Not sure if it's been posted elsewhere yet. But for those looking for 1080P on a budget.
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/deal_mitsubishi_hc4900_1080p_lcd_projector_1399/C176?utm_source=eh&utm_medium=side

Wow.

Not sure if it's been posted elsewhere yet. But for those looking for 1080P on a budget.
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/deal_mitsubishi_hc4900_1080p_lcd_projector_1399/C176?utm_source=eh&utm_medium=sideHello! Yeah, this deal has been around our forums for a while. Thanks for sharing the link though.

Yeah, thanks for the link. This offer is tempting, but I've been set on the Sanyo Z2000...it's only another $175.00. Any thoughts?

If you prefer to watch dark movies and value better black levels and 1080p/24 I would spend the extra for the Z2k

If you prefer to watch dark movies and value better black levels and 1080p/24 I would spend the extra for the Z2k

1080p/24 still remains unanswered.

The contrast advantage is only noticable in a fully darkened room. If you have a white ceiling and/or light colored walls the difference is negligible. What you do get with the Mits is a sharper image, less digital noise, a 5000 hr lamp in low power mode, whisper quiet operation, and MOTORIZED zoom, focus and lens shift. These are incredible on such a low priced machine, and allow a "poor mans" CIH setup if you ever want to try it.

These are incredible on such a low priced machine, and allow a "poor mans" CIH setup if you ever want to try it.

Exactly why I was leaning toward it....also slightly le$$ at another authorized dealer...but not as friendly on the return. Guess I'll break out the credit card.

I tend to agree with floridapoolboy. Both of these projectors are going to create great pictures, but the biggest advantages of the of Mits are the motorized shift and zoom. Constant Image Height is fantastic and even the "poor man's" version is something most of us should strive for. It's certainly easier with a motorized version. What I wish projectors would add now is memory for the various positions.

Jim

Hadn't realized it was posted before. I saw it this morning for the first time and when I started to post nothing popped up as far as similar threads. I bought the Epson 400 last August and while I have been using it for various occassions I might have waited seeing what the prices of the 1080P units have been doing.

I don't really regret it, just that it's been boxed up longer than what I have used it. Still a solid unit and recently was selling for a couple of hundred more than what I paid for it. 720P will carry me for a few years to come.

I would not trust Sanyo to honor their warranty (you have to deal with Sanyo directly for any DOA units which means refurbed exchange). Mits 4900 is a better deal.

Thanks for all the replies guys. Motorized controls are not all that important to me, because once it's set up, that's it right? Other than the occasional tweaking. I thought the 3 year warranty and better blacks and better output/contrast were reason enough. Additionally, Sanyo really perfected the 720p Z series, ending with the Z5. Did they not? I thought they carried a lot of that technology over to the Z2000, if not directly, by extension.

If the bulk of you believe the Mits is a comparable projector, perhaps I will pull the trigger. $1,399 is sure hard to pass up. I'm replacing an 8 year old Sony vpl10ht that does 768p. I just experienced hd for the first time on it last month believe it or not, and it is quit impressive over sd. But bulb prices approach $800 for the thing...outrageous! Supply and demand. I've just heard that a 1080p signal (via a soon to be HD A35) produces a sharp colorful picture on Z2000. I've read the reviews several times over at PC on both these players, and I realize they are comparable. The 3 year warranty and perfection of the 720p Z series is really what has sold me on the Sanyo thus far, despite some recent grumblings (1 DOA, and some that state it goes out of focus at the beginning of each startup...not much 2 or 3 degrees, but enough to want to make one want to refocus). Those are the only things that have held my purchase of the Sanyo thus far, and now it can be had for only $175.00 more than the Mits. Decisions, decisions.

Jesus this just shows you how much people have fallen into the "MUST HAVE 1080 OR LIFE SUCKS" hype.

The picture from this projector is going to be "average" at best, most likely worse.

Life isn't just about cheap cheap cheap, if you're considering this you should probably either save more money or get a REALLY good 720p projector, it's going to have a far better picture than this thing.

$1500 is still a fair chunk of change, why waste it on something sub-par just because it's 1080? Don't fall for the hype!!

The contrast advantage is only noticable in a fully darkened room. If you have a white ceiling and/or light colored walls the difference is negligible. What you do get with the Mits is a sharper image, less digital noise, a 5000 hr lamp in low power mode, whisper quiet operation, and MOTORIZED zoom, focus and lens shift. These are incredible on such a low priced machine, and allow a "poor mans" CIH setup if you ever want to try it.


