I've been able to narrow down a handful of relatively inexpensive options for 720P projectors, but would like some input on folks that have either owned, viewed or possibly even compared the following:

Mits HC1500 - 1 Yr. Warr.
Pana PT-AX100U - 90 Day Warr.
Optoma HD72 - 1 Yr. Warr.
Mits HC3000U - 1 Yr. Warr.

I'll be running this in a dedicated theater w/completely controlled lighting. My seating distance will be approx. 12' 6" ft. w/a ceiling height of 7' 8" ft. I don't think I'll have placement issues as I have a drop ceiling and will likely be setting up a ceiling mount. I plan to go with either an 84" or 92" screen, but haven't decided as of yet. I'll be coming from a 61" RPTV that does a good job w/HD, so there might be a slight adjustment to black levels, but I'm sure these will do well. Viewing will be mostly movies or sports. Occasional TV now and then, usually HD from Dish.

The cost and feedback of the HC1500 makes it fairly attractive, but I'm a little leery of possible RBE. I'm leaning towards the HD72 or HC3000, but am open to all advice. All five seem to have mostly positive reviews, so I think any of these will likely do an admirable job, but hopefully with some real life experience input, I can make a more educated decision.

Thanks all in advance! :)

I am highly rainbow sensitive and even though I like the look of DLPs, the conscious decision to keep my eyes from moving takes away the movie enjoyment. I'd say that if you're even slightly RBE sensitive, get an LCD because it will bug the heck out of you.

The Epson 720 is a good deal right now. It looks exactly like the HC1500, but without the RBE, plus $100 back and free bulb. IMO, this is THE go to 720p projector for anyone who sees rainbows. In Theater 1 mode, you won't even hear it.

That would be a good PJ, I'd considered the Epson 720 for a long while. It sounds like exactly like what I've been looking for in a projector to boot. The free bulb and $100 rebate makes it very attractive as well, but honestly, right now keeping the price under $1000 is almost a necessity for me, so the 720 (not including the rebate) is out of my price range.

I'm don't believe I'm terribly sensitive to RBE, but at the same time, I don't want to have a projector that some can't bare to watch because of it. I assume it's more prevalent in darker scenes, so it would likely only be my wife and I that would be subject to it. If I do go w/the 1500 or something similar, I'd have to make sure I have a return option if it is unbearable.

From that list I would go with the HC3000...of course make sure you are ok with RBE but honestly, there percentage of people affected by this is extremely small so dont be scared by the comments you read around here blowing this WAY out of proportion.

I use my room for HT demos and so far nobody has even hinted as seen anything wrong or feeling bad due to RBE. I have got different family members joining me in my triple movie feature on weekends and again not a single issue.
If I want to see RBE I can but I dont have to force myself not to see it so I can enjoy DLPs without any problem.
Just my .02

From that list I would go with the HC3000...of course make sure you are ok with RBE but honestly, there percentage of people affected by this is extremely small so dont be scared by the comments you read around here blowing this WAY out of proportion.

Just my .02

This is true. I owned a HD70 and 3 people mentioned RBE out of 30 or so that watched movies at my place. My brother and I see it all the time. I have it the worst. And a friend of mine mentioned it.

Best bet is go to a store and Demo a DLP. If you don't see it, you're probably not going to see it. And I too would recommend the HC3000. It is by far the best one there.

Thks Luis, that's the mindset I've gone with to this point. If for some reason my wife or I felt highly affected by it, I'd make the change, but other than that, I think I could tolerate it.

Am I correct in thinking that it would likely be more prevalent in darker scenes than light? The nature of RBE seems like this would be the case, but I just want to be sure...

Thks eightninesuited, I may do this just to make sure...

Thks Luis, that's the mindset I've gone with to this point. If for some reason my wife or I felt highly affected by it, I'd make the change, but other than that, I think I could tolerate it.

Am I correct in thinking that it would likely be more prevalent in darker scenes than light? The nature of RBE seems like this would be the case, but I just want to be sure...

Do you have Gladiator DVD at home? If so, that's the DVD to check out. Can't remember the chapter, but the scene where Commodus and his sister are arriving to Germania in a Carriage after the opening battle. Watch that scene. It's dark and there's light coming though the front of the carriage. If you don't see RBE there, then you're fine.

Do you have Gladiator DVD at home? If so, that's the DVD to check out. Can't remember the chapter, but the scene where Commodus and his sister are arriving to Germania in a Carriage after the opening battle. Watch that scene. It's dark and there's light coming though the front of the carriage. If you don't see RBE there, then you're fine.
Yep, I've got it. I suppose I could take it to the store to check out that scene.

Thks again, eightninesuited...

Thks Luis, that's the mindset I've gone with to this point. If for some reason my wife or I felt highly affected by it, I'd make the change, but other than that, I think I could tolerate it.

Am I correct in thinking that it would likely be more prevalent in darker scenes than light? The nature of RBE seems like this would be the case, but I just want to be sure...

Your welcome.
Normally dark scenes with some lit objects are best indeed...one scene that comes to mind is Van Helsing's first chapter...the one in black and white is excellent for that.

In addition to the Gladiator scene 89 mentioned, I can think of a few others that might make it more prevalent.

If you do indeed have "a dedicated theater w/completely controlled lighting" then I would lean towards the HC3000 also, provided there is no RBE issues. In reality you will be happy with any of the projectors on that list, especially if once you take the plunge you never go to AVS forums again:D.

bguzman

Yep, fortunately I do have a dedicated theater in my basement w/no windows. I've done quite a bit to bring it along the past couple of years and it's great for watching games, movies, you name it. I've been having some issues w/my RPTV, so I've decided my next step is front projection. I've considered it in the past, but the performance for the money just wasn't there IMO until the last year or two. Now that I have a reason of for the change and substantial bang for the buck is available, I'm ready for a change.

I suppose one question is would the 3000 be worth an additional $200 over the 1500? I don't think I'll have any placement issues, so it would likely come down to a cost difference at this point.

"I suppose one question is would the 3000 be worth an additional $200 over the 1500?"

Yes, it is. I can tell you this is one of the best projector I've seen. Just need to be well calibrated. If you are not rainbow sensitive this is best selection.

Federico

I think DaGame has the 3000 and he likes it..he knows his stuff so I would take that as a recommendation.

Thanks guys.

Hmm... I might have to try and make the swing for the 3000 now. I'm sure it'll be worthwhile in the long run, the tough part is ponying up for the extra coin in the short term...

Does anyone know how well the HC3000 does with some ambient lighting?

I'm just asking in regards to watching sports with some lights on, not much, but maybe just enough or just short of being able to read with. While I have full light control, I prefer watching sports in a low lit room and if this is something the HC3000 would have difficulty with, I'd like to know beforehand.

I know almost all PJs are best in little to no ambient light, but I'd assume the DLPs might perform slightly better than their equal LCD PJs... -TD