C'mon guys, are these new fangled projectors really better than the x1? I still sometimes sit in amazement at the pic that my x1 throws up on the diy screen. No kidding! I'm serious!

I keep reading about the progress being made and am really, really considering upgrading, but I need just a little push. I'm thinking 720p, not ready to spend the bucks on 1080. Also, probably need to go LCD so I can get the lens shift. I'm currently using quite a lot of keystoning with the x1. Where I am projecting from is very low. Its an unorthodox room in that it is in what was the attic.

My main concern is going from DLP to LCD as I have read quite a bit and it seems there is a difference between the pictures they shoot. So, if you don't mind, clue me in as to how I might perceive the differences as I really like the pic that my x1 puts up.

I'm thinking along the lines of the z5 or panny 100. I know the panny is brighter, but in relation to the x1 how do the z5 and panny compare (I am satisfied with the brightness of the x1). My current screen size is 100" diag. with 4:3 AR that I mask off for 16:9 material (99%). Never really measured when at 16:9 so not sure of size, but it kind of gives you an idea of screen size. I sit back about 12'. Use for gaming, movies, and HD cable (in that order). Ambient light is not much of an issue.

Lately, I've seen the benq w500 being bandied about, is it a viable alternative? I think the bottom line is that these three; the z5, panny 100, and benq are basically priced relatively closely w/rebates and all. I'm open to other suggestions, but don't want to crowd the field.

To recap, I would appreciate your ideas:
1. on what my impression may be going from DLP to LCD
2. keeping in mind the x1, is brightness an issue?
3. keeping in mind I love my x1, which LCD projector might I be happy with.
4. keeping in mind I love my x1, once I spend my money for one of the above will I be glad I did?

I know it is difficult to determine what someone else might like, but try anyway. I'll appreciate it, unless you dis on my x1. Thanks

I too had an X1 and was happy with the picture. The bulb finally went on it and I struggled with $300 bulb or new projector for ~$1k. I went with the Epson 400. To answer your questions:

1) DLP to LCD - No brainer here if you are worried about SDE. The lower resolution of the X1 exhibited more SDE with the 800X600 than my new LCD does in 720p. I'm sitting the same distance back between the two, and while I could see pixels with the X1, I cannot see any with the 400

2) Brightness- My X1 bulb tapered off at the end, but the Epson even in its best (darkest) mode is brighter than the X1. I can watch TV without total light control and still get decent contrast. Remember that the 400 is a bright projector, but if you read Art's reviews at projectorreviews, he lists lumen output of the different modes of the projector for comparison

3) I'm biased, but suggest the 400. You can see my first impressions in the Epson 400 thread, but was really impressed of the projector over the X1. (BTW, the X1 was burnt out for about 3 months before I replaced, so I was judging by memory) I looked at the other ones you suggest, but I wanted a bright projector for sports without having a pitch black room.

4) Here's my justification. The X1 lasted me over 4 years and was still good if I bought a new bulb. The 400 should last me at least as long. Between the 2 of them, I spent under $2K total and should have a TV for 8+ years. A RPTV, Plasma, or LCD Flat Panel has about the same lifespan for around the same price; but at 1/3 to 1/2 the screen size. The only issue with projectors is ambient light and bulb life. After 4 yrs of this projector, I could upgrade to 1080p or 1440p or whatever is next for the magic 1K price point. Plus projectors have more "wow" factor over LCD's and Plasmas, especially with a dedicated theater.

Thanks dpc, you answered some of my concerns. SDE is indeed an issue, though I didn't mention it. I do notice it on white or light colors quite a bit with the x1. But, some of what I've read is in regard to the different quality pic of DLP vs LCD. Not sure of the correct terms, but I've seen the word "filmlike" a few times. Also there seems to be some difference in the "quality" of color, if I'm not mistaken. Is there some remarkable difference in regard to this, that you've noticed.

As far as the epson goes, I kind of forgot about it as it seemed to not receive quite as glowing review as the others (same price range?). No disrespect intended, as I may still go that way. As I said ealier, ambient light is not a real issue w/me.

Bulb is really not an issue either as due to an order mix up, I've still got a brand spankin' new one in the box. I'm wanting to do the hand me down thing for my nephew as he is really into electronics and loves my setup, humble as it may be. In fact that is the excuse I'm using to talk myself into a new projector.

I agree w/you and others on this forum, that projection is the only way to go. I just want to make sure that comparison wise, I will fire up my new projector and say to myself, "WOW they were right, this thing blows my x1 away!"

With all the options available within a couple hundred dollars, it makes it difficult to decide when you can't actually audition them. It seemed like when the x1 came on the scene, it was definitely the flavor of the month. Now it seems like Baskin Robbins; there are to many to choose from and they all look good.

Thanks for the response and other opinions may help or make things worse, but I appreciate all input.

I owned an X1 and most of the new HT units kick the crap out of the X1. I first upgraded my X1 to an ECP4500+ CRT projector and it obliterated my X1 so badly that I couldn't believe it and I LOVED my X1. Then I upgraded my X1 to a 4805 (the replacement digital) and the 4805 wiped the floor with it too (not nearly as much as the CRT did, but still by quite a lot).

