I'm making a basement "theater" to watch movies and sports, no gaming. The projector will be ceiling mounted 10-12 feet from the screen. Seating will be about 10 feet from the screen. Screen size will be a max of 120" diagonal, depending on the projector. With the lights out the room is absolutely pitch black. I will use a Roku ultra (HDMI) to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, Google Play, and Xfinity. I'm looking for a value projector, something used on eBay. I've read about how nice the JVC projectors are, but there are so many models my head starts spinning. I'm looking into spend under $1,000 on the projector, 1080p is fine with me (4k likely not in my range). I'm looking for the best picture quality, best blacks, and no motion blur I can get in my price range. I'm also sensitive to the DLP rainbow effect. I feel like I could get a nicer used unit for the same price vs a new one (maybe I'm wrong). It will probably see 5 hours of use per week on average. What used projector should I be looking for? I was looking at a JVC DLA-HD350 and DLA-X500R on eBay so far. Thanks for any help.
However it's not easy to get the projector you want since older JVC are not good with brightness or motion handling, but I'll let the users comment more.
You could get the JVC for movies and a brighter DLP for sports.
Regardless of the projector, canned lights should be used so that no light hits the screen directly.
Here a list of JVC models. I would buy nothing older then an RS46. The x500r/rs49u/rs4910 is a decent choice if the price is under $1k as many sellers are expecting much more. The Sony 45es/55es is also something to look at if you can find one for under $1K as it has one of the best motion handling short of DLP. The refurbished Epson 5040 is a bargain, hard to find and luck of the draw if you get a decent one but at least its backed with a warranty if bought from Epson.
JVC Models – Consumer vs Professional line
2017 – 2018
DLA-X990R / RS640
DLA-X790R / RS540
DLA-X590R / RS440
JVC Projectors Jan 2017
DLA-X970R / RS620
DLA-X770R / RS520
DLA-X570R / RS420
JVC Projectors Cedia 2015 – end of 2016
DLA-X950R / RS600
DLA-X750R / RS500
DLA-X550R / RS400
More than once I've seen the JVC X500 going for less than $800 on eBay. That's a bargain. On the other hand, most JVC HD models are overpriced, and really not worth it in comparison. Keep and eye on the X500 models you can find, especially auctions. At the same time, be suspicious of sellers that say nothing about the condition of the projector and don't even bother showing a photo of the projected image. Usually the rule is: if no defects are stated on the listing, then it has no defects. However, not everyone's honest.
Regarding the goal for good blacks, in a treated (black) room, the X500 will give you much better blacks than any other used projector at the same price.
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