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If one was to spend $2000 on a projector...

post #1 of 14
12/1/08 at 11:31am
Thread Starter 
could he have a few suggestions as to where his money would be best spent? (suggested units)

I'm expecting 1080P and just an hdmi input I guess, as my processor would handle all of the switching.

Secondly, I currently have a XBR4 LCD. That said, can anyone offer up some of the pros and cons of each? Obviously I gain screen size, but how can I expect a $2000 projector to perform in a decently "daylighted" room? I'm sure at night/in a darkened room it'll be fantastic.

Lastly, the screen/set-up. Much of the screen conversation seems to resemble speaker interconnect...some swear by spending top dollar to maximize performance, while othere say a rectangular piece of drywall with a matte white paint job will yield perfectly acceptable results. Also, I've heard an experts intervention in regards to set-up is essential to good end result. I guess I wouldn't mind parting with a few bucks if I had too, but I don't want to end up with a 4k set-up after the screen and "expert" are introduced. D'you know what I mean?

I guess, what say yous?

BTW- I'd be willing to move up to $2500 if there's a sig increase in performance.

Thanks pros!

James
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post #2 of 14
12/1/08 at 12:33pm
http://www.projectorreviews.com/Best...2008/index.php

Decently lit room? No. Keep the flat panel for that.
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post #3 of 14
12/1/08 at 12:52pm
Understand you're getting into a hobby that can bleed you slowly

I'd suggest the Panny AE3000. That thing sounds amazing. Read the reviews!
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post #4 of 14
12/1/08 at 12:55pm
The AE3000 for sure.
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post #5 of 14
12/1/08 at 1:06pm
I'd wait for the Sanyo z3000 due mid december I think.
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post #6 of 14
12/1/08 at 1:13pm
I agree with Recon. In a decently lighted room no projector can compete with a flat panel. Now if you are talking about a dark room then there are several projectors in that price range that will give you comparable results. I have a projector in a non light controlled room and I use that projector at night. For 480p and above I choose it over my 1080p DLP. I also am currently working on a light controlled room for another projector and in that room it is no contest, projector all the way. My room is not complete, but it is usable.
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post #7 of 14
12/2/08 at 7:30am
Thread Starter 
thanks guys. yeah, I'm not sure what I was thinking with a "well-lit" room. I guess I was just thinking that it would be nice to watch daytime sports on it occsaionally.

What do we think of a 4 month old Panny AX200 for $600?

thanks

James
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post #8 of 14
12/2/08 at 7:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mastermaybe View Post

thanks guys. yeah, I'm not sure what I was thinking with a "well-lit" room. I guess I was just thinking that it would be nice to watch daytime sports on it occsaionally.

What do we think of a 4 month old Panny AX200 for $600?

thanks

James

Projectors are a slippery slope. You buy a reasonably priced one, and four years later you're on your second screen, your second projector and you're trying to talk your wife into letting you paint the walls black...

The bright 720p Panasonic would probably be good bang for your buck, an introduction to what projectors can and can't do in ambient light, and last you for a few years while you figure out exactly what is and isn't important for you when it comes to a projector. If you go for an entry-level 1080p LCD projector (Z700, 6100) you'll pay significantly more, and you may still want to upgrade relatively soon.
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post #9 of 14
12/2/08 at 7:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mastermaybe View Post

thanks guys. yeah, I'm not sure what I was thinking with a "well-lit" room. I guess I was just thinking that it would be nice to watch daytime sports on it occsaionally.

What do we think of a 4 month old Panny AX200 for $600?

thanks

James

I would get some details on that used AX200.

How many hours are on it? Panasonic's warranty can be voided by "excessive" use over a short period of time.

Are there any discolorations from panel burn or failure?

Are there any other problems noted to be common to Panasonics that develop problems? Most Panasonics operate without problems for years but if you get a defective unit, there are issues that will cause you to spend more time waiting ona repair than time enjoying it.


Here's how I watch daytime sports:

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post #10 of 14
12/2/08 at 8:28am
I installed track lighting in the ceiling that points away from the screen for when I want some light in the room but find I only use it for company or if I'm eating or something....
I agree it an addictive hobby but their are worse things to blow money on....and as long as you got friends to but your old stuff when you "upgrade" your all set
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post #11 of 14
12/2/08 at 9:46am
I've got ceiling and lamps lights and either can be used, but it does take a hit. During the day I have to have all my blinds shut, or else the light is too much, and even then it takes a hit, but can still be done. If you already have an LCD, then daytime viewing should be fine on that, except for when you have some gloomy winter days, on those days fire up the pj.
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post #12 of 14
12/2/08 at 10:22am
I'd get a NEW AX200 (under $1k) and get a 92" pull-down screen. Prob solved. Keep the LCD for simplicity and use the PJ when watching movies+games.
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post #13 of 14
12/2/08 at 11:36am
Thread Starter 
I like these ideas, thanks guys.

James
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post #14 of 14
12/2/08 at 12:06pm
I got a Mitsubishi HC5500 from Proview digital for about $1,500 (after mail in rebate) the sucker should be coming today (to bad the Blu-Ray player I ordered from amazon isn't in yet)
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