Need some help from the experts. So I've been trolling these forums for a couple months reading what everyone has to say. It seems that for the most part the JVC DLA is the model to get. When I went to place the order with a local AV group they said that it wasn't a wise choice for my environment.

They came back with the Panasonic PT-DW5000UL. I don't like that it wasn't 1080 and that it doesn't have HDMI inputs. The lumens was appealing. I'm also concerned about the heat this thing puts out.

Ultimately I'm not an expert so I'm looking to you for help answering which projector should I buy for $7k or less.

Light Situation:
The room I'm putting in has two walls of windows. While the room can be blacked out I do want to watch TV and movies with at least some ambient light. Heck, I'd really like to be able to watch regular TV with normal lights on but I understand we can't have everything.

Throw distance:
Up to 20 feet away and I would like to have it ceiling mounted.

Screen:
110" - Screen Size 110", 96"(W)x54"(H);
Viewable size 104",91"(W)x51"(H);
End-to-end size: 102"(W)x65"(H)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
.9 gain

Noise:
There is seating within 3 feet of the projector so I don't want a noisy beast.


Thank you for your help.

Really need to know what gain your screen is but based on my research I am partial to the infocus 777

Thanks for replying KSHARP, its .9 gain and I've updated the original post. I'm going to check out the PJ you mentioned.

I just went through the same search. I ended up getting an Infocus 777 for just under 7K. I have it projecting against an 8 foot wide accousticly transparent screen with 1.0 gain. Its in a multipurpose rec room with ambient light. The 777 has a great picture an is very bright in all light conditions. Right now I think its one of the best values out there.

They probably didn't have an RS1 to sell you so they tried to sell you something that they did have.

Lawguy, why would you say that?

The RS1 sounds like it would be a bad choice for his environment.
I commend the dealer for not recommending it.
The 777 sounds good though.

Its funny that you say that Lawguy. That was the first bitter thing that came through my mind. I felt like golum(sp) from Lord of the Rings....... I can concede that the RS1 probably does not fit my needs... Okay, then what?

When I had first made my decision it was for the Optoma HD81 because of its higher lumens output. After reading MANY posts and reviews it seemed that the RS1 would produce close to the same results (lumens) after being tuned.

I'm doing my homework on that infocus as we speak. So far they sent me the panasonic I mentioned in the original post and the Mitsubishi HD4000u. I know, extreme price differences but maybe its a better fit. I would rather go with the Panasonic in the same price range as the HD4000u.


I'm currently tracking down reviews of the suggested infocus. I am a bit worried that they are on shaky ground as a company.

Thank you everyone. Still open for suggestions to compare.

You might want to consider a Sanyo PLV-80 (or PLV-75) for somewhat less money. Lots of light and Sanyo is not going anywhere.

They probably didn't have an RS1 to sell you so they tried to sell you something that they did have.

Actually I could have gotten any projector I wanted. None of the 1 chip DLP's (under 20K) the JVC or either Sony were close to bright enough. The 777 is around 2000 lumens calibrated. I also found the over all PQ better than any of the above. The 3 chip 1080P DLP's were the best but at 40K I had a problem spending that much on a projector when some real key improvements are in the pipe line:
1) LED/Laser light sources with very long life and almost no loss in brightness and
better color depth
2) 2.35/1 with out the need for an external lense

At 7K I'll keep the 777 for 3-5 years until these projectors are out then upgrade. Until then I am very happy with the bright, rich picture it throws.

Lasalle did you consider the Panasonic PT-DW5000UL? Also what about the Panasonic PT-AX100U? There might be an obvious answer that i'm just too much of a newb to know. The reason I asked about the panasonic PT-ax100u is of the 720 PJs it seems to be the leader.


Thanks for responding.

Lasalle did you consider the Panasonic PT-DW5000UL? Also what about the Panasonic PT-AX100U? There might be an obvious answer that i'm just too much of a newb to know. The reason I asked about the panasonic PT-ax100u is of the 720 PJs it seems to be the leader.


Thanks for responding.

I did not look at the Panasonics, I limited my search to 3 chip DLP 720p and 1080p, 1chip 1080p and the Sony and JVC LCOS/SXRD. The Panasonic PT-DW500UL looks interesting on paper have you seen it? In general my tastes tend to favor the 3chip DLP's in what I've seen so far. This is especially true if you need alot of lumens.

That is way to much for a panny 5000, if that is what they are quoting you. I would agree if you are interested in a 3 chip 720P that the 777 will be a good deal. I sure would stay away from anything that Optoma is offering. If you could find a Sim2 C3X at a good price is another option. The HD4000 I would pass on also. Hell call up Jason and see if AVS still has any 333s left.

Dale