[slennon]

After going through five and soon to be six Epson 8350's in six months I am ready to throw in teh towel and move on. Please help me decide.

Here is what I am looking for in order of prioirty


Not Epson

Ability to game

Trouble free

Better blacks than the 8350

Price less than $2500

3D not required but will give it a whirl if it's there



I was thinking that something like the panny AE4000 would have fit the bill if it was still around. The AE7000 looks great except for teh money is getting up there. Close to $3,000 here in Canada. Aside from that I was thinking maybe the Mits 4000?


The room is 11.5 x 17. Dark colours, light controlled but would like limited ambient lights for gaming and sports. Screen about 130" diagonal. Placement flexibility not a big concern. Seating approx 16 feet from screen.


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[kevinmscs]

Its scary to see 6 pj's in 6 months. Can you describe what symptoms you have with each?

 

[slennon]

Sure. The first one lasted about 4 months and got the auto iris error. Second one was a refurb with major ie 4" convergence error. Next one was a refurb with convergence out about 5 pixels or 1/4". Next efurn was DOA. Then they sent a new one. This developed the aut iris error after about a week. I have been trying to live with it but 2 times out of 3 I get the error at start up. So this one has to go back too. I am sure they will give me another new one bu at this point I have NO faith in their quality control.

 

[slennon]

Nobody??

I have done some more research and am thinking maybe the Benq W6000, no 3d or W7000, 3D as well as the Mits 4000


Will any of these improve blacks over teh Epson 8350?


Seems the Panny 7000 has lots of problems too. So I guess for me I am putting problem free at the top of my priorties

 

[hdemac]

why not the panny AR100?

 

[hdemac]

whoops just saw you want better blacks. never mind.

 

[carp]

Well my 2nd one has a dust blob now too, just saw it for the first time tonight. The first had one and auto iris problems. I'm at 550 hours that's when the dust blob showed up last time too. Oh well, love how this projector looks it's a shame it has so many problems.

 

[sleepyww]

I am on my 2nd replacement (just received it 3 days ago) and have the same auto-iris problem already!. I don't even want the projector now, I just want out and to get one that works reliably, but since I purchased the first almost a year ago I am sure they are going to find someway to get out of replacing them eventually. Class action anybody?

 

[slennon]

Pretty much have it boiled down to the Benq w7000. I am going to check it out in person next week and see what it's like. I like the extra lumens in best mode once calibrated and form what I've read here PQ is a step up from the 8350. 3D will be good to try too.

 

[curtlots]

Price-wise, it sure is a step up from the 8350. You're only a stones throw from a Panasonic AE7000.

 

[sog35]



Quote:
Originally Posted by slennon  /t/1417423/epson-8350-replacement#post_22184706


Pretty much have it boiled down to the Benq w7000. I am going to check it out in person next week and see what it's like. I like the extra lumens in best mode once calibrated and form what I've read here PQ is a step up from the 8350. 3D will be good to try too.

Benq 1 year warranties scare the heck out of me. If the Benq is only willing to insure 1 year on a $2k+ product, it shows they don't have much confidence in their own workmanship. I'm pretty sure they go through advance cost/benefit analysis when they decided to offer only one year. If you can get an extended warranty from Benq that would be great. I would not get a 3rd party warranty.


I'd go with the Mitsu HC4000. I have not heard many complaints about this projector. It is great with gaming and native black levels are better than the 8350. I really can't recommend any other projector under $2500 that does not have a history of problems (all epsons, JVC bulbs, Benq warranty, AE4000 is virtually impossible to buy).


The HC4000 is so cheap you could hold on to it for a year or two and upgrade when there are more reliable projectors in your price range (or when the cost of 3d goes down)

 

[slennon]

Well I ended up buying the W7000 and really like it. I got to see it in person before I bought it and that was the clincher. Yes it only has a one year warranty but same thing with the panny. I researchd on here quite a bit and the BenQ seems problem free with firmware 1.03. Fingers crossed. It certainly is a step up from the 8350 in all respects but espcially in ambient light performance and in sharpness. Kids have no complaints playing call of duty on it and even my wife comment on how much better the picture was. Of course it ws more expensive too. BTW I got it a quebec acoustics for a good price including the Benq free bulb offer. Good guys to deal with I gladly reccomend them.