Just sold our home (complete HT room raised stairs, light up steps had it all)
now our new home starting all over.
I have a budget of $3000 for the projector and $500 for the screen.

Now I have 11foot 4" from the projector location on the rear wall to the sceen and I can put in as large as I want for a screen.

The room has a single window which I can control lighting.Will be used as the main man room almost every day.

I am looking at the Panasonic 3000U,Epson 6500UB and the Mitsubishi 5500 which one you think? Or any others I have over looked??

Also a Canuck so any others from the north have you had any issues to return for warrenty?

Thanks for the help I want to get this ordered so I can have it all finished over Christmas.

bump
anyone?

Well, like you I am buying a new projector and live in Canada - I just wish I had your budget!

I'm a little surprised to see the Panny - it's a great projector, but I hate the way that Panasonic has set their prices for Canada.

I know where I am the best price for the AX200 I've found is $800 more than the MSRP in the States, so who knows how much they're asking for the AE3000 - I'm guessing it is under your $3k limit though.

The BenQ W5000 and Epson 6100 could also be considered if you're looking at the HC5500. I haven't taken the time to see the size of screen they can throw is, but the W5000 has gotten good reviews.

As for warranty issues - Sanyo has a long warranties and the PLV-Z700 is cheap! The Z2000 would also fit in your price range.

As you can see, you've got tons of options which is probably why you didn't get any responders - we are all too busy turning green with envy :)

To be honest, my only suggestion is to watch out for paying too much over American MSRP. I hate it when companies like Panny screw Canadian consumers.

...I hate it when companies like Panny screw Canadian consumers.

Better give your govt offices a call - I doubt it is Panny that is the problem.

Better give your govt offices a call - I doubt it is Panny that is the problem.

I'm pretty sure it's Panny.

When BenQ, Mitsubishi, and Epson all have prices that are close I doubt that the Feds have a hate on just for Panasonic. Sony pulls the same garbage too sometimes, but on some items they relent.

We kind get used to it here. Some companies are fine, others give us the finger.

It makes shopping easier as some options just aren't worth it!

***If I misunderstood, and you meant that the retailers are screwing us, then hopefully that is cleared by the comments about Mitsu et al. I read about one smaller retailer in the Toronto area just giving up on Panny altogether!

Im also looking at getting one of those projectors, but probably early 09.

Ive seen the ae3000 on the visions website for 3400ish and quebecaccoustics for about 3200 i think.

With the dollar around $0.80, its not worth it for me to buy from the states.

Going to look at the panasonic website and find some local dealers this weekend.

hopefully the dollar starts to climb back up soon....im holding off until after xmas to buy a new projector.

The Epson 1080UB's are getting harder to find,
but when you consider the rebates and freebies I can certainly see why.

Epson Canada will cover you for warranty (2 Years)
If you buy from a Canuck dealer like http://www.avdeals.ca/epsonprojectors/powerlite1080ub.htm

The price was no different for me regardless of which side of the border I shopped...
so it made sense (and cents) to go with the one without the dollar exchange. ;) and the free shipping to anywhere in Canada.

I just got my free spare bulb a couple weeks ago [$350 U.S. value]
and I got my rebate cheque from Epson for $300 in $U.S. funds (about $370 Cdn) :D:D:D

I'm throwing 120" from 12'-6" (pic' in my sig below)
Max screen size for the 1080UB using a 11'-4" throw distance is 116" (Diagonal, 16:9)

www.projectionguys.com have some nice deals.:cool:

The Epson 1080UB's are getting harder to find,
but when you consider the rebates and freebies I can certainly see why.

Epson Canada will cover you for warranty (2 Years)
If you buy from a Canuck dealer like http://www.avdeals.ca/epsonprojectors/powerlite1080ub.htm

The price was no different for me regardless of which side of the border I shopped...
so it made sense (and cents) to go with the one without the dollar exchange. ;) and the free shipping to anywhere in Canada.

