The world has changed since the "ole" Screenplay 7200 went on the ceiling. Having been satisfied over the past 2-3 years with my Infocus I spent little time looking at new technology. WOW, it is a new world.

Lightening storm and no more Infocus (well, in 420p it does work). Yes, I had a surge protector (HO insurance paid). Yes, I sent it to Infocus for repair -- joke, plus I learned there are many forms of English and Infocus Tech support speaks none of the forms I understand. B A D IMHO and IM experience.

Now I am ready to buy a new projector and had zoned in on the Epson 1080 until I read reviews on the JVC RS-1. Don't even think about suggesting Infocus.

My setup is as follows: Screen - Stewart Firehawk 118X66, Video - Denon DVD 3910, Audio - Denon 3805 AVR, Monster Power Center 2600, Digital Cable Box, Speakers - Rocket Onix SW - SVS PB 2+ and buttwoofers.

I watch movies 75% of the time, Playstation 15% and TV 10%. I will likely buy an HD DVD player along with the new projector.

The room is dedicated 16 X 23 with stadium seating (7 lazyboy recliners on two levels). Current projector is mounted approx. 18' from the screen.

Ambient light is very very low (black ceiling, navy blue and dark blue guilford walls, black and navy blue carpet)

Reviews seem to be strong for the JVC, and for the Epson (but for lumen output in low power).

I have read the forum and appreciate the desire to tweak any projector to absolute perfection. I just want to install and enjoy for another 3 years.

Thoughts about these two specifically?
Reliable dealers?

Thanks:D

budget?

The switch from the InFocus to an RS-1 might be a tough one if color accuracy is important to you. The IF is very color accurate and the RS-1 is not, but if you are "wowed" by the RS-1's high on/off CR then maybe you won't notice or won't care about the colors. I owned the RS-1 (and sold it) but have never seen the Epson, so I can't comment.

Since you don't seem to be sensitive to DLP rainbows, you might want to consider the Sim2 D80e or the Sharp Z20k, or if you want to go with LCoS, maybe the Sony VW-60. There are lots of good choices available these days...:)

For reliable dealers on the JVC try AVS.
The Epson is widely available from many very reputable forum sponsors.

I have the Epson and JVC side by side. Now the Epson is cheaper, which is a pro. It also has more tweaking ability. But, when it comes down to side by side performance, there is no competition. The JVC is a better overall unit.

The switch from the InFocus to an RS-1 might be a tough one if color accuracy is important to you. The IF is very color accurate and the RS-1 is not, but if you are "wowed" by the RS-1's high on/off CR then maybe you won't notice or won't care about the colors.

Well maybe not, as was typical for DLP in that era, the IF's green was more of a yellow-green. Here is Greg Rogers (Wide Screen Review) measurement after calibration:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s270/mdputnam/IF7200.jpg

Purchased JVC DLA-RS1

Purchased JVC DLA-RS1

You have made yourself a good purchase.:)

Yeah that is going to really be a nice upgrade.

RS1 installed and connected to AV equipment. Also bought a T A3 --- nice picture. I do not like the limitations to zoom images but then the picture quality makes up for the "bars".

Two days ago, I put my friend's new Infocus-7210 against my also new Panasonic-AE2000. We agreed that in everything but brightness (with the lowest brightness mode COLOR-1 on the AE2000), the Panasonic was better. Other pros: We saw the pixels on the SP7210 and not on the AE2000 and the Panny it's easier to install. So, if you want to save money (against the RS-1) and don't need the extra brightness of the Infocus, I believe that the AE2000 is a good choice too. Fernando