Someone I know is looking for a 16:9 projector to hang in his basement to watch movies (DVD) and play Wii on. Budget is $750-$1k.

Is the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 400 the best bet (after $500 rebate)?

It will need to work with some ambient light (for gaming) so brighter is better. I also figure that lens shift will be beneficial. I also can't see suggesting something that's not at least 720p. Best I can tell the Epson is the brightest thing within the target pricing with lens shift that's 720p. The person isn't a videophile so contrast ratio isn't going to be that critical, as well as some of the other performance characteristics.

Am I on the right track suggesting this, or is there something better out there I missed?

I am using the HD1000U to play 360 and wii on and its amazing. The thing is insanely bright even in low lamp mode. Its 720p native.

I think someone who isn't concerned with contrast ratio will probably enjoy an overall brighter picture so I think the epson is a good choice.

HD1000U for $799 at Projector People with the coupon Save50 is about as good of a deal you're going to get for any projector online (excluding a certain auction site). The price for the quality is hard to beat.

Unless I'm missing it the HD1000U doesn't have optical lens shift... It also only has a 1 year warranty compared to the Epson's 2 years. The Epson is also brighter (according to the projector central reviews).

For gaming contrast specs are important but personally I like the brightest image possible.

I've got a preset on my hd1000u that I would like to get spec'd for lumens.

I had a 4805 as well which I would say was comparable on contrast and the hd1000u clowns it in gaming due to brightness.

I personally still perfer the 4805 with sd dvd for overall image quality but, dude, when you see 360 on a native 720p machine and it's on a 100+ inch screen. DEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRPPPPPPPPPP

When your flat panel friends remind you they have better contrast just remember that you have to squint at thier small screens.


EDIT:

You're not going to find DLP's such as the hd1000u in this price range with lens shift. Many LCD's in this price range have lens shift. I prefer dlp over lcd I personally find it the image a dlp produces to be sharper. (Not trying to start a war)

You should look at the VPL-aw15, the new LCD from Sony, it can be found for around your max budget and is a LCD, I dont know if it would be bright enough but if you got a High Power screen I am sure you wouldnt have any problem. At least read up on it to see if it is for you and if not you should just go with the HD1000U as it is cheap and very bright.

I don't know many projectors that can overcome as many lights as we have, 7-60 watt recessed lights 2-100 watt lamps and a 300 watt chandelier.

This area is a kitchen/dining/livingroom/theater combo. One huge room and the screen is viewable from EVERYWHERE!

We play xbox360 on the 100" screen with the 400 with all of the lights on! This happens a lot while we are trying to cook at the same time as my son is trying to play xbox.

We use either livingroom mode or dynamic, depending on how many lights are on, and the image is incredible.

Just my .02.

I have to chime in for the 400 as well,

I've used it during the daytime in my living during the daytime with the curtains closed but with some ambient light still showing through them and the front door and the picture has been insanely amazing at about 110". I was also excited about how well it performed because it means that I'll be able to use some lighting once I have set up in my dedicated room.

With all the benifits of, rebate, warranty, service, lens shift, setting options.... your friend cant go wrong. Good luck.

Just another option, the BenQ w500. Very similar to the 400, but less lumens and a shorter warranty, but you get one of the best upconverting processors on the market. It would be extremely useful since you will be playing DVD's.

Either way you can't go wrong, but if you really need the lumens, go with the 400.