I just got my free spare bulb a couple weeks ago [$350 U.S. value]
and I got my rebate cheque from Epson for $300 in $U.S. funds (about $370 Cdn) :D:D:D

I'm throwing 120" from 12'-6" (pic' in my sig below)
Max screen size for the 1080UB using a 11'-4" throw distance is 116" (Diagonal, 16:9)

Thanks So did you order the bundle package if not what sceen you using?
I have found a source for a Panasonic 3000U for less than $3000.00 CND so I am in the same league with these 2.

But I think I can get a wider image from the Epson 1080U

Im also looking at getting one of those projectors, but probably early 09.

Ive seen the ae3000 on the visions website for 3400ish and quebecaccoustics for about 3200 i think.

With the dollar around $0.80, its not worth it for me to buy from the states.

Going to look at the panasonic website and find some local dealers this weekend.

Cool LMK what you find out!Monday is my deadline then I am ordering.

RAWAC -- Don't leave out the Mitsubishi HC6500. It is their newer model (it's better than the HC5500) and is in the same class as the Epson 6500, the Panasonic AE3000 and the Sanyo Z3000. See www.projectorreviews.com for reviews (the Sanyo review is due shortly and the Epson should be posted in a week, or so).

Thanks So did you order the bundle package if not what sceen you using?
I have found a source for a Panasonic 3000U for less than $3000.00 CND so I am in the same league with these 2.

But I think I can get a wider image from the Epson 1080U

I went with the free Lamp, free Ceiling Mount, free Shipping and $300 US rebate.
and if you add up the net value it comes in around $2k (Cdn) :D

The screen I found on ebay ...$250 (Also came from Ontario) included Delivery to my door by Purolator
more info in the link in my sig.

The AE3000U will throw 113" from 11-4"

The Mitz 6500U, 104"

RAWAC -- Don't leave out the Mitsubishi HC6500. It is their newer model (it's better than the HC5500) and is in the same class as the Epson 6500, the Panasonic AE3000 and the Sanyo Z3000. See www.projectorreviews.com for reviews (the Sanyo review is due shortly and the Epson should be posted in a week, or so).

Thanks but looks like CND this is out of the running.

I went with the free Lamp, free Ceiling Mount, free Shipping and $300 US rebate.
and if you add up the net value it comes in around $2k (Cdn) :D

The screen I found on ebay ...$250 (Also came from Ontario) included Delivery to my door by Purolator
more info in the link in my sig.

The AE3000U will throw 113" from 11-4"

The Mitz 6500U, 104"

Thanks for the input.I am now between the 3000U and the 1080u

I like to look and see what Art from projector reviews has to say...


PT-AE3000 vs. Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Last year, the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB was my favorite projector under $3000. That projector is on its way out, with a newer Home Cinema 6500 UB starting to ship in December '08. I'll discuss the new one, separately, below.

The Epson is slightly brighter (roughly 15%) in best mode, and significantly brighter in its brightest mode (by almost 50%) giving it an advantage for those wanting larger screens. The Epson was the lower cost king of black level performance, and while the Panasonic claims higher contrast, the Epson still has a slight advantage in this department.

I'll give the Panasonic the advantage in terms of "film-like" imagery when watching movies. The Epson has a bit more "pop and wow" feel to the image, which is the trade-off. Thus, a slightly more natural picture from the Panasonic, and one with a bit more dazzle for the Epson. The two are extremely close in terms of sharpness, with an insignificant advantage to the Epson. Epson also wins the warranty battle.

Both have almost identical placement flexibility, however the Panasonic has that pseudo anamorphic lens emulation, which will allow hard core movie fans the option of going with a 2.35:1 screen. In addition, the Panasonic supports third party anamorphic lenses, if you can afford one.

The Panasonic is truly loaded with features compared to the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB. Zoom and focus are motorized compared to manual on the Epson. The Epson does not support an anamorphic lens. Their more expensive Pro version does.

