Help me choose a projector 1500-2000USD

[massiv]

I'm new to projectors and seriously need some guidance.

I'll keep it short...

- I'll be watching mainly regular DVDs. Right now I have no plans to invest in Bluray or HDDVD. At the same time I can't say for sure that within a year I wont be start picking up Blurays. Its just that I already have a big collection of DVD.

- I'll be using it in my living room about 2-4 meters away from projector to screen/wall.

- Mostly I'll be watching movies in the evening under dark light conditions.

- I think 100" should be more than enough as my sofa will be just 2-3 meters from the screen.

- I won't use it for games like X-Box or PS3. (Only if a friend brings one over)

I'd like to keep my budget under 2000USD and best around 1500USD. I live in China and they are a tad bit more expensive here than the states.

I hope you can help me out, I'm pretty lost

 

[AVRat]

You may want to consider the Epson 6100.

 

[majorloser]

You may want to consider the Epson 6100.

Problem is that the Epson 6100 is REALLY close to $2,000. But it is a 1080p native projector. You might be able to pick up the Mitsubishi HC6500U for a good deal:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mitsubishi-HC6500U.htm

Since you don't really care about Bluray at this time, you might want to save more money and go with a 720p native projector. You should be able to get a great deal on the Panasonic PT-AX200U
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic-PT-AX200U.htm

Or even cheaper, the Sanyo PLV-Z60
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z60.htm

 

[BMXTRIX]

Problem is that the Epson 6100 is REALLY close to $2,000. But it is a 1080p native projector. You might be able to pick up the Mitsubishi HC6500U for a good deal:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Mitsubishi-HC6500U.htm

Since you don't really care about Bluray at this time, you might want to save more money and go with a 720p native projector. You should be able to get a great deal on the Panasonic PT-AX200U
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic-PT-AX200U.htm

Or even cheaper, the Sanyo PLV-Z60
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z60.htm

The problem is that he is likely to go HD in the next year, and it makes no sense to drop $1K now and then have to spend $2K again in a year when we have the quality 1080p models out there right now.

As big of a fan of DVD as I am, BD performance is pretty easily recognizable on front projection and is well worth the investment sooner, rather than later.

I would get the Epson 6100 for versatility in setup reasons alone. It's capable of being pretty bright for a HT projector, and it has the zoom and lens shift which many other models lack - especially DLP models.

 

[lsiberian]

The problem is that he is likely to go HD in the next year, and it makes no sense to drop $1K now and then have to spend $2K again in a year when we have the quality 1080p models out there right now.

As big of a fan of DVD as I am, BD performance is pretty easily recognizable on front projection and is well worth the investment sooner, rather than later.

I would get the Epson 6100 for versatility in setup reasons alone. It's capable of being pretty bright for a HT projector, and it has the zoom and lens shift which many other models lack - especially DLP models.

Yes even on my low end non HT PJ it's noticeable. Budget in a blu-ray buy.

 

[massiv]

How about the Sanyo PLV-Z700?

I read a review that says it has very low noise compared to the 6100 that is supposed to be a bit noisy.

In a dark room will I need the brightness of the 6100?

How does the epson and sanyo compared. There is quite a big difference in price here in China. If the perform similar I would rather go for the Sanyo and save money for a screen.

The Mitsubishi model sells very expensive here in China btw. 1000USD more than the Epson 6100

 

[lsiberian]

How about the Sanyo PLV-Z700?

I read a review that says it has very low noise compared to the 6100 that is supposed to be a bit noisy.

In a dark room will I need the brightness of the 6100?

How does the epson and sanyo compared. There is quite a big difference in price here in China. If the perform similar I would rather go for the Sanyo and save money for a screen.

The Mitