[theirishgonzo]

i am in the market for a new projector. curentley i have a

benq 8700+ on a 120 in 16x9 1.3 gain screen 13 ft first row 17ft seccond row

my price range is sub $2500


i was thinking of eather the epson 8350 or 8700


if i go 8350 will i get a improvement or do i need to step up to the 8700 to get 1. i am about 400 hours over the max life on my bulb and anything dark is washed out but movies like reo is not bad.

 

[ack_bk]

What will you be using the projector for mostly? TV or cinema? Do you watch a lot of sports?

 

[eyeage30]

I've seen the epson 8350 and the epson 9700. I have not seen the benq, so I can't compare it. From what I've read the 9700 and the 8700 are basically the same projector. The 9700 has the anamorphic lens option and a black case is the only difference.


I thought the 9700 was very good. They had it in a dedicated show room (theater) and even with the lights on it performed pretty well. It's what sold me on getting a projector.


I saw the 8350 also. It was at a private residence. I thought it was quite nice as well. For being my first projector I could've definitely been fine with it. I didn't see it perform on a lot of dark scenes, but based on my short viewing, it was a nice projector for the money.


I ended up going with the HD250 by JVC. I got suggested this projector by Benito. It's a little bit more than what you can get the 8700 for, but I you told me what your budget is. Call Benito and he might be able to help(I'm in no way affiliated with AVS, outside of being a customer).


What I've read about this projector showed it to be a more reliable product from a company with a track record for excellent projectors. The epson threads cautioned me a bit. I have not read many complaints about the HD250. One where someone was having an issue getting a replacement, but he was satisfied in the end.


I think the HD250 is an awesome projector. I recommended to my brother that he get one for his theater as well. When he saw it, he agreed. My brother likes nice things, as I do (though his budget was much higher).


You also only have a little while before CEDIA, so you could always wait and see if something new comes out. I'm new to the projector world, but I've done a fair amount of research, and it lead me to the JVC. I thought the Epsons were both fine projectors as well. Happy hunting

 

[theirishgonzo]

mostley movies/tv in a decated ht

 

[chumpchange21]

I'm assuming that you are currently the owner of the BenQ PE8700?


Why are you switching away from DLPs?


You should definitely check out LCDs before jumping down that road. One word of advise is that many users switch from DLPs to LCDs and wind up switching back to DLPs. The reason is simply because DLPs project a type of image that is difficult for LCDs to replicate; one with more 3D feel. A more depth like image. Most users who start out using DLPs get accustomed to that type of image and when they switch to LCD they realize thats missing they switch back.

Not saying that everyone will fall in the same experience category. But for the most part yes. Word of caution that is all. Also, if there may be other reasons for the switch such as RBE sensitivity or new placement issues that require lens shift, etc, then it makes sense.


Otherwise, if you're still willing to consider DLPs look at Mitsubishi HC4000, BenQ W1200. Both the BenQ and Mitsubishi are relatively similar in many aspects. Both have 4x color wheels that should be more than adequate against RBE. Both have great picture quality and sharpness. Although when it comes to black levels the HC4000 hands down beats the BenQ. However, when it comes to sharpness the BenQ beats the HC4000. Brightness is handed to the BenQ, which may also help to achieve your longer distance throw. Both have frame interpolation. Both have 1.5x zoom. The BenQ also has onboard speakers that are said to be quite decent if you were to ever take it to use somewhere else (quick set up play).

 

[theirishgonzo]

actuley i like the look if the lcd also. the reason is the fan on my benq is makeing theis whineing noise and my bulb just exploded today. the problem was with the benq/dlp is the projector offset. it sits a good 5 in below the screen. my queston was will i enjoy the 8350 or do i need to go with the 8700ub to get the same PQ/build quality. but my mind was made up on the deal i got on the 8700 vs no deal on the 8350.

 

[chumpchange21]

Yeah, I believe you would have been better off with the 8700. How is it working out for you btw?

 

[theirishgonzo]

it is nice i love it i have watched 7 movies in 2 days the blacs are black and it is bright even in tb2


can anyone recomend a good mount that is at a good price?


my 8700 was makeing awfull fan noise and a grinding noise too and the bulb died so repair cost +bulb would have been more than a 8350.

 

[chumpchange21]



Quote:
Originally Posted by theirishgonzo /forum/post/20817958


it is nice i love it i have watched 7 movies in 2 days the blacs are black and it is bright even in tb2


can anyone recomend a good mount that is at a good price?


my 8700 was makeing awfull fan noise and a grinding noise too and the bulb died so repair cost +bulb would have been more than a 8350.

Oh you bought a 2nd hand 8700? How much did you pay for it? How much did the repairs cost?

 

[kaotikr1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumpchange21 Oh you bought a 2nd hand 8700? How much did you pay for it? How much did the repairs cost?

I am trying to follow along and I think he was referring to the benq. That broke down and it would have cost more to fix than buying a new 8350.


Right?

 

[threed123]

You might want to wait a month or two. There are a slew of new 1080p projectors coming out, some with 3D that knock sox off of current list. Check the threads for the new Epsons, Optomas, etc.