Lastly, the Panasonic PT-AE3000U has 96/120fps frame interpolation which reduces motion blur. A nice touch, but, from my initial take, the improvement when there are fast moving scenes, is minimal.

Tough call between these two, as the Epson is in closeout mode, and nets out to a few hundred less dollars.

I think all of the projectors you mentioned are great projectors. Depends on what you'll be using the projector for. I got a AE3000 to replace Mits HC5000, in my opinion, SDTV upscaling/deinterlacing AE3000 is definitely behind Mits with Reon video processor. AE3000 can also appear to be a bit soft but overall it is a great projector. AE3000 and Mits will be whisper quiet compare to Epson and BenQ. If you are shelf mounting immediately behind the seating area you may want to consider AE3000 and Mits HC6500.

I like to look and see what Art from projector reviews has to say...


PT-AE3000 vs. Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Last year, the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB was my favorite projector under $3000. That projector is on its way out, with a newer Home Cinema 6500 UB starting to ship in December '08. I'll discuss the new one, separately, below.

The Epson is slightly brighter (roughly 15%) in best mode, and significantly brighter in its brightest mode (by almost 50%) giving it an advantage for those wanting larger screens. The Epson was the lower cost king of black level performance, and while the Panasonic claims higher contrast, the Epson still has a slight advantage in this department.

I'll give the Panasonic the advantage in terms of "film-like" imagery when watching movies. The Epson has a bit more "pop and wow" feel to the image, which is the trade-off. Thus, a slightly more natural picture from the Panasonic, and one with a bit more dazzle for the Epson. The two are extremely close in terms of sharpness, with an insignificant advantage to the Epson. Epson also wins the warranty battle.

Both have almost identical placement flexibility, however the Panasonic has that pseudo anamorphic lens emulation, which will allow hard core movie fans the option of going with a 2.35:1 screen. In addition, the Panasonic supports third party anamorphic lenses, if you can afford one.

The Panasonic is truly loaded with features compared to the Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB. Zoom and focus are motorized compared to manual on the Epson. The Epson does not support an anamorphic lens. Their more expensive Pro version does.

Lastly, the Panasonic PT-AE3000U has 96/120fps frame interpolation which reduces motion blur. A nice touch, but, from my initial take, the improvement when there are fast moving scenes, is minimal.

Tough call between these two, as the Epson is in closeout mode, and nets out to a few hundred less dollars.

Thanks Now you have me thinking.

I think all of the projectors you mentioned are great projectors. Depends on what you'll be using the projector for. I got a AE3000 to replace Mits HC5000, in my opinion, SDTV upscaling/deinterlacing AE3000 is definitely behind Mits with Reon video processor. AE3000 can also appear to be a bit soft but overall it is a great projector. AE3000 and Mits will be whisper quiet compare to Epson and BenQ. If you are shelf mounting immediately behind the seating area you may want to consider AE3000 and Mits HC6500.

Thanks also.
Room will be used for HD TV along with BR all the time.My man room is used everyday for a few hours everyday. Sports only one HOCKEY.:eek:

I have a 17foot wall for a screen and my Apex III speakers and Apex C center speaker. Then the twin sono subs tuned to 16hz one in the front left corner and the other right rear corner.

Projector is going behind me shelf mounted about 4ft from my head.So yes I have been looking at the Panasonic and Mits just for that reason alone.But the 6500 is alot more here in Canada.

Thanks also.
Room will be used for HD TV along with BR all the time.My man room is used everyday for a few hours everyday. Sports only one HOCKEY.:eek:

I have a 17foot wall for a screen and my Apex III speakers and Apex C center speaker. Then the twin sono subs tuned to 16hz one in the front left corner and the other right rear corner.

