I have the upgrade itch but have no clue about projectors lately. My old BenQ 720p works fine and looks fine. Are the new 1080p units so much better now that is worth upgrading?

I have the same question. I have the PE8700+, and I recently purchased a PS3 as a blu ray player. Blu rays DVD's at 720P and 1080i look pretty darn good, so I'm wondering if I will see a significant improvement going to 1080p in picture quality, brightness and contrast (I ignore the specs - they are meaningless for so many reasons - real world experience is what I am asking about). I'm considering the Epson 1080UB, Panasonic AE2000 and the Sanyo PLZ2000. I've got a short throw (12 feet) and large screen (119 diagonal) so that limits the options.

:-)

Zot

Before you jump to the new LCD's, I would make sure you have some demo time with one of them. I spent a couple of (uncalibrated) hours with the latest Epson. I was happy to keep my DLP for now.

If the W10000 fit for my throw distance, I would have bought a demo unit, but it would not work. I could see jumping into the W2000 next year in the later winter or early spring...pending what new projectors will be hitting the market.

For right now, I am content with the performance of the BenQ 8720...and that's from someone who has the terminal upgrade bug

720p vs 1080p has been debated at length elsewhere on the forum, but it pretty much comes down to seating distance vs. screen size. The closer you get to the screen and/or the bigger the screen gets, the more likely you are to notice the pixel structure. If you don't notice it now, this may not be too much of a problem for you.

Of course a 1080p PJ will be inherently sharper, but I would say the real benefit to upgrading will be much more than just the increased resolution. The latest projectors have a good deal better contrast and black level (especially DC4 units like the Marantz VP11S2, InFocus IN83, etc.) than the 8720 and 8700+. With a good 1080p unit, the overall picture quality (resolution, contrast, black level, etc.) is significantly better than older models.

That said, as long as you don't do any side-by-side comparisons, you may be perfectly happy with your current PJ for some time to come. :)

The biggest improvement is 1080p has less of a pixelated look.
Other changes will depend on what projector you choose.

If the pixelated look is not an issue just stick with 720p,
as detail in DVD movies is no different.
Most HDTV looks the same, 720p HD sports may look better on a 720p unit.

Blu-ray or HD-DVD can look more detailed in 1080p but it looks fine in 720p as well.

Many games on the PS3 are 720p, so they will look best at the native resolution.

1080p works best with PC use and PS3 web surfing, where the lack of pixelation really shows.
Also if you sit close to the screen 1080p advantages come in.

Dont upgrade just for 1080p, wait till you can upgrade the quality of the projector as well.

The Marantz 15s1 is a nice 1080p unit,
it offers better blacks, contrast, and 1080p over my older 720p projector.
I looked at other 1080p units and was not as impressed.

My $.02,
We also have a PE8720 with a beautiful picture.
We view a 110" diagonal screen from 17 feet.
The HD picture is superb and PQ is largely limitted by source material.
I've been on the fence about trying to upgrade to a newer 1080p machine.
After talking to Art at Projector Review and reading AVS, I've decided to wait for the 1080p market to stabilize and enjoy what we have.
For me, the key components are viewing distance and visual acuity.
For our older eyes, the view looks good where we are.
YRMV.

I also have been enjoying my 8720 for close to 2 years now. Great colors and sharpness is excellent. Having said that, I'm wondering if any one else with this projector has experienced what I call 'motion blur' when scenes have fast pans. This is the only complaint I have. I've read that this is a problem with dlp dithering but if that's the cause I'm surprised that no one else has ever complained about this. I'm using a Tosh XA-2 for dvd playback and before that I used an Oppo 971. I really would like to now where it's coming from. Any help would be appreciated

Hey,
Just want to let you know that BenQ is promoting a trade-in campaign on their estore. You can get cash back on your old PE8720($375 ~ $300 depends on your condition) if you upgrade with BenQ eStore for a new BenQ projector. Try their trade site (you cand find it at BenQ US official website)
you can get a quote for your old IT products from projectors to printers and the best part is they don't limit to BenQ brands.

If I remember correctly, you work for BenQ. Didn't post about BenQ's giveaway here and a couple of other HT sites? ...if so, in the future you need to state such when passing on information like this.

That being said, owners can get a LOT MORE than 375 dollars for a used 8720 here at AVS or anyother classified area. The resale market is closer to 1500 or more depending on the age, warranty, lamp and whether it's calibrated or not. I know since I explored the used market about 60 days ago (yes, it's a moving target), but the trade in value BenQ is offering is MUCH less than market value. But, you get the ease of exchange vs selling into the private market, which has some value.

Ron

The resale market is closer to 1500 or more depending on the age, warranty, lamp and whether it's calibrated or not. I know since I explored the used market about 60 days ago (yes, it's a moving target), but the trade in value BenQ is offering is MUCH less than market value. But, you get the ease of exchange vs selling into the private market, which has some value.

Ron


I agree that one can get more that $375 for their working 8720 but not $1500. You won't get near this much money even if it were new when you can get open box or refurbished w9000/10000 for under $2K from reputable dealer.

$375 for a used 8720 is a joke, this is one of the best 720s ever made!

Back on topic, I don't think it's worth upgrading.

I just upgraded from a 4 year old Infocus 5700, which is one of the top standard def DLPs out there. Today I got my Marantz S4, which is arguably the best 720 ever made.

