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Need help on deciding on a 720p projector

1445 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  HotAhr, 
W
Hi everyone, I am new to the site and seeking some help on deciding which projector to buy.


Let me put you in my "scenario" first.....


I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Being that our currency (the peso) is 3 to 1 with the dollar (you need 3 pesos to get 1 dollar), in order to understand my situation, please think as if for you, the prices were to be 3 times as much. That is, if a certain projector here in the us costs 1000 dollars, consider it costing 3000 dollars... ok?


Ok, here we go... I first started noticing hd projector were available and for around 800 dollars, so now that I'm over in the US on a trip I wanted to buy one to bting back home with me.


The thing is that as with all tech stuff that I buy, I usually tend to read a lot (maybe too much... :S) so I went from the first projectors I saw at around 800 (optoma hd70, mitsubishi hc1500, etc.), to looking at the one I wanted most till today, the Panasonic PT-AX200U....


I say untill today, because today I foud out about the Epson Home Cinema 720, and now I-ve got another player in the game....


So on once side I need advice on making up my mind between the compromise solution of buying one of the cheaper ones for now (optoma, mitsubishi, benq?), or buying the best I can afford (panasonic / epson).


One thing that makes it hard is believe it or not the reviews... I mean, these guys are so technical, that I don't know sometimes if one of their comments mean that I'm be totally unhappy if I choose a certain projector, or if on the other hand it's so technical that you only notice on side by side comparisons and I'd still be happy with it...


The use I want for the projector is for watching movies, and for playing video games.


I know the panasonic has that "gaming mode", but I first got into this hooking up my 360 to a friend regular old office projector, and having it been awesome... so I'm not quite sure just how much that "gaming mode" though it sounds extremely interesting, how much it would actually add to the experience...


Anyway, what I have so far regarding prices (and again to better judge the differences between prices regarding what they represent to me, remember to multiply by 3...).


Optoma HD70: ~900 minus a 200 mail in rebate for about 700 final

Mitsubishi HC1500: ~850


Panasonic PT-AX200U: 1250 with extra year warranty (there-s also something like 400 in free rentals, but that's no good for me living outside the states)


Epson home cinema 720: 1250 minus a 100 mail in rebate for 1150 final, plus an extra lamp (the 100 rebate and free lamp is an epson rebate/offer currently available).


So with these options in mind, and my budget scenario (I don't even want to spend 1200 cause that's a lot for me, but considering the difference between the models, in quality and in price, and being that you don't buy a projector every day...), what do you think would be the best option here?


Cheers!
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M
First, I will say this, I haven't seen any of these.
With you being from Argentina, are the rebates valid? Some are US only, etc. Another question for you, would "rainbows" (RBE) be a problem with your viewing? The DLP projectors may cause headaches for some. Third, the Panny ax200u still may have some issues that were not worked out from the 100u. Though I may be wrong as I have not followed the ax200u threads closely. Just bringing up a possibility. From your four listed and I'm not going to bring up any other projectors to further confuse you, I would say Epson looks good, you've got the extra lamp and rebate (which I would double check to make sure you are eligible for both since you are outside of US).
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W

Quote:
Originally Posted by mather /forum/post/12863142


First, I will say this, I haven't seen any of these.
With you being from Argentina, are the rebates valid? Some are US only, etc. Another question for you, would "rainbows" (RBE) be a problem with your viewing? The DLP projectors may cause headaches for some. Third, the Panny ax200u still may have some issues that were not worked out from the 100u. Though I may be wrong as I have not followed the ax200u threads closely. Just bringing up a possibility. From your four listed and I'm not going to bring up any other projectors to further confuse you, I would say Epson looks good, you've got the extra lamp and rebate (which I would double check to make sure you are eligible for both since you are outside of US).
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm actually pretty sure that the rebate is NOT valid for me in Argentina, but since I'm here in the US now, I can just have a fellow co-worker fill it out for me and receive the rebate, and just send me the cash and lamp through someone else... I'm strongly looking at the epson, but I want to have some feedback from the guys here that probably have more experience....
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Audixium
I haven't seen what any of these PJs can do in person either. But I just went through the same research process. I pulled the trigger earlier this week. To me, it sounds like you have done all the research necessary. Now you just need to, as they say, "**** or get off the pot."


