Infocus X1 owner looking to move on...

yeah
Mitsubishi HC1600 720p DLP Home Theater Projector

that is what iw ould buy if i was in ur shoes... but im not in ur shoes personally i would get the hc6500 because i think 1080p is a must have

Most replies to this request will be that used is a no-no. You can get a stellar pic from an optoma 65 or epson 705 for a bit more than your wishful budget. It would be worth every cent.

I replaced my X1 with an HC1600. This is a very good choice. They can be bought new for around $600.

The current front projector champs are now LCD in the $2,000 range and LCoS in the $5,000 range. DLPs are now the economy only technology.

That will soon change when LEDs get just a little brighter. Soon the one chip DLP LED video engine will appear in all laptops, PDAs, and cell phones. That should lead to a new generation of HT projectors near $200.

X2 on the Mits HC1600, I also started with an X1.

Did you open your X1 and clean the color wheel panels with a moistened q-tip? You'll see some build up there. That and a low hours lamp and you'll be back in business if you still want to tolerate the buzz saw experience...

$500 you have to go the eBay route. There are lots of 720p machines that would work well. The main problem is knowing the bulb life already used. For that you will have to rely on the seller, so look for someone with lots of references already - they are least likely to scam you.

I too went from the x1 to the hc1500. It was a BIG upgrade in picture! and love it. I believe the HC1500 is called HC1600 now . i think they have the same spec's.

Bueller

If I were you I'd try to be patient and save up for a 1080p model which can be had for $1,000 new. Or possibly lower by the time you're ready to buy. Either way you're going to be thrilled with how improved newer projectors are, even if you go 720p.

I just think that if you go used you'll possibly be needing a bulb sometime soon, which adds another $300 or so to the cost. You'd be better off with a new PJ with a brand new bulb. You can get the Optoma HD65 in the $650 range now. That would be a massive improvement over the X1 if you want to settle for 720p (which still looks awesome). The HC1600 can probably be found in that price range too.

My first PJ was also an X1. It was awesome at the time but they've come so far since then. Whether you choose DLP or LCD, newer models will kill the X1 in black level, color, and contrast, not just resolution.

I'm a previous owner of the X1 (my 1st pj). Everything from the Infocus 4805 to my Sharp DT-500 blows is away. Especially my Sharp. Not even close! The Sharp destroys it in every category. 1080p isn't must have at all. I'd get a great 720p unit unless you can get a higher end 1080p in the $1500+ range.

I'd recommend a Sharp DT-510 if you want an adjustable iris for a bright pic or high contrast one and short throw for a larger image at a shorter distance. Amazing pic.

They are NOT the same projector. The 1600 has a slow 2X color wheel speed. The 1500 has a 4X color wheel.