Have you seen both? I had the HC4900 in my theater for 3 days with my Z5 and an AE2000 and the contrast difference was very noticeable.

The Z5 even bested the HC4900.

Now, I do think the HC4900 is nice but it doesn't take a dark room to see the difference in the contrast/black level.

Jesus this just shows you how much people have fallen into the "MUST HAVE 1080 OR LIFE SUCKS" hype.

The picture from this projector is going to be "average" at best, most likely worse.

Life isn't just about cheap cheap cheap, if you're considering this you should probably either save more money or get a REALLY good 720p projector, it's going to have a far better picture than this thing.

$1500 is still a fair chunk of change, why waste it on something sub-par just because it's 1080? Don't fall for the hype!!

Well, I don't know if I'm falling into "all the hype" Mojo. I've been researching the Z2000 for three months on this site and PC...that seems like a solid projector (from the ratings, reviews and forums). Very solid. I am not as well acquainted with the Mits, and that's why I was tossing this around. Your the first one I've heard say that any decent 720P projector will outdo the Z2000. If that's the case, I'd like to hear from others as well. I know one member that had the Z3, and now has a Z5, and is considering the Z2000. I don't think he has that much disposable income, but his experiences has led me to believe he loves the Sanyo Z5, but realizes he can get more from the Z2000.

The 720P hype comes from 720P owners. For all practical purposes, 720 will be gone by next year. The market is determining this - with all displays.

I will gladly take to contrast hit for:

1) Electric focus/zoom AND SHIFT - why? I will be doing a 2.35:1 setup without a lens and scaler.
2) DO THE MATH - 720P zoomed in the same manner is no longer HD.

Factor in the price and the speed things are going and I'm happy with it's price point. I'm looking at 2x the price for something with similar features.

Also, contrast has nothing at all to do with room light - as someone mentioned above.

I had the Sanyo Z2 and Z4, I have the Z2000 now, the Z2000 is so much better the the Z4, which was a 720 projector. I never had one problem with any Sanyo projector I had. Get the Z2000, you'll be very happy:)

The 720P hype comes from 720P owners. For all practical purposes, 720 will be gone by next year. The market is determining this - with all displays.

I will gladly take to contrast hit for:

1) Electric focus/zoom AND SHIFT - why? I will be doing a 2.35:1 setup without a lens and scaler.
2) DO THE MATH - 720P zoomed in the same manner is no longer HD.

Factor in the price and the speed things are going and I'm happy with it's price point. I'm looking at 2x the price for something with similar features.

Also, contrast has nothing at all to do with room light - as someone mentioned above.

Yeah, that would make sense two-rocks. Otherwise, the poster would list the 720p model he regrettably exchanged for his 1080p model, clarifying how foolish it was to do the upgrade (citing the models, of course).

I had the Sanyo Z2 and Z4, I have the Z2000 now, the Z2000 is so much better the the Z4, which was a 720 projector. I never had one problem with any Sanyo projector I had. Get the Z2000, you'll be very happy:)

Thanks sax. That's what I had heard from a member with a likewise experience (previous 720p Sanyo's). I appreciate your input.

"Also, contrast has nothing at all to do with room light - as someone mentioned above."

Thats completely untrue if you are using contrast as a substitute for black level performance.

.

Also, contrast has nothing at all to do with room light - as someone mentioned above.

Huh?

Too add to gwlaw99, it's actualy untrue under any circumstances ... unless you're watching by looking into the lens.

The 720P hype comes from 720P owners. For all practical purposes, 720 will be gone by next year. The market is determining this - with all displays.

First of all, the other parts of your post (saying that you'd take motorized focus over contrast and that room light plays no role in contrast) simply shows that convenience outweighs picture quality for you, so you're lucky in that it will be easier for you to find a cheap machine that makes you happy.

However, 720p "hype" does not come from just 720p owners; in fact I do not have ANY HD display, and this topic was discussed long before most people did either.

There are plenty of studies (and threads posted here) that demostrate, given an average distance from the screen (and a reasonable screen size), most people cannot tell 720 from 1080.

Beyond this, people have actually been tricked into thinking the 720 picture WAS the 1080 image, because the 720 projector was sharper, had better optics and contrast.

So while some people think 1080 is the most important factor, it has been proven over and over again that 720 BEATS 1080 in picture quality when the 720 projector is a better projector.

