Pick me a new JVC projector!

Originally Posted by sat_uplinker

About seven years ago I was very active on this forum, which helped me researched and build my home theater. For video I bought a 3-chip JVC DLA-HX1 from the guys at AV Science, and a 100" Stewart Firehawk screen. I got a TAW DigiLink SDI DVD player, built a HTPC with a Immersive H3D scaler. All in all, it was a pretty nice system, although I shudder to think now how much I spent on it. I stopped visiting the forum and watched my HX1 for 988 hours in ignorant bliss, unaware of what the "new" projectors could do. Its worked well, although often the HX1 is temperamental and won't strike the lamp when I try to start it, usually when I have guests over...

Then this weekend I did something bad- I bought a Blu Ray player. This $200 device has brought all the shortcomings to light in my one-time killer home theater. From the DVI cable that won't pass 1080p to the projector that won't accept 24 Hz video, to my Adcom 830 surround preamp that won't handle the new codecs (I decided to use analog 6ch from the player's decoder).

So naturally I started looking at what's out there. I like (maybe "familiar with" is the better word) JVC DILA, so am leaning that way. I work in TV so the importance of a 3-chip imaging device has been pounded into my head, so I want that too. Looking over all the models currently on JVC's website, they all look exactly the same... with the exception of the $175,000 4k projector, they are ALL based on .7 inch, 3-chip 1920x1080 DILA architecture. And compared to my HX1's measly 800:1 contrast ratio, even the cheapest machine's 15,000:1 seems mind-blowing. And the HX1 DID make a pretty good picture. They all seem to have the same processor, lamp, and accept the correct signals.

So what's the difference? Unfortunately in the past 7 years I've assumed even more expensive hobbys (airplanes) so I really don't WANT to spend $10,000 on a projector again, especially considering how impressive the cheaper ones look on paper compared to what I'm used to. (I'd rather spend that 10k on new flat-panel avionics in my Glasair

I saw the special on the top of this forum about B-stock RS35's. I could do that, but that's the difference between that, and say, a RS20 for sale by a forum member on ebay? (outside of the hours of course). When I read the specification pages on these 1080p projectors, I see a lot of things repeated.

Bring me up to speed!

Originally Posted by sat_uplinker

I saw the special on the top of this forum about B-stock RS35's. I could do that, but that's the difference between that, and say, a RS20 for sale by a forum member on ebay? (outside of the hours of course). When I read the specification pages on these 1080p projectors, I see a lot of things repeated.

Bring me up to speed!

Originally Posted by Tryg

So unless you like massive depreciation on the items you buy the value option is something used like an RS20 or RS10

Originally Posted by sat_uplinker

I know I can't go wrong with a JVC, and will be impressed with whatever I buy (considering what I'm upgrading from), but I still can't see what is the difference between the range of JVC products, other than contrast ratio? I remember when I bought the HX1 there was a wide range of resolutions, lumens, etc. You could see why one cost more than another. With the current crop, the specs are generally the same. What makes one twice the price of the other?

Originally Posted by Tambiman

I thought about the RS10 and RS20 a year ago. Eventually went for the RS10 (because of the tad more brightness - 120" screen) and didn 't regret it for one second.
I work in tv-business, and couple of my collegues have an RS10 too, including professional colour-correctors and directors for broadcast-tv. They all are very happy and can perfectly live with the colours. (FYI: the 20/25/35 have a more advanced colour control-CMS, that 's aside from the contrast the biggest difference. But the 10/15 can be NEAR perfect when professionaly calibrated)
And for the blacks: even my RS10 is blacker then what I see in 'real' theatres, so it would be very difficult to get disappointed. In fact, the complete movie-experience (audio/video) is better at my home then in real cinema.

Bottom of line: RS10/15/20/25/35 you wouldn 't be disappointed with ANY of them. I 'm glad I saved the bucks, although I had the extra money.

Originally Posted by sat_uplinker

This is EXACTLY the kind of information I am looking for, thank you!

So it looks like the 25 a real step up from the 15, but the 35 is a little more questionable! How does a RS20 fit in? I'm watching one on ebay being sold by a forum member.

PS- No, I have not bought anything yet. That was another person who posted about buying the B-stock 35.

Originally Posted by sat_uplinker

This is EXACTLY the kind of information I am looking for, thank you!

So it looks like the 25 a real step up from the 15, but the 35 is a little more questionable! How does a RS20 fit in? I'm watching one on ebay being sold by a forum member.

PS- No, I have not bought anything yet. That was another person who posted about buying the B-stock 35.

Originally Posted by sat_uplinker

I know I can't go wrong with a JVC, and will be impressed with whatever I buy (considering what I'm upgrading from), but I still can't see what is the difference between the range of JVC products, other than contrast ratio? I remember when I bought the HX1 there was a wide range of resolutions, lumens, etc. You could see why one cost more than another. With the current crop, the specs are generally the same. What makes one twice the price of the other?

Originally Posted by sat_uplinker

This is EXACTLY the kind of information I am looking for, thank you!

So it looks like the 25 a real step up from the 15, but the 35 is a little more questionable! How does a RS20 fit in? I'm watching one on ebay being sold by a forum member.

PS- No, I have not bought anything yet. That was another person who posted about buying the B-stock 35.

Originally Posted by stan550

How is the B stock RS 35 different than a standard unit?

Originally Posted by stan550

How is the B stock RS 35 different than a standard unit?

Originally Posted by mdrew

I've been pondering whether or not to buy one of the B stock RS35's and peddle my RS20. Seams like a pretty good deal to me and a no-brainer if someone is in the market for a projector. I'd have already bought one, but my plan was to keep the RS20 till I could move to an LED machine in another year or two. I also don't want to get stuck with the RS20 and not be able to sell it, or have to give it away. I've already got a VP50pro I can't seam to get rid of.

Decisions, decisions.... gotta love this A/V addiction.

Originally Posted by nohjy

Not only is LED around the corner, but 3-D projectors will be out in the next 6 months. Not to mention that the Panasonic's and Epson's are getting closer to the JVC level of perfomance every year. Prices are going down and performance is going up. I cancelled my order for the RS-35 B for these reasons. I just can't justify it with all the new technology coming in the next year or so. I really love my FPJ1 so I guess I can wait!

Originally Posted by Chrisx510

I recently demoed the Epson and I was really shocked on how good it was for the money. I haven't seen a panny yet! I did a side by side comparison with the Epson and JVC RS15. The JVC clearly won with better depth and blacks etc.. but the Epson held its own and if your on a budget I would consider it. I would probably just go with a panasonic if I planned on upgrading projectors in the next 6 months or so till the new 2010 models hit the market. That way you won't lose to much money when you go to sell it. Personally I never even bothered with LCD's because of the dust blob issues they have. Your not just paying for better picture quality with the JVC's but also better build quality,sealed light path,optics etc..