So my build thread is going on inthe dedicated build forum and I have spent so much time learning double drywall, clips, sound isolation principles that my head hurts and im just tired. I have started my research in this forum and have tried to plow through all the data, but finally caved in and decided to plea for help. My room will be about 16 feet long with the projector mounted ideally at 13 feet. The sectional we are using will be at about 14 feet. I have not decided on screen size, but looks like I could go up to 106 inch screen. The room is 100% light controlled as there are no windows and all the doors have thresholds so it can get pitch black. With that said my budget is up to $3800 or so. I have never had a projector and this is my first dedicated theater. I have 2 plasmas and 1 lcd and love the bright vibrant colors (I tweak them to be dynamic which some I know would hate). I would say that I prefer a bright picture that some would say was not true to the source, but its important to say that if that help in picking a projector. I plan to watch 40% movies, 30% gaming (PS3) and 30% HDTV (sports, primetime CBS, ABC, etc). I don’t mind replacing a bulb every year or two as I want to enjoy the room and not worry about keeping hours down. I plan to use a 16x9 screen so anamorphic is not important to me.

I have been researching Panasonic PT-AE3000, Mitsubishi HC7000, Sony VPL-HW10, and Epson 6500B. I now see that I can get a Pioneer FPj1 in my price range that I would have never considered before. With my room conditions and preferences listed above can I immediately eliminate any from this list? Is there one that I need to add? Is there one that is a logical choice and I can just order it tonight?

So i did some additional reading tonight and this morning. Seems there is some bias as to people that own a certain projector but can respect that somewhat. For my short throw and extremly dark room would the FPj1 be a logical choice at its new lower costs?

Short answer...get the Pioneer. First off, for the money it is a killer deal. Secondly, you mention you like vivid colors...that Pioneer has that and so would be a great match to you. It is a great option while they are still around.

The one "drawback" is that it is not as bright as a couple of the other options you mention. But it will still be plenty bright for the size you want.

Good luck!

Thanks Jason. Since I have a short throw, smaller screen and light controlled room you think the Pioneer is the best bet for me? Are any of the others a good option or based on the lower price point the Pioneer just a slam dunk? Appreciate your help.

If you like the look of flat panels, you might try going with something like the Epson on Living Room mode as it will give you roughly twice the light output of the Pioneer, that and its bright edgy look will more closely mimic LCD than the more natural look of DILA. Also, you might consider DLP as the higher ANSI contrast in your bat cave theater will give you some serious POP and WOW, maybe more than the Epson (look at Benq W5000, W10000, W20000, InFocus IN82/83).

Just my opinion...I think your eyes like bright, vibrant and POP at the expense of accuracy (I am the same), in reality, you should demo as many as possible under the same circumstances as you will be viewing in your house.

If you like the look of flat panels, you might try going with something like the Epson on Living Room mode as it will give you roughly twice the light output of the Pioneer, that and its bright edgy look will more closely mimic LCD than the more natural look of DILA. Also, you might consider DLP as the higher ANSI contrast in your bat cave theater will give you some serious POP and WOW, maybe more than the Epson (look at Benq W5000, W10000, W20000, InFocus IN82/83).

Just my opinion...I think your eyes like bright, vibrant and POP at the expense of accuracy (I am the same), in reality, you should demo as many as possible under the same circumstances as you will be viewing in your house.

I think the quote that I like "bright, vibrant and POP at the expense of accuracy" is spot on in for my personal tastes. Unfortunately for where I live there is no real place to demo these many different projectors. I think I am down to the Epson 6500 and the Pioneer. Sounds like either one I purchased would be a home run, but the Epson might give me more fo that pop and my bat cave?

The Epson is certainly brighter, at the expense of accuracy though so keep that in mind. The 1600 lumen rating drops substantially if setup properly (though it is still somewhat brighter than the Pioneer).