The 4805 blew the X1's brightness away. The blacks were quite a bit darker (though still nowhere near CRT black), the contrast was clearly much better, the shadow detail was much better & the colors were more saturated/richer and more accurate.

When I first got my X1 I had a hard time imagining it getting any better or much better, but believe me it can get a WHOLE lot better. Most home theater units today are in another league.

Too bad you can't stick with DLP (I prefer them), otherwise I'd suggest the Sharp DT-500 or Mitsubishi HC3000U. For the price though it's hard to beat the Mitsubishi HD1000U for $799 at projector people.

Good luck.

I had an X1 and moved up to the HD70 last year.

YES - it is a much better experience - absolutely.

If you don't need to upgrade, then enjoy your X1 but when you are ready to upgrade fear not, you will see the difference and be glad you did it.

"As far as the epson goes, I kind of forgot about it as it seemed to not receive quite as glowing review as the others (same price range?). No disrespect intended, as I may still go that way. As I said ealier, ambient light is not a real issue w/me."
__________________________________________________________
Hey, no problem. If there was one projector that was right for everyone; there wouldn't be so many great projectors on the market. The 400 flew below the radar until they offered the $500 rebate. Plus the build quality is really good for the unit. It makes my X1 look pretty cheaply made. The 400 suited me for the brightness. Panny AX100 is also a good unit with its smoothscreen, which virtually eliminates pixels. However, I was a little apprehensive with the reliability and the additional cost.

As far as picture quality; newer LCD's don't exhibit the same issue with bad colors and "computer monitor" quality of video that the older projectors did. Many projectors now have color filters and irises to get a more natural image and better contrast. Personally, if I saw a DLP and LCD without knowing which is which; I'd be hard pressed to tell the difference based on quality. The HD70/HD1000 are really good DLP's if your setup can support the lack of lens shift.

As others said, my new projector blows away the X1 PQ-wise, but I also added a HD-DVD player with really good upconversion which probably helps.

Thanks for the responses above. I'm now pretty convinced to make the plunge. Not sure which one yet, but it will be LCD for the lens shift. My main fear was that after enjoying DLP I would be dissatisfied with LCD. I would guess that coming from where I'm at to where I'm going projector generation wise, it will be a moot point as far as DLP vs LCD.

Again, many thanks. Now, off to find the best bang for my buck.

IMHO...I look at it this way, DLP is what one should strive for and settle for LCD if DLP is not watchable. There are many articles about the pros and cons of DLP vs. LCD vs. LCOS vs. CRT etc. etc., however when it comes to LCD my main concern and what I read about quite ofter is the organic compounds in LCD panels and polarizers are susceptible to high heat and light energy stress, and will eventually break down if deployed in high stress environments (taken from PC analysis of TI's study).

I am not sure what high-stress means since it is relative but I do not want to be concerned with having to worry about it and whether the PJ is gradually loosing its vividness or color accuracy.

Great thread...I'm also in the same X1 boat. I've had mine for 4 years too with less 1500 hours on the bulb. But I'm ready for better PQ, just can't decide whether to skip 720 and goto 1080 -or- save a few buck$ on a disposable 720 and wait for the 1080 to improve & become less expensive. I'm leaning towards the new Sony AW15, which should hold me for a while (I hope).

I was recently in the same boat and decided to get Marantz VP4001 which is just spectacular and wait for 3-chip DLP. My thinking was if I got 1080 today it would most likely be based on LCD, so I will wait for a great 1-chip DLP or better yet a 3-chip one since I cannot see anything giving better PQ than the VP4001 at the moment for the amount spent and the 3 year warranty.

My five year old daughter loves hers...It's a great toy projector for ages 5 through 10... :)

I was recently in the same boat and decided to get Marantz VP4001 which is just spectacular and wait for 3-chip DLP. My thinking was if I got 1080 today it would most likely be based on LCD, so I will wait for a great 1-chip DLP or better yet a 3-chip one since I cannot see anything giving better PQ than the VP4001 at the moment for the amount spent and the 3 year warranty.

I've been considering going with the VP4001. I just got a Sharp DT-500 really cheap and an IN76 even cheaper. The Sharp Z12000 caught my eye as well and I have also considered getting an H78 or H79. I'm wondering how the Marantz compares (at least to the units I bought). Do you know?

From what I read on the second post of this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=672871

it seems PC dropped the IN76 in favor of the Z3000. I did follow the IN76 thread months ago and was concerned about some issues people were having. At that time it was 3K.

The Marantz is a higher MSRP priced PJ and it does not appear many people have them. It is said to be similar to the Z3000 which I cannot confirmed the internals anywhere since I do not have a Z3000 or access to one. All I can say is that the VP4001 is simply amazing. In terms of the DT-500, I think the added contrast ratio of the VP4001 will certainly show. It also has 200 more lumens than the Z12000 so both sports and movie looks excellent on it and it is short throw which is what I needed.

Believe me, I tried long and hard to find comparisons but took the leap of faith after communicating with a fellow AVSer and his experience with the Z3000. I am most certainly glad I did since I think what I got it for is the deal of the century. My budget was all set for a HC3100 but now I have what I think is a much more superior PJ and a couple hundred dollars to spear.