I've searched through the forums and read good and bad things one all of the options I've looked at. Just want an opinion on these from someone that isn't trying to sell me something. :)

I just bought a house (move in in a month) and the basement is mine to do a theater room in. The dimensions I have after the gym and mech room are 17' X 11' X 8' high. This will have complete light control and I'd like a 92" or maybe a 106" screen not sure yet? The room will be built so seating and mounting are going to be worked around the projector choice I make. This will be used 90% to watch movies from my HTPC (hddvd drive and blueray) and 10% from HD cable box.

Here's what I've looked at and what I can get local and the prices i've been quoted. (I'd rather not buy online etc.)
optima HD65 $1199.99 (Bestbuy)
optima HD70 $999.99
optima HD71 $1269.95 with Panoview 92" Matte White screen
optima HD73 $1499.95 with Panoview 92" Matte White screen
Sony Bravia VPL-AW15 $1199.99
Epson 720 $1349.99 with $100 back and free bulb
Epson 810 $1699.99 with $100 back and free bulb

I was going to just go and buy the Optima HD65 based on the info I read but after seeing the Sony and Epson it's a tough call because I haven't seen the Optima in action (no store has it on demo) Any opinions on which one would be a good choice for a first time buy? Thanks in advance for any info help.

Clinton

I'm not really familiar with most of those models (and I think you are limiting yourself buy only purchasing locally), but I always recommend people spend on the lower end of their budget for their first projector. Just about any HD model out today will make a first timers jaw drop unless they are truly a videophile...and with prices coming down and technology always getting better I'd suggest you put the extra bucks towards your next model in a few years.

^^what he said. If I had to choose one from your list it'd be the HD70.

Buying locally is going to cost you a few hundred. Since you are free to place the projector anywhere and work the room around it I would suggest the Sharp DT-510. Great projector and the price is right. I would take it over anything you have listed above and it is cheaper to boot. www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000O5WBGM/interactiveda663-20

Compare the DT-510 to the Marantz VP-4001. You will find that they are just about the same projector. The 4001 has an extra iris. Read the reviews and thread regarding the 4001.

I personally think any of those projectors will be fine. If you absolutely must buy locally (for whatever reason, it really doesn't matter) then I would buy from the dealer you're most comfortable with. Although I think you generally get better service from small local dealers, there's something to be said about buying from big chains. Namely that you can often get them to take back virtually anything.

Prices in Canada still seem to be too high, considering the relative worths of the dollars. There are several big chains in Edmonton, including one with a more than ample return policy. I'm sure you're going to enjoy whatever projector you purchase.

Jim

Buying locally is going to cost you a few hundred. Since you are free to place the projector anywhere and work the room around it I would suggest the Sharp DT-510. Great projector and the price is right. I would take it over anything you have listed above and it is cheaper to boot. www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000O5WBGM/interactiveda663-20 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000O5WBGM/interactiveda663-20)

Compare the DT-510 to the Marantz VP-4001. You will find that they are just about the same projector. The 4001 has an extra iris. Read the reviews and thread regarding the 4001.
Complete light control and a 92" screen? For someone looking to fulfuill a low budget, this Shapr DT-510 unit could be quite a deal

The HD65 out of the list, but take a look a the mitsubishi hc1500.

Don't just take my word for the DT-510.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14013692#post14013692
Gamepimp knows his projectors.

Well, I'm a n00b, so what do I know? But, I'd go with the Epson 720 deal myself. I just like their features and design -- and it has gotten pretty good reviews. The free bulb is icing on the cake. Something else important to me is their great warranty and support -- a rare commodity these days.

But I'd take my time, read the reviews and threads here and then decide. From what I've been reading myself, it's almost hard to go wrong these days, there are so many good projectors out there.

Read this thread for a few good comments on the Epson 720:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1036126

Thanks for all the replys and suggestions guys. It's not that I wont buy online just after shipping, duty and the wait it might not be that big of savings not sure though. The one projector that I was leaning towards was the Epson 810. I thought the PQ was very nice, I have a 50" SXRD so I do know what a nice picture should look like. :)

So the Sharp is a better option? I really like the price and with the extra I save I could buy a screen or material to build one. I know you guys know what your talking about but reading the specs, the Epson looks to have twice the contrast and half again as bright. Is that just overblown specs or just something that I wouldn't need for a first time projector? Or is the whole DLP, LCD change that makes the specs come out better or worse? Thanks again for the help, just want it to be a good experience for the family. :)

Just read this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1035122 Is the bowing effect not correctable?

Clinton

Thanks for all the replys and suggestions guys. It's not that I wont buy online just after shipping, duty and the wait it might not be that big of savings not sure though. The one projector that I was leaning towards was the Epson 810. I thought the PQ was very nice, I have a 50" SXRD so I do know what a nice picture should look like. :)

So the Sharp is a better option? I really like the price and with the extra I save I could buy a screen or material to build one. I know you guys know what your talking about but reading the specs, the Epson looks to have twice the contrast and half again as bright. Is that just overblown specs or just something that I wouldn't need for a first time projector? Or is the whole DLP, LCD change that makes the specs come out better or worse? Thanks again for the help, just want it to be a good experience for the family. :)

Just read this thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1035122 Is the bowing effect not correctable?

