HI all.

I am currently an owner of a Sony E series RP TV. I am seriously being tempted by the excellent "screen size for your dollar" advantage of a projector set up. Are there any pitfalls of PJ versus a RP TV that I should know about that may cause me to reconsider converting?

Thanks.

From what I gather, there are two short falls you need to know:

(1) shorter lamp life.
(2) You will need longer, high quality cables ($$) to connect your video source to your PJ.

Also, to get the best PQ, you need to invest on a high quality screen ($$), not your wall.

Thanks.

I see most PJ bulbs are rated at 2000 hours or so. I believe that is about the same as most RPTVs. They do appear a bit more expensive to replace though.

I see most PJ bulbs are rated at 2000 hours or so. I believe that is about the same as most RPTVs. ...

Most RPTVs are rated between 4000 and 8000 hours. I got 6100 on my last JVC lamp (didn't die, just getting a little weak).

I think front projection is ideal strictly for home theater use on a really large screen in a dedicated Home Theater room with total light control. Not practical for everyday tv use.

^^^ total agree. BTW, average RPTV lamp life is about 6,000 hours.

As a long time projector junkie/owner/user I wanted to add my 2 cents after reading some of the replies so far to your question of RPTV vs projector.

You can use a projector for daily and nightly viewing its not just for a home theater.
The new Panasonic AX200 would be a great pj to take a look at as it is 2000 lumens, even in a non-light controlled room its pretty bright if you keep the screen size under 110" or so.
To use the AX200 for a few more examples, it is selling for 1,300.00 brand new from AVS sponcers.
You can get a good screen (manual) that will show a great picture for under a 150.00 no problem, I just purchased a 100" Elite electric screen from Visual Apex, with shipping it was under 250.00.
1,550.00 for a new projector and screen, thats cheaper than a RPTV with a picture size that will be huge compared to the biggest RPTV you can get.
Someone had mention the price of cables, MonoPrice has some killer deals on HDMI and component cables, or ya can get some very good cables on the cheap from eBay.
It would be very easy to do a projector, screen, ceiling mount and cables for around $1700 to $1800, still cheaper than any 70" or so size RPTV.
Also, dont forget the cool factor of having a ceiling mounted projector with a 100" or more electric screen, you will be the envy of all your friends.
After years of owning projectors I still love the reaction of guest at my house freaking out when I hit the remote and the screen starts to roll down and the projector comes on,, thats always fun,,,,,,, you'll never get that kind of reaction with a big screen TV,,, guest will just say,, Ohhh, nice TV.
And before the RPTV fans think Im bashing RPTV, Im not, I still really do like some RPTV's, the 70" JVC's are really killer sets,,,, I just like projectors a whole lot more.

Anyhow, thats my 2 cents.
Davyo