Okay, so I deal with projectors all day. 1080p, 720p, etc. I know what I like, what are the projectors you guys like.

Let me know brand, model, chipset, 720p, DLP, LCD, etc. Also what screens are you guys and gals mating with said projectors?

I still think 3 chip DLPs compete very heavily gainst some 1080 sets. Budget has a lot to do with it (hence this part of the forum), but I'm looking for you guys to give me feedback as to what is in your theaters!

Richard

My current set-up:

Mitsubihi HD1000 (720p single-chip DLP)
DIY Screen (parkland Plastics cut as close as possible to 100" 16:9 screen)

Projecting a 100" image from 14.5' back of screen-wall
Screen Walls = Deep Navy Blue
Side Walls = Textured Tan
Ceilings = Flat Matte White
Total Light Control (no windows)

========================================================
(apologies for the following thread-hijacking editorial in advance...)

I recently went with the Mitsubishi unit over my older In-Focus SP4805 to get the benefits of added resolution (720p native over 480p native) and to get more "pop" from my expanding HD source material (HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, OTA-HD, Satellite-HD). Of course it is not the "best" projector available, no single-chip DLP at 720p is going to challenge a 3-chip 1080p unit, but then again price-to-value is a key consideration for me. When shopping for projectors in the "budget" category, the terms "good", "better" and "best" are certainly relative terms to say the least. The real question is how much limitations can the buyer live with on a given purchase.

I initially got into front projection in 2004/2005, when the In-Focus SP4805 was available for under $1,100. Now, a little more than 24 months later, I was facing the choice of replacing my original lamp in that 4805 (2,200 hours and counting) and staying at 480p native for about $350, or rolling that lamp cost into an upgrade and upgrading my projector. I found the HD1000 at an AVS sponsor (ProjectorPeople - very fast, very helpful) for under $900 - about 20% LESS than my original projector purchase for a unit that boasts 44% more pixels on screen, has an increased lumen output and also offers HDMI input. I am pretty sure than in another 24-30 months, the same will be true for 1080p single-chip units and then in about 60 months 1080p 3-chip units that use different light sources (OLEDs, lasers, etc.).

I have now spent about $2,000 on front projection equipment (my DIY screen solution was a whopping $25 from Lowe's...lol, and I am thinking seriously about switching to another AVS-DIY solution, the Do-Able board screen for another $15-20...) in the course of some 30 months. I could have chosen to drop more money on my first PJ, and could have gone straight to a 720p projector back in 2004/2005, but the cost of doing so would have been closer to $2,500 at the time. I decided that for my personal situation, getting the best price-to-value projector was a better option than getting the best projector - and that extra $500 allowed me to also pick-up a PS3 as a Blu-Ray player in the interim. That will continue to be my M.O. going forward as well. I am pretty confident that some time in 2010 I will upgrade again from 720p to 1080p and I will find another projector that comes in below $1,500 to do that.

To my way of looking at things (and this is IMO only really), overspending on what is quickly evolving to a disposable technology - when a replacement lamp is more than 30% of the cost of the unit itself - doesn't make much sense financially or logically. I fully appreciate that others will not share that view, but I can't see clear to spending $3,000 on a projector now that will be obsolete or badly outclassed by cheaper models in 24 months time, or about the time I expect to need to replace either my lamp or my HD1000 unit.

For me, it is all about finding the best price on a projector that offers the fewest compromises at a given time. In 2004/2005, that was the SP4805 for me and in 2007 it was the HD1000U.

Current setup (heavy emphasis on current, lol)

Epson TW700 - 720p LCD (replaced Panasonic AE900 720p lcd)
Homemade do-able screen
Projecting 21' from screen - shelf mounted about 8" above top of screen (panny was ceiling mounted about 12' from screen)

Room:
Walls, ceiling - flat black
Complete light control

Primary media: Dish Hi Def content, HDDVD's.

