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Need 1080p projector - begining my research

post #1 of 26
5/20/08 at 8:55am
Thread Starter 
I'm in the market for a new projector and I have no idea where to start. I picked this forum as I know I want to spend less than 3 grand. At this point the only two projectors that are on my list are the:

Sony VPL-VW40
Sony VPL-VW60 (I know the MSRP isn't under 3 grand, but let's assume I can get it for under 3)

Other things I know for sure:
Dedicated room
Completely light controlled
Room is approx 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.75
Projector will most likely be on ceiling (although I could probably put it on a shelf in the back)
I'm planning on 16x9 even though I woulod love to do 2.35:1. I'm just not sure I want to spend the extra money for the lens. It would be great if the Projector could do it though for future use.
I don't want to spend a fortune on the screen so DIY is definately an option
Needs at least 1 HDMI and one VGA (or DVI)

So where do I start? I don't expect for you guys to provide all of my research for me, but what questions should I be asking, and can you provide the model numbers of projectors I should research? Ideal pricepoint is 2000.
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post #2 of 26
5/20/08 at 8:58am
Thread Starter 
on addition. Screen size will be somewhere between 92 and 116 inches.
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post #3 of 26
5/20/08 at 9:00am
Thread Starter 
one other addition. This will be used for 80 percent HD viewing. The only non HD will be occasional DVDs, and on the rarest occasion an SD program. All other viewing will be BD, Xbox 360, HD Cable, and Computer usage (rare).
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post #4 of 26
5/20/08 at 9:32am
Have you seen any PJs in action? Best thing to do is to try and see some yourself, so you can get an idea of which technology you prefer (if any), i.e. DLP, LCD, LCOS. That and your room specifics should help narrow down your choices considerably.
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post #5 of 26
5/20/08 at 11:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JDLIVE View Post

Have you seen any PJs in action? Best thing to do is to try and see some yourself, so you can get an idea of which technology you prefer (if any), i.e. DLP, LCD, LCOS. That and your room specifics should help narrow down your choices considerably.

I have seen some projectors in action. However:

1. I don't have a lot of local shops, and their setups are not very good.
2. The shops in other towns I have visited are not always great either
3. Most of the shops I visit seem to be more interested in showcasing 12,000 dollar projectors than 3,000 dollar ones.
4. I'd absolutely check something out in person before buying, but at this point I don't even know what to check out (I'd like to narrow the search to 3 - 5 projectors before driving 100 to 300 miles to view.
5. I don't trust the calibration of most shops, so I'm would only depend on my eyes anyway.
6. The screens the local shops use are often as expensive, or more expensive that the projectors I'm interested in.


As far as technology (DLP, LCD, LCOS), I'm sure there is a good thread on the differences (I get the technical differences, but how they differ for performance in a FP application).

Can someone provide a good link to a thread discussing the differences? Are they similar to that of rear projection? I would assume that because I'm in a completely controlled room, I would have more flexibility. I don't need something to compete with light coming in from windows.
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post #6 of 26
5/20/08 at 11:35am
Thread Starter 
Ok, so here is my first run at a list (projector people listing of projectors meeting my requirements)

BenQ W5000
HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 1200 lumens, 10000:1 contrast, HQV processing.

Epson Home Cinema 1080
Native HD (1920 x 1080), 12000:1 contrast, 1200 lumens, with HDMI 1.3 interface.

Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Native HD (1920 x 1080), 50000:1 contrast, 1600 lumens, with 2 HDMI 1.3 inputs.

InFocus X10
Native HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 1200 lumens, 7500:1 contrast ratio, HDMI 1.3, RS-232

Mitsubishi HC4900
HD (1920 x 1080) native resolution, 7500:1 contrast, HDMI and DVI connections, LCD technology.

Optoma HD80
Native 1080p (1920 x 1080), 1300 lumens, 10000:1 contrast, 10 lbs.

Panasonic PT-AE2000U
Native 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels), 1500 lumens, 16,000:1 contrast, 3 HDMI inputs

Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Native HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 1200 lumens, 15,000:1 contrast, lens shift and 2x zoom lens.

And of course the:
Sony VPL-VW40
Sony VPL-VW60

Any of these have a specific reason why I may not be interested in them? What should I take off my list. I'd like to narrow this down to 5 before I do any hard core research.
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post #7 of 26
5/20/08 at 3:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ntode View Post

Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Native HD (1920 x 1080), 50000:1 contrast, 1600 lumens, with 2 HDMI 1.3 inputs..

