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EV's Used Discontinued Projector Research Thread

post #1 of 53
1/5/11 at 11:15pm
Thread Starter 
800x600

02 Infocus X1 DLP

850 x 480

Special 05 Optoma MovieTime DV10 DLP

04 Infocus 4805 DLP
05 Optoma H31 DLP
04 Mitsubishi HC100u DLP
02 Panasonic AE100 LCD

1/4 HD


02 Sanyo Z1 LCD


720p

08 Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 720
07 Panasonic AX200U
07 Mitsubishi HC1500 DLP
07 Optoma HD73 DLP DCDi
06 Sanyo Z5 LCD
06 Panasonic AX100u LCD
06 Optoma HD70 DC2
06 Sharp Z3000 LCD
06 Mitsubishi HD4000u DLP
06 Mitsubishi HD1000U DLP
05 Epson Cinema 550 LCD
05 Mitsubishi HC3000 DLP
05 Sanyo Z4 LCD
05 Panasonic AE900u LCD
05 Optoma H79 DarkChip3
05 SharpVison Z2000 DC2+
04 Panasonic AE700 LCD
04 Sanyo Z3 LCD
03 Sanyo Z2 LCD
01 SharpVision XV-Z9000u LCD

Epson Cinema 400

1080p

09 JVC DLA-RS20 LCOS
09 JVC DLA-RS10 LCOS
08 Sanyo Z3000 120Hz Frame Interpolation
08 Panasonic AE3000 120Hz Frame Interpolation
08 Mitsubishi HC5500 HQV
08 Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
07 Mitsubishi HC4900 3LCD Pixelworks
07 JVC DLA-RS2 LCOS
07 Panasonic AE2000u
07 Sanyo Z2000 3LCD
07 Mitsubishi HC6000 3LCD HQV
07 PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 3LCD
07 JVC DLA-RS1 LCOS
06 Panasonic AE1000u LCD
06 Optoma HD81 DLP
06 Mitsubishi HC5000 3LCD HQV
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post #2 of 53
1/6/11 at 1:44am
Thread Starter 
Anything I should add.

I have an Infocus 4805 and a Optoma H31. Both are great projectors.

Id like upgrade to at least 720p.

I would also like to increase lumen output, with flexibility for lighted room use, not just dark room use.

Mounting flexibility is very important.

Video gaming performance or mode would be nice.

And quality video processing...HQV of the Mitsus is attractive. Doesnt JVC also have quality video scalers and de-interlacers?

Pretty sure Id like an LCD this time, instead of DLP.

Panasonics Smooth Screen feature sounds very nice, as screen door effect on the 854x480 DLPs is something that I would like to get away from.

I also like the 2x zoom of the Panasonics.

While I like 120Hz and Frame Interpolation, its not necessary and I would just assume save money.

Dont want anything with deteriorating organic LCD whatever, I read about.

720p LCD
Panasonic
Epson

1080p LCD/LCOS
Panasonic
JVC
Mitsubishi
Epson

are standing out.
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post #3 of 53
1/6/11 at 1:50am
Thread Starter 
1080p

08 Mitsubishi HC6500 3LCD
08 Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
07 JVC DLA-RS2 LCOS
07 Panasonic AE2000u
07 Mitsubishi HC6000 3LCD HQV
07 PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 3LCD
07 JVC DLA-RS1 LCOS
06 Panasonic AE1000u LCD
06 Mitsubishi HC5000 3LCD HQV

720p

08 Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 720
07 Panasonic AX200U
06 Panasonic AX100u LCD
05 Panasonic AE900u LCD
04 Epson Cinema 500 Faroudja DCDi
04 Panasonic AE700 LCD
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post #4 of 53
1/6/11 at 1:54am
Thread Starter 
Should I be considering Sanyo's offerings as well, it seems like Ive skipped over them.

While I love my Optoma H31 and Infocus 4805, Id like to move on to some other manufacturers, and they seem to be less favored in general in the past few years.
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post #5 of 53
1/6/11 at 2:12am
Thread Starter 
I know I am missing many models. I worked my list from Projector Central Reviews.

