So what are good projectors featuring 1080p these days?

I currently have an Optoma HD70 that I use mostly for gaming in a dark basement, but also for outdoor viewing. It doesn't seem quite bright enough for outdoor stuf, until it's fully dark (maybe that's just the nature of ourdoor viewing... I don't know).

At any rate, I'd like to get another projector soon, that does 1080p. I have a 360 as well as a Wii and cable box that I'd like to hook up. Eventually I'll get a PS3 simply for BluRay as well.

So, given those input devices and the indoor/outdoor use, what would the crew here recommend? I'd prefer to keep it under $1500.00 (maybe even $1000.00 ?) if possible, but would be willing to spend more if it made sense.

mits HC5500 $1800 - $300 rebate plus free bulb is the best at the moment

I had the HC6000 which is very similar to the HC5500 and it was one of my favorite projectors. Very sharp, vibrant, and excellent black levels. The HC5500 is pretty much the same but without some of the features the HC6000 had.

So what are good projectors featuring 1080p these days?

I currently have an Optoma HD70 that I use mostly for gaming in a dark basement, but also for outdoor viewing. It doesn't seem quite bright enough for outdoor stuf, until it's fully dark (maybe that's just the nature of ourdoor viewing... I don't know).

At any rate, I'd like to get another projector soon, that does 1080p. I have a 360 as well as a Wii and cable box that I'd like to hook up. Eventually I'll get a PS3 simply for BluRay as well.

So, given those input devices and the indoor/outdoor use, what would the crew here recommend? I'd prefer to keep it under $1500.00 (maybe even $1000.00 ?) if possible, but would be willing to spend more if it made sense.

The Infocus X10 can be had for less than $1200 after cash back (used to be under $1k), and was actually preferred to hc5500 on projectorreview. Both are nice, but are different beasts... the hc5500 is more versatile in placement, but not as bright. The x10 is pretty darn bright (can actually exceed its rated 1200 lumens when sacrificing color accuracy, and is around 800 with accurate colors), so it would do better when you want more brightness. Having said that, the X10 was designed to be placed up high, far away from the screen, and it sounds like that probably wouldn't work for you depending on the screen size you want (most basements do not have 10ft ceilings). If the placement restrictions are not an issue for you, I highly recommend the x10, otherwise, I second the mitsu recommendation.

Infocus X10 would be the only DLP option in that price range. It's a being closed out thru a single source however, so it's while supplies last. You would need to check to see if will work for you though - it has a steep offset and a very long throw. If those don't work for your room, you can usually work around the former but not the latter.

It's a little big though, so I don't know good it would be for an indoor/outdoor projector that needs to be portable.

It's a little big though, so I don't know good it would be for an indoor/outdoor projector that needs to be portable.

the offset is the main issue here... either you are projecting onto a screen that requires neck cranking and no one sitting right in front of the projector, or you've gotta get the projector way up off the ground (which is what I did). Its size is no real problem... smaller than most receivers anyway.

Epson 6100 is close if you find a deal with a rebate. Some people were getting them at BB for $1600. Got mine for $1700.

the offset is the main issue here... either you are projecting onto a screen that requires neck cranking and no one sitting right in front of the projector, or you've gotta get the projector way up off the ground (which is what I did). Its size is no real problem... smaller than most receivers anyway.

Or if you're using a fixed screen buy some cheap brackets and tilt the top of the screen. Mine is tilted about 3.5" and I didn't have to change the screen height at all from the much shallower offset that the IN76 had. From the seats you can't even tell. Geometry is great. Cost in materials was about $6.

So far sounds like the Mitsubishi might be in the lead. I'm actually 50/50 on replacing my HD70. There really is no reason other than wanting 1080p (and maybe a brighter image for outdoors).

So far sounds like the Mitsubishi might be in the lead. I'm actually 50/50 on replacing my HD70. There really is no reason other than wanting 1080p (and maybe a brighter image for outdoors).

As I said, if you can deal with the placement quirks of the x10 (high offset, a little noisy for directly overhead), that would be my recommendation.. direct comparison from projectorreviews:

"The Mitsubishi HC5500 has only some of the usual 3LCD advantages - it does have a limited zoom lens (cost saving we guess), like the InFocus. Black levels on both are close enough - neither is impressive in this area. The Mitsubishi is also extremely quiet. The InFocus though has far more brightness, and when it comes down the the bottom line, it produces the better overall image. The InFocus X10 gets my vote, and should be the favorite of most considering the two."

As I said, if you can deal with the placement quirks of the x10 (high offset, a little noisy for directly overhead), that would be my recommendation.. direct comparison from projectorreviews:

"The Mitsubishi HC5500 has only some of the usual 3LCD advantages - it does have a limited zoom lens (cost saving we guess), like the InFocus. Black levels on both are close enough - neither is impressive in this area. The Mitsubishi is also extremely quiet. The InFocus though has far more brightness, and when it comes down the the bottom line, it produces the better overall image. The InFocus X10 gets my vote, and should be the favorite of most considering the two."

Well I need the brighness for outdoors, but 98% of the usage will be indoors in my basement with 7' ceilings, so I think the offset might be an issue there.

Well I need the brighness for outdoors, but 98% of the usage will be indoors in my basement with 7' ceilings, so I think the offset might be an issue there.

gotcha... that could be resolve by tilting the screen, but at 7' less mount height, it would require quite a bit of tilt for any sizable screen at a reasonable height above the floor.

Infocus X10 would be the only DLP option in that price range.
Actually I gave some misinformation there. Refurb BenQ W5000's (when available) are in your price range too. Equally long throw but has lens shift, so it would be a little easier to get it to work in a room with a low ceiling.

I had the HC6000 which is very similar to the HC5500 and it was one of my favorite projectors. Very sharp, vibrant, and excellent black levels. The HC5500 is pretty much the same but without some of the features the HC6000 had.

If I remember correctly the HC6000 uses inorganic panels. The HC5500 uses organic panels. That is a very big difference if you use your projector for long hours or plan on keeping your projector for three or more years.

That is not true at all. The HC4900, HC5000, HC5500, and HC6000 all have inorganic panels.

http://www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com/hc4900.asp

http://www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com/hC5000bl.asp

http://www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com/hc5500.asp

http://www.mitsubishi-hometheater.com/hc6000bl.asp

Everyone of those projectors is an extremely good value for the money.

Epson 6100 is close if you find a deal with a rebate. Some people were getting them at BB for $1600. Got mine for $1700.

Think those days are gone... haven't seen any deals on this pj in a while

mits HC5500 $1800 - $300 rebate plus free bulb is the best at the moment

I just picked up a hc5500 for 1589 +$300 rebate and free bulb.

Where did you find it for $1589?

Broadway Photo, but I don't see the rebate listed on their site. Are they an "Authorized Dealer", and does it matter?

Broadway Photo, but I don't see the rebate listed on their site. Are they an "Authorized Dealer", and does it matter?

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Broadway_Photo

Looking for something similar, but would be willing to spend $2,000 if it made a nice difference.

I'm coming from a 4805. 9' celings, 15' throw distance at the moment (semi-adjustable I absolutely needed), 105" DIY screen, light controlled, mostly movies and football. I have a Wii I'd like to set up on it as well. Thanks.