Hello all:
I have been using a Panny AE900U projector for about a year for HDDVD movies. We use it in a light controlled basement home theater for dedicated movie watching on a cheap Graywolf 2 106" screen. I love it but feel it could be a) brighter b) sharper c) more contrast, etc.

I have the chance to swap it out for a Sony VW100 for about $1,000. THe Ruby has about 200-250 hours on it. I dont know how many hours are on my Panny. Is it worth spending the $1000 for the Sony? Or should i milk my Panny for another year or so and then upgrade to something newer?

Any comments?

That sounds like a good swap to me. You have to consider bulb replacement costs though.

I would go for it. $1K is not much money when you think about the quality of the upgrade you'd be receiving...

Well i just got the used Ruby with 350 hours on the bulb. Its much larger then the Panny900. I still have the Panny mounted on the ceiling so i am trying to do some side by side comparisons. Luckily the Sony seems quiet like the Panny. But its GIANT.

Can anyone point me to the forum post that says "how to make the Ruby a light cannon"? or something like that.

Now i think my Graywolf 2 screen is the weak link in chain....It never ends.....

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=655111

Holy cow is that worth it. Though I like the AE900 for what it is (I had one for a while), it is no where near the level of the Ruby. Well done.