Hi there,

I haven't been around in a while, because my inFocus X1 was performing fine for me. Maybe an hour's use a day in a pretty dark basement. Watching standard tv signal, and Wii gaming. I have problems with the brightness and sharpness when playing some darker games, but my son seems to be fine.

However, three weeks ago, the bulb died, after almost five years. I ordered a replacement one for a good price from Electrified. Put it in, it worked for 10 minutes and loudly blew out with a pop. Returned it, got another one, and it worked, then next time didn't (3 red flashing lights again), removed cord, reattached, it worked, next time, fine, yesterday morning fine, last night, completely dead. No getting it going. I'm done with replacement lamps.

So, I thinks to myself, self, might as well get something sharper and brighter. Not too expensive, because the basement isn't finished yet. Hold off til then.

So, I see the Epson EX90 in the paper, and check it out. 1024x768 native, 2600 lumens, etc... However, when I go google it to see reviews, I can't find anything, except one solitary positive review. Seems like it should be pretty popular, with the price and resolution.

Am I just missing something somewhere? Any comments on it from anyone here?

BTW, size is about 6 feet wide screen (home depot panel) from 10-12 feet back.

Thanks... oj

"1024x768 native, 2600 lumens"

Dime a dozen XGA business projectors do not usually get reviewed.

Oh, sorry. Seemed like a good value for what I need. After all, the X1 was a business projector. You quote the resolution and lumens like that's a bad thing. Why? Do you have a better suggestion for higher resolution than the X1 that is brighter, around that price range - $800?

eta: found the thread on the Sharp 510 and the Sanyo z60. I'm a bit worried on the Sharp, since mine is ceiling mounted...

He was just pointing out that there are a lot of business projectors with similar specs. If the X1 still works for you these business projectors should be fine.

Sharp DT510 (http://www.beachaudio.com/Sharp/Dt510-p-100181.html?utm_content=reg&utm_campaign=dt510&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=froogle)

Lumens are not nearly as important as contrast ratio in a dark room. The 400:1 ratio on the LCD Epson EX90 is abysmal

If you want to stick with an inexpensive XGA business projector this one is cheaper and better.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-MP522.htm

Cast off the EX90 and check out the EX70.. native widescreen, lots of lumens, low price.

I did review that one on here somewhere, in some thread. We use them here at work. Real nice for the money. They actually look great on HT material and HDTV.

Geat overall job of being part presentation projector and part HT projector.... Hits a decent sweet spot for sure in my opinion.

$650 at Tiger right now... That is a darn good price for an OK HT projector with that many lumens. :)

Oh, sorry. Seemed like a good value for what I need. After all, the X1 was a business projector. You quote the resolution and lumens like that's a bad thing. Why? Do you have a better suggestion for higher resolution than the X1 that is brighter, around that price range - $800?

eta: found the thread on the Sharp 510 and the Sanyo z60. I'm a bit worried on the Sharp, since mine is ceiling mounted...

The X1 was not simply a business projector.

From a review: http://www.projectorcentral.com/infocus_x1.htm

"The focus of this review is the home theater application. But InFocus has designed the X1 to be a truly "multi-purpose" projector."

"It is rated at a maximum of 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness and 2000:1 contrast, and features Faroudja DCDi video processing technology."

The X1 was quite the machine, and in many ways better than the machines offered today. There aren't many business machines that also include quality video processing (only the NEC VT800 comes to mind).

Epson's EX70 and Home Cinema 700 (they are virtual clones) are one option for you. However, if you don't need the "business" part of the projection you should consider Home Theatre models. They really aren't that much more expensive. Both the Mitsu HC1600 and Sharp DT-510 are in the $700s!

I have owned the EX70 for a few months so far and love it. Yes the contrast ratio is not great - says 2000:1, but that is false rating. It's really like 400:1 to 600:1 contrast, but using the "auto iris" it supposedly achieves 2000:1.

Most of the time, the EX70 is used for Xbox360 gaming, which produces an awesum image. TV/movie watching is great as well. For $650, this is a great projector for the price range.