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Upgrading from Epson 1080UB Pro Black worth it?

post #1 of 9
10/28/10 at 10:19pm
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone

Ive had an Epson 1080UB Pro (black model) projector for quite a while. Before the thing becomes a dinosaur and is worth $300, I'd like to sell it and upgrade to something else. This projector has been fantastic on my Da-Lite Hi-Power screen, and the lumens and blacks are two (albeit self-defeating) things that this projector does really well that I value. Also, its ability to display a 106" image from 11 feet is very helpful.

Would you guys reccomend upgrading to the 9500UB? Are the differences substantial? Or are there any projectors that would display a substantially brighter, or more vivid picture? Would prefer non-DLP due to rainbow issue, and 3D is not a criteria of mine due to eye disease which prevents me actually seeing it.

Just getting back into the "upgrading game" and want to know what projectors I should be looking at in the next logical step in the $3000+ arena for upgrading my Epson 1080UB Pro.

Thanks!
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post #2 of 9
10/28/10 at 11:33pm
I also us an HP screen and I wouldn't have any other screen either.

For comparison purposes, my friend has a 1080UB throwing onto a 92" Elite screen (relatively short throw) and I have my JVC RS2 clone throwing onto a 106" Dalite HP screen with a further throw distance. The Dalite HP screen does raise black levels a little and even still the black levels on my setup are significantly darker than my friends 1080UB and the pic is much brighter. My vote would to be to consider the JVC HD250(black levels are comparable to my RS2 and it's much brighter). If you have the extra cash I would consider the JVC RS40 as it's supposed to be a nice improvement over last years top projectors (but doesn't come with a CMS).
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post #3 of 9
10/29/10 at 5:24am
I own a 6500 and really like it. If I were you, I would wait until some reviews on the 21000 (31000) and 61000's come out. You pretty much know what you are getting into with the 9700, as it is just gone through several evolutions from the unit you currently have (and very good evolutions in my opinion), but these other units are using different technology, so I'm very interested in how well Epson implements this. Also, these units have motorized lense shift and motorized zoom.
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post #4 of 9
10/29/10 at 2:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commex View Post

Hello everyone

Ive had an Epson 1080UB Pro (black model) projector for quite a while. Before the thing becomes a dinosaur and is worth $300, I'd like to sell it and upgrade to something else. This projector has been fantastic on my Da-Lite Hi-Power screen, and the lumens and blacks are two (albeit self-defeating) things that this projector does really well that I value. Also, its ability to display a 106" image from 11 feet is very helpful.

Would you guys reccomend upgrading to the 9500UB? Are the differences substantial? Or are there any projectors that would display a substantially brighter, or more vivid picture? Would prefer non-DLP due to rainbow issue, and 3D is not a criteria of mine due to eye disease which prevents me actually seeing it.

Just getting back into the "upgrading game" and want to know what projectors I should be looking at in the next logical step in the $3000+ arena for upgrading my Epson 1080UB Pro.

Thanks!

First the 9500 is last year's model and the new 2011 Epson LCD models are now just coming out.

I currently own a 6500UB and for an upgrade in your case (or mine or also owners of the 8500 or 9500) I would go with the new JVC RS40 or RS50 DILA (LCoS) projectors. But if you want a stay with Epson consider their new models with "3LCD Reflective" technolgy (essentially LCoS), starting with the model 21000. The Epson "LCD Reflective" models have substantially better native contrast ratio than the Epson conventional LCD projectors and the JVC's are even better and are also 3D ready. These new JVC and Epson models should start shipping in December.
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post #5 of 9
11/2/10 at 3:57pm
Thread Starter 
Let me rephrase what I am looking for - I'm not looking for one of those really new projectors, which have just come out/will come out, but something that has been out 6mo-1yr that I can get a discount on vs. paying MSRP.

Very good help though, will research these new projectors and see if they are a big jump over my 1080UB
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post #6 of 9
11/2/10 at 4:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commex View Post

Let me rephrase what I am looking for - I'm not looking for one of those really new projectors, which have just come out/will come out, but something that has been out 6mo-1yr that I can get a discount on vs. paying MSRP.

Very good help though, will research these new projectors and see if they are a big jump over my 1080UB

I have just Got my 9700 ub and love it.
The new lcos projectors will be coming and do have a Motorized Zoom
but they also have a step up price tag...
i have posted screen shots of my 9700 ub on the 9700ub thread i started.
also the new 9700 and 8700 ub had price reductions in there msrp price..
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post #7 of 9
11/2/10 at 4:38pm
Here is a different train of thought. If your lamp has over 1500 hour on it, replace the lamp with an OEM lamp and have the projector ISF calibrated by a pro with high end equipment (unless you have the tools and skills to do that your self) after you log 200 hours of use of the new lamp.
If you have had your projector ISF calibrated you already know how it will improve the PQ, and maybe upgrading is the way to go, but if not, you would be amazed at the improvements a properly calibrated projector can make.

I spent $400 to have my antique HC3000 done with 900 hours on the lamp and it was worth every penny.
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post #8 of 9
11/3/10 at 4:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commex View Post

Let me rephrase what I am looking for - I'm not looking for one of those really new projectors, which have just come out/will come out, but something that has been out 6mo-1yr that I can get a discount on vs. paying MSRP.

Very good help though, will research these new projectors and see if they are a big jump over my 1080UB

There are a couple of advantages over the 1080UB that would interest me. First, the lamp on the 8700 is 200 watt (I beleive the 1080 is 170 watt), so it will be brighter. It also has FI (which I like), and super resolution, which Art at projectorreviews like on the 8500. Art said the black levels were better on the 8500 than the 6500, so they should be an improvement over the 1080.

For the price (and they are offering a spare lamp) this is a great value IMO.
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post #9 of 9
11/3/10 at 7:22am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knd View Post

There are a couple of advantages over the 1080UB that would interest me. First, the lamp on the 8700 is 200 watt (I beleive the 1080 is 170 watt), so it will be brighter. It also has FI (which I like), and super resolution, which Art at projectorreviews like on the 8500. Art said the black levels were better on the 8500 than the 6500, so they should be an improvement over the 1080.

For the price (and they are offering a spare lamp) this is a great value IMO.

Just to clarify one thing...higher lamp wattage does not necessarily correspond to higher light output. Perfect example a 400 watt Sony Ruby lamp...way dimmer than the 200 watt Epson. I do believe that the 9700 is brighter than the 1080, but just want to mention the wattage isn't a for sure.
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