes, jump out scares) mixed with some various halloween animations, might also show the haunt window thing. I am building a 6' by 7' screen and putting that up in my driveway kinda tucked back. the video will be about 15 min looped. I'll post the results when i'm done in like a month or so.

[berzerkmonkey]

You can actually do a hybrid Pepper's Ghost...just like in the Haunted Mansion with their new Attic Bride...they project footage of a ghostly woman onto a blank full figured bust.
I actually did think of that. We have a skeleton in the attic window that is wearing a wedding dress. I thought it might be cool to have her "appear" in the graveyard periodically. Good idea.

I have opted to buy the torpedo projector (i know, the resolution in crap and all around cheap). I am editing up a movie with scenes from movies (nothing gory or violent, just some chase scenes, jump out scares) mixed with some various halloween animations, might also show the haunt window thing. I am building a 6' by 7' screen and putting that up in my driveway kinda tucked back. the video will be about 15 min looped. I'll post the results when i'm done in like a month or so.
Nice, but it won't really work for our haunt. I've really become infatuated with the Haunted Mansion as of late, so I want to stick closer to a graveyard/ghost theme, rather than a multimedia display.

[waldiddy]

I bought a projector off Ebay a year ago for ~$300 and have had no problems. We used it last year in our yard haunt by displaying trailers of the old Universal horror films. I parked my car in front of our garage, locked the projector & DVD player inside my car, aimed it at the garage door, and just let it loop all evening. It was a pretty neat atmospheric effect.

[theedwin]

Well, there is always the obvious. The Super Bowl is fun to watch on a big screen, Video games can be easily hooked up to these (if you like video games) a home theatre... I have one, but I probably haven't used it for a year now.

Hallowindow is another idea that is really neat.

If and when you do buy one, be sure to check the cost of a replacement bulbs as they can be pretty spendy! I think they are kind of like printers, you get a cheap printer that works great, but the cost of ink is where they make their money.

[berzerkmonkey]

Well, there is always the obvious. The Super Bowl is fun to watch on a big screen, Video games can be easily hooked up to these (if you like video games) a home theatre... I have one, but I probably haven't used it for a year now.

Hallowindow is another idea that is really neat.

If and when you do buy one, be sure to check the cost of a replacement bulbs as they can be pretty spendy! I think they are kind of like printers, you get a cheap printer that works great, but the cost of ink is where they make their money.
Yeah, I thought about the home theater aspect, but I have a large TV already, so it isn't really a consideration. Now, watching movies outside on a nice weekend night... that IS a consideration. :)

I am looking at the bulbs as well, but thanks for bringing it up. It is pretty insane when you realize that on some of these projectors you are paying roughly $100 for the projector and $300 for the bulb.

Unfortunately, I missed out on the Viewsonic projector I mentioned in the first post, but in retrospect, that probably is for the best. That projector only had a 3 month warranty, so I would be SOL if anything happened after that. It looks like I can get a refurb Epson Powerlite S5 from the manufacturer, including a 2 year warranty and case for just over $400, though.

Sigh. Decisions, decisions...

[kprimm]

And dont forget you can do Hallowindow and the the singing pumpkins also. I too want to get a projector, but have the same issue with the cost right now.

[berzerkmonkey]

And dont forget you can do Hallowindow and the the singing pumpkins also. I too want to get a projector, but have the same issue with the cost right now.
The cost is prohibitive, but if I look at it this way, it is a little more palatable:
Yes, it will cost me $400. But, I will have a kickass feature in my Halloween display that will blow most people away AND I'll also have the option of having outdoor movie night during the cooler months.

I don't think I am going to be one of the lucky ones who get a projector dumped in my lap, so it looks like I'll have to shell out the cash if I want one. This will just give me the incentive to get off of my butt and sell some of this extra equipment I have lying around so I can make some cash...

[theedwin]

berzerk,

I was lucky and had one dropped in my lap. But like I said, I rarely use it. Unfortunately I live in a tiny apartment, but I hope to buy a house soon so maybe I can use it for more "useful" things as you mentioned!

Good Luck!

[tdf22]

you can use it to create the singing pumpkin effect just like this one --

YouTube- singing pumpkins -- Grim Grinning Pumpkins projector