I currently own a 4805. I am looking to replace it with a newer unit.

My biggest gripe with the 4805 is the L-O-U-D color wheel. It wasn't too bad factory fresh, but over the months the sound gets increasinlgy louder and mechanical sounding with whining, and other such annoying noises.

So, do you think this Mitsubishi will suffer the same fate? Is the Mitsubishi quiet to begin with?

Second, I have heard that this is a pretty bright projector...My room is pretty well light controlled and I have a white screen. I figure to keep this unit in low power setting, but still have heard it is extremely bright. Any problems here? I believe I may be sacrificing a little black level and shadow because of the brightness...is it worth spending the extra dough for a HC3100 ?

Thanks!

I currently own a 4805. I am looking to replace it with a newer unit.

My biggest gripe with the 4805 is the L-O-U-D color wheel. It wasn't too bad factory fresh, but over the months the sound gets increasinlgy louder and mechanical sounding with whining, and other such annoying noises.

So, do you think this Mitsubishi will suffer the same fate? Is the Mitsubishi quiet to begin with?

Second, I have heard that this is a pretty bright projector...My room is pretty well light controlled and I have a white screen. I figure to keep this unit in low power setting, but still have heard it is extremely bright. Any problems here? I believe I may be sacrificing a little black level and shadow because of the brightness...is it worth spending the extra dough for a HC3100 ?

Thanks!
Its seems your only considering a mits...Why? I'm wondering if the noisey colorwheel thing is more related to infocus projectors...a lot of the compliants are by infocus owners..My x1 did the same thing...I thought I had maintained it poorly but at around 1000hrs the color wheel would somtimes do the bandsaw noise thing....my friend deals with it now but its more frequient than ever. (BTW my HD70 is still silent...only 210hrs so far)

Both Mits HD1000u and Opt HD70 are quieter than SP4805. Don't forget they are 720p vs 480p on SP4805.

Brightness is not an issue with either PJ as you can always turn on some ambient light if it's too bright for you (or add ND photographic filter or use gray screen).

It's worth the money for HC3100 but don't forget this is overseas so warranty may be more expensive, longer turn around time, and harder to obtain (unless you live outside USA). HC3100 is clearly better (and should be for double the money) than these 2. Going from SP4805, either HD70 or HD1000u should be an obvious upgrade on all fronts (noise, PQ, resolution, brightness, etc.)

HD1000u is cheaper online but HD70 can be bought from Costco with an extra year manufacturer warranty along with Costco's incredible return policy (free screen too from Costco).

HD70 has less offset so if you have a low ceiling HD70 is better for you. It needs more calibration for most users due to "plasma-like" factory setting.

HD1000u is brighter and more accurate out of the box (less calibration needed) so if you like it bright then this is better for you.

HD70 has better VGA sync'ing than HD1000u but both can be great with HTPC.

HD1000u has 3 video setting memories per input compared to 1 for HD70.

HD1000u has glass lens vs. plastic on HD70--may be slightly sharper when compared side-by-side. Not noticeable otherwise.

I'm not getting into the 8-bit color thing of HD70 as it's a sensitive topic for HD70 owners but HD1000u is 10 bit all the way.

I could have chosen either but in the end I picked HD1000u.

[quote I'm not getting into the 8-bit color thing of HD70 as it's a sensitive topic for HD70 owners but HD1000u is 10 bit all the way. end quote....]
I've reciently read otherwise plus the same HD70 is advirtised as 10bit in europe and also going on what I've read here they are made on the same assembly line just loaded with different firmware. I also read that the digital connection on any of the cheaper dlp,s were limited to 8 bit so ???
I do agree with your other points though. The 4805 from what I've read about was a very noisey projector....and many who have upgraded to either from the 4805 have been thrilled with the upgrade.