Asd I said in your Phase 1 thread, do not look any further beyond the Epsoon 1080UB, I believe you can get it for $2799 after $200 Mail-in-rebate. check out the link below to see some screen shots from DVD and Bluray playback...

http://www.projectorreviews.com/epso...cinema-1080ub/

This projector is simply amazing. I am unfamiliar with the Epson brand besides their printers, but their HomeLite Cinema 1080UB projector will trump almost any similar priced projectors, even perform better than some of the $5000-$10,000 PJs.

Seeing this projector in action is really what inspired me to get on the horn and start working on my home theater.

As far as other equipment, you got to have a 360 (gaming), PS3 (for BD playback and gaming), and a Wii (fun for the whole family - coming from a guy who despised the Wii for a long time). As far as AV receivers, I have always been a Denon fan, everything they make is solid and worth every penny, maybe a little more expensive than your Pioneer Elite, Sony, HK, Yamaha...etc, but worth every extra penny ( I would go with the Denon 3808CI which is what I have, and will be more than enough for your set up, maybe you can go with a separate amp later on for your subs).

hope this helps
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post #8 of 26
5/20/08 at 3:48pm
BenQ W5000 and Sony VW60 would be my top picks from your list .

-- Jason
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post #9 of 26
5/21/08 at 9:58am
Best thing to do is try and see a local AVSer's setup if possible. You don't have your locale in your profile, but you could make a thread asking for invites to see someone's setup. Most people are happy to show off their rooms.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ntode View Post

As far as technology (DLP, LCD, LCOS), I'm sure there is a good thread on the differences (I get the technical differences, but how they differ for performance in a FP application).

Can someone provide a good link to a thread discussing the differences? Are they similar to that of rear projection? I would assume that because I'm in a completely controlled room, I would have more flexibility. I don't need something to compete with light coming in from windows.

There's both the "look" of the techs and some impact on installations, i.e. low end DLPs tend to have a large vertical offset and little/no lens shift or zoom range, so they are less flexible for installation. LCD/LCOS tend to be more accommodating as to where they can be installed. And of course there's RBE, dust blobs, bright corners and other assorted problems with each technology.
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post #10 of 26
5/21/08 at 10:27am
If i was going to spend in that range, I'd get the BenQ W5000.
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post #11 of 26
5/21/08 at 10:34am
It would be informative if people would give a couple of reasons for their recommendations.
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post #12 of 26
5/21/08 at 11:06am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JDLIVE View Post

Best thing to do is try and see a local AVSer's setup if possible. You don't have your locale in your profile, but you could make a thread asking for invites to see someone's setup. Most people are happy to show off their rooms.

That's a good idea. I'll do that once I narrow down my options and get closer to purchase time.
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post #13 of 26
5/21/08 at 3:19pm
I would serious consider Sanyo Z2000 for its price point. BenQ W5000 for price point and being a DLP and Epson 1080ub. I upgraded from Mits HC5000 to Sony vw60. I was quite happy with it but I have also noticed a few deficiency over time. I am considering jumping ship to DLP camp, BenQ and Planar sounds very nice.
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post #14 of 26
5/21/08 at 6:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ed_t View Post

I would serious consider Sanyo Z2000 for its price point. BenQ W5000 for price point and being a DLP and Epson 1080ub. I upgraded from Mits HC5000 to Sony vw60. I was quite happy with it but I have also noticed a few deficiency over time. I am considering jumping ship to DLP camp, BenQ and Planar sounds very nice.

What issues did you have with the Sony?

I'm also wondering how much I should be paying attention to lumens. It seems the Sony's are a bit low, but then again, I'm in a completely controlled room that can be pitch black so maybe it's fine.
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post #15 of 26
5/21/08 at 11:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ntode View Post

What issues did you have with the Sony?

I'm also wondering how much I should be paying attention to lumens. It seems the Sony's are a bit low, but then again, I'm in a completely controlled room that can be pitch black so maybe it's fine.

1. When I pushed it to the extreme I noticed some color shift around the left and right upper corners.
2. Only noticed occasionally when gaming that the color gradation was slightly less smooth then the HC5000.
3. Not as black as I hoped it would be. Would probably be better with a grey screen.
4. Occasionally noticed the iris movement when playing games. No such problem with movies.
5. For certain games when the iris clamped down, the scene became too dark with no shadow detail. If light output was increased the scene looked muddy.

