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replacing 5 year old Optoma HD8000 need some direction (1 Viewer)

nick0814

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5 years ago I bought a projector because of how expensive large flat screen TV's were and I've been very happy with my decision. But its now time to replace it. I'm faced with do I buy a 70" LCD and loose 20" of screen size but pick up some daytime visibility or spend about the same amount of money on a newer projector with more lumens and higher contrast ratio than my old one. If so what would you recommend going with? My current projector was 1300 ansi lumens with a 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio.
 

nick0814

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thanks, that's what I was thinking as well. also I figured install would be easier since my HDMI cable and power are already there. I'd have to move both to the opposite wall to hang a TV. what do you need to know to point me in the right direction for a new projector?
 

schan1269

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Your throw(lens to wall). Drop from the ceiling(unless you spend enough to get good lens shift). Gain of your present screen and its size....(ratio wouldn't hurt to know either...)
 

nick0814

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ok I'll get all that tonight when I get home.. the throw will be around 12-14' drop from the ceiling isn't much maybe 8" I can measure the screen but its about 90" how do I find out the gain and ratio?
 

schan1269

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IF you know what your screen is (brand series) the gain can be looked up. The ratio you can measure and figure out if it is 16:9 or 2.4:1.
 

nick0814

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ok I'll look at it tonight and see. it is 16:9 sorry wasn't thinking about that ratio..
 

Gregg Loewen

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most PJs can operate on a 8 foot screen at around 14 feet. You will have lots of options. Fun stuff!!
 

Type A

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LCOS prices depend on if you have issues with buying used or refurbs. I spent $900 on a HD550 with a brand new JVC lamp, $1100 on an RS1X with two OEM lamps and a Chief ceiling mount, both projectors flawless and going strong. The RS1 might be a little dim for the OP's needs. RS40 can be found for $1600-1800. Also seen HD250s for $1600, they have a red push so Im not a fan of that model. Sony SXRD doesnt seem to drop on the used market as much, go figure as theyre not any better than the JVC LCOS models.
 

Gregg Loewen

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Yes, the used market can allow for the OP to easily get into the $1500 range. I have been playing with a JVC RS-20 over the past week and love the image.
 

Jim Mcc

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Buying a used projector is VERY risky though. Nick, what is your budget for projector? Screen size is 90" diagonal, 16:9?
 

schan1269

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My JVC is a floor sample that had, at least, 1800 hours on it before I got it. Used projectors are like buying everything else. Make sure it works before you let go of your cash.
 

nick0814

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budget? I'd like to stay under a thousand but I'd go 1400-1800 if really necessary. I mean I was happy with my HD8000 just would like something a tad brighter for very sunny days. I put limo tint on the window in the room and blinds on the french doors in the next room. Night time I really couldn't have asked for a better picture. I've been looking at some epson's like the powerlite 3020 and panasonic pt-ar100u and a few optomas. I'm assuming if I stay with a 1920x1080 get at least 10,000:1 ratio and a brightness 2000 - 3000 lumens I'll be very happy since it would match my previous unit and be substantially brighter with the same other specs??? also if I decided to get mine fixed (which I'll probably do regardless) any suggestions where to call or send it?
 

schan1269

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The issue here, you have tons of options. Do you want LCD or DLP? Are you willing to pony up "about the same money" on a 1-2 year old used JVC or Sony? I plugged your dimensions into the calculator and came up with 90 projectors between $1200 and $2500. And the major point being...even "the worst" projector is going to be light years ahead of the one you have.
 

nick0814

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ok I've been doing some research and I'm down to about 3 projectors and I need some help because I'm not sure if I really need to spend the extra money. Here are the three I'm looking at, all input is appreciated!! 1. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8350 2. Panasonic PT-AR100U 3. Panasonic PT-AE7000U the first two are pretty much same price, the 3rd is almost twice as much but its also got 6x the contrast ratio... please help!??
 

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