I have a screenplay 5,000. Its getting a bit dim. Would any of the other 720p models out now be a good upgrade?

I just ordered a elite 100" screen for a temporary setup. I think the picture will have to be a bit smaller than what I was using on my wall. Hopefully that can brighten things up a bit. I was thinking that with the money saved vs a 1080p projector I could buy a good screen when I decide what I really want.

My issue with dropping a lot of cash on a high end projector is that they are always improving and I'm seeing mixed reviews on the differences between 1080 and 720p. I want to get by as cheaply as possible until led projectors come around.

Any budget projectors better than a Screenplay 5000?

How about all of them. I was never a big fan of the SP5000. The problem was that it was an LCD from a DLP manufacturer. In fact, it was an LCD in a DLP enclosure. There were numerous compromises that Infocus took with the SP5000. That's not to say it was terrible, just that Infocus missed on creating a top notch projector with that one.

Any of the current under $1000 projectors will probably be an improvement. The Panasonic AX100 (LCD) and Sharp DT510 (DLP) immediately come to mind, but certainly there are others. Review the ongoing threads. I think you'll be vaery happy after you upgrade.

Jim

thanks for the suggestions. I have the Sharp DT-510 on the way. I'm curious to see what kind of improvements it will have over my sp 5000 and hoping it will hold me over until the led projectors are reasonable.

I think you're going to be shocked at how much better the 510 is than the 5000. I hope you made sure that the 510 will "fit" in your room. Like most DLPs, it has very little flexibility in placement. Unlike most LCDs, the 5000 suffered from this as well. No lens shift and a short zoom range. But again, that was because Infocus shoehorned an LCD into their DLP lineup.

Jim

Sat up all night with the new projector. Over all very impressive compared to the sp 5000. HD looks like it should.

I do have a concern though. On the default blue screen of the projector I notice the left hand side looks a little dimmer or maybe not as focused as the rest of the screen. I'm going to try and see if its noticeable during use. Any ideas what that could be?

Screen brightness uniformity is not uncommon, but if it is severe you might think of getting a replacement.