Projector is going behind me shelf mounted about 4ft from my head.So yes I have been looking at the Panasonic and Mits just for that reason alone.But the 6500 is alot more here in Canada.

did you find a canadian dealer for the 6500 or online? Im also in Surrey....go Canucks go!

did you find a canadian dealer for the 6500 or online? Im also in Surrey....go Canucks go!

http://www.complete-it.ca/projector/MitsubishiHC6500.php

I am calling them tomorrow just to see what the price will be.

Just moving from 168th andd 85th to 192 and 67th.

HC6500 is 3200
HC7000 is 3790.00
Ae3000 is 3390.00

This is what I was just quoted for prices in Canada.:eek::rolleyes:

Man wished i would have done this in the summer when the dollar was the other way:o

Yikes, my Epson 1080UB was well under $2500 Cdn (after rebate)
and with the spare bulb worth $350 U.S....(aprox $425.00 Cdn)
It works out to about $2k (Cdn) tax in.

Toss in free FedEx to your door shipping
and a free $100 ceiling mount = no brainer to me. :cool:

Full 2 Year, no questions asked, no cost, overnight instant replacement
from Epson Canada if you have a problem. What are you waiting for? stock to run completely out?

HC6500 is 3200
HC7000 is 3790.00
Ae3000 is 3390.00

This is what I was just quoted for prices in Canada.:eek::rolleyes:

Man wished i would have done this in the summer when the dollar was the other way:o

Well its good to know the dollar is beating the looney again :)

I got the AE3000 to replace the failing HC5000. AE3000 is definitely softer in appearance and behind with SD content. If you prefer a sharper image then go with the HC6500.
Xmas is also right around the corner you may be able to find a Sony HW10 for not much more then the AE3000.

HC6500 is 3200
HC7000 is 3790.00
Ae3000 is 3390.00

This is what I was just quoted for prices in Canada.:eek::rolleyes:

Man wished i would have done this in the summer when the dollar was the other way:o

I got quotes from quebecacoustic.com the last couple of weeks for the HC6500 and the AE3000. Both were less expensive at QA and if you're out of province you only pay GST.

To Piomaniac.
You got a nice deal on the 1080UB but i haven't been able to find one in stock at a canadian dealer lately. If anyone has, please pm me.

I got quotes from quebecacoustic.com the last couple of weeks for the HC6500 and the AE3000. Both were less expensive at QA and if you're out of province you only pay GST.

To Piomaniac.
You got a nice deal on the 1080UB but i haven't been able to find one in stock at a canadian dealer lately. If anyone has, please pm me.


Have you tried AVDeals.ca ?
give that a google ;)

Have you tried AVDeals.ca ?
give that a google ;)

shopbot.ca is great too - it lists a variety of different resellers.

Check out the price some guys have on the HD80!

You are looking for a better PJ than that, but there has been quite the price drop.

Oh, and I forgot to add - the prices we have to pay suck!

Have you tried AVDeals.ca ?
give that a google ;)
I called them last week and they are out of stock, they just haven't updated their website yet (same thing at electronicsforless.ca). Reading your story pushed me over the fence for the 1080UB. Now i'll have to fork a lot more money to get a pj:(

To hayneskr:
I tried shopbot and mostly found epson 6100s and ink cartridges ?!?

You are so right about the price. I have an amerifriend near the border but although i could save some dough buying through him, it's almost not worth the wait/hassle since the exchange rate is so low.

To hayneskr:
I tried shopbot and mostly found epson 6100s and ink cartridges ?!?


Yah, you have to be specific!

Usually, I just look for something I know is there - like the BenQ W500 - then click on the link for "Video Projectors". That way I get the full listing.

Some aren't there, some are. The more expensive models like the HC6500 seem to be more likely NOT to be there, but the HC5500 is.

Well I spent several hours looking for the projector was going to order from QA. But got my heels cooled from the MRS. NEVER mind santa is coming in a week.

So i had to peek! Logged into our account:o
I have a 6100 coming and a Grandview 92" HD screen.

Now keep my mouth shut till the day:cool: