How to hook a projector to basic cable?

How to hook up a projector and a cable box if possible?

• Instead of getting a regular TV for my room at home I want to set up a projector. I have a blank wall across from my bed so I wanted to aim a projector there to watch television and movies. I have a cable box but no television. Is there anyway to buy a projector and hook the cable box up to it? If so any suggestions on projectors or any specs I need to look out for? Thank you!

• Answer:

  You can get almost any projector and hook it up to your cable box. The projector just has to have matching video connections. I would look for the best possible connection from your cable box and use that one. (connection from best to worst: HDMI, component, s-video, composite). Also you need to know that the projector will do video only and that you have to have some sort of amplifier and speakers hooked up to your cable box for sound. There are also drawbacks to using a projector that you need to be aware of. One is bulb life, you will most likely be using a quartz halogen bulb and those need to be changed. I believe rated life is between 2,000 and 5,000 hours. Also quartz halogen bulbs run hot so there is a fan that will be running. You may not like the sound of the fan. There is also a problem with brightness of the image. Projectors need darkened rooms to get a decent picture. You can't have windows with sunlight streaming through and expect to get a decent picture. The room has to be pretty dark. Finally that wall may be blank but you may find the image is not clear enough for you and you may have to buy a screen for that projector. See how complicated this is getting? Make sure this is what you really want to do. Here is a possible low cost projector that might work for you. http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Projector-Resolution-Playstation-satellite/dp/B003NMW1HC/ref=pd_cp_e_2