So early next year, after all the new models are out, I'll be upgrading to a 1080p projector. I'm thinking of spending between $3500 and $6500. My current projector, a 2 year old Panasonic AE900U, is still running fine, but thanks to a good friend who wants to buy it, I can now upgrade without any guilt. However, being that my new purchase will be a more expensive investment, I hope to be able to keep it for at least 5 years. Although I've been impressed with my incident-free Panasonic, I won't rule out any company. However I'm most interested in JVC, Sony, Epson, as well as Panasonic. Regardless of features, which of these companies offer the best customer service, warranty, and longevity of there product? I want to know that regardless of which projector I end up with, I'll be able to get it serviced and buy replacement bulbs for years to come.

I wouldn't be thinking long term with any consumer electronics, especially projectors. There will always be something better just around the corner

I want to know that regardless of which projector I end up with, I'll be able to get it serviced and buy replacement bulbs for years to come.

Any quality company will support a product line for years after discontinuance. Parts inventories take this into consideration. As Tryg said, there will always be better but support should not be an issue. Research the companies and you should find most are safe. Not sure whats happening with JVCs big problems/takeover.

With your current excellent track record with your Panasonic? I think they deserve another shot, almost in that they have earned another shot?

One thing about the size and form factor of the AE100U is that for me it instills total confidence as being a cut above in the build reliability area.

Big, boxed off, solid, just heavy enough, and the lens assembly says this projector means serious business!! :)

The new Panasonic 1080p, especially if it's just a bit brighter than last years model, would be hard for me to pass up. I've really enjoyed my AE900U, and the freedom of placement and smooth screen technology put Panasonic at the top of my list. I'll be considering price, brightness, lens shift and zoom, but also warrenty and service. As it stands now, I guess if the 2008 Panasonic is a little brighter, I'll be looking for an excuse NOT to choose it over JVC, Sony and Epson.

I wouldn't be thinking long term with any consumer electronics, especially projectors. There will always be something better just around the corner

Says the guy who just got rid of his G series D-ILA :D

With your current excellent track record with your Panasonic? I think they deserve another shot, almost in that they have earned another shot?:)


TWO years is now a significant indicator of longevity?

Not to pick on you, John, but seriously!


John

Says the guy who just got rid of his G series D-ILA :D

Who said I got rid of it? :)

unfortunately the damn thing is built like tank. I'm sure it will last another 20 years but at some point you salivate for better technology

With a projectior? 2 years of problem free service says a lot actually.

The new Optoma HD81-LV, the warranty convinced me ... (i know it wasnt on your list but thought id mention it anyways)

Warranty:
Projector:
3 Years Optoma Express Replacement Service, 1 Year on Lamp
Video Processor:
3 Years Limited Parts and Labor

My Optoma H77 that I have had since Oct04 is currently having some problems and I was looking to either have it repaired or upgraded. My HT is in the basement with a fairly low ceiling so I am taking advantage of the lens offset of the H77. I looked at the Optoma lineup, and they don't have an obvious upgrade path. None of their 1080P projectors has lens offset and I could not use any of them in my current ceiling mount which places the PJ about even with the top of the screen. Optoma does make a 720P projector (HD7300) with offset that would work, but when Optoma quoted me a price to upgrade my PJ, they offered it to me at a price less than MSRP but significantly higher than any retail seller. When I told them that the price was out of line with what was available, their response was for me to either take the offer of leave it, so basically they were asking me to pay them to take my projector back. For long term support, I could not recommend Optoma.

With a projectior? 2 years of problem free service says a lot actually.

Wow, I had no idea..........not sure this says much about projector design and build quality, or as a technology, in general. Can you imagine the owners of current model LCD's, Plasma's, or SXRD/DILA/LCOS sets putting up with this?


John

These days, even in a box RP, I still say it's a decent indicator of a decently reliable device.

Welcome to the world of modern electronics. Many RCA's, ect..ect.. Won't last that long with regular use.

I am too looking for a solid projector that will give me 2 years of worry free operation.

I use my projector a lot. What are some ideas for this type of projector?

Benq has the best warranty that I've seen. It's 3 years with a 1 year "hot swap" replacement program.