Will it be possible to mod the HD1000U with an iris and/or by fully/partially blocking the white segment? The iris mod really improved the 4805's blacks and contrast, especially noticeable in dark scenes. So I'm curious if both or either of these mods would work and what the difficulty of performing them would be.

Huey said something about trying it after his warranty is up.
I think he did it with his old LT-150. Colored the white segment out.
Anyone willing to try it before the warranty period?

Since the only difference between the HC1100 and HD1000 is the former lacks the clear segment, I'm sure the HD1000 would tolerate the clear segment mod. (painting entire clear segment with Testor Enamel, glossy silver paint which generally lasts 1 year--wears out due to heat and spinning) without sync. problem. Some DLP like the old Infocus X1 uses the clear segment to sync and can only tolerate up to 3/4 of the clear segment painting. LT150 and HD70 (likely the HD1000u also) can tolerate the entire clear segment painted without sequelae. My LT150 was modded for 3 years before I retired it (2 bulbs later). It's still fine but it is now a backup PJ in case my HD1000u craps out (fingers crossed).

The obvious advantages would be deeper blacks, better dark details, more 3D like image (especially dark scenes), less blown whites, closer to 6500K color temp., and deeper colors. Disadvantages would be voiding your warranty (if you're caught as the mod is reversible with paint thinner and Qtip--becareful not to snap your clear segment off of its hub as the glass is thin and very fragile), less bright (1/4 lumen loss in my estimate with LT150), yearly retouches, and trouble and risk of DOA if screws up for taking things apart when it works great as it is (this is what make it fun :D)