I realize that this question has been asked for ages, but I have a somewhat unique scenerio.

I would love to have a 1080P DH DLP but spending that kind of coin is not in the cards.

I actually have a project and am looking at replacing it. The reason for this is that yesterday the unit starting acting up. I ordered a replacement bulb for 200.00 and if that doesnt fix it I will be buying a new PJ.
I just might buy a new one anyway if I can swing it.

As far as video quality, I am 100% satisfied with my current projector. My ONLY issue with it (besides the fact that its not working right now) is that it doesnt have HDMI, it has component which does 1080I with my xbox 360 and looks good enough for me. It DOES have DVI - I did buy a HDMI to DVI converter cable and I can take the HDMI from Xbox to the DVI on the PH and get 1080I HOWEVER, the PJ (or the DVI conversion) doesnt support "HDCP". So if I try to play a DVD on the XBOX 360, I get the "HDCP secure link " not found error. ALSO, I presume because of that, I cant get ANY other HDMI device to display on the PJ. My Panasonic DVR gives error "unknown HDMI device"
Ok, Here are the specs of my current projector -

Ceiling mounted - approx 18' from wall/screen.
showing image on white painted wall - no special paint - just white.
Showing about 120" scree 4:3 diagnal
Havent measured 16:9


EIKI LC-XNB3 Projector Specifications

MSRP (USD) : $6,995
Brightness (Lumens) : 2000 ANSI
Contrast (Full On/Off) : 350:1
Variable Iris: No
Audible Noise: 37.0 dB
Weight: 8.6 lbs
Size (inches) (HxWxD) : 3.5 x 13.1 x 9.3
Std. Lens: Focus:
Power
Zoom: Power, 1.30:1
Throw Dist (feet) : 5.4 - 40.2
Image Size (inches) : 31.0 - 300.0
Optional Lenses: No
Digital Zoom: Yes
Digital Keystone: Vertical
Lens Shift: No
Warranty: 3 Years
Performance:
H-Sync Range: 15.0 - 100.0kHz
V-Sync Range: 50 - 100Hz
Compatibility:
HDTV: 1035i, 1080i, 720p
EDTV/480p: Yes
SDTV/480i: Yes
Component Video: Yes
Video: Yes
Digital Input: DVI-D
Computers: Yes
Display: Type:
0.9" 3 LCD
Native: 1024x768 Pixels
Maximum: 1600x1200 Pixels
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (XGA)
Lamp: Type:
200W UHP
Life: 2000 hours
Quantity: 1
Speakers: 1.0W Mono
Max Power: 300W
Voltage: 100V - 240V
FCC Class: B
Special: **
Status: Out of Production
First Ship: Mar 2002
Last Ship: **

I beleive that there must be low cost projectors that can meet or exceed these specs.
Again, I am 100% satisfied with the video quality of this unit - Is there a low cost PJ that anyone can reccomend?
I see projectors on ebay for 400.00 with simular specs but I am far from an expert.
HELP!!!
I really appreciate ANY help.
Don

What is your budget ? For $400 you'd probably looking at a used 720p projector. If your budget is between $500-900 you can probably find many 720P DLP projectors with high lumen and much better contrast. I had played 360 games on a 1024x768 native busniess projectors before. Because of the resolution scaling it did not look as sharp as the home theatre projectors and the black level can not compare. I think the Sharp 510 was going for around 500-600 at one time. Many of the current gen 720p DLP are selling for $900 or less with warranty.

I would also urge you to find the funds for a proper HT unit.

Failing that, there is always the option of getting the VGA cable for the 360 so you can send a 1024x768 from the red ring maker directly to the projector. The only problem is there aren't many cheap XGA projectors w/HDCP compliance.

In fact, the only one I can think of that can be found "cheap" is the Acer P1265, and even that is outside your price range.

If you want to keep an eye out for cheaper models, the one that everyone always mentions is Sharp's DT-510.

Good luck!