Thinking of getting a new projector .Ive had the z2 since 04 and have loved it just wondering if anyone else had upgraded to a z5 and if the picture is noticably better . How much more light as compared to the z2 . I could use some more light :)

Check out the -
Optoma HD70 DLP
Mitsu HC3000 DLP
Mitsu HD1000U DLP
Panny AX100U LCD
Sanyo Z5 LCD
All are very good

I have heard the jump from the Z2 to the Z5 is quite noticeable. Considering that you get a new bulb with the new projector that is not a suprise. But the contrast is signifigantly better than the Z2.

I would personally go for the HD70 or HD1000U if I was going to dump my Z3 and wanted to stay in this price range. But I am waiting to buy a HD5000 in a few months.

HD1000U (http://www.projectorcentral.com/mitsubishi_hd1000u.htm)

My Z2 suffered from some nasty screen burn in after 4 years of regular use.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1128/photos/4/44291/5976075/IMG_3663-vi.jpg

I'm moving on to a Mitsubishi HC4900. The reviews are all positive and it can be found for well under $2000 ($1500 with the last rebate). Unfortunately the place I got it from is achingly slow and I'm still waiting for a delivery date.

I expect it to be an improvement over the Z2 in a number of ways. The SDE should be eliminated at 1080p, the colors should be brighter, and hopefully the black levels will be better. I can't wait to see it.