For under $3K I would suggest you consider the Epson Home Cinema 5010 or the BenQ W7000. For a little over $3K check out the JVC DLA-RS45 (or virtually identical DLA-X3). The JVC projector does not do 3D as well and the suggested Epson and BenQ models but the JVC has best in class 2D performance. I suggest you check out the individual projector reviews as well as the 2012 Home Theater Projection Comparison Report at projectorrreviews (.com). The AV Science Store sells all of these models at good prices and provides excellent support. I suggest you contract them for current prices as they frequently do not list the discounted price on their web site.
-
Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.
Recommend me a projector for under $3000 please
Hi all,
I am looking for a projector that can fill 120 inches screen and 1080p. 3D is optional - I dont watch 3D much. My room is 15x22 - dark without windows. It does have 2 doors to the patio and side yard but both can be closed without allowing any light thru.
I also need some advice on the screen. Should it be DIY or something affordable. I dont want to spend too much for the screen even though i do understand the importance of having a good screen help.
Thanks
I am looking for a projector that can fill 120 inches screen and 1080p. 3D is optional - I dont watch 3D much. My room is 15x22 - dark without windows. It does have 2 doors to the patio and side yard but both can be closed without allowing any light thru.
I also need some advice on the screen. Should it be DIY or something affordable. I dont want to spend too much for the screen even though i do understand the importance of having a good screen help.
Thanks
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
Thanks for your reply. Is there any model from Panasonic that would fall into my desired requirements?
Panasonic AE7000 is pretty simular to the Epson5010. Black levels are not as good (really close) but the AE7000 is way better for gaming.
I'd stay away from the Benq and Panny because they only have 1 year warranty's. Unless you can get extended warranty from the manufacturer.
If you don't care about 3d much I'd either get a b-stock RS40 (best blacks, iffy bulb, decent 3d), Epson 8700 or Panny ae4000. You should be able to get those all under $2k. I don't think the extra $1k is worth getting 3d.
I'd stay away from the Benq and Panny because they only have 1 year warranty's. Unless you can get extended warranty from the manufacturer.
If you don't care about 3d much I'd either get a b-stock RS40 (best blacks, iffy bulb, decent 3d), Epson 8700 or Panny ae4000. You should be able to get those all under $2k. I don't think the extra $1k is worth getting 3d.
Thanks. Is the Epson 8700 the successor of 8350?
Quote:
Originally Posted by sog35 /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22153729
Panasonic AE7000 is pretty simular to the Epson5010. Black levels are not as good (really close) but the AE7000 is way better for gaming.
I'd stay away from the Benq and Panny because they only have 1 year warranty's. Unless you can get extended warranty from the manufacturer.
If you don't care about 3d much I'd either get a b-stock RS40 (best blacks, iffy bulb, decent 3d), Epson 8700 or Panny ae4000. You should be able to get those all under $2k. I don't think the extra $1k is worth getting 3d.
Thanks. Is the Epson 8700 the successor of 8350?
The 8700UB is the sucessor to the 8500UB. Epson has beening producing two product lines with the 8350 (it was the successor to the 8100) being in the lower priced , lower performance line and the 8500UB and the later 8700UB using higher performance LCD display chips and being in the more expensive product line. The projectors with the UB designation use higher performance LCD display chips for better contrast ratio and lower black level, and these more expensive models may also have some addition features.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinmscs /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22154641
Thanks. Is the Epson 8700 the successor of 8350?
The 8700UB is the sucessor to the 8500UB. Epson has beening producing two product lines with the 8350 (it was the successor to the 8100) being in the lower priced , lower performance line and the 8500UB and the later 8700UB using higher performance LCD display chips and being in the more expensive product line. The projectors with the UB designation use higher performance LCD display chips for better contrast ratio and lower black level, and these more expensive models may also have some addition features.
Thanks. Would you elaborate the difference between LCD and DLP? I'm kind of new to this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Jones /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22154807
The 8700UB is the sucessor to the 8500UB. Epson has beening producing two product lines with the 8350 (it was the successor to the 8100) being in the lower priced , lower performance line and the 8500UB and the later 8700UB using higher performance LCD display chips and being in the more expensive product line. The projectors with the UB designation use higher performance LCD display chips for better contrast ratio and lower black level, and these more expensive models may also have some addition features.
Thanks. Would you elaborate the difference between LCD and DLP? I'm kind of new to this.
both LCD/DLP/LCOS can produce a very nice picture.
Generally LCOS (JVC) will produce the best blacks and overall best 2d image.