1. Sufficiently bright for 1.3 gain 100" screen from 15' away. Am also considering replacing with a Hi power or a Black Diamond screen.
2. Fast motion appeared to be a little smoother then HC5000
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post #16 of 26
5/22/08 at 2:21am
You'd be advised to check out the www.projectorreviews.com 1080P shootout as all of the models you are considering are mentioned.

According these reviews (price aside), the VW60 is the pick of the litter due to it's superior black levels, contrast and color accuracy. It is also bright enough for the screen sizes mentioned.

I used to own a VW60, and IMHO it is a class above all the others mentioned.
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post #17 of 26
5/22/08 at 1:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Dodds View Post

You'd be advised to check out the www.projectorreviews.com 1080P shootout as all of the models you are considering are mentioned.

According these reviews (price aside), the VW60 is the pick of the litter due to it's superior black levels, contrast and color accuracy. It is also bright enough for the screen sizes mentioned.

I used to own a VW60, and IMHO it is a class above all the others mentioned.

Thanks!

This may not be the end all be all of information, and I won't take my decision directly from that article, but it's a great start to get me to see the projectors listed as winners.
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post #18 of 26
5/26/08 at 5:53am
what about the 3000 lumens sharp projector 1080p/60 dvi(hdcp) (PG-F310X) the lower price i found it was $959.00
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post #19 of 26
5/26/08 at 6:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by CasperT1 View Post

what about the 3000 lumens sharp projector 1080p/60 dvi(hdcp) (PG-F310X) the lower price i found it was $959.00

From the linked specs "Native: 1024x768 Pixels"
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post #20 of 26
5/29/08 at 8:28pm
Thread Starter 
so based on my initial research it appears the Epson 1080 UB is the clear leader for getting a look. I'm still interested in the Sony's though (even though I've never been a huge fan of Sony), because it looks like I may have an opportunity to buy at a pretty nice discount.
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post #21 of 26
5/30/08 at 2:01am
I am in a similar situation. I think I have narrowed it down to either Epson 1080UB or Sanyo Z2000.

Getting a Sanyo Z2000 would save me almost $1200. However, I don't want to miss a good projector for just $1200 difference.

The problem is I don't see anyone doing a direct comparison between the two projectors.

Besides subjective opinions on the quality of the output, are there any technical reasons to believe that 1080UB is worth paying $1200 more?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Regards,
Vrushali
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post #22 of 26
5/30/08 at 9:29am
By all accounts, the Espon is the better PJ. Is it $1200 better? I don't think anyone can really help you answer that one. PJs have rapidly diminishing returns, you start paying bigger and bigger $$$ to get that last 10-5-1% improvement in picture quality.

If you like to upgrade frequently, then $1200 might be enough savings to be able to upgrade to something much better in a year or two. OTOH, if you tend to keep a PJ for 4-5 years at least, then it might be better to pay a bit more to get a PJ that is closer to "state of the art" right now.
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post #23 of 26
5/30/08 at 1:10pm
I am new to this thread. I am also in the market for PJ. I haven't seen PJ in action in Home theater environment. If any AVS'er wanted to show me there media room?. I am located in MA, in Shrewsbury Town.

thanks
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post #24 of 26
5/30/08 at 2:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ntode View Post

so based on my initial research it appears the Epson 1080 UB is the clear leader for getting a look. I'm still interested in the Sony's though (even though I've never been a huge fan of Sony), because it looks like I may have an opportunity to buy at a pretty nice discount.

I would go with the W5000 or a Sony LCoS machine if possible. I was woefully unimpressed by the 1080UB. Many of them have bad panel alignment, plus the other LCD issues. In fact, I did a head to head shootout with a 1080UB vs. a great 720p DLP, and the 720p DLP spanked it. If your budget allows, I'd stay away from LCD unless (for some reason) it is the only option.
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post #25 of 26
5/31/08 at 5:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Person99 View Post

I would go with the W5000 or a Sony LCoS machine if possible. I was woefully unimpressed by the 1080UB. Many of them have bad panel alignment, plus the other LCD issues. In fact, I did a head to head shootout with a 1080UB vs. a great 720p DLP, and the 720p DLP spanked it. If your budget allows, I'd stay away from LCD unless (for some reason) it is the only option.

Which 720p DLP did you get?
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post #26 of 26
5/31/08 at 4:33pm
katnalu, I am just down the road from you in Marlboro, if you'd like to see the Sony VPL-VW40 I'd be happy to show you my setup. Send me a PM if interested.
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