Looking for input here, as I'm very near pulling the trigger on the PT-AX100U deal with 400 rebate...However, this will be my first projector setup, and will have to replace the RPTV (need that wall for projection), and we're in a duplex, so limited mounting/screen options and want input.

>We bought our 46" RPTV Hitachi over a year ago for use with my HTPC, and enjoy movies and ok for SD TV, but the CRT convergence issues make web surfing and reading near impossible (even at 720p)
-Is it feasible that I will be able to use the projector as a TV/Movie/PC Monitor replacement with my HTPC? (I do have decent control of ambient light, but not total dark in daytime)

>I don't plan to buy a screen right now (we plan to purchase our first home next year, and are currently renting a duplex, so don't want to drop a lot of $$ on a screen, and have limited ability to mount screen/PJ. Plan to shoot on white textured wall)
-Keeping in mind that we're not yet PJ perfectionists, do you think we'll be happy with shooting the PJ on the white textured wall (as compared to picture quality from RPTV), or do you expect I will need to buy some sort of screen?

>Even after rebate, the PT-AX100U isn't cheap (for us)....a few hundred more than the price of the RPTV we paid over a year ago.
-Do you think I should just buy some cheap 480p projector as our first PJ, then maybe look to replace next year when we get our house..or maybe hold off altogether?

I welcome any and all feedback. I like much about what LCD Projection has to offer, and think it would work good as TV replacement in our setup, and expect it would be much better than RPTV, especially for making the computer use portion of my setup workable...but all this is theory. Would love to hear from other first time PJ owners on their experience and feedback to my questions.

Y'all are great and I love reading the forums here and all the intelligent input and discussions.

Thanks!

Depending on how much texture you have on the walls, it could be VERY distracting.
Many folks simply project on a flat white sheet. That could get you buy for awhile. Also, monoprice sells some really cheap screens. You could use one of their's for a year or so and treat it like a throwaway screen and be out hardly any money.

As far as the HTPC, I often websurf with my AX100 at native (1280x720) resolution. I'm about 18-19' back from a 119" inch screen (high power). It's great for that.

Thanks Bq!

What do you think about a projector as tv replacement? Is it feasible? (Seems like it's more feasible these days, not so much warm up time, bulbs cheaper/last longer, more lumens so even some ambient light ok)

Appreciate the feedback