Projector ~$1000

[Driver_King]

Okay. I have been looking at the Sony HS51A projector for $800 with a free 25' HDMI cable, new lamp, and more but have seen some seemingly good deals as well in the range. I've seen the Panasonic PT-AX200U projector for less than $1000, the BenQ W5000 projector for around $1300, the Sony HS60 for around $1200 with a screen, and more. What I'm looking for in a projector is color accuracy, low maintenance, deep black levels, 3-D pop (if that's possible), a throw distance that allow at least a 92" screen from a 10' range, the ability to have the lens shifted if need be, quietness (less than 30dba preferably), and is less than $1000 preferably. The Sony HS51a looks like it would fit my requirements but I'm just looking to maximize how far my dollar will go. I do need some help here as I am still a newbie when it comes to choosing projectors. Thanks!

 

[BMXTRIX]

The W5000, if it fits your needs, is in a different class. The refurb models are 1080p Full HD and are WORLDS better in overall quality compared to anything you listed. PERIOD! Get it, use it, love it. It will have better black levels and far more pop than anything else you listed. It will also be in very limited supply as people buy them up quickly.

The Sony is, IMO, good. But, not great. I would get the Panasonic in a second over the Sony.

There are many sub $1,000 DLP offerrings, but none of them have lens shift, which may not work for your setup.

 

[Sherardp]

I agree with BMX, adding a tad bit more funds would put you at a whole new level, and you could certainly entertain the thought of Epson 1080UB or Panny 2000U.

 

[lsiberian]

At your budget level I suggest you save up another 500 and then make a better purchase.

I think it would be unwise to spend 1000 on a 720p projector since a 1080p is only 500 more and will likely be at that price point in a year or two.

So I suggest holding out until you can go 1080p. Preferably with an Epson, Sanyo, or Panny as from what i've read they seem to be the most reliable. Epson seems to be the least resold one, but perhaps that's a matter of it being the least bought. Still something is to be said about a product that is hard to find used. If you see something rarely ebayed it's probably a very satisfying product.

If you need a hold over then you can always go for a used cheap PJ. Don't spend more than 300. I picked up my PJ for 150 on ebay. Works like a champ.

look for a good native resolution, contrast ratio and reasonable lumen output.

 

[rnatalli]

I really like the Epson projectors myself. They've always proved reliable for me and their bulbs are typically less-expensive than the rest.

 

[BMXTRIX]

The price discrepency between a good 1080p projector, and a comparible 720p projector is still pretty significant, and while used/eBay is an option, it is risky. That is, $200 spent on a projector which may last a week or three years, but who can tell? I've heard more than a few reports from people who have had bad luck buying used, and an out of warranty projector requiring a new lamp, or repair, can cost far more than a cheap new projector at the end of the day.

If you can get the BenQ W5000, that is the steal of the moment. It outclasses the Sanyo and many other 1080p models at an even higher price range.

If you really are locked into your budget, then the W5000 is the best way to go by far.

The Panasonic AE3000U and the Epson 6100/6500 models are all great projectors but aren't going to be had for less than 100% more than you are looking to spend. I'm not at all sure why people are recommending models which are this far over your budget.

 

[Bluesmoke]

If you can get the W5000 for $1300, there's nothing that remotely comes close to touching it at that price. One of the best pictures I've ever seen. Plus, it has a sealed light path. I would never EVER buy another LCD projector because of dust. I've gone through 4 projectors before finally accepting that DLP is my best bet.

 

[Driver_King]

I still am feeling that the Sony HS51a is still a good option at $800. I don't think I can find another $500 in funds right now for the BenQ, although I would love to. Tell me I won't be disappointed.

 

[Sherardp]

I wont lie to you, you'll be disappointed. Keep saving and dont rush the purchase. And that's saving you from buyers remorse. Save another 500-1000 and buy something that will kick a$$ and blow you away.

 

[Bluesmoke]

I still am feeling that the Sony HS51a is still a good option at $800. I don't think I can find another $500 in funds right now for the BenQ, although I would love to. Tell me I won't be disappointed.

That's a piece of crap projector. If you're looking at 720p cheap, look no further than the Optoma HD70 (new or used). The cost of additional lamp is about $250. So for $800 you can easily get a HD70 + another lamp. I have one and it's great. It will be a great stepping stone for when you want to upgrade.

 

[Driver_King]

That's a piece of crap projector. If you're looking at 720p cheap, look no further than the Optoma HD70 (new or used). The cost of additional lamp is about $250. So for $800 you can easily get a HD70 + another lamp. I have one and it's great. It will be a great stepping stone for when you want to upgrade.

Is it that bad? It has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio.