Mabye add the Sharp Z12000 and other high end Sharps
More JVC models
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post #6 of 53
1/6/11 at 7:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

I know I am missing many models.


Yes, several hundred.



What is the purpose of this list?
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post #7 of 53
1/6/11 at 8:18am
You can just look up discontinued projectors on the Projector Central search page.

I can't see a point to such a thread here either.
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post #8 of 53
1/6/11 at 9:24am
Thread Starter 
The point of such a thread is that I am researching used/discontinued projectors for the purpose of purchasing one. And this thread will hold information for me, in the process of that search.

Any suggestions and corrections are appreciated. I was hoping that friendly avsforum users that hold specialized knowledge in this area would offer advice and help.
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post #9 of 53
1/6/11 at 10:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

The point of such a thread is that I am researching used/discontinued projectors for the purpose of purchasing one. And this thread will hold information for me, in the process of that search.

Any suggestions and corrections are appreciated. I was hoping that friendly avsforum users that hold specialized knowledge in this area would offer advice and help.

There are 400 projectors in each category. That is why we are making fun of you.

Also you can search on projector central, have you done that yet?
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post #10 of 53
1/6/11 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 
I have been perusing Projector Centrals reviews. Which is where I made the list from. I didnt include all projectors that PC reviewed, just the ones that on cursory glance (and my limited knowledge beforehand) seemed to be worthy of more research.

I suppose I should also consider high end $10,000 projectors as well....as the 720p versions are sure to be heavily discounted, used.

I am doing due diligence as best I can, to research on my own.

My thoughts so far have been shared on this thread.

I suppose that lower priced units from 09 and 10 may be worth considering. I am trying to keep the price under $1000 and hopefully closer to $500 used. However I may dip down into 720p territory for an even lower price...or buy multiple units....over time. That is why I am trying for a broad overview of what is available and to target units that I would like to check out. I dont mind buying and selling multiple times either. Its a hobby.
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post #11 of 53
1/6/11 at 11:13am
Thread Starter 
My list may be laughable, but you have to start somewhere.
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post #12 of 53
1/6/11 at 11:15am
Thread Starter 
Projector Reviews 2008

The Sony SXRD projectors from Projector Central reviews didnt make my list because the reviews all pointed to them being dark room projectors.
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post #13 of 53
1/6/11 at 11:16am
Thread Starter 
Not interested in 3D, at all.
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post #14 of 53
1/6/11 at 11:39am
You need to figure out the basic technology first, before diving down into the details. Go look at some current DLP sets. Are you subject to rainbow effects? If so, you can instantly eliminate half of the choices.

Look at your room. You need to figure out throw distance, screen size and drop. That will help eliminate a bunch. For example, if you need heavy keystoning to get the image on the screen, then perhaps a projector with lens shift is a better choice. You have your heart set on a 2.35:1 screen? Then you need something with power zoom. You can probably eliminate anamorphic lenses because if you could afford them, you wouldn't be looking at bargain used stuff

On and on. What sort of a screen? Acoustically transparent? light controlled room? If not a bat-cave, you may need a gray screen and that requires more lumens on the projector.

Finally, you also need to put some of the rhetoric in this forum into perspective. For example, the Epson 8100 gets blasted for short lamp life, red bleeding and pixel misalignment. Epson is saying the lamp issue has now been solved and that replacement bulbs have better life. The red issue is only apparent when you look for it, and the pixel offset is 1 pixel or less. It requires you standing next to the screen. The point is that if you listen to all the rhetoric, you might choose a dimmer 720P projector and get less quality than if you lived with the faults of the Epson. Same with rainbows and lockups on the HC-3800.

Bottom line. You need to do more homework, and you need to research the whole room, not just the projector.
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post #15 of 53
1/6/11 at 11:42am
You aren't gonna get a decent 1080p projector for 500... You better start looking for 720p. I've seen an RS1 go for close to 1,000 on videogon, but most are still doing 12-1300.


People pay a bunch of money for these things, then think they can flip them used for crazy prices. Just looking at videogon right now i'm amazed. 500 for an AE900, that's laughable.

