Hi,

I have one question. Since Im planning on buying Pj very soon (Benq W5000), and having plasma at the moment, could you tell me what would be difference in blacks in PJ and lets say Panasonic 800 series?

Im asking this because I would like to know what is better for movies watching (size a side) and gaming.

Thanks in advance

Well, asking on a projector forum I'd guess most of the reponses you'll get will be that watching a film on a PJ is better than a plasma. ;) The size is the main attraction for me, but the picture quality is different when using a projector, plus to see the image at it's best you need to turn off the lights, so I think this helps to make you focus on the screen, not the room. Unless you spend a lot on a projector and go to the trouble of treating the room with dark non reflective materials, you won't get the blacks like your plasma, but they can still look pretty good. When you fade to black or go into a bright scene, you can 'feel' it with your eyes, not like a TV in a lit room that doesn't fill your field of view.

I just use my TV for day to day programmes, that are mostly 16:9 format and then use my PJ with a 2.35:1 screen for BluRays which seem to be mostly 2.35/2.40:1 which again is a different 'feel' to the TV. I also find that I have to turn up the sound to go with the screen; TV watching at -30db to -25db on the amp, with BluRays at -15db...otherwise the sound doesn't seem to 'fit' the picture size. I'm lucky in that I have a detached house and my youngest sleeps over the opposite side of the house, not above the 'cinema'.

Can't really comment on the gamming aspect as I don't have an XBox or whatever, only a PC and haven't bothered trying any games on the PJ.

Just imagine watching a movie on your television, and then watching at your local megaplex. The difference would be similar to that... The image quality won't necessarily be better or worse, but it will be much more immersive.;)

Many different scenarios are possible when comparing black levels of a projector versus that of a television. With a projector, your viewing environment plays a MAJOR role in the final image projected on your screen. Ambient light and light colored surfaces(walls, ceiling, floors) will have a huge effect on your black levels.

Thanks guys, thats what I thought, but just wanted a confirmation.

Now, since Im new to PJ scene, do you think that W5000 is a good choice (where I live you dont have huge choice of PJ)?

Thanks

Depends on how much it costs to you.

Well, the price for me is, let say, lower than what I see that it sells in America (price in America is around $2500, and I would get it for $2000).

Yeah its probably the best at that price

Thanks guys, thats what I thought, but just wanted a confirmation.

Now, since Im new to PJ scene, do you think that W5000 is a good choice (where I live you dont have huge choice of PJ)?

Thanks

Would be a fine choice... But, maybe not the best option for the deepest blacks.

Fyi, I haven't actually seen the W5000 in person, so my comments are based solely on reviews and the experience of others. If you haven't seen one in action yet, I recommend you do before you make your final decision.

Yeah its probably the best at that price

What was the W5000 price when it was initially released?

I just went to a W5000, a 120" Elite EZFrame with Matte White 1.1 and I also have a DVDO Edge for upscaling everything to 1080P. I came from a 42" Sony KDE42XBR500 Plasma which I paid over $8K for when it was new about 7 years ago. I know that there are better plasmas and LCDs now but I can tell you that now I have this FP, I will never go back.

I watch BluRay movies (Pioneer HDV 51F) on the W5000 and also have an XBOX 360 connected to it via HDMI through the DVDO edge. All I can say is that there is no comparison for gameplay on a 10 ft screen for titles like Fallout 3 and Forza Motorsport. The depth and draw distance (perceived) on in the driving games is unmatched and it has added new life to a title I was getting bored with on a small screen. I also use the 360 as a media extender from a HP SmartServer for all my home videos, photos and music.

It's true that I could have gone with a better projector with better sharpness, black levels, etc. etc. but from a value perspective, this was one of the best bangs for the buck. It also has a big 'wow' factor from anyone who has ever seen it in action for both movies and gaming. You will not be disappointed. Even my ever critcal, 'do we really need that thing'-wife gave it the big stamp of approval - this kept me out of the doghouse...:D

It's true that I could have gone with a better projector with better sharpness, black levels,
w5000 should be one of the sharpest with its single DLP chip

As far as I have red in the reviews, W5000 is among the best (always among 3 best) in the category $2500-$4000. When in came out it cost around $4000.

The BenQ is a great entry DLP. It will be very sharp, have a 3d "pop" like your plasma, and is well priced. The weakest points are the black levels, on/off contrast and BenQ is so-so for reliability (although knock on wood you wouldn't have problems). I think if you really like your plasma image, this is a good option, especially considering the cost.