I run the screenings program at a nonprofit arts and performance venue. We have an NEC LT260 (DLP, 2000 lumens) that we bought 3 or 4 years ago but have just received a purchasing grant to improve our projection package (the LT260 has been great but will be retired as a backup projector and for video installation uses). I'm trying to figure out the best projector to buy with our money, which allows for up to $5000 (we could stretch it to $6000 if it was really worth it, but it would mean sacrificing on some of our other purchasing, i.e. BetaSP deck, DVCam deck etc. . .)

Would really love recommendations on a good projector in that ballpark range. Our local A/V house spec'ed out an Eiki LC-W3 at around $5,000 (3LCD, 3000 lumens) but with only a listed contrast ratio of 1000:1 I'm wary the picture quality is more for boardroom presentations and not small cinema picture quality. I'm admittedly more of an event programmer and less of a techie so I would appreciate any opinions on either the Eiki or better options. Trying for the best cinema picture within a $5,000 budget. Longer warranty and bulb life are also of value to us.

A little about us:
• 23' distance from projector to screen (could be adjusted by 2-3' in either direction if need be).
• 10' x 10' screen. A 16:9 image would be about 140" diagonal if my trig is right.
• Some ambient light issues for the occassional daytime screening or streetlights that bounce into the space, it's not completely light-separated from the front windows . . . indirect light from headlights occassionally bounce in the space at night screenings.
• would like inputs for DVD player, BetaSP player, MiniDV/DVCam/HD player, laptop input.
• Ability to hardwire remote projector control is a plus.

Thanks for any help!
SPACE Gallery
Portland, Maine

Update:
A few of the projectors we're looking at are-
• Mitsubishi WD2000U
• Sanyo PLV80
• Optoma EP910

Any opinion/preferences on these for what we're looking for?
SPACE

Anybody?

Cloister- Right now I have a WD2000U on a 155" diagonal screen@ 19ft from the screen and I absolutely love it. The features are excellent and it has been extremely reliable. Maybe some other owners will chime in. I have heard good things about the Sanyo as well. IMO, those are the cream of the crop for your situation. I have had two Optoma's in the past and they have been very good as well, but I haven't seen the EP 910 in person.

Gage >

Can i ask how your Mits WD2000U performs.
What sort of sources are u feeding it.
Any rainbows that you see ?
Im planning to buy this projector to tour with our live show. So it will basically be used in dark auditoriums. Currently using OPTOMA HD70.
But id like something powerful to give people that cinema feel.
Im looking at having a 130" diagonal widescreen in the auditoriums. What do you feel ??
It would be very helpful to hear your feedback.

Thanks a lot.

I've researched the IN83 to death and it seems to be a good if not great projector for the money. It has the new Dark 4 chip, cheapest projector with this and it's a very bright. Not to mention AVS has them on sale right now. Talk to Matt, he'll help you. The setup for this thing is tough, buy if you have ceilings over 8.5 - 9' in height, you'll be fine for anything over 130".