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"Budget" HD projectors

post #1 of 7
9/10/06 at 6:17pm
Thread Starter 
What I'm really interested in are sub $2000 HD projectors. 1080p might be nice but they're likely to be a little too cost prohibitive at first. What I'm looking for is information on projectors to replace the current line of budget 480p (like the my current Infocus 4805). With HD-DVD and Blu-ray here nows the time for upgrading all the surrounding components while we wait for a "winner".
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post #2 of 7
9/16/06 at 10:14am

Re: "Budget" HD projectors

actually, chris, CEDIA is displaying 1080p projectors that costs $5,000. so for $3,000 more... you CAN get 1080p. =). i'm like the devil on your left shoulder .
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post #3 of 7
9/16/06 at 7:08pm
Thread Starter 

Re: "Budget" HD projectors

I know they are SO tempting.... I haven't told my wife yet but I've been concentrating almost solely on the 1080p news. She's going to kill me when I tell her that we need an even bigger upgrade.
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post #4 of 7
9/16/06 at 10:47pm

Re: "Budget" HD projectors

We will get more projector info up tomorrow. Ron is going to stop by Optima and a few other vendors. It is important to note that just because 1080P is here that 720P is not obsolete--far from it. We went to some demos with 1080 DLP right next to 720 DLP (Both projectors were from the same vendor) and I couldn't tell the difference on HD material. That doesn't mean you won't see a difference is you sit fairly close to the screen, but if your seating is at a "normal" distance, there is a good chance you won't. This means that there will be bargins to be had in the 720 projectors because of the hype surrounding 1080P. Ron and RAF saw the same demo. Hopefully they will chime in with their $.02.
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post #5 of 7
9/16/06 at 11:50pm

Re: "Budget" HD projectors

If you read some of the news from CEDIA, even Panasonic who is soon to be releasing a new 1080p unit, has improved the detail, and sharpness of their highly regarded AE900u 720p model. There will still be a highly competative and high performance expectations from these new 720p units. Seems like alot of us here badly want a 1080p projector but in reality, those still might be too expensive.

As Adam said too, with all the love for 1080p right now, there will be some might fine deals on 720p models. I just noticed the highly regarded Mits. HC3000 DLP 720 model can be delivered for $1500. That was unheard of even 6 months ago.

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post #6 of 7
9/17/06 at 2:12pm

Re: "Budget" HD projectors

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Glover
I just noticed the highly regarded Mits. HC3000 DLP 720 model can be delivered for $1500. That was unheard of even 6 months ago.

At $1449 shipped from an authorized dealer there is now an HC-3000U hanging from my ceiling

Mitsubishi is replacing the the 3000 with the HC-3100u which moves to DarkChip3 and has a modified color wheel to counteract native coloring of the lamp. I think MSRP is just above 2k.

Optoma has also introduced the HD70 which is a 720P DarkChip2 DLP for $999.

I agree that 720P is a wonderful bargain right now and makes a great stepping stone to 1080P in the future. I purchased my first PJ, an Optoma H30 (800x600 DLP, $1400) about 2.5 years ago and was eyeing the new 1080P units as a possible replacement, but when prices started dropping I decided to go with a "proven" 720P now with a plan to move up to 1080P in 2-3 years. I watched "Sky Captain" on HD-DVD last night using the Mits and I'm confident I made a good decision.
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post #7 of 7
9/17/06 at 5:09pm
Thread Starter 

Re: "Budget" HD projectors

Here is everything that I was able to gather from my musing around the net today. Most projectors are below, or are likely to street below, $2000.

Mitsubishi HC1100





Display: DLP DarkChip2


Resolution: 1280 x 720


Contrast: 3000:1


Brightness: 1000 ANSI Lumens


MSRP: $1599 (Sept ’06)



Comments:


Very nice looking unit for only $1599!



Links


Mits HC1100



PDF Brochure





 Mitsubishi HC3100





Display: DLP DarkChip3


Resolution: 1280 x 720


Contrast: 4500:1


Brightness: 1000 ANSI Lumens


MSRP: $2099 (Sept ’06)



Comments:


With an MSRP of $2099 and using the new DarkChip3 technology as well as having a variable 4x/5x color wheel this projector looks to really nice. Only problem with the Mitsubishi HC3100 might be room configuration. The previous model, HC3000, was not well known for its ease of placement. The HC3100 has a relative short throw, high offset (33%) with horizontal keystone +/- 25 degrees and vertical keystone +/-40 degrees. Probably best if ceiling mounted.



Links:


Mits HC3100



PDF Brochure


Optoma HD70





Display: DLP DarkChip2


Resolution: 1280 x 720


Contrast: 3000:1 (4000:1 in ImageAI mode)


Brightness: 1000 ANSI Lumens


MSRP: $999 !!!!



Comments:


This is the next projector to beat!! For only $999 MSRP you get a LOT of projector for the money. HDMI input, 720p resolution, good contrast level with ImageAI. ProjectorCentral.com concluded their recent review with the following


Quote:
While it does not quite rise to the level of the HD72 in pure image quality, it delivers a bang-up image at a bargain basement price. If you've been thinking about getting into front projection home theater for the first time, we would wholeheartedly recommend that you look at the Optoma HD70



Links:


ProjectorCentral Review





 Panasonic PT-AX100





Display: LCD


Resolution: 1280 x 720


Contrast: 6000:1


Brightness: 2000 ANSI Lumens


MSRP: $2199



Comments:


The AE900 was a very well received LCD projector last year and I expect the AX100 to be just as well received. LCD or not this could be a very nice addition, especially if you have tough placement issues with which to contend. I expect this unit will street below the $2000 level.



Links:


Press Release



Engadget.com






 Epson PowerLite 810





Display: LCD


Resolution: 1280 x 720


Contrast: 10000:1


Brightness: 1600 ANSI Lumens


MSRP: $2999



Comments:


I know a little over the $2000 price cap (maybe a year from now?) but check out that contrast ratio!



Links:


Engadget.com




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