I have had a cheap BENQ projector for about 3 years and have followed this site for advice on many things. I am ready to upgrade to a 1080p HD projector and have noticed some things in advertising.
The Panasonic AE2000U used to show a contrast ratio of 50000:1 now it advertises only 15000:1...what happened?
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080UB advertises a dynamic contrast ration of 50000:1 but 4000:1 native. What's the difference?
I seem to watch many programs and videos with night scenes, so something that shows a true black is important. I suspect that contrast ratio combined with high lumen output is what I'm after, but could somebody tell me if I'm on the right track.
Is there a projector out there better than the two I've mentioned....price up to $3K.
Thanks in advance.

BTW, I'm running
Yamaha RXV1400
Totem Accoustic model 1s
Totem Mite center
Klipsch dipole rears
Velodyne 10" sub

I think you need to read reviews and ignore quoted specs.

Try this
Black Levels and Shadow Details
No contest here. The Epson beats the Panasonic at black level performance rather easily. Not surprising, as I consider the Epson to be, by far the best of any projectors except for the far more expensive Sony VW60 and the JVC's, most of which cost at least twice the price.

Panasonic's black level performance is, however, very good, as I pointed out in the review. Let's say its typical of 3LCD 1080p projectors, and notably better than a couple, and definitely comparable on dark scenes to most of the DLP's out there as well.

When it comes to shadow detail, the battle is much closer, especially if you "tune" the Panasonic's gamma, a bit. That makes the two somewhat close, but the Epson, again, gets the nod.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/Best1080pProjectors032008/EpsonHomeCinema1080UBvsPT-AE2000U.php