Hey guys Im in the market for a home theatre projector and need some help choosing. The only projector ive experienced is the hitachi pj-tx200, which my cousin has in his HT. Im a noob, and the picture looks pretty good to me when we watch movies or football etc.

Now, I really dont want to spend over 2K which is why I'll wait until Christmas or a little after that in hopes that prices will drop somewhat.

So far Ive looked at the Sanyo plv-z700, sanyo plv-z3000, and a couple of epsons. I definitly want 1080p, as I'll be getting a blu ray player as well.

The room is about 18' x 18' and it has BIG windows so there will be some ambient light, ill probably get those pulldown shades but still.

So what do you guys think of the ones ive looked at so far? Im open to all suggestions as long as its 1080p and at the 2K mark.....or just slightly over lol:o

I would definitely look at the benq w5000, but it doesn't have quite as much zoom.

Im not sure how much zoom I would need. The projector would be about 3-4' from the back wall, so 15' of distance and screen size would probably be 96"

I found it on the costco website for 1999, with all the rebates. List is 2799 before rebates, not bad at all.

15' at 96" would work for the w5000

http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-W5000-projection-calculator-pro.htm

I will take some proper measurements, but thats my rough estimate. Seems like the w5000 is great for vivid colors and a sharp picture. I'll be using it mainly for movies and sporting events, occasionaly video games, is this the way to go?

I will take some proper measurements, but thats my rough estimate. Seems like the w5000 is great for vivid colors and a sharp picture. I'll be using it mainly for movies and sporting events, occasionaly video games, is this the way to go?Are you shelf mounting or ceiling mounting?

LCD projectors such as the Epson, Sanyo and Panasonic projectors will offer you quite a bit of lens shift, both horizontally and vertically. This can be very helpful if you are shelf or table mounting your projector, especially if you are not sure exactly what the best location for the projector and/or screen is.

DLP projectors such as the w5000 usually haveless lens shift vertically and much less lens shift (if any) horizontally, and are much less flexible in their placement. If you are ceiling mounting your next projector specifically for this purpose, that should not be an issue.

its going to be ceiling mounted, slightly lower than most people would have theirs since I have a ceiling fan deadsmack in the middle of the room so it has to be a few inches lower to clear it. Is the image noise a huge problem with this pj?

I think the image noise problem has been resolved with latest firmware. if you are getting the BenQ W5000 have the retailer confirm you have the latest version installed. Otherwise you'll need to send it in to BenQ for a firmware update. Another option would be Epson 6100.

I think the image noise problem has been resolved with latest firmware. if you are getting the BenQ W5000 have the retailer confirm you have the latest version installed. Otherwise you'll need to send it in to BenQ for a firmware update. Another option would be Epson 6100.

I think all roads are leading towards the W5000 for me. I dont think ill be able to afford the 6500 and all the other stuff I want to do. If I pick up the W5000 for 2K, then ill have some left for the other things such as blu-ray, screen, painting the walls etc.

*would there be any way to confirm the firmware version if i was to purchase from costco?

I think all roads are leading towards the W5000 for me. I dont think ill be able to afford the 6500 and all the other stuff I want to do. If I pick up the W5000 for 2K, then ill have some left for the other things such as blu-ray, screen, painting the walls etc.

*would there be any way to confirm the firmware version if i was to purchase from costco?

I doubt it. But you can also call BenQ service centre in your local area. Doing it yourself may void warranty. You may try putting the question to the BenQ W5000 thread and ask if anyone received a W5000 with latest frimware out of box. If you find out its serial # you may ask your seller to confirm the serial # for you, that I guess should be ok. Epson 6500 may be a little too much but the 6100 with 1800 lumen and 18,000 contrast should be very comparable to BenQ.

I doubt it. But you can also call BenQ service centre in your local area. Doing it yourself may void warranty. You may try putting the question to the BenQ W5000 thread and ask if anyone received a W5000 with latest frimware out of box. If you find out its serial # you may ask your seller to confirm the serial # for you, that I guess should be ok. Epson 6500 may be a little too much but the 6100 with 1800 lumen and 18,000 contrast should be very comparable to BenQ.

Im a first time buyer so I dont think I need something too spectacular the first time around...I mean i know the 6500 will probably run circles around the W5000 but its also hundreds more. I'll check to see where the local benq service place is. Thing about the benq is that the offer is only on until the 15th so if i want it, ill have to make a decision soon lol

The Epson HC6100 is selling at a lower price then the BenQ W5000, unless you have been able to find a deal for the BenQ well below $2k. MSRP for 6100 in Canada is around $2,300.

If you want 120Hz, get the PLV-Z3000 all the way.