Here's a reply to several questions:
Asterix63:
I haven't tried a HTPC but I have used it a bunch with a computer connected giving PowerPoint presentations, product demos, and showing Web sites at XGA (1024x768) resolution. It's great for that too. No screen door. Contrast was good too. I think the MLA used to eliminate the screendoor in the 711XU is worth the contrast difference compared to the 711U (400:1 vs. 500:1). The 711XU also goes brighter. I've found that when I run the 711XU in economy mode (~1200 lumens) the contrast actually picks up. I can't tell if it is as good as the 711U (I haven't seen one and can't measure the contrast on the 711XU).
Geoff:
I've been using my 711XU with DVDs but via S-Video input so my observations are actually based on NTSC signals, since the line doubler in my DVD player (Panasonic RP91) doesn't effect the S-video signal. Of course the 711XU has its own line doubler that does effect the S-video input. It does a great job for well recorded material. I did see combing on some of the "Making of ..." features on DVD. I haven't looked at pure, off-the-air broadcasts. But if your DirecTV box has an S-video output, I expect that you will get the good results I've found for DVDs.
As for the Sanyo, I haven't seen one myself. But if you're using your projector for TV viewing, I guess you'll be using it more hours than someone who watches movies. So, operating cost is a big deal and the Panasonic wins big there. It also wins on brightness. And it has 2 VGA inputs (you can use one for a computer and the other for component inputs) as well as S-video. And don't forget the 3-year overnight replacement warranty that comes with the Panasonic. I hear Sanyo is bad for replacing LCD panels with bad pixels (check that out for yourself). The Panasonic 711XU weighs 8.4 pounds while the Sanyo weighs over 20 pounds so if you're going to try hanging it up yourself or move it,....
smnorton:
I did see a significant difference in contrast, brightness, and lack of screen door in the 711XU vs 711U. Also, the 711XU gives you 4,000 hours of lamp life instead of 2,000 hours for the 711U. You probably wouldn't notice the difference in brightness between the 711XU in econo mode and the 711U. Depending on how much you watch, you could make up for the price difference in lamp costs. If you look at the
shootout you'll see where I got a good price for my projector (this could decrease the difference in price between the 711XU and 711U).