At the moment I'm just using standard DVD, but I was curious what sort of a leap in image quality I would see.

The Marantz is definitely better - I've gotten a bump in contrast and black level, and I can tell the image quality is a step up, but it's NOT a quantum leap.

The 8720 is an excellent projector, certainly in league with the Marantz and Sharp 12000 MK2 as some of the best PROJECTORS out there, 720 or otherwise. Stepping up to 1080 will get you a small increase in sharpness, but I'd venture to guess you would only notice a slight bump in overall image quality - if any at all!

At this point, unless you have money to burn and just want the latest and greatest, I'd wait until there is something truly new in projector technology. I think we're at the high end of what can be done with current tech, so until we see cheaper 3 chip models, or laser/LED projectors, those of us with high end models might as well just hold on to our excellent pictures and wait it out.

I know that's what I'll be doing now. If it weren't for wanting to go hi-def, I never would have upgraded!

The caviet for the 1500 is based on a number of factors...calibration, extra lamps, extended warranty etc. Though the market is a moving target.

$375 for a used 8720 is a joke, this is one of the best 720s ever made!

Back on topic, I don't think it's worth upgrading.

I just upgraded from a 4 year old Infocus 5700, which is one of the top standard def DLPs out there. Today I got my Marantz S4, which is arguably the best 720 ever made.

At the moment I'm just using standard DVD, but I was curious what sort of a leap in image quality I would see.

The Marantz is definitely better - I've gotten a bump in contrast and black level, and I can tell the image quality is a step up, but it's NOT a quantum leap.

The 8720 is an excellent projector, certainly in league with the Marantz and Sharp 12000 MK2 as some of the best PROJECTORS out there, 720 or otherwise. Stepping up to 1080 will get you a small increase in sharpness, but I'd venture to guess you would only notice a slight bump in overall image quality - if any at all!

At this point, unless you have money to burn and just want the latest and greatest, I'd wait until there is something truly new in projector technology. I think we're at the high end of what can be done with current tech, so until we see cheaper 3 chip models, or laser/LED projectors, those of us with high end models might as well just hold on to our excellent pictures and wait it out.

I know that's what I'll be doing now. If it weren't for wanting to go hi-def, I never would have upgraded!

Excellent thread guys :) I think MojoLA summed up the answer I was looking for. His comments are pretty much justification for me to continue enjoying my 8720. It's tempting to upgrade to 1080p when all you hear around the net these days, particularly on videogame forums, are comments like...."Oh man! If you think it looks good in 720p you should see it in 1080p...BIG difference!!!!" -or- "I can't wait to upgrade my TV to 1080p because after looking at those Gran Turismo 5 Prologue shots I'm foaming at the mouth!!"

These are the kinds of comments I see all the time and I can't help but wonder, if the grass really that much greener on the other side? But then I look at the cost vs reward factor and think about all the things I could put that extra money into like say, a new desktop PC :)

I used to have a 8720 and was very happy with it. Last year, I upgraded to a JVC HD-1 due to its superior black level and contrast, 1080p24 support and not its extra resolution. Now paired with a Lumagen RadianceXD VP, I think I am finally enjoying my HT and for the first time in history, I stopped constantly judging the image of my system!:rolleyes:
In a nutshell, yes you should upgrade if you feel like it!

I think it depends how big a screen you have, and what your purpose with it will be. If youre using a HTPC in your setup, upgrading is something to consider. Or if you have a very large screen. I upgraded from the 8720 to the 10000 in december. I have a 230cm wide screen. For movies, the difference is incremental at best. For the HTPC, it makes a big difference though.

Unless you really are gonna benefit from the increased resolution, id wait for affordable DC4 if i were you.

Dear all Yes I work for BenQ.

Then when referring to BenQ, you should state "We" in your posts...so everyone is aware that you work for the company.

It would be similar to a magazine article acknowledging that they are owned by "X" when talking about a subsidary or their parent company (in the article) that they have a direct financial relationship with.

Ron

Well guys, much to my disappointment, I have a problem.

I had an accident in my home and my projector fell. When I turn it back on it now has a dark picture as if the lens or something close to it got misaligned or something.

Therefore it's back to the BenQ factory or upgrade to a new 1080p unit. What do you guys suggest? Before this happened, I was still pleased with the picture quality. Are there any new 1080p units out there that within a reasonable price range that you would recommend considering? Or should I simply get my 8720 repaired?

What was the name of that other Benq unit that came out shortly after the 8720?

Why not call AVS and see what they can do for you? I'm going to replace my 8720 with a JVC RS40.

just be sure if you go from DLP to JVC that you demo if poss.

I had DLP went to a JVC HD750 and could not live with the poor motion handling and slight softness to the image so got rid of the HD750 even though its blacks are amazing.
I got a bargain Benq w20000 and while it cant even get close to the blacks of the JVC HD750, its motion handling is much much better and of course being a benq is very sharp and has amazing depth of image, making the JVC seem a little flat in bright scenes but i do miss the on/off black level of the JVC.

I would say going 1080p is a great option and seeing bluray native 1080p24 is just awesome but picking the right kind of display is vital more so if you have been used to the DLP kind of image.

That said im looking into the sony 90ES and JVC X7 at the mo with the sony easing in front after a friend of mine got a demo of the X7 and was not exactly blown away by what he viewed. Its demo time:)