I've had many projectors over the years, starting with a Sony presentation projector, then a Sony Home cinema, then a Panny AE100, an AE500 and currently an AE900. I've the the 900 for nearly 2 years, and was starting to think about upgrading to something with a much better black level and contrast ratio as well being bright and vibrant. I was thinking of making the move to the Panasonic PT-AX100, however, given that its the replacement model of my 900, and that I usually wait for atleast one more replacement model to come before upgrading, I was thinking of holding out for a newer Panny.

My question is this, is there a replacement Panny for the AX100 due out sometime in the Autumn and if so, does any one have any idea what the specs will be like for it. I am starting to become more eager for deeper blacks and whiter whites, but i would wait until the Autumn something good was on the horizon?

My alternative is the Sony HS-60 or Sanyo PLV-Z5, though im sure they are due for replacement themselves soon and I am one for having the latest technology.

I've a dedicated darkened home cinema room with wall mounted Da-Lite HC Cinema Vision around 90cm 16:9. I'd love to hear of a new Panny with 10,000:1 contrast and 1,500 lumens. Im aware of the full HD panny, but have no need for it since the majority of the programs I watch are DVD quality and 720p / 760p is more than enough for me for the next few years.

Thanks

Chris

If you are going to wait anyway you might want to consider a 1080p. Plus you did say "I am one for having the latest technology. " Well 720p is not the latest. Epson is already coming out with a $3K 1080p pj so expect others to start getting in that price point as well. However, if you did decide to stick with 720p Sony has already announced two new models. One at like $1300 MSRP (replacement for HS60) and one at $1000 MSRP without dynamic iris I believe. Search around I think I saw like 3 or 4 threads talking about them.

1080p doest really appeal to me. It will prob be a long time until its of any use. I have a massive DVD collection so to upscale to 1080p will no doubt not produce as good results as at 720p. I'll have a look around, cheers

How about the new Sony coming out in June with 12000:1 contrast and 1300 lumens for $1300?

I upgraded from a panny 900 to an epson tw-700 and could not be happier. The epson is a very nice pj. I will not be upgrading again until 1080p projectors are under 2K and bright. The epson is 1600 lumens and it is soo nice having that brightness when you want it. i could never go back to a dimm projector again.

I don't think the AX100 would be enough of an upgrade from the AE900, though some would disagree. You may want to reconsider your position on 1080p--a good reason to go that route is not just the resolution, but the fact that the manufacturers are putting their best stuff (lens, processors, contrast levels, etc.) in their 1080p models. The Epson is the most affordable, the JVC RS1 the most sought after. Good luck.

Thanks for all the replies. Does anyone have any info on the replacement for the Sony HS60? 12,000:1 would be great (wonder what the on/off is) and 1,300 lumens would also be great depending on lamp life and noise etc.

Cheers

I would wait until Sept. when many new units are announced. I would expect many new 1080p models and I would expect that Panasonic and others will come out with new models to compete with Sony. In view of what Sony has done I expect prices to really drop on both the 720p and 1080p models.

Thanks for all the replies. Does anyone have any info on the replacement for the Sony HS60? 12,000:1 would be great (wonder what the on/off is) and 1,300 lumens would also be great depending on lamp life and noise etc.

Cheers20 dB fan noise, but I have no clue on lamp life.http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=826157

Hi

Go have a look at the Epson TW700 / procinema810. I compared them side by side with the ax100 and the epson was clearly better. They can be imported with international epson warranty and cost a lot less.

Cheers
Sam