I have been using Projectors for about two years now and I normally like to upgrade once a year. My first projector was a Sharp XV-Z12000 and now currently I have a Planar 7150. I have been offered a JVC DLA-RS1 with around 400 hours of use for approximately $1500. Is the JVC going to be leaps and bounds better then my current Planar? I know the JVC is 1080P but what else would it excel in? Is the black level much better in the JVC?

My current setup is a 133" Da-Lite high power screen with the PJ placed about 17' from the screen. Would this JVC be my best bang for the buck or are there new PJ's similarly priced that I should be looking at instead? I have only had and used DLP PJ's and have never seen a LCD or Lcos PJ. Any suggestions and advice are appreciated!

Anyone?

I can't make a comparison but I can say this... that looks to be a pretty darn good price. I'd consider getting it and make the comparison for yourself. If you don't like it, you might be able to sell it for more than you paid. If you do like it, then get rid of your old PJ.

I have the rs1 and it is worth the upgrade. I have owned the sharp 12000 mark II, as well as, several other 720 dlp models and I couldn't be happier with the rs1. $1500 is a very fair price as well.

Wow, I just came across some direct comparisons to the Planar 7130 which is slightly inferior to my 7150. The difference seems to be night and day between the 7130 and the RS1 based on these comparison shots. However, I think my 7150 looks a lot better then the shots of the 7130 in these posts?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14858888#post14858888

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14858952#post14858952

The only thing to note is that you have a DLP now. They tend to have a very different overall look to them then DILA. Not saying you won't think the RS1 is an upgrade, but it will certainly look different.

As another said, for $1500 that is a great deal assuming great condition.

I'd be cautious. I have a Z12000 Mk II and a mate has an RS2. No way I'd swap with him, so be careful you don't prefer the DLP look.

The one thing that I think is so attractive about the rs1 vs the rs2 (in my experience), is the brightness. I have a 130" screen and the rs1 handles it beautifully and with ease. This is the area that the rs1 has the advantage over the rs2 and sharp. On the other hand, if you have a small screen, it might not be such a big upgrade.

Well the JVC just got dropped off here at work a few hours ago. I am going to set it up this evening and will post my impressions of it vs the Planar tomorrow morning :)