Which one would you get, and why? I may be able to get a used JVC RS-10/350 used, but it would cost me about $500 more than a new Epson 8500UB. Would it be worth it? Which one is the better performer. I have a 110" diagonal 16:9 screen in a bat cave, so I do not think light output will be a concern. I think they both have the HQV processor, but the Epson is THX certified. Would there be a big difference in performance? I am coming from a Panasonic PT-AE900U. And what about a new Sony VW15?

I don't have any advice for you but I too am interested in what the resident PJ philes have to say. :)

Until we really get the Epson out and reviewed, we just don't really know. I would say there will definitely be pros and cons.

stereowise, what do you care what we think. For this investment, I personally would only listen to my own senses. It's you that has to live with the decision. I would do whatever it takes to view them all and weigh the pros and cons of each unit. You will love them all. Both Epson and JVC produce great products. Good luck with your search.

You may or may not need a new bulb for the used JVC, then the $500 difference will immediately become $800-900. Epson 8500 may or may not have the level of the JVC performance but you get a whole ton of features with 2yr Warranty. If you are coming from AE900 why not consider the AE4000 as well.

projectorreviews.com and projectorcentral.com have reviews for the sony and the epson PJs you noted.

A notable diff between them is that the JVC can attain good black w/o an iris. The sony and epson both use irises (with the sony supposedly having the smoothest).

Well, I've different models but not sure if you could use my data points.

Sony Hs 50 and 51; great skin tone and extremely quiet, no VB.

Panny 900; least expensive but had faint VB; quiet and great colors; looked cheap.

Epson 400, not as quiet but great warranty and colors; no VB.

JVC RS2 (1080p) - current projector; Super black and contrast w/ pop; needs CMS; not as quiet as Sony or Panny. Like the other JVCs, does not resort to auto-iris.

If I'm going to buy another one, Sony and Epson will be on my list as well for the money, in that order. My other choice will be a Mitsu 6900 or 7000 (had the Mitsu 3000 DLP - also lovely skin tone but too much spillage, and noisy).