I guess some people are actually buying these things, or the prices wouldn't stay so high.
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post #16 of 53
1/6/11 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 
Note to self:

Sharp produces mostly DLP projectors....but the Z12000 look interesting.

BenQ produces mostly DLP projectors.

Need to look at Sanyo's offerings in more detail. Mostly 3LCD
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post #17 of 53
1/6/11 at 12:03pm
Thread Starter 
First of all, thanks for the time you took to write this and attempt coverage of some basic issues.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jayn_j View Post

You need to figure out the basic technology first, before diving down into the details. Go look at some current DLP sets. Are you subject to rainbow effects? If so, you can instantly eliminate half of the choices.

Ive owned 2 DLPs with 4x 6 slide color wheels. I am not bothered by the Rainbow effect, however I do see annoying color when blinking or turning head fast.

But that doesnt really matter because....I dont want to get a DLP this time. I am looking at LCoS and 3LCD. Also I think most of the single chip DLPs have limited adjustments for versitility in placement.

Quote:


Look at your room. You need to figure out throw distance, screen size and drop. That will help eliminate a bunch. For example, if you need heavy keystoning to get the image on the screen, then perhaps a projector with lens shift is a better choice. You have your heart set on a 2.35:1 screen? Then you need something with power zoom. You can probably eliminate anamorphic lenses because if you could afford them, you wouldn't be looking at bargain used stuff

I move alot. This isnt going to be a permanent mount solution. I will be using 92" screens a Draper Luma 16:9 and Pana GreyWolf 16:9 and perhaps larger painted DIY screens. Not interested in Anamorphic Lenses or setting up 2.35 native screens.

Quote:


On and on. What sort of a screen? Acoustically transparent? light controlled room? If not a bat-cave, you may need a gray screen and that requires more lumens on the projector.

As I said above. I need flexibility in lighting situations. I also want brighter performance than the 350ish Lumens that the 4805 and H31 provide. Flexibility here is good. Dark room settings and brighter room settings. I have a Gray Screen with 1.8 Gain as well as a Matte White Draper Luma both in 92" 16:9. I also can DIY paint screens.

Quote:


Finally, you also need to put some of the rhetoric in this forum into perspective. For example, the Epson 8100 gets blasted for short lamp life, red bleeding and pixel misalignment. Epson is saying the lamp issue has now been solved and that replacement bulbs have better life. The red issue is only apparent when you look for it, and the pixel offset is 1 pixel or less. It requires you standing next to the screen. The point is that if you listen to all the rhetoric, you might choose a dimmer 720P projector and get less quality than if you lived with the faults of the Epson. Same with rainbows and lockups on the HC-3800.

That is great advice. I just tried to explain this to a newbie down in the LCD Flat Panel forum. How issues get blown out of proportion, and can mislead the newbie.

Quote:


Bottom line. You need to do more homework, and you need to research the whole room, not just the projector.

Homework currently being done. Though I am not a newb to projectors or video playback issues and technology. I know many of the issues that various technologies have, solutions that have been devised to assuage them, and the new issues that those solutions introduce.
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post #18 of 53
1/6/11 at 12:05pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Verge2 View Post

You aren't gonna get a decent 1080p projector for 500... You better start looking for 720p. I've seen an RS1 go for close to 1,000 on videogon, but most are still doing 12-1300.


People pay a bunch of money for these things, then think they can flip them used for crazy prices. Just looking at videogon right now i'm amazed. 500 for an AE900, that's laughable.

I guess some people are actually buying these things, or the prices wouldn't stay so high.

Thanks for the tips on current pricing. Ill be playing the eBay game. While videogon ensures a greater level of confidence in the sellers treating the equipment well, prices are higher there. (You can also find rare and high end stuff on videogon, people in the know).

Prices have been falling so fast, people have trouble parting with the really expensive equipment for pennies on the dollar.
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post #19 of 53
1/6/11 at 12:07pm
Thread Starter 
I ride the back of the technology curve. Its cheaper that way.