Clinton

The specs are not based on any standardized measurement method, so you need to take them with a very large grain of salt. My old projector was an Epson HC400. The 400 is an LCD projector It is rated at 5,000/1. My new projector is a Marantz 12S4. It is a DC3 equipped DLP projector rated at 4,500/1. The 12S4 blows the HC400 out of the water in every category except lumen output. There is only one LCD projector that can compete with a DC3 equipped DLP projector for black level and that is the Epson 1080UB.

As far as lumen output. The image sucks on nearly all of the projectors when set in their higher lumen output modes. That is not where you will spend your time watching a projector. You will want the room dark or semi dark and that is where a projector can show it's stuff. Don't get me wrong the LCD projectors throw a nice image and for a first projector you will like it, but it will not compare to the image that a DC3 equipped DLP can throw.

If you want DLP, save yourself some money and buy a Mitsubishi HC1500 (http://thetechhunter.blogspot.com/2008/04/mitsubishi-hc1500-720p-projector-735.html).

If you want LCD with lens shift for easier set up here is a better deal on the Epson HD720 (http://www.visualapex.com/Epson/Projector-Specifications.asp?For-The=Home-Cinema-720)

Thanks for the link to the deals, but neither ship international so do me no good. Anyone know where I would find a rep shop that ships to Canada? If suggested by someone on the forum the has good dealings I would be willing to do the online purchase. Thanks again.

Clinton

If you want DLP, save yourself some money and buy a Mitsubishi HC1500 (http://thetechhunter.blogspot.com/2008/04/mitsubishi-hc1500-720p-projector-735.html).

If you want LCD with lens shift for easier set up here is a better deal on the Epson HD720 (http://www.visualapex.com/Epson/Projector-Specifications.asp?For-The=Home-Cinema-720)

I think the DT-510 and the HC1500 are just about the same price. I have seen both of them for less than $800.

I'm not really familiar with most of those models (and I think you are limiting yourself buy only purchasing locally), but I always recommend people spend on the lower end of their budget for their first projector. Just about any HD model out today will make a first timers jaw drop unless they are truly a videophile...and with prices coming down and technology always getting better I'd suggest you put the extra bucks towards your next model in a few years.

What he said. I went with the HD65 cause it was under a grand and I could just pick it up at BB. But if I could do it all over I would search for a better bargin online.
And that in noway is knocking the HD65, its been a great PJ and I am using it way more than I thought I would, or should. Way more than my 1080p sammy that looks better, the size of the screen adds something that my 50" tv cant.

I've searched through the forums and read good and bad things one all of the options I've looked at. Just want an opinion on these from someone that isn't trying to sell me something. :)

I just bought a house (move in in a month) and the basement is mine to do a theater room in. The dimensions I have after the gym and mech room are 17' X 11' X 8' high. This will have complete light control and I'd like a 92" or maybe a 106" screen not sure yet? The room will be built so seating and mounting are going to be worked around the projector choice I make. This will be used 90% to watch movies from my HTPC (hddvd drive and blueray) and 10% from HD cable box.

Here's what I've looked at and what I can get local and the prices i've been quoted. (I'd rather not buy online etc.)
optima HD65 $1199.99 (Bestbuy)
optima HD70 $999.99
optima HD71 $1269.95 with Panoview 92" Matte White screen
optima HD73 $1499.95 with Panoview 92" Matte White screen
Sony Bravia VPL-AW15 $1199.99
Epson 720 $1349.99 with $100 back and free bulb
Epson 810 $1699.99 with $100 back and free bulb

I was going to just go and buy the Optima HD65 based on the info I read but after seeing the Sony and Epson it's a tough call because I haven't seen the Optima in action (no store has it on demo) Any opinions on which one would be a good choice for a first time buy? Thanks in advance for any info help.

Clinton

Since you live in Canada, why don't you go to a big store that starts with the letter C. You can have the Optoma HD640 for 250$ cheaper than the HD65 at Bestbuy, and it's exactly the same projector. At this price, you also have an optoma 92" screen graywolf II. The screen doesn't look great, but it's worth 200-250$ ; so maybe you can sell it or give it to someone else...

Thanks again for all the info and options you guys posted. After researching the US shipping rates,duty and warranty info I've decided to stay with buying in Canada. I've decided on the Optima HD65 or rebrand of this projector (HD640) for $978, this will give me enogh left over the screen and a mid range HTIB to get me by while I upgrade the audio. Thanks again.

Clinton

Try (Quebec acoustic) best place in canada to buy a projector.Good prices and fast shipping.Owers name is Richard, great guy to deal with and will answer any questions you have before you buy...

Ditto from Austin007,

I purchased the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB from Richard last week and I'm expecting it this week.

He is great, will answer any and all questions and his recommendations are based on your situation not his.

Great value and service, you can't go wrong...and you'll also save the PST on any purchase.

Kevin