Please give me suggestions on which projectors I should be looking at with a 4K budget. My room is light controlled and throw distance is not an issue. Just curious what my options are so I can research them further. BTW I live in an extremely remote area so I can't view any of these projectors which is why I need input from you guys. Thanks.

Panasonic PT-AE2000U

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic_Home-PT-AE2000U.htm

Brightness (Lumens) : 1500 ANSI
Contrast (Full On/Off) : 16000:1
Variable Iris: Yes
Eco-Mode: 22.0 dB
Weight: 15.9 lbs
Size (inches) (HxWxD) : 5.1 x 18.1 x 11.8
Std. Lens: Focus: Power
Zoom: Power, 2.00:1
Throw Dist (feet) : 7.6 - 19.7
Image Size (inches) : 39.0 - 200.0
Optional Lenses: No
Keystone Correction: Digital
Lens Shift: H+V
Networking: Wired: No
Wireless: No
Compatibility: HDTV: 720p, 1080i, 1080p/60, 1080p/24, 1080p/50, 525i,
525p, 576i, 576p, 625i, 625p, 1125i
EDTV/480p: Yes
SDTV/480i: Yes
Component Video: Yes
Video: Yes
Digital Input: HDMI (HDCP)
Personal Computers: Yes
Display: Type: 0.7" 3LCD
Native: 1920x1080 Pixels
Maximum: 1920x1080 Pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (HD)
Lamp: Type: 165W UHM
Quantity: 1
Speakers: No
Max Power: 240W
Voltage: 100V - 240V

Panasonic follows last year's release of the1080p resolution AE1000 with the updated and refined PT-AE2000. This unit has the latest D7 LCD panels, a 16,000:1 iris-assisted contrast ratio, and a bright 1500 ANSI lumen output potential. This unit was being demonstrated with a Blu-ray demonstration disc. The picture was extremely sharp and detailed. However, the most exciting aspect of this demo was the beautifully natural color and contrast. Overall, the image quality can best be described as elegant, balanced, and realistic. These same image characteristics were present in the Epson Cinema 1080 UB demo, which notably is using the same D7 LCD panels. Judging from the impressive strength of these new LCD products, we believe that videophiles who have thus far been most enthused with DLP will begin to recognize LCD as a technology that can match if not exceed the image quality of DLP. The Panasonic AE2000 will be shipping in late October or early November, and the price has not yet been announced.

Throw distance is not a problem? how do you know?

Sony VPL - vw60

In that general range there is the Sony VPL-VW60 and VW50, Panasonic PTAE1000, 2000 and Epson ProCinema 1080 (all well under), Infocus IN81/82, etc... Quite a few options...did you have a preference on technology?

Throw distance is not a problem? how do you know?

Sony VPL - vw60

What I meant is that I can physically throw you as far as I wish because I'm a champion dwarf tosser.:D
My room is 28ft long so short or long throw is not a deal breaker. I assume you have a twist on this so please expand. Thanks.


In that general range there is the Sony VPL-VW60 and VW50, Panasonic PTAE1000, 2000 and Epson ProCinema 1080 (all well under), Infocus IN81/82, etc... Quite a few options...did you have a preference on technology?

I've had 3 DLP projectors so I'm not sensitive to RBE. I've never been a big fan of LCD but it has been years since I saw one last and I know they have changed a lot since then. I have not seen a LCOS/DiLA/SXRD projector but that should be no surprise as I haven't seen a tree or an innocent man in 6 months either.:D I was considering a RS1 but the issue with the colors has me really put off because I would have to see it to know if it would drive me nuts. I'm more or less open to suggestion because of the fact that I've seen very little of what is available today. Thanks.

In that general range there is the Sony VPL-VW60 and VW50, Panasonic PTAE1000, 2000 and Epson ProCinema 1080 (all well under), Infocus IN81/82, etc... Quite a few options...did you have a preference on technology?

Jason:

Just wondering why you did not include the mitsu 5000/6000 in this list?

--
grant

I will say the Optoma HD80 It does such an amazing job with great features and easy to use menu. By far the absolute best bargain out there. I honestly have yet to see another DLP that is better in PQ and I have seen many. Its $2600.00 It could be easily twice as much, but its not. I doubt I will have any agruements from anyone that has seen it unless of course they are selling a different brand

Check threads in the under $3000 forum.

I thought there were some issues with the HD80 and that it's PQ didn't compare too well with the 720p projectors in it's price range. Please correct me if I'm wrong as I have not read anything on them in a while nor have I seen one in action. Thanks for the suggestion.