I have an older Sharp xv-z10000 front projector. After a few years without a theater, I'm going to resurrect a theater in my new basement. My question - Am I better off finding a replacement bulb for the old Sharp and using it for the time being, or buying a 720p project new. I assumed, prior to some recent surfing, that I'd be better off just buying new, and it looks like if I'm willing to spend $2500-ish that I can get a nicer 1080p unit, but there still seems to be a lot of activity in the 720p projector space as well.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Well being a user of the 12000u I can tell you there are plenty of newer projectors out there that just can't match up with the picture quality I get out of my trusty old 2006 Sharp. Your model has superior optics to any of the projectors in your price catagory. You should definately look before you buy because a new bulb may be just the cure you need to refresh your theater rather then spending big bucks on something newer. Its so hard to tell the difference between 1080 P and 720 P that you really can't see any difference in picture quality. I hope this helps!

Agreed with FMW above....new bulb shouldn't cost more than $400 which will breathe new life into your PJ.

I have a discontinued Marantz VP4001 (720p) and the picture quality rivals most newer 720p/cheaper 1080p PJ's. I'd say as much that it's better than a 1080p AE2000 and a Mits HC5500 since I've helped friends set up these PJ's so had to chance to do a minor comparison...resolution aside.