My current setup:

Infocus IN76, single chip DC2 720p
Dalite Model B High Power 106" 16:9

Content is HD cable via HDMI from a Comcast DVR box and DVD over component.

Dedicated HT in the basement, total light control.

The IN76 was available way under $3k and was a great deal. The High Power screen was less than $250.

Thanks for the posts so far. It's interesting to see what people have done and what they purchase. Seems like the Mits1000U and the IN76 are popular.

Richard

Current Setup:

Optoma Movietime DV10: 480P projector with built-in DVD player and sound.

That's it, nothing else.

This projector is great for us. I have five kids under 10 and this is the perfect set-up for our viewing. We use it everywhere, inside, outside, at friends' homes, on vacation, virtually anywhere.

Sure the sound may not be the best. It's not even close to the set-up for our usual TV, but for DVD viewing, nothing could be easier for us. Put it down, pop in a DVD, and start watching. Screen? I have a Greywolf, but it never gets used. Sheets, walls, any color will do. It doesn't make any difference. When the kids see that 10 foot picture, they're in paradise.

Jim

Jim,

Must be great for when their friends come over and they all hunker down in teh living room or somewhere.

Thanks,

Richard

Nothing yet, and the more I research, the more my head hurts!!! I want >$20k quality on a sub $2k budget.

Nothing yet, and the more I research, the more my head hurts!!! I want >$20k quality on a sub $2k budget.

That'll happen to you forever if you let it. Buy something to get started!

I started in 2003 with a Sharp data projector that many on here were saying good things about, even though it was 4X3 and I have never looked back. In fact just getting started helped me get my wife on board (she was dead set against it intitially) and we have upgraded three times since: Epson Home 10+, Panasonic AE500, now an AE900.

If you want my vote, go for something that is the last generation for a great price/good performance. I bought the Home 10+ after the Home 20 was out for a while, then the AE500 after the 700 was out. The only one that was a current model was the AE900 and it had been out for 8 months with a killer rebate on it $400 cash plus 30 Blockbuster rentals). My 1080P projector will come in a couple of years when they are more plentiful.

I agree. I need to suck it up and make a choice. I was originally thinking of the Hitachi PJ-TX100 which can be had for very short money, but I think that one might be a bit too long in the tooth at this point (it's 3-4 year old technology). My initial thought was to buy the TX100 to "get in the game" and use it as a throw away until 1080p came down in price and up in lumens. I'm not so sure now though...maybe the DT-500.

Clearly you're not in a rush.. If you don't mind used, I'd look at the Sony Pearl..


Edit: I read your top post.. If budget is a concern, disregard. This is a <$3K thread, maybe you should have said <$1K. There are way too many, imo, in this category to list the "best".

Thanks to Jason, of AVS, I got a Mitsubishi HC3000U instead of the Benq PE7700, and I could not be happier. It's a terrific projector (my first) and it's paired with a DIY 92" Wilsonart Designer White laminate screen. My high definition DVD player is an RCA HDV5000 and I really enjoy watching the hi-def movies on this setup.

Don't have long but my setup:

Optoma HD6800, (720P DLP) coffee table mounted.
120'' Elunevision white pulldown screen.

It's an apartment setup & I love it!

I love the fact that 'better' PJs than mine (The panasonic AE900u) have come out. That's driven the 900 to half of what it used to cost making it an AWESOME bargain.

I was half joking about my budget. I'm always on the lookout for the best deal. If not for the offset, Id be all over the HD1000U. I'm probably going to go with the Sharp DT-500 or the Epson 400.

I'd vote for the 720p DC3 budget machines like Optoma HD73, Mits HC3100, etc. For under $1K the HD1000u of course :D

I agree. I need to suck it up and make a choice.

Yes you do :D

Don't be like me and sit on the fence. I've been on the fence since i joined avsforums in 2002 :( and believe me, its no fun, nor comfortable :/