Optoma HD20 vs. BenQ W1000 vs. Vivitek H1080FD

Hey,

I am currently using an Optoma EP 739 and am looking to upgrade to a 1080p projector. The projector is 19' 6" - 19' 8" from a 1.0 gain screen. Currently it is projecting a ~135" image, with a length of ~120" and a height of ~60".

I've had my eyes on the Panasonic PT AE4000U for a very long time now, but recently I noticed that the projection calculator on projector central had been adjusted, and thus the only way for me to get a decent image would be using a 1.2 gain screen with no zoom, producing a 100" image. While this seems suitable, it would be a large downgrade, and I am willing to sacrifice image quality for the sake of size. The same problem occurs with the HC3800, which also requires a 1.2 gain screen to get a good image, but it would be larger at 136".

I was wondering which projector of the ones I've listed (HD20, W1000, and the H1080FD) would be best at the distance I will be projecting from, and at the size. I know that the projector central calculator lists them at pretty much equal, but I doubt those are accurate lumens numbers and I was wondering if anyone had accurate figures. So basically, which projector would you choose for producing at least a ~135" diagonal image from a distance of nearly 20 feet, on a 1.0 gain screen. I read the other forums and they seem to be mixed, with some favoring the hd20, and others the benq, and so on. Also, the projector central reviewers preferred the hd20 but i noticed most posters did not.

Thank you

Really? I guess projector central needs to correct their calculator . The screen I'm using is actually MUCH bigger than the image projected, so even a 165" would work... Although it would get awfully close to the boundaries. I guess I could always play anamorphic movies. Does the BenQ really get 165" though with NO zoom? That seems unnaturally large for a widescreen image.

Jim, why do you think that the HD20 and the vivitek won't work? Hmmm... that will be unfortunate if they don't. If only I could test them in my house, but I don't know anyone who owns either. I guess I could move the projector mount a few feet forward, maybe to 14-16 feet from the image. This would make it pretty much on top of the viewers though. Would this allow the hd20 or vivitek to work? And is the image quality of either of those greater than the BenQ to the point that it is worth it? I've noticed a lot of contrasting reviews. I forgot to mention that it will be used in a completely light-controlled environment.

Thanks for the replies

Great, thanks alot. I've always wondered why they don't produce higher quality projectors with high lumen outputs. The hd20 could easily have had a higher lumen count, i don't know why Optoma decided to settle for less than its competitors. Unless there was some technical threshold they were unable to cross. Luckily I'm not RBE sensitive, so both the BenQ and the Vivitek will work.

If you don't mind, which one would you choose if you had to? They're pretty much identical in price and features, so I need something to help me decide.

Sorry Jim, I should have been clearer. The image I projected is ~135", but my screen is significantly larger and thus should be able to handle them. Thank your for your help

Lucked out again it seems, my ceiling is decent sized and the one I'm using already has around a foot offset. I've never seen rainbows either but considering what you guys said, I guess i'll try out the vivitek.

Thanks

Sure, I understand. However, I'm planning to run them with no zoom, so that reduces the size substantially to 140". Would this provide a good image? Otherwise, like I mentioned, I can always move my mount forward by up to 5 feet if needed. It is currently at 19'6", and I can take it to around 15'-16'. The reason I really want to upgrade is so I can finally use a full 1080p image.

Thanks for the reply

Edit: I didn't see the second part of your post. Thanks for clearing that up for me, it explains alot.

Using the projector central calc I get 16 fl at 19.5' with 0 zoom for the BenQ. Will this be fine to produce a good quality image?


I don't see rainbows, but the number of comments i've seen regarding them makes me worried. However, I've heard that the Vivitek is equally poor regarding rainbows, and the Hd20 won't work at the distance I have so i really don't have a choice

Edit: the image insertion link won't work for me. Is there no way to upload an image from one's computer? Oh well

Great, thank you. I recall having read that 16 fL was considered ideal somewhere, but I can't remember. Do you have any source you would recommend for reading up on contrast/brightness regarding projectors. I like to consider myself well read but as I haven't really used many projectors besides the ep 739 i lack experience.

Guess I'll be getting the BenQ then. Unless someone else posts in the next 5 minutes and tells me it has some other problem btw thank you everyone for the very swift responses. Usually whenever i post somewhere it takes a few days at least to get some quality answers.

Hmm.... well i'm glad we all agree on the rainbows lol. That certainly cleared up that matter for me

Being serious, however, would I really only be able to purchase from BenQ itself? I see that amazon is out of stock but if I placed it in my cart, I'm sure it would come (maybe eventually). I guess I can always test the hd20 and the vivitek in between.