For $1500, you can get a cheap 1080, but for that same $1500 you can get a REALLY GOOD 720 that will most likely give you a better picture.

All this being said, 1080s will dominate very soon and high quality, lower cost units will be available; but right now, I think the Epson 1080UB for 3 grand is the best, low-cost choice.

If you MUST have cheaper, I'd say go with a great 720 or just wait another year.

Of course, I'm one of the vocal few who cares more about image quality than resolution, so I'm used to ranting while no one is listening!

Huh?

Too add to gwlaw99, it's actualy untrue under any circumstances ... unless you're watching by looking into the lens.

OK - same room and light the black level will be better on a better machine. contrast has nothing to do with room light when comparing two projectors.

Better?

If I buy a 1080p and use BLu Ray ,are you saying I wont see any difference in a 1080P over a 720P.?. I thought the 1080P was high definition. I also thought that if the room is totally dark such as in a dedicated theatre the picture is better. Seems like the Mits hc4900 is a great buy and worth the difference between the Epson 720p. I will be watching movies 95% of the time. Right now it looks like I'll be ordering a 114" CARADA Screen with their wonderful new Masquerade.

you make many assumptions in your post.

How about cheap vs. inexpensive?

How about you define reasonable screen size? Funny how it changes over the years.

I have better than 20/20, and am not 'people' - I know a good picture from a bad picture. I can see better resolution, some can't.

I will take the contrast hit, ...have you missed the color accuracy of the unit?

For someone who does not own a single HD display you make lots of bold statements with bold opinions.


First of all, the other parts of your post (saying that you'd take motorized focus over contrast and that room light plays no role in contrast) simply shows that convenience outweighs picture quality for you, so you're lucky in that it will be easier for you to find a cheap machine that makes you happy.

However, 720p "hype" does not come from just 720p owners; in fact I do not have ANY HD display, and this topic was discussed long before most people did either.

There are plenty of studies (and threads posted here) that demostrate, given an average distance from the screen (and a reasonable screen size), most people cannot tell 720 from 1080.

Beyond this, people have actually been tricked into thinking the 720 picture WAS the 1080 image, because the 720 projector was sharper, had better optics and contrast.

So while some people think 1080 is the most important factor, it has been proven over and over again that 720 BEATS 1080 in picture quality when the 720 projector is a better projector.

For $1500, you can get a cheap 1080, but for that same $1500 you can get a REALLY GOOD 720 that will most likely give you a better picture.

All this being said, 1080s will dominate very soon and high quality, lower cost units will be available; but right now, I think the Epson 1080UB for 3 grand is the best, low-cost choice.

If you MUST have cheaper, I'd say go with a great 720 or just wait another year.

Of course, I'm one of the vocal few who cares more about image quality than resolution, so I'm used to ranting while no one is listening!

I have the Optoma HD70 for over a year now. I love it. I recently moved and the new room doesn't allow for ceiling mounting. I have to put the projector on a side table and turn the lens toward the middle of the room. It works OK with some keystoning. What I need now is a projector with lens shift. Although I love my HD70, there is no low-priced DLP projector with lens shift available to buy. The HC4900 with its relatively low price seems to be an attractive option. I have some questions for people experienced with both DLP and LCD. Is the HC4900 significantly better than the HD70? Is it worth the 50% price increase? Thank you.

Not sure if it's been posted elsewhere yet. But for those looking for 1080P on a budget.
http://www.electronichouse.com/article/deal_mitsubishi_hc4900_1080p_lcd_projector_1399/C176?utm_source=eh&utm_medium=side

That's still $232 more than I paid from Projector People and yes, this deal has been around for some time.....:D

I returned my 2nd Mits HC3000 to BB and kept the HC4900...

I suggest to anyone to do a side by side comparison as I did between the 3000 and 4900. With HD DVD/BR, it's very easy to see that there is a difference with the higher resolution panels (even my Wife commented about the detail difference).. IMO, the 4900's contrast and black levels were not to far off (and sometimes at par) from the 3000 (though the 3000 did perform consistently better in these two categories)... I believe this will change when and if I release the High Brightness to USER Mod/Hack and we can take full advantage of a CC Filter... :D

With D* HD, we can't really see any difference. Our disc sources are via a Toshiba XA2 and Panasonic BD30...

If I buy a 1080p and use BLu Ray ,are you saying I wont see any difference in a 1080P over a 720P.?. I thought the 1080P was high definition. I also thought that if the room is totally dark such as in a dedicated theatre the picture is better. Seems like the Mits hc4900 is a great buy and worth the difference between the Epson 720p. I will be watching movies 95% of the time. Right now it looks like I'll be ordering a 114" CARADA Screen with their wonderful new Masquerade.

Questions like this are exactly WHY it is important to remind people that the world does not begin and end with 1080.

If you're watching on a screen over 100" and you sit closer than 12 feet away, yes, you will probably see the extra resolution of 1080. Even then, it won't be night and day; if you switched back and forth, you'd probably notice the 1080 was "a little sharper." On a 100" screen at 12 feet or more back, the difference is less.

A dark room DOES make a big difference in contrast; any light from the room that hits the screen washes out the picture and destroys any benefit of a high contrast image (shine a flashlight on your computer monitor, same thing).

Even if your room is totally dark, if your screen is near a white wall or carpet, light from the screen will bounce off these surfaces and reflect back, doing the same thing (this is one of the reasons brighter is not always better).

If you have a 100" screen and don't sit right on top of it and you plan to watch with the lights out and you REALLY want the best possible image with a film-like quality AND you can absolutely only afford $1500 for a projector, I would highly recommend a high-end 720 unit (and if you will accept used you'll get an even better projector). The picture will definitely be better than a new, low-end 1080.

But really, I'm only suggesting this if you're a high-end picture snob. You know who you are. You own hundreds of DVDs, you spend just as much time tweaking the settings of your TV as you do watching it and when you go to a friend's house and his black levels are too high or his color is wrong, it takes all your might NOT to grab his remote and fix it yourself.

If this isn't you, get the cheapest thing you can find and don't listen to me.

Originally posted by Mojo_LA
There are plenty of studies (and threads posted here) that demostrate, given an average distance from the screen (and a reasonable screen size), most people cannot tell 720 from 1080.
With the LCD technology, due to the poor fill factor, 1920x1080 LCD panels are required in order to prevent the "screen door" effect. Ironically Sony never had a 720p SXRD panel which has a great fill factor, and went directly to 1080p. I've been living with the "screen door effect" for 7 years on my 768p unit, 1080P is a welcome. Panny did a smart thing adding smooth screen to there 720p units, just don't know why they still use it in there 1080p units.

But really, I'm only suggesting this if you're a high-end picture snob. You know who you are. You own hundreds of DVDs, you spend just as much time tweaking the settings of your TV as you do watching it and when you go to a friend's house and his black levels are too high or his color is wrong, it takes all your might NOT to grab his remote and fix it yourself.


720 vs 1080P with DVD's you will NEVER tell the difference. So your right, but not really. You must be the fun guy at the party that can't relax unless the ISF certified calibration has happened. :p

Television?

tel·e·vi·sion Pronunciation[tel-uh-vizh-uhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. the broadcasting of a still or moving image via radiowaves to receivers that project a view of the image on a picture tube.
2. the process involved.
3. a set for receiving television broadcasts.
4. the field of television broadcasting.

Your not that pimple faced kid at BB telling everyone what to buy, then head home to watch VHS's on your television are you? :rolleyes:

720 vs 1080P with DVD's you will NEVER tell the difference. So your right, but not really. You must be the fun guy at the party that can't relax unless the ISF certified calibration has happened. :p

Television?

tel·e·vi·sion Pronunciation[tel-uh-vizh-uhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. the broadcasting of a still or moving image via radiowaves to receivers that project a view of the image on a picture tube.
2. the process involved.
3. a set for receiving television broadcasts.
4. the field of television broadcasting.

Your not that pimple faced kid at BB telling everyone what to buy, then head home to watch VHS's on your television are you? :rolleyes:

I too imagine he is some kid who still lives with mommy and daddy and works at CC or BB part time while attending community college.

I'm not sure why some people swear by yesterdays technology. The picture quality of the 4900 would have cost over $20K a short time ago, and people would be raving about it! This whole contrast thing really is blown out of proportion, IMO. Sure more is always desirable, but it really gets down to splitting hairs in real world rooms. I was a DLP guy before my Epson, and now after getting rid of rainbows, fixed offsets and color wheel noise I just couldn't go back. Yes, my dlp had a better contrast spec, and guess what, I don't miss it. I think the motorized controls of the 4900 would be sweet, but I'm still gonna check out the new Epson UB, just to be sure the difference isn't too great!

I will be watching movies 95% of the time. Right now it looks like I'll be ordering a 114" CARADA Screen with their wonderful new Masquerade.

I'm a bit confused by the comment above. You're going to spend $2500 on a masking system and only $1300 or so on a projector? :)

I'm not sure why some people swear by yesterdays technology. The picture quality of the 4900 would have cost over $20K a short time ago, and people would be raving about it!

I think your missing the point here. I think some people prefer the "best" of yesterday's technology vs. the cheapest of today's simply because they perceive it a better value. Your quote that the PQ of the 1080p would have cost $20k a short time ago could also be used for the elite 720p PJ's of yesterday, (12000, 7210, etc). It all goes back to what is most important to people since what is best is extremely subjective. As a previous poster said, if you're happy with what you have then enjoy it, but don't knock what other people to perceive as preferable.

I'm not knocking it, just questioning the desirability of the older technology. The 4900 has been said to provide better blacks than most Darkchip 2 machines, along with all motorized functions, great placement flexibility, ultra quiet operation, very sharp picture, and above all full 1080P resolution. Add to this a price that is barely higher than 720P machines and it's really a no brainer.

Back when I first found the Sharp Z12000MII on sale I thought it was a great deal. After researching it I found the PJ to be too large, too dim, too noisey, and the limited lens shift would have placed the monster about 2 feet over my head, so I scratched it off the list. A great deal maybe, compared to it's original list price, but time marches on. There were plenty of more recent PJs that were better suited to my room, so no thanks to the older model.

I'm a bit confused by the comment above. You're going to spend $2500 on a masking system and only $1300 or so on a projector? :)

The Carada screen and Masquerade masking system should last many years.

Due to technology changing so rapidly I probably will only have the projector for 2 to 3 years.
I allocated most of my theatre budget to my audio system with the majority going to the speakers.
The amp will last forever and I do not see any reasons ever to upgade my speakers. My sound is awsome.

I'm a bit confused by the comment above. You're going to spend $2500 on a masking system and only $1300 or so on a projector? :)

WINNER!

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "under $3,000" so entertaining.

I only wish there was a "under $1500" forum!

It's even funnier to watch someone rationalize spending the smallest chunk of their budget on the most important part of their home theater.

Now please excuse me while I go put caviar and truffles on a hot dog.

the HT room will hold its value.

and in a couple of years his next PJ upgrade will proof you wrong.

looks like you will be the one doing the rationalizing.

yes... there should be a under 1500 forum... I agree!

by the way.... I don't even know what a masking system is?

WINNER!

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "under $3,000" so entertaining.

I only wish there was a "under $1500" forum!

It's even funnier to watch someone rationalize spending the smallest chunk of their budget on the most important part of their home theater.

Now please excuse me while I go put caviar and truffles on a hot dog.

WINNER!

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "under $3,000" so entertaining.

I only wish there was a "under $1500" forum!

It's even funnier to watch someone rationalize spending the smallest chunk of their budget on the most important part of their home theater.

Now please excuse me while I go put caviar and truffles on a hot dog.

Witty reply, but what the guy said makes a lot of sense. Projector technology is changing rapidly. Screen tech and speaker/amp tech is not. When you look at it that way, he would be a "fool" to spend a lot of money on a projector. I like his logic. Which is why I spent $2k on my audio system and half that on my 720P projector. Guess which one I'm going to have to upgrade sooner? Yeah.... the projector.

Every rational for why anybody picks the projector they do is pretty valid. All projectors have to be evaluated on their own merrits.

The HC4900 PQ stacks up real well in this price range.

Now please excuse me while I go put caviar and truffles on a hot dog.

Fish eggs and pig food on a hot dog? Man! You know how to ruin a good dog!

;)

I admit I do understand the logic of focusing money on the items that you won't have to upgrade often (if ever), but still remember we're talking about a support system for the star of the show - the projector!

A lot of people say "there's no point to spending money now when the same unit will be half the price in a year." And i get that, but it means you are always skimping out on the most important aspect of your home theater.

From what I have seen and experienced, this is the way projectors almost always are priced:

GOOD PROJECTOR: $1500
GREAT PROJECTOR: $3000
A LITTLE BETTER THAN GREAT: $5000+

It almost ALWAYS seems to be this way. I always set out to spend $1500, but then I see the one I REALLY want in action and invariably get that one for 3 grand. The picture difference between the $1500 and $3k model is generally very noticable, but once you go up from 3 grand it's incremental.

What I've noticed is people who spend $1500 will most likely upgrade in a year or two, but those who spend 3k wait 3 years or more; and it's not because they spent more, it's because they got the projector they wanted with a fantastic image and it took much longer to yearn for something better.

So, in the end, these two camps pretty much spend the same amount, but I think the ones who spend $1500 are never totally happy; the ones who spend $3,000 are very happy for a while.

GOOD PROJECTOR: $1500
GREAT PROJECTOR: $3000
A LITTLE BETTER THAN GREAT: $5000+

Well, by that definition, a Z2000 is a "good projector" Mojo. I'm a little confused. PC rated it a little higher than that. The calculus is a little more involved than that I'm afraid, and is also environment dependent.

Of course there is variation, what I'm saying is that BASIC broad stroke of a pricing structure is what I've encountered every time I've looked into getting a projector.

For example, right now we have the Epson 1080UB and Sony VW40 right at 3 grand, and it seems like they noticably outperform anything under 3 grand (at least that's what all the reviews say).

At 5 grand the next step up is the RS-1, but the reviews of these new 3K units all say the RS-1 is only an incrimental upgrade.

Can you show me a $1500 projector that compares to the 1080UB or VW40?

Of course there is variation, what I'm saying is that BASIC broad stroke of a pricing structure is what I've encountered every time I've looked into getting a projector.

For example, right now we have the Epson 1080UB and Sony VW40 right at 3 grand, and it seems like they noticably outperform anything under 3 grand (at least that's what all the reviews say).

At 5 grand the next step up is the RS-1, but the reviews of these new 3K units all say the RS-1 is only an incrimental upgrade.

Can you show me a $1500 projector that compares to the 1080UB or VW40?

Well, that's the golden question, isn't it? I was looking real hard at the 1080UB, but I "think" (don't really know because I haven't done an AB comparison) the Sanyo Z2000 is a comparable projector to the 1080UB, and for $600 less seems like a real bargain. If there's some hard reason to steer clear of the Z2000 and go with the 1080UB, I'd like to hear it. But from what I've read, for every reason the 1080UB is better than the Z2000, there is another reason the Z2000 is better than the 1080UB. Am I right, or am I right?

Reading a lot of sour grapes posts in here. I thought we were in the $3K and under board.. I just picked up the Mitsu HC-4900 1080p projector for $1399 (after $500 rebate). I read a ton of reviews and was originally planning on spending more on either a Panny or a Sony, but the Mitsubishi got rave reviews. Projector Central named it an "Editors Pick". I am coming from a 3 year old Samsung 56" 720P DLP RPTV, and was looking for a 60"+ 1080p plasma and LCD set to replace my Samsung before I decided to go the projector route.

Obviously the HC-4900 is not the best projector out there. But it offers great bang for the buck and at $1399, I can replace it in 3 years as technology evolves. It certainly meets my needs and should look beautiful paired with my Blu-Ray and HD-DVD player.

Reading a lot of sour grapes posts in here. I thought we were in the $3K and under board.. I just picked up the Mitsu HC-4900 1080p projector for $1399 (after $500 rebate). I read a ton of reviews and was originally planning on spending more on either a Panny or a Sony, but the Mitsubishi got rave reviews. Projector Central named it an "Editors Pick". I am coming from a 3 year old Samsung 56" 720P DLP RPTV, and was looking for a 60"+ 1080p plasma and LCD set to replace my Samsung before I decided to go the projector route.

Obviously the HC-4900 is not the best projector out there. But it offers great bang for the buck and at $1399, I can replace it in 3 years as technology evolves. It certainly meets my needs and should look beautiful paired with my Blu-Ray and HD-DVD player.

And that is a fine example of an intelligent purchase, well done! If you'd have dropped 3 large for the Epson UB would you have been over twice as happy with the PJ? Now you can enjoy your Mits, and trade up in a few years for the new 3-D laser powered holographic technology that's being developed as we speak! (But being kept secret so folks will still buy $3K and up PJs!)

WINNER!

This is the kind of stuff that makes the "under $3,000" so entertaining.

I only wish there was a "under $1500" forum!

It's even funnier to watch someone rationalize spending the smallest chunk of their budget on the most important part of their home theater.

Now please excuse me while I go put caviar and truffles on a hot dog.

I do not think the projector is any more important than the sound system in a theatre.
A great sound system changes the whole home theatre experience.
This is something that you wouldnt know if you haven't experienced it. My sound system sounds better than any movie theatre that I have been in.