I've had my HC3000 for almost three years now. I'm curious if the newer 720p or low end 1080p projectors (W1000, HD20, etc.) would be a nice upgrade from the HC3000?

My only complaint with the 3000 is that its blu-ray image lacks depth and that "wow" factor that I see on new HD TVs.

Thoughts? Anyone else upgrade their 2-3 year old projector for a new projector in the $1000 price range?

I've had my HC3000 for almost three years now. I'm curious if the newer 720p or low end 1080p projectors (W1000, HD20, etc.) would be a nice upgrade from the HC3000?

My only complaint with the 3000 is that its blu-ray image lacks depth and that "wow" factor that I see on new HD TVs.

Thoughts? Anyone else upgrade their 2-3 year old projector for a new projector in the $1000 price range?

Downgrade, IMO. You will get 1080p but lose black levels and maybe shadow detail too. Lacking depth? I would bet 4 bills the HC3000 has equal if not more pop and wow than any of the newer budget pj's.

That is one nice pj, with it's manual iris and everything.

I had the HC3100 for 3 years n run into the same problem as you do that I cannot find a better unit within the same price range, except on the 720p/1080P matter.

I really hope the HC3800 will be the perfect replacement.

Unfortunately the HC3800 is not the projector you'll want according to Art's review. The lack of an iris of any kind will definitely cause black levels to be sub-par.

The only 1080p DLP projector I've been able to find under $3,000 with an iris is the Sharp XV-Z15000. I'm waiting for that one to hopefully drop in price in the coming months.

Downgrade, IMO. You will get 1080p but lose black levels and maybe shadow detail too. Lacking depth? I would bet 4 bills the HC3000 has equal if not more pop and wow than any of the newer budget pj's.

That is one nice pj, with it's manual iris and everything.

Based on his comments it seems he is attracted to bright displays and the HD20 is not only bright, but has a very high ansi contrast for pop and depth.

I think if you don't look at a high end 1080p unit above $2,000 check out the Sharp DT-510; I believe it will for sure add that pop you feel you are missing. It can be had for around $800 or less and is brighter and will pop more than the HC3000U. It's SUPERB! I have two CRT projectors and have owned a few digitals and I can say that my DT-500 (which is basically the same as the newer DT-500) is AWESOME and was the first digital that I didn't abandon to go back to CRT (even though CRT still rocks and HARD!). The HC3000U is a dimmer unit, so it won't pop as much as the DT-510.

The black levels are great, the shadow details is great (definitely better than my IN76 I sold), the brightness is very good (especially with the iris off, but even when on the brightness is really nice....lots of pop) and the ansi is very good.

If you get one and need some settings for optimal picture let me know. :D

My issue with the HC3000 is it just does not have the "3D" feel to HD content that a nice Samsung LCD TV has (as an example). The colors look nice and blacks look good, but there is no depth. I also don't think the shadow detail is outstanding, but over all the HC3000 is a nice projector and I've been happy with it for the most part. If I could spend ~$1000 and upgrade, I would... It seems the next step up in terms of quality might be the Epson 6100 for $1600... agreed?

I don't need excessive brightness, my room has all the windows blocked off completely and the room is painted a dark navy color.

How long has it been since you calibrated the projector?

In the last couple of months. The brightness and contrast are always either 1 or 0. I've never been too sure how to do the grey scale....

I have avia and DVE standard and one of those two on blu Ray but I forget which right now :)

I just bought a used HC3000 a few months ago. It had the lamp warning indicator on and was a so so picture. I replace the lamp and wow did that make a difference! No blue ray here but FIOS HD and I have yet to get mine calibrated, but will after I have a couple hundred hours on the lamp. I talked to the guy that will do the calibration and he said I have a Helavagood projector that looks out of this world once it is properly calibrated. If I were you I would spend the $300 for a new bulb and don't mess with replacing an older HI End unit with a new Low end unit.

PS Assuming you have over 2000 hours on the lamp of course..

I just bought a used HC3000 a few months ago. It had the lamp warning indicator on and was a so so picture. I replace the lamp and wow did that make a difference! No blue ray here but FIOS HD and I have yet to get mine calibrated, but will after I have a couple hundred hours on the lamp. I talked to the guy that will do the calibration and he said I have a Helavagood projector that looks out of this world once it is properly calibrated. If I were you I would spend the $300 for a new bulb and don't mess with replacing an older HI End unit with a new Low end unit.

PS Assuming you have over 2000 hours on the lamp of course..

The guy that will do the calibration tell you the true, this is one of best projector. I have calibrated many projectors and this one is excellent when calibrated. Buy a new lamp, calibrate the projector and enjoy.

Federico

I have avia and DVE standard and one of those two on blu Ray but I forget which right now :)

You would be better to buy a new lamp and have the projector calibrated. I think you would be amazed at how nice it can really look.

Unfortunately the HC3800 is not the projector you'll want according to Art's review. The lack of an iris of any kind will definitely cause black levels to be sub-par.

The only 1080p DLP projector I've been able to find under $3,000 with an iris is the Sharp XV-Z15000. I'm waiting for that one to hopefully drop in price in the coming months.

Well, the sharp has a DI, so if you are one that isn't bothered by or notice image pumping, then that might be ok for you.

I'm glad the HC3800 doesn't have, or more accurately 'rely' on DI to achieve any kind of respectable black level. Though I am Bummed that it doesn't have a manual iris. With all that firepower on my small screen (would be 67" wide), it would be too much. Will have to go with a .9 grey screen and/or ND2 filter. None of that would be necessary for me if they just put a damn manual iris in!

Anyway, It would be interesting if some HC3000 owners upgrade to the HC3800 and post their thoughts here....