DLP/LCD are very nice also but both have a different look. Many say DLP images have more POP. Others say DLP's look to digital. You should try to see both and decide which one suits you better.
Generally LCOS (JVC) will produce the best blacks and overall best 2d image.
DLP/LCD are very nice also but both have a different look. Many say DLP images have more POP. Others say DLP's look to digital. You should try to see both and decide which one suits you better.
Thanks all for the info. Now after some research/study i'm leaning towards the Epson 3010e as opposed to the 5010, mainly because the price difference (saving $1000). What are the important things do i lose if i were to choose the 3010 over the 5010?
The 3010 models lack lens shift ability, so projector placement limitation maybe an issue. You can now access the (secret) menu to turn on the lcd alignment feature, but in general the 5010 will be a better image overall, being a little brighter with better blacks. Depending on if your a critical viewer with a dedicated HT, that might not be an issue. Lots of people are very pleased with the 3010's performance/price on the forums here. Some related pages. http://www.avsforum.com/t/1377183/choosing-between-epson-3010-and-5010 http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-3010/competitors.php
Thanks for the info. Now as far as lens shift, what is the placement of the 3010 if it is correctly set up? I plan on ceiling-mount it and use a motorized screen - all because of the current design of my room. The room is 13x20x8 and i can pretty much mount it anywhere on the ceiling. If i were to get the 3010, would it be a problem without lens shift?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jnabq /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22159230
The 3010 models lack lens shift ability, so projector placement limitation maybe an issue. You can now access the (secret) menu to turn on the lcd alignment feature, but in general the 5010 will be a better image overall, being a little brighter with better blacks. Depending on if your a critical viewer with a dedicated HT, that might not be an issue. Lots of people are very pleased with the 3010's performance/price on the forums here. Some related pages. http://www.avsforum.com/t/1377183/choosing-between-epson-3010-and-5010 http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-3010/competitors.php
Thanks for the info. Now as far as lens shift, what is the placement of the 3010 if it is correctly set up? I plan on ceiling-mount it and use a motorized screen - all because of the current design of my room. The room is 13x20x8 and i can pretty much mount it anywhere on the ceiling. If i were to get the 3010, would it be a problem without lens shift?
The PJ calculator in my signature will show you the placement calculations automatically for the Epson 3010 and several others.
The 3010 has to be placed in only 1 of 2 positions (unless you use keystone, which I don't recommend using for an LCD at all, and really you should avoid it in general).
It can be placed level and upside down with the lens at the same vertical height as the TOP of your screen, or it can be placed on a low coffee table with the lens at the bottom of the screen.
So it can be ceiling mounted, but you'll need a drop-pole on your ceiling mounting setup, which isn't a problem unless you have super high ceilings.
The 3010 has to be placed in only 1 of 2 positions (unless you use keystone, which I don't recommend using for an LCD at all, and really you should avoid it in general).
It can be placed level and upside down with the lens at the same vertical height as the TOP of your screen, or it can be placed on a low coffee table with the lens at the bottom of the screen.
So it can be ceiling mounted, but you'll need a drop-pole on your ceiling mounting setup, which isn't a problem unless you have super high ceilings.
Thanks. Like i said, the room is 13x20x8 and yes i was thinking ceiling mount so the projector should be at same vertical height as top of screen. I was also planning on getting motorized screen. The ceiling is easy-accessed from the attic. I did some installation for recessed lights before. It seems, from the calculation web, that the projector can be placed as planned about 12-19 feet away from the screen, which is doable with my room length.
One last question, however, that since the projector has to be same level with the screen, that means exactly leveled? Eg, if the top of screen starts at 1 feet from the ceiling, then the projector lens has to be exactly 1 feet from the ceiling? If that is the case, I will need to make sure i install them right and buy the right ceiling mount (adjustable height). The screen, i suppose, should also have the base and/or ceiling anchor of some kind, so that would factor in as well...
Or, if all is that difficult, maybe i need to look at the other Epson's that have lens shifting capability...
Quote:
Originally Posted by coderguy /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22160813
The PJ calculator in my signature will show you the placement calculations automatically for the Epson 3010 and several others.
The 3010 has to be placed in only 1 of 2 positions (unless you use keystone, which I don't recommend using for an LCD at all, and really you should avoid it in general).
It can be placed level and upside down with the lens at the same vertical height as the TOP of your screen, or it can be placed on a low coffee table with the lens at the bottom of the screen.
