Going by MSRP, what projectors are out or are coming out that I should be interested in that cost around $3-4k. Should I wait 6 months?? Out of the loop. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

So far I see the Sony HW10 @ $3,500 and various JVC models. Can anyone narrow down the JVC models that cost from $3,000 to $5,000?? Thanks!

If anyone knows any other projectors to consider I'd appreciate it.

The two big LCD projectors in that price range would be the Epson and the Panasonic.

The Panasonic is the AE3000 (http://panasonic.net/pavc/projector/products/ae3000/), and there's lot of information about it currently available.

The Epson goes by the 6500 and 7500, but only the 7500 (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63077381) is on their web page, which cause some confusion about what changes, if any, will exist between the 6500 and 7500. The high end Epson will also be sold as the 5000 in Europe (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1061047), and 4000 in Japan (http://www.epson.jp/products/dreamio/ehtw4000/index.htm). (my rough translated summary (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14623355#post14623355))

I'm currently torn between those two. The Epson seems slightly more attractive, but the AE3000 has game mode and customizable zoom for wide screen movies, two features I'd love to have. Panasonic products tend to be ridiculously overpriced in Japan compared to overseas, but may come out as early as October here, while the TW-4000 isn't out until the 2nd half/end of November here.

I'm sure there are other projectors worth mentioning, maybe someone else can fill in any blanks?

The two big LCD projectors in that price range would be the Epson and the Panasonic.

The Panasonic is the AE3000 (http://panasonic.net/pavc/projector/products/ae3000/), and there's lot of information about it currently available.

The Epson goes by the 6500 and 7500, but only the 7500 (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63077381) is on their web page, which cause some confusion about what changes, if any, will exist between the 6500 and 7500. The high end Epson will also be sold as the 5000 in Europe (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1061047), and 4000 in Japan (http://www.epson.jp/products/dreamio/ehtw4000/index.htm). (my rough translated summary (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14623355#post14623355))

I'm currently torn between those two. The Epson seems slightly more attractive, but the AE3000 has game mode and customizable zoom for wide screen movies, two features I'd love to have. Panasonic products tend to be ridiculously overpriced in Japan compared to overseas, but may come out as early as October here, while the TW-4000 isn't out until the 2nd half/end of November here.

I'm sure there are other projectors worth mentioning, maybe someone else can fill in any blanks?


Well, has anyone been comparing the new models? Heard really great stuff about the Sony HW10. That has to be on the top of my list right now.

Well, has anyone been comparing the new models? Heard really great stuff about the Sony HW10. That has to be on the top of my list right now.The only reviews are preliminary, and the only one I know who's gotten to review more than one would be cine4home, but the reviews are in German. There's a few links to them using Google or Babelfish translations, but they're reviews not comparisons.

I think we'll have to wait a bit more to see some real comparisons between final production units.

The two big LCD projectors in that price range would be the Epson and the Panasonic.

The Panasonic is the AE3000 (http://panasonic.net/pavc/projector/products/ae3000/), and there's lot of information about it currently available.

The Epson goes by the 6500 and 7500

What about the mitsubishi hc7000? On paper it seems like a better projector than panasonic to me. So as I see it, the two big LCD projectors are Epson and Mitsubishi.

I wonder if you let a decent receiver upscale to 1080p or let the projector do it...?

Going by MSRP, what projectors are out or are coming out that I should be interested in that cost around $3-4k.What about the mitsubishi hc7000? On paper it seems like a better projector than panasonic to me. So as I see it, the two big LCD projectors are Epson and Mitsubishi.All three projectors will be available from September. The Mitsubishi HC7000 is priced around 3490 Euros, expect to pay around 2490 Euros for the HC6500 and 1290 Euros for the HC5500. (http://www.t3.com/news/mitsubishi-hc7000-is-the-cinema-enthusiasts-projector-ifa-2008?=36551)
I don't know that the HC7000 will be in the $3-4K range this year.

I've personally ruled it out based on the limited horizontal shift of Mitsubishi's projectors, which I need. But even if I was considering it, the Epson seems like more bang for your buck, and the Panasonic has more bells and whistles. (preset zoom for widescreen, game mode, etc.)

I'm currently torn between those two. The Epson seems slightly more attractive, but the AE3000 has game mode and customizable zoom for wide screen movies, two features I'd love to have.

I'm also currently torn between these two. Has it been confirmed that the Epson lacks game mode? I'm mostly going to be using the PJ Gaming and PC use. I really like 120Hz frame interpolation for animation, so these two projectors are at the top of my short list.

Since PC use is imporant, I assume that the Epson will perform better in that aspect having a more visible pixel structure. Lag free gaming is also a must for me, so I hope Epson has kept gamers in mind.

Has it been confirmed that the Epson lacks game mode?I spoke with Epson Japan's customer service center by phone and was told they don't have detailed information on that product yet. I fired off an e-mail to Epson US through their website, and got this:

You are asking questions about products that are not yet released. We have limited info on them. Once they are released you will be able to look at the User's guides and look at the projectors menu system to see if you find this feature.

I can tell you that no current models have this feature, but it may not be needed. I have personally tested the Sony PS 3 hooked up to a PowerLite Cinema Pro 1080UB via HDMI and game play looks awesome!I guess it's still wait and see.

(I'm sure the games look awesome. I'm sure they look slightly worse in game mode...but looking awesome isn't the point of game mode.:p Still, it was nice to get something other than just an automated response.)

I don't know that the HC7000 will be in the $3-4K range this year.

I've personally ruled it out based on the limited horizontal shift of Mitsubishi's projectors, which I need. But even if I was considering it, the Epson seems like more bang for your buck, and the Panasonic has more bells and whistles. (preset zoom for widescreen, game mode, etc.)

I have seen the 6500 for $2499 in the U.S..

I think the Epson 6500UB might be in that range. Sit tight until the pricing is anounced.

Also, the current Epson 1080UB is a steal at $2500 after rebate, plus you get a free extra bulb.

Dan

There will likely be a bunch of JVC RS1 and Sony VW60's for sale when the RS10/20 and VW70 come out soon. Both excellent projectors and you should find them under $3k.

There will likely be a bunch of JVC RS1 and Sony VW60's for sale when the RS10/20 and VW70 come out soon. Both excellent projectors and you should find them under $3k.

and RS2's too!

Well if the RS2s go under 3K, the RS1s will be a really great bargain.

If I see the RS2 one sale for below $3K in Japan, I'll have to resume my conversations with my wife about the benefits of wall/ceiling mounting a projector.:D

Well if the RS2s go under 3K, the RS1s will be a really great bargain.


Maybe if the RS20 doubled the CR of the RS2 (like RS1 to RS2) I could see them going for under $4k used. I doubt the going rate for a used RS2 will be under $4k anytime soon.

I wonder if you let a decent receiver upscale to 1080p or let the projector do it...?

Depends on which one has the better scaler/deinterlacer in it. Some of the higher end pj's are using HQV processors which would obviously be the best way to go.