Hello. I'm a HT newb looking for my first projector. Here is my situation:

Looking to spend around $1k. I have read a lot of threads on this board and I think I have it narrowed down to either the Optoma HD70 or the Mits HC1500.

I do not have a dedicated theatre room. I will be using this in my living room to project on to an empty wall that is painted white. I will be getting a screen down the road, but eventually in a year or two I might have a dedicated room.

The size of the room is 12' wide by 20' long with 7.5' hieght. I will have to project the image the 12' wide way because there is a fireplace at the end of the 20' long side. I am not sure if I will be able to put the projector on a stand due to furniture placement, so I think I am going to either ceiling mount it or put it on a small shelf near the ceiling.

There is a picture window directly across from where I will be projecting, but I have some seriously thick curtains that make that room very dark even on a bright sunny day. There will be a little bit of ambient light though. I will be watching movies on it, and a small amount of gaming on it. On weekdays I will be watching at night only. On weekends mostly at night, but occasional viewing during the day.

I am hoping to get at least an 80" screen, but if I can can get 92-100" that would rock too.

In looking at these projectors I see that technically the Mits is a little brighter, but the HD70 has better contrast. Also am I correct in thinking that the HD70 has a smaller offset than the HC1500?

What do you think is the better projector for my room?

Keep in mind I currently have an Akai 42" RPTV that looks like absolute garbage. There are no blacks, only grays. So I'm hoping that a projector will give me a much better image.

Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!

See if you can catch one of the Sharp DT-500 on the bay.Ive got a 106" image that looks great from 10'6".JMO.

Both projectors will do a great job. I bought an HD70 beause I was able to get it for under $700 after rebate (now it's $720 at the same store).

im not sure if you're factoring in the depth of the projector itself, but you can display a 92" screen from 11.5 ft. away....with the hd70, that is. If you're expecting the projector to give you better blacks, you will be greatly disappointed. your blacks will only be as good as the level of light control your room is. blacks with ambient light is virtually nonexistent.

Ok thanks a lot. So out of the two projectors which one has better blacks? The HD70? Would you say better black level or a brighter lumens output matters more?

The HD1000U is the better unit of the two, but if I were you I'd look into a Sharp DT-500 if you want better blacks, contrast, colors, etc.