I still like to try different products and learn DIY style, first hand experience.
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post #20 of 53
1/6/11 at 12:36pm
Yeah, I think you can get a 1080UB or 6100 for $500 with careful shopping. Why would you pay $800 when 8350s can be had for $900 with careful shopping.

However, when shopping used, I think I would factor in the cost of a new bulb as the one in the unit is probably well worn.

Sorry about the newbie lecture before. Wasn't reading closely enough.
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post #21 of 53
1/6/11 at 1:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
500 for an AE900, that's laughable.

Indeed. They are going for $200 on eBay.

I just sold my H31 and 4805 for about $200 each. Great condition, low hours on the bulb.
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post #22 of 53
1/6/11 at 1:42pm
Damn, if you still have the contact information of the people paying 2 hundy for an old 480 projector that could break at any moment, send it to me in a PM.


I have a cellar full of snake oil, and i need a sucker for it.
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post #23 of 53
1/6/11 at 1:50pm
Thread Starter 
You can find them all day on eBay.

IMO, the suckers were paying $10,000 for 1080p projectors 5 years ago....and even bigger suckers were paying $20,000 for CRT projectors 7 years ago.
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post #24 of 53
1/6/11 at 2:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

You can find them all day on eBay.

IMO, the suckers were paying $10,000 for 1080p projectors 5 years ago....and even bigger suckers were paying $20,000 for CRT projectors 7 years ago.

Neg, a crt was the ultimate in home theater, and depending on which one you bought, many still consider some models the ultimate in home theater. Plus they were brand new and ultra reliable. It wasn't like you could spend more, and get a better product.


A 6 year old 480 digital is a far different story. People are crazy, or uninformed.
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post #25 of 53
1/6/11 at 2:11pm
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/vbcla...do=ad&id=14919


One of the few 720p projectors that i would pay 450 dollars for. Just a heads up.
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post #26 of 53
1/6/11 at 2:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Verge2 View Post

Neg, a crt was the ultimate in home theater, and depending on which one you bought, many still consider some models the ultimate in home theater. Plus they were brand new and ultra reliable. It wasn't like you could spend more, and get a better product.


A 6 year old 480 digital is a far different story. People are crazy, or uninformed.

If you are a wealthy person with money to burn, then maybe. The average Joe would have just paid off his purchased new CRT projector, which is now worth maybe a $2000 if you are lucky. 90% depreciation. Not a good buy.

However the $200, anybody can afford is pocket change. Gets you a well cared for 16:9 480p DLP projector with less than 400 hours on the lamp, with great contrast and blacks, good color reproduction, and can blow your DVD movie up to 92" easy. People were pleased with the H31 and 4805 just a few years ago, it cant be that bad, and $200 gets you into large screen enjoyment of movies at home. If it breaks you still have saved $17800, so you can maybe get a $500 720p upgrade....and still be $17,300 up.
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post #27 of 53
1/6/11 at 2:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Verge2 View Post

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/vbcla...do=ad&id=14919


One of the few 720p projectors that i would pay 450 dollars for. Just a heads up.

Thanks, that Sharp is still on my list, but its DLP, so, it probably wont be pursued as a purchase by me.
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post #28 of 53
1/6/11 at 2:39pm
Thread Starter 
Getting a Vidikron 1 with less than 200 hours on the tubes for $1000 last year is a much better deal than buying it brand spanking new, and having it sit around with 200 hours of use, until you sell it for $1000 8 years later.
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post #29 of 53
1/6/11 at 3:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

Getting a Vidikron 1 with less than 200 hours on the tubes for $1000 last year is a much better deal than buying it brand spanking new, and having it sit around with 200 hours of use, until you sell it for $1000 8 years later.

If you had a vidikron 1, why the he'll were you using a 4805.

IMO, I'd rather read books than go back to one of those.

He'll of a deal on that sharp. It won't last long. You can't find anything comparable in LCD unless you spend over 1000.
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post #30 of 53
1/6/11 at 3:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


If you had a vidikron 1, why the he'll were you using a 4805.

I didnt, one sold on eBay last year that I followed, as I described.

Im not anti CRT. I also read books. Never gave them up.
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