I was not sure if i should post in both $3000 above and under, as my buget is from $2000-$4000. Sorry for the repetitive email if i should have just choosen one or the other. I figured i go back and forth between the two.

There are very many smart Home Theater folks on this board, and i wanted to thank you for all the detailed information i have followed throughout the years. This is my first time posting.

I am not looking for someone to tell me what is the best, i am just trying to narrow my options, so i can spend more time looking at a select few projectors.

The details:

1) Room: 13' wide x 25' long x 8' Ceiling

2) My sofa is about 15' from the back wall, and there is a step right behind it. So, i can have a viewing distance of anywhere from 11'-14'

3) Light: Currently there are 2 large windows in that room, all with just sheer blinds, so i am probably going to double up and get some drapes to use to block some of the ambiant light. There are also 2 door entries into the room, both with a frosted glass. Not sure what im going to do with these, if anything.

4) Colors: Ceiling is painted white, walls are dark red, and the carpet is a light grey.

5) What will the projector be used for: About 45% movies, 40% sports, and 15% XBO360. Now, when i do watch movies, it will normally be in the evening, so the ambiant light through those two doors will not be as much of an impact. But, i dont want to make this room completely dark, because i watch a lot of sports with friends, and having 10 guys in a dark room watching football on Sunday might be a bit awkward So, i need something with the ability to handle both almost equally as possible (knowing i will have to give up some quality in one area or the other to do so).

6) I do not suffer from Rainbows or the screen door effects.

7) Budget: i am thinking just for the projector, somewhere in the range of $2,000-$4,000 ballpark.

I have been reading posts the past 2 weeks, and I just feel as confused with the number of options as i was 2 weeks ago. So, wanted to see if i can get some folks to point me in the right direction for what i am looking for. Based on soem of that feedback, i can then locate some local shops in my area (not many in the San Jose, CA/Bay Area) in which i can view some of them live.

Thank you for all your help in advance

I would let the dust settle on some of the new product line that's coming out and see what works best in the shootout. Given your ceiling height I would go with a LCD it places better, so that reduces your choices. It all depends on how close you want to sit to the screen when it comes to screen size. I went with a 8' wide in my room
(14'x25'). I have two rows and a bistro table in the back for dinning out at the movies and surfing the net.

$3000 give or take a few hundred will get you a bad...well you know...pj. Too many new models in the 2500-3500 range to know yet. As suggested, wait for some reviews/feedback. If it was my money ...either the new Mits or Epson in that price range. Maybe the Sony. All great machines. You know your needs/wants, now just wait to see which one suites you. It's amazing what half your budget can do picture wise these days.

Based on the needs and or wants you listed it's a no brainer, Epson 8500UB. Looks to be the one that would meet all your needs. Very bright for low light situations, extremely good black levels and very good color for movies. Video games look awesome on about anything this big, at least until a buddy pukes because he's getting motion sickness, thats always entertaining!!!!

I know when i purchased my last plasma, there were issues with LCDs and sports (blur from fast scenes), does this still hold true these days with the new technology, and with pj for that matter?

I know when i purchased my last plasma, there were issues with LCDs and sports (blur from fast scenes), does this still hold true these days with the new technology, and with pj for that matter?

I would not completely rule it out from what I have read...but it is minor at most.

Based on the needs and or wants you listed it's a no brainer, Epson 8500UB. Looks to be the one that would meet all your needs. Very bright for low light situations, extremely good black levels and very good color for movies. Video games look awesome on about anything this big, at least until a buddy pukes because he's getting motion sickness, thats always entertaining!!!!

+1 on the Epson 8500...wish I had that budget.

I think i have my search narrowed down to 4 PJs:

• JVC DLA-RS15
• Epson Home Cinema 8500UB Projector
• Panasonic PT-AE4000
• BenQ W6000

Based on my measurements from above (ceiling height, ambient levels, throw distance), should i nix out any of these right off the back?

• JVC DLA-RS15
• Epson Home Cinema 8500UB Projector
• Panasonic PT-AE4000
• BenQ W6000

These are on my list also for my first projector purchase. I'll also add that the planar 8150 is on the list also.

Cannot decide....

I think i have my search narrowed down to 4 PJs:

• JVC DLA-RS15
• Epson Home Cinema 8500UB Projector
• Panasonic PT-AE4000
• BenQ W6000

Based on my measurements from above (ceiling height, ambient levels, throw distance), should i nix out any of these right off the back?

The Epson and Panasonic will be the easiest to setup. You can place them pretty much anywhere and they will work. In my room I have the Epson 6500UB about 2 feet from my far right wall (facing the screen) on a 7' high shelf and it shifts enough to have the image dead center in the middle of my living room wall. Those two are VERY flexible in terms of placement. It will make it a lot easier on you, especially if this is your first projector.

My first projector was a DLP, I don't think I have cussed that much, or got that angry in years trying to set that up. It took hours and a lot of grey hair later I finally got it perfect. If you know someone who is experienced mounting projectors then that won't be an issue for you. DLP does throw a nice image, so does LCD, the do differ though. I am very happy with my LCD and it was simple to setup.