BenQ W6000, Panasonic PT-AE3000, or Epson 6500UB to upgrade for 1080P?

[m3maniac]

The present set up 7.1: Denon AVR4802R
Polk Lsi9 surround sounds-2 front, 2 side, 2 rear
Polk Lsic center channel
Infinity Northridge E250P subwoofer
BenQ PE8700 projector
PS3, X-Box 360, Scientific Atlanta HD-HDMI 1080i cable box
Room size: 25’ long x 12’ wide with an 8’ ceiling
Projector is located 12’-6” from front of screen. Screen size viewable 91” wide x 52” high
Seating centrally located.

I just added the Oppo bdp-83 to get TrueHD sound through the Denon and now would like to update the Projecter to 1080P.

Mostly watch Bluerays, Play PS3, XBox and watch cable tv.

Any ideas on which would be the best choice for this application and does anyone have information regarding the new BenQ i.e. reviews, etc.?

 

[BMXTRIX]

The BenQ 1080p projectors have a longer throw lens which generally doesn't make them hit 106" diagonal from the distance you are looking at.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?g=1&hide=0&st=1&mfg=&p=1&p=3500&w=&r=13&br=&ll=&t=&db=&dt=&c=&ar=&dvi=&td=12.5&i=d&is=106&sort=pop

There are 22 projectors which can do it, the BenQ is just not one of them.

I'm throwing the same size from about the same distance, so I know the BenQs have issue from that distance/size.

Personally, I would go with the Epson.

 

[Trezl]

My Epson 6500 has done me no wrong. It was a huge step up from my previous 720p setup, and after 320 hours, I still can't get enough.

 

[jostenmeat]

I think I would also lean towards Epson for better blacks. However, the idea of lens setting memory for wider AR is really cool...

My only issue with setting up a 2.35:1 with a Panny is that if I ever upgrade to a different PJ, I'd have to do the whole anamorphic CIH thing (or do the manual zoom/focus, but I can see that getting tiresome). I guess one could get a 16:9 screen, and simply mask it for the time being?