I have been telling one of my coworkers about my 6 month research process (which in the AVS world seems normal, but to most people borders on obsessive). One day I have the HC1500 in my cart, the next the AX200, the next day I tell him I'm back to square one and researching yet another PJ. He laughs at me but admits that he suffers from the same "disease" when making a purchase.


A couple of things:


1. If you have ambient light (daytime viewing not in a batcave, not wanting to game in complete darkness, etc.) then I would go with either the Epson or the Panny.


2. The Epson is really about $800 (after rebates). Take the $100 off, then subtract $350 for the free bulb. So at $800 I think it wins hands down against any of the other models - feature for feature.


3. Since you don't buy one of these everyday I would stretch as much as you can and get the Epson.


Now, I have yet to receive my newly purchased 720 and have never owned a home theater PJ. I do think that like you mentioned, most of the differences the reviewers find are details that many of us would never see without a side by side comparison and guide.


Just do it!
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reconlabtech
I have an HD70 and it works well. The HC1500 is brighter and slightly better color. Both of these are DLPs and they have an image offset which must be considered when setting them up. A low ceiling could be a problem.


The Epson and the Panasonic are both LCDs and provide you with lens shift to make it easier to mount where you want it. The Panasonic can be setup quite far from the screen and still give you a good image on a wide range of screen sizes.


Unless you have a lot of light in the room that cannot be blocked or you have a very low ceiling or a long throw to your screen, all these projectors will work for you.
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B
I am also in the same postion. Looking to buy a 720p.

I have not seen any in person but I am leaning towards the BENQ W500.

it is about $675 after rebate. I read some reviews and it seems it is inline with the HD70 and the HU1500. It does have lens shift which makes setup easier and low ceilings not an issue. The price is also good.
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reconlabtech

Quote:
Originally Posted by bgw599 /forum/post/12865445


I am also in the same postion. Looking to buy a 720p.

I have not seen any in person but I am leaning towards the BENQ W500.

it is about $675 after rebate. I read some reviews and it seems it is inline with the HD70 and the HU1500. It does have lens shift which makes setup easier and low ceilings not an issue. The price is also good.
Click to expand...

Also a good choice, and a good price!
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W

Quote:
Originally Posted by bgw599 /forum/post/12865445


I am also in the same postion. Looking to buy a 720p.

I have not seen any in person but I am leaning towards the BENQ W500.

it is about $675 after rebate. I read some reviews and it seems it is inline with the HD70 and the HU1500. It does have lens shift which makes setup easier and low ceilings not an issue. The price is also good.
Click to expand...

Speaking of the W500.... I was just looking for it out of curiosity based on your comment (btw, where do you get that price?), and please, tell me, is the guy in this video speaking about the W500 a total moron or is it me? I actually stopped it after about a minute or so... I can't believe he could ramble on for over 8 minutes saying all that nonsense....


Oops... I don't have enough posts to post the url....
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W

Quote:
Originally Posted by walterg74 /forum/post/12865984



Oops... I don't have enough posts to post the url....
Click to expand...

Now I do...


http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...P=OTC-SHOPPING
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B
I think it is against rules to post websites for prices but if you use google or froggle you will find the W500 for $775 -$799. The rebate is form the BENQ website $100 off thru the end of Jan 08. hope that helps..
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A

Quote:
Originally Posted by bgw599 /forum/post/12865445


I am also in the same postion. Looking to buy a 720p.

I have not seen any in person but I am leaning towards the BENQ W500.

it is about *** after rebate.
Click to expand...

Just as an FYI, check with the manufacturer if the place of purchase is an authorized reseller of the unit or else your rebate may be denied. Good luck with your purchase.
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HotAhr
One other thing that you may want to do, is go to a store and check out DLP projectors. Make sure that you don't suffer headaches from watching them. It would be sad if you got all of the way home only to find out that you suffered from either rainbows or headaches, as a result of watching it and couldn't take it back.
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