So I found one of those clearance HC1500s for $599 at Best Buy, they're holding it for me tonight. I already have a 2 year old Optoma HD72 that's been putting out a great picture, with about 600 hours one the second bulb since I bought it. I'm always worried about the bulb life on it, and the bulbs are $350 to $400.

So I figured, for $600, I can pick up the HC1500 (with triple reward zone points!) and try it out. If it's notably better than the HD72, I'll have a new projector with a brand new bulb that should get me through until LED or laser comes down, and sell my HD72 to my father or online, basically at no cost. If it's not, I'll sell the HC1500 and should be able to get my costs back.

The dilemma I just thought of, after reading all the HC1500 and HD65 boards, is to sell both the HD72 AND the HC1500 and try to get enough for an HD65 for $899. Is the 65 so much better that it's worth it?

Basically I didn't want to pay so much for just a bulb when I could practically get the HC1500 at no cost, then I start coming up with all crazy scenarios. What would be the best bet???

from what i have heard/read right now the hc1500 is the better bang for the buck

Well I don't think the HC1500 will be much of an upgrade over the HD72. It may be brighter in some modes but it wont have as good black levels. Personally i would just stick with the HD72

It's basically a free trial, since I can sell either projector and get my money back. The idea was it's like getting another bulb life worth of hours for free. I just didn't know if the HD65 was worth the extra work.

The HD65 and the HC1500 both would be downgrades.

Give the HC1500 a try, if you don't like it just return it. I personally do not think it is worth it as a replacement.

You're just itching to check out a new toy; it's great for the money but I would keep what you have.

I used to have a Mitsu 1000u but I did enjoy it.

I thought the clear segmented color wheel and Brilliant Color 3 on the 65 were supposed to be big upgrades.

I picked it up anyway, they let me use a coupon so I got 12% off and triple points. Whichever one looks best I'll keep, and the other I'll probably just sell to my Dad whose wants to upgrade from a 4805.

bounce it. You're on your second bulb, who knows when it will crap out. Get a new pj, be a hero all in the same manuever. You can't go wrong

or sell the hc1500 to me! :)