So it can be ceiling mounted, but you'll need a drop-pole on your ceiling mounting setup, which isn't a problem unless you have super high ceilings.
Thanks. Like i said, the room is 13x20x8 and yes i was thinking ceiling mount so the projector should be at same vertical height as top of screen. I was also planning on getting motorized screen. The ceiling is easy-accessed from the attic. I did some installation for recessed lights before. It seems, from the calculation web, that the projector can be placed as planned about 12-19 feet away from the screen, which is doable with my room length.
One last question, however, that since the projector has to be same level with the screen, that means exactly leveled? Eg, if the top of screen starts at 1 feet from the ceiling, then the projector lens has to be exactly 1 feet from the ceiling? If that is the case, I will need to make sure i install them right and buy the right ceiling mount (adjustable height). The screen, i suppose, should also have the base and/or ceiling anchor of some kind, so that would factor in as well...
Or, if all is that difficult, maybe i need to look at the other Epson's that have lens shifting capability...
Pretty much exactly level, you can fudge it a tiny bit, but exactly leveled is better.
In this price range, the Epson 3010 isn't the best 2D image as far as what other projectors have to offer. Look to the Optoma hd33 if you want a better 2d/3d combination image, or the Acer 9500bd (if they fix the pixel mapping soon). The placement flexibility between these three models are all similar, with the Acer having just a tiny bit more flexibility (but not much). The Acer is more prone to RBE than the Optoma (from what we know).
In this price range, the Epson 3010 isn't the best 2D image as far as what other projectors have to offer. Look to the Optoma hd33 if you want a better 2d/3d combination image, or the Acer 9500bd (if they fix the pixel mapping soon). The placement flexibility between these three models are all similar, with the Acer having just a tiny bit more flexibility (but not much). The Acer is more prone to RBE than the Optoma (from what we know).
The reason why i want Epson is their warranty. With many units with issues as seen here in the forum, i really do not want anything with less than 2 years warranty and no hassle replacement.
i agree. any company that only warranties 1 year for a $2k piece of equipment is not showing any confidence in their product. I don't trust extended warranties either, unless they are from the manufacterer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinmscs /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22163511
The reason why i want Epson is their warranty. With many units with issues as seen here in the forum, i really do not want anything with less than 2 years warranty and no hassle replacement.
i agree. any company that only warranties 1 year for a $2k piece of equipment is not showing any confidence in their product. I don't trust extended warranties either, unless they are from the manufacterer.
Look at the Optoma HD3300 for the better warranty:
3-Year Optoma Express Replacement Service, 2-Year Lamp
I have had this projector since December and have been extremely happy with it. No Problems what so ever and great picture!!!
It gets used everyday and works like a champ.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinmscs /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22163511
The reason why i want Epson is their warranty. With many units with issues as seen here in the forum, i really do not want anything with less than 2 years warranty and no hassle replacement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinmscs /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22163511
The reason why i want Epson is their warranty. With many units with issues as seen here in the forum, i really do not want anything with less than 2 years warranty and no hassle replacement.
Look at the Optoma HD3300 for the better warranty:
3-Year Optoma Express Replacement Service, 2-Year Lamp
I have had this projector since December and have been extremely happy with it. No Problems what so ever and great picture!!!
It gets used everyday and works like a champ.
Thanks but the HD3300 is sold only via installers which i dont prefer. I want DIY models.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BLWTX /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22164899
Look at the Optoma HD3300 for the better warranty:
3-Year Optoma Express Replacement Service, 2-Year Lamp
I have had this projector since December and have been extremely happy with it. No Problems what so ever and great picture!!!
It gets used everyday and works like a champ.
Thanks but the HD3300 is sold only via installers which i dont prefer. I want DIY models.
That is not true.
AVS sells this projector. Just give them a call!! I purchased mine from Audio General via their website,however, I no longer see it listed there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevinmscs /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22164978
Thanks but the HD3300 is sold only via installers which i dont prefer. I want DIY models.
That is not true.
AVS sells this projector. Just give them a call!! I purchased mine from Audio General via their website,however, I no longer see it listed there.
Hm, i dont see it listed
Quote:
Originally Posted by BLWTX /t/1416555/recommend-me-a-projector-for-under-3000-please#post_22164996
That is not true.
AVS sells this projector. Just give them a call!! I purchased mine from Audio General via their website,however, I no longer see it listed there.
Hm, i dont see it listed
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
WilliamR
858 Replies
BASSAHOLIC
472 Replies
bass addict
396 Replies
Recommended Communities
