Time for New Projector

[rnatalli]

I've had my trust Epson Powerlite S3 for some time now, but I think the time has come to go to at least 720p. I don't need anything fancy; all I need is something under $1,000 that has an HDMI connector. The BenQ W500 or Mitsubishi HC1500 might fit the bill, but thought I'd post and see what other deals people have come across.

 

[ivseenbetter]

I bought the HC1500 a few months back for dirt cheap...almost half of the budget you listed. You can find outstanding deals on them. I'm very happy and don't see any reason not to recommend it. However, if you want to stick with Epson I believe you can get the Epson 720 pretty close to your budget.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[BMXTRIX]

The Optoma HD65 and HD72 also fit that budget as does the new Mits HC1600.

Sony VPL-AW10 also fits and the Sony VPL-AW15 comes close.

Check some of the major online etailers to see what other options are out there for the money.

I think, personally, I would go with an Optoma if my space allowed for it, and if not, the Mits HC1600.

 

[rnatalli]

I bought the HC1500 a few months back for dirt cheap...almost half of the budget you listed. You can find outstanding deals on them. I'm very happy and don't see any reason not to recommend it. However, if you want to stick with Epson I believe you can get the Epson 720 pretty close to your budget.

Just my 2 cents.

Where did you find the HC1500? The best price I've found is around $600.

 

[ivseenbetter]

I got it from 6ave for a little under what you are finding it for...I think there was a coupon code I had used.

BMXTRIX gave you some good choices to look at too. I had looked into all of them except the HC1600 since it wasn't out yet. I decided that the HC1500 was the best bang for the buck in my paticular situation. Value ratios may have changed over the past few months so I don't know if that is still true. I do know I am happy with a great 720p picture that I paid very little for...and therefore won't feel to bad about upgrading to a 1080p projecter a couple years down the road when the prices are truly excellent.

 

[rnatalli]

I got it from 6ave for a little under what you are finding it for...I think there was a coupon code I had used.

BMXTRIX gave you some good choices to look at too. I had looked into all of them except the HC1600 since it wasn't out yet. I decided that the HC1500 was the best bang for the buck in my paticular situation. Value ratios may have changed over the past few months so I don't know if that is still true. I do know I am happy with a great 720p picture that I paid very little for...and therefore won't feel to bad about upgrading to a 1080p projecter a couple years down the road when the prices are truly excellent.

Does the HC1600 allow you to adjust the image so the projector may be mounted upside down? Also, how much does the vertical adjustment allow? 1 ft, 2 ft, etc... I also saw in the Audioholics review of the HC1500 that it doesn't do 480i over HDMI. I'm assuming this isn't a problem if I set the receiver to output 720p over HDMI. Video isn't my thing.

 

[rnatalli]

One other question. Could I get a projector with a DVI-I or DVI-D port, run HDMI in the wall and then once it gets to the projector, use an HDMI-DVI cable from BJC? Again, video isn't my thing

 

[rnatalli]

I think I'm leaning towards the BenQ W500. It's 3LCD vs. DLP (no rainbow which does bother me); the replacement bulbs are inexpensive; and it has all the features I need including flexibility of placement.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Does the HC1600 allow you to adjust the image so the projector may be mounted upside down? Also, how much does the vertical adjustment allow? 1 ft, 2 ft, etc... I also saw in the Audioholics review of the HC1500 that it doesn't do 480i over HDMI. I'm assuming this isn't a problem if I set the receiver to output 720p over HDMI. Video isn't my thing.

Image inversion is a pretty standard feature on most any projector these days. You can flip the HC1600 with no worries. Vertical adjustment has not worked at all for me...I don't think it is supposed to though. You pretty much need to know how far to hang the projector to get it where you want it. The reviews at projectorcentral.com and other review sites are good about helping to figure this out (there could be better ways and maybe the HC1600 has a vertical shift but I couldn't find it on my HC1500...but I didn't need it either). Also, your assumption about your receiver is correct.

One other question. Could I get a projector with a DVI-I or DVI-D port, run HDMI in the wall and then once it gets to the projector, use an HDMI-DVI cable from BJC? Again, video isn't my thing

Yep

I think I'm leaning towards the BenQ W500. It's 3LCD vs. DLP (no rainbow which does bother me); the replacement bulbs are inexpensive; and it has all the features I need including flexibility of placement.

I don't know much about the BenQ. I went with DLP since I don't have any problems with Rainbow effect. I do know there are a ton of great LCD choices at excellent pricepoints though.

 

[surferaudio]

I hope you did not buy a projector yet. I would wait til CEDIA next week is over when one of the majors surprise with a replacement model. The replaced item will take a hit in street price which you can then pick up for a bargain.

Why shoot for 720p when you can grab 1080p for 720p prices right after CEdia? Keep a close eye on IFA/Cedia news.