It has been a long time since I have been here. My BenQ 8720 finally had a bulb die and I am wondering if I should buy a new bulb for $350 or just buy a new projector. The criteria is this, are the newer ones significantly more pleasing visually than what I have right now. I don't have to buy another BenQ but even if a low end 1080p unit looks nicer I could spend an extra grand and upgrade. Let me know what you think.

My BenQ W5000 (1080p DLP) shoots a much nicer image than my previous InFocus IN76 (720p DLP).

You would have to buy a new bulb even if you sold the projector, unless you sold "as is".

Was there something about the 8720 performance that bothers you? If not, why not wait until something compels you to upgrade.

I had a Sony HS51A 720p LCD, so the upgrade to a Sony 1080p SXRD HW10 projector has been very dramatic.

Again, unless there is something inherently displeasing about your 8720, I'd say hold as long as you can. You will get more projector for your $$$ the longer you can hold off.

I'm in the exact same position as you, romy101. My bulb in my 8720 will soon hit the 3k mark, so I have to decide wether to buy a new bulb or buy a new 1080p projector.

I'm very happy with the 8720, but I have to admit that I'm curious to see if the new 1080p projectors will outperform it on Blu-ray's. After owning two DLP's, I'm a little anxious about trying a different technology, because I've gotten used to the depth of the DLP image. I guess the next step up would be a D-ILA projector, but they're a bit too expensive for me.

Sorry I couldn't be much help to you. :)

I suggest Bytehovens new PJ, the Sony HW10 and it can be had for a great price. See if you can find a bulb on Ebay for a good price and sell the BenQ to help offset the cost of the replacement.

Boy, it looks as if there are a lot of PE8720 people thinking of upgrading.
Add me to the list.
We watch a 110" diagonal screen from 17 feet, so 1080 hasn't been too much of a priority.
I tested a W5000, but the picture with SD sources couldn't match the PE8720 (though the HD picture looked great).
I've been a big fan of the DLP image sharpness and "pop". Is there anything in the current crop of PJs (or coming soon) that is a significant improvement?
Thanks

The Benq 8720 is a great 720p projector. I had demoed one against my Benq 7700 720p projector, and the contrast difference clearly was in the 8720's favor.

I waited for 1080p to come down in price and bought the Benq 5000. Unless you have poor vision or sit 25ft back from the screen, you would enjoy the improvement of the Benq 5000 over the 8720.

There's nothing wrong with just buying a new bulb for the 8720 and enjoying, hopefully, many more years of usage out of it.

On the other hand, if you want the additional performance to wring out of your HD Discs, then you know what to do.;)

My BenQ W5000 (1080p DLP) shoots a much nicer image than my previous InFocus IN76 (720p DLP).

I went from IN76 to BenQ W9000. Better controls on the BenQ and better contrast. I love the variable iris and really need that in the next PJ too.

while it wont be a day and night difference between 720p and 1080p, there is a nice difference that you will appreciate and if you had neither, I would recommend the 1080p even though it will be more money. Since you do have a 720p projector, I would still want to upgrade, however its for you to decide if its a good time or not