After months of revewing posts in this and the sub-3K forum and seeking advice, here are the main points I have learnt:
- The difference between the mid-priced (Panasonic AE2000, Epson 1080UB, Sony VW60, MitsubishiHC6000) PJs are minor at best and it is mostly a matter of options and preferences.
- The difference between these and the higher-priced JVC RS1 is incremental at best
- The lower-priced Mitisubishi HC4900, at half the price of its competition, is nearly as good. The competetion's incremental or marginal value is near zero.
- The HC4900 is not in the same league as the others
- Both the Mitsubishi PJs display a clearly sharper image than the competition
- The difference between the Panasonic and the JVC is barely noticeable
- The Epson is almost as good as the JVC
- The Panasonic and Epson are virtually tied in overall PQ
- The Epson is clearly a step above the Panasonic, Sony and Mitsibishi
- The JVC is head and shoulders above the rest
- The latest LCD/LCOS PJs are as good or better than any high-end products/technologies, even the insanely priced high-ends.
- DLP PJs are obviously on a different plane altogether. The latest LCD/LCOS products are inferior to even the cheapest DLPs.
- Most people can barely tell the difference between 720p and 1080p projectors. A $900 720p is almost as good as a $3000 1080p, and not worth the upgrade.
Summarizing all the above, I can make at least one point with confidence:
- When you get a bunch of experts and people who are passionate about their hobbies, you can always find clear consensus.
- The difference between the mid-priced (Panasonic AE2000, Epson 1080UB, Sony VW60, MitsubishiHC6000) PJs are minor at best and it is mostly a matter of options and preferences.
- The difference between these and the higher-priced JVC RS1 is incremental at best
- The lower-priced Mitisubishi HC4900, at half the price of its competition, is nearly as good. The competetion's incremental or marginal value is near zero.
- The HC4900 is not in the same league as the others
- Both the Mitsubishi PJs display a clearly sharper image than the competition
- The difference between the Panasonic and the JVC is barely noticeable
- The Epson is almost as good as the JVC
- The Panasonic and Epson are virtually tied in overall PQ
- The Epson is clearly a step above the Panasonic, Sony and Mitsibishi
- The JVC is head and shoulders above the rest
- The latest LCD/LCOS PJs are as good or better than any high-end products/technologies, even the insanely priced high-ends.
- DLP PJs are obviously on a different plane altogether. The latest LCD/LCOS products are inferior to even the cheapest DLPs.
- Most people can barely tell the difference between 720p and 1080p projectors. A $900 720p is almost as good as a $3000 1080p, and not worth the upgrade.
Summarizing all the above, I can make at least one point with confidence:
- When you get a bunch of experts and people who are passionate about their hobbies, you can always find clear consensus.