I might have to say goodbye to my BenQ PE8720...Need advice :(

Well guys, it looks like I will finally...FINALLY be forced to upgrade from my BenQ PE8720 720p Projector to a newer model

Here's my dilemma...

I have been the proud owner of a BenQ PE8720 for the past 8 years or so. This unit has been delivering years of enjoyment for me, and I love the picture.

However, in the past couple of years I have been having issues with it. Yes, I am aware it is a VERY old model, but I have taken it in to BenQ's office for repairs several times for different things(they are local and only about an hours drive from my house). Today I took it in again, because the unit shut down while in use yesterday, and has also been having problems with turning on and then immediately turning off again.

The nice lady at BenQ told me the 8720 is a very old model(duh) and recommended I trade it in for a "similar" model called the W6000. I looked at the W6000 and noticed several differences right away:

A)My PE8720 has automatic Lens shift, Zoom and Focus adjustments, while the W6000 does not(not particularly a deal breaker).

B)The W6000 supports up to 1080p resolution while my PE8720 goes only up to 720p

C)Connections: W6000...2 HDMI, 1 Component and 1 PC/VGA - PE8720...1 HDMI, 1 component, no VGA but has 3 BNC connections. Interesting.

Anyway here's the deal.... They are willing to take my PE8720 and want me to give them an additional $900 in exchange for the W6000. They explained that the technician will probably need to replace a few parts, and that it's going to run me $900 minimum to repair it, and that it "may not be worth it" for the cost + labor.

I realize they want a sale, but I am torn on what to do. I would like you guys to explain how my PE8720 compares to the W6000, ESPECIALLY in terms of picture quality, lens quality, brightness and contrast.

Finally what about the price they are asking? Good deal or ripoff? I told them it was too steep and that maybe I could do it for $850 *IF* I decided to do it.

I will be getting back to them with an answer either Monday or Tuesday.

So what should I do? Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I appreciate the reply. I'm kinda backed into the corner on this. To pay $900 in repairs would seem silly. I did enjoy the unit a lot even at 720p though.

When you say "the QC of the W6000 is not all that great comparatively" can you be more specific? What is "QC"? Are you talking about over all picture quality or the build quality?

And wow....this is the first time I've seen someone mention that the W6000 better black levels than the PE8720. Interesting.

Sounds awesome Mike. I really appreciate your input. I'm getting pretty excited now

Ahh I see what you mean. Yeah this unit is definitely not the same build quality as my old 8720.

Despite that, my 8720 gave me years of great enjoyment but not without problems. I have had to get the machine serviced NUMEROUS times for different things.....replaced fan, replaced color wheel, and most recently, all of the above in addition to the unit running so damn hot, it actually MELTED the bottom of the casing!

I have a feeling the bulb I was using, which was some bulb I bought off ebay, caused this. Are there certain after market bulbs out there you should avoid buying that could potentially run too hot in your PJ?

Well anyway we'll see how this W6000 goes. One thing I noticed is that this model doesn't use a filter? I don't see one and the can see right in the unit through the vents.