 

[lsiberian]

That's a piece of crap projector. If you're looking at 720p cheap, look no further than the Optoma HD70 (new or used). The cost of additional lamp is about $250. So for $800 you can easily get a HD70 + another lamp. I have one and it's great. It will be a great stepping stone for when you want to upgrade.

I wouldn't go that far. It has no negative reviews at projector central from users. I'm sure you would be blown away by any PJ. I am blown away by my PJ and it's a step down from the Sony. Epson does have a better reputation IMO and if you could snag a 720p of theirs I think it would have greater reliability.

I do wonder if that price is too high though. I can't find anywhere online to compare that price too.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I don't think Sony's cheaper projectors touch the competitions products.

http://powersellernyc.com/product/view/Optoma-HD65-DLP-Projector-22091.html

There is a 720p model which kills the Sony for under $800.

But, at the end of the day, that BenQ blows the heck out of anything you are talking about. BY MILES!

It won't be there forever, and right now it is even on 'backorder'. If I could get this for my home (it won't fit my room/screen combo) I would buy it right this second.

http://shop.benq.us/benq-us/basket.aspx?culture=en-US

Don't kid yourself - this one kills everything else.

 

[lsiberian]

Is it that bad? It has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio.

No it's better than any TV you could get for that price. And the picture will be much bigger.

I say just go for it. I haven't seen any bad reviews on it. And usually problem PJs have a bad review. Can you do better sure. But the reality is you will still be blown away. I mean only a few years ago these types of PJs were top of the line.

 

[Driver_King]

Well, like I said in earlier posts, I am coming from a calibrated Sony VPL-VW10HT projector, which looks great, but I have always been accustomed to CRT blacks which is why I am upgrading. I just don't know how I can come up with the extra $500 for the BenQ. Anyone want to lend me some money and I can pay you back over five months time? I use PayPal.

 

[Driver_King]

Since the new projector is also going to be doing office duty (presentations, trainings, ect.), will the BenQ be the most reliable and is it really a good choice for connecting to a computer? I would also like some good reasons why the extra $500 is necessary for another replacement projector. It will double as an HT/office projector so I need all the good excuses I can get!

 

[lsiberian]

Since the new projector is also going to be doing office duty (presentations, trainings, ect.), will the BenQ be the most reliable and is it really a good choice for connecting to a computer? I would also like some good reasons why the extra $500 is necessary for another replacement projector. It will double as an HT/office projector so I need all the good excuses I can get!

Yes it would be more reliable in most cases.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Since the new projector is also going to be doing office duty (presentations, trainings, ect.), will the BenQ be the most reliable and is it really a good choice for connecting to a computer?

Because the BenQ is a native 1080p projector (1920x1080) you get more options for higher resolution computer feeds which will look better and give your presentations more clarity and impact.

I would also like some good reasons why the extra $500 is necessary for another replacement projector. It will double as an HT/office projector so I need all the good excuses I can get!

1080p is the future and the present. As you buy new laptops and other A/V products they will be equipped with HDMI more and more often and they will be able to output 1080p video more and more often. So, instead of buying a product which is outdated on the day you buy it, you are looking at getting a product which already meets the standard which is likely to be in place for the next five years or so.

As well, the lens shift delivered by the BenQ offers up more flexibility in placement than a projector which does not include lens shift. While LCD models will have it, there are many areas in which the BenQ delivers more image quality.

Image quality - The BenQ is going to provide deeper black levels and a sharper image overall. DLP black levels are well known to be a bit better than what you find on LCD models, and DLP with lens shift typically starts at about $5,000 - so at this price, it is an incredible value.

VALUE! 1080p, from the least expensive manufacturers, runs about $1,500 and doesn't touch the BenQ for image quality. That's a Sanyo model - it has lens shift, but not the brightness, nor the black levels which the BenQ will deliver. This projector also was released about a year ago and carried a $5,000 MSRP - so we are talking about it costing about 1/4th what the original price was.

Keep in mind, you may only have a day or two available to buy this projector left.

Read the review of it here...
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/projectors/benq-w5000-dlp
and here...
http://www.projectorreviews.com/benq/w5000/index.php
and here...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/benq_w5000.htm

This projector was very well received at $5,000 - so at $1,300 it is a steal, and it WILL be gone very soon is my expectation.

 

[jostenmeat]

. . . so I need all the good excuses I can get!

I'll give you another.

If you had any equivocal feelings in trusting BMX, please be informed that he is THE moderator at Projector Central forums.

'nuff said. I couldn't even venture to guess how many professionals peruse their websites.

 

[lsiberian]

I'll give you another.

If you had any equivocal feelings in trusting BMX, please be informed that he is THE moderator at Projector Central forums.

'nuff said. I couldn't even venture to guess how many professionals peruse their websites.

Agreed. I wouldn't buy my next projector without reading and taking his advice first.

I didn't realize he had that gig though.