Currently using a Panny AE700 which I love (my only frame of reference...keep this in mind)

Theater layout...(attached pic), very dark room, no windows...dark, non-reflecting painted walls with a gray screen.


1) Spend an additional 1000 for a Mit HC4900 (sale price of 1500) or
2) Spend an additional 2100 for a Panny AE2000U

Is the AE2000U picture that much better than the 4900? Based on my research both will clearly have a better picture than my 700. I am just wondering if the incremental picture quality is really worth the xtra $$$.

I am leaning towards the 4900 for only 1000 more an then upgrade again later to the next Panny coming out.

Keep in mind that 95% of my viewing is DVDs vs. HD TV. I have not gotten a HD DVD player but may in the next year.


thoughts...?

If you decide on spending more, you might as well get the Epson 1080p "UB" which has rated higher in every review than the panasonic.

If you are not too unhappy with the black levels of the 700, the 4900 will give you a nice increase in black level as well as 1080p. The Epson will give you a much larger increase in black level.

I have the same projector and in a similar situation. I'm leaning toward either the Epson 1080UB or Sony VPL-VW40. From what I have gathered these 2 seem to be the best 1080p projectors under $3000US. Looks like you have a very dark room with good light control this new Sony will work as good as this Epson.

I have the same projector and in a similar situation. I'm leaning toward either the Epson 1080UB or Sony VPL-VW40. From what I have gathered these 2 seem to be the best 1080p projectors under $3000US. Looks like you have a very dark room with good light control this new Sony will work as good as this Epson.

I'm just trying to decide if the incremental improvement is worth the extra $1,000. Going with the 4900 would allow me to subsquently upgrade again to something even better...A buddy just bought the 4900 so I may just have him bring his over for a test. decisions....decisions....

thanks for the feedback though...

Matt

I'm just trying to decide if the incremental improvement is worth the extra $1,000. Going with the 4900 would allow me to subsquently upgrade again to something even better...A buddy just bought the 4900 so I may just have him bring his over for a test. decisions....decisions....

thanks for the feedback though...

Matt

If you can compare both side by side that would be awesome. Not that I have had any time with the Mit. 4900 but I don't think it will be a total disappointment. Well, it all depends on how picky you are. Only you can say if the one grand difference is worth the price. Most of the comments and review says the 1080UB and the VW40 are superior in areas such as the preservation of shadow details, black level, etc. under $3000US, for now.

You do have a point in choosing something cheaper now and upgrade to something better later, though. I'm still waiting for a reasonably priced 1080p LED front projector w/ LCoS or LCD :p :D Yes, I know, I know... it is just a pipe dream :D

So many choices these days... Think of it as fun choosing yours. :)

I was actually surprised to hear about the Epson being better than the Panasonic AE2000. I was prepared to order the Panny today but I better take a look at that Epson first!!!

I was actually surprised to hear about the Epson being better than the Panasonic AE2000. I was prepared to order the Panny today but I better take a look at that Epson first!!!

From what I read (:rolleyes: :D yes, read) this Panasonics still do pretty well/accurate on color reproduction.

I have the Mitsubishi 4900 and a Panasonic 900. I always was happy with the Panasonic, but...... knowing that I wanted to see if there was that much difference between 720p and 1080p with my HD-DVD & Blu-Ray collection, I had to try.

At any rate, the Panasonic is now sitting in the closet. Need I say more?

I have the Mitsubishi 4900 and a Panasonic 900. I always was happy with the Panasonic, but...... knowing that I wanted to see if there was that much difference between 720p and 1080p with my HD-DVD & Blu-Ray collection, I had to try.

At any rate, the Panasonic is now sitting in the closet. Need I say more?


How does the 4900 compare to the 900 on SD DVDs? I havent made the HD DVD move yet.

thx

I have a fading Mits 3000, I think I need a new bulb?, not really sure what to get but I know I want to keep the price down. Technology changes so fast so I figure I will upgrade again in another 2 years or so.

Leaning towards the Epson Pro Cinema 1080 UB but I like my Mits and thought of just going with the newest one. I also am intrigued by the Sony VPL-VW40 but dont see many reviews on it yet.

Great, now to add to the confusion, the Sanyo Z2000 is on sale. Hmm, too many choices.

SXRD throws a different looking image then DLP or LCD and certainly should be considered at similar price levels... If I were purchasing now? Both the original pearl VW50 and the the VW40 would be pretty high on my list.

The dang problem here is the fact the HC4900 is so inexpensive, I mean you could buy two and have a backup, or stack them, ect..ect.. :)

I swear if I see an HC4900 furb for under $1K or even $900-ish, I am going to buy one for a backup. :)

Mattlock...just curious, what is motivating you to upgrade? I too have an AE700 and while I can see areas where it could use improvement, I do still really enjoy the projector overall. I'm thinking this fall will be the time for me to pull the trigger...holding my breath that the Panny AE3000 will debut for <2k.

Mattlock...just curious, what is motivating you to upgrade? I too have an AE700 and while I can see areas where it could use improvement, I do still really enjoy the projector overall. I'm thinking this fall will be the time for me to pull the trigger...holding my breath that the Panny AE3000 will debut for <2k.

Good question boardway....actually I hadnt really thought about it much until a friend told me about the great deal on the 4900 for $1399.

I am actually happy with the 700 also and maybe should wait a while. Another reason I guess is that I now have 1500 hours on my bulb so I was thinking maybe I should sell before having to replace bulb...The bulb life is 3000 hours so I am halfway through the life....not sure if that make sense but I may be able to get more $$$ if I sell sooner than later.

Good question boardway....actually I hadnt really thought about it much until a friend told me about the great deal on the 4900 for $1399.

I am actually happy with the 700 also and maybe should wait a while. Another reason I guess is that I now have 1500 hours on my bulb so I was thinking maybe I should sell before having to replace bulb...The bulb life is 3000 hours so I am halfway through the life....not sure if that make sense but I may be able to get more $$$ if I sell sooner than later.

I replaced my original bulb at about 2400 hours when it got noticeably dim. It sounds like you don't put crazy hours on your projector so you'd probably make it to this fall without needing a new bulb. I'm by no means trying to talk you out of upgrading though...the Mits seems like a fantastic value. But I'm thinking/hoping that one more generation of 1080p units will really get the prices dropping.

I replaced my original bulb at about 2400 hours when it got noticeably dim. It sounds like you don't put crazy hours on your projector so you'd probably make it to this fall without needing a new bulb. I'm by no means trying to talk you out of upgrading though...the Mits seems like a fantastic value. But I'm thinking/hoping that one more generation of 1080p units will really get the prices dropping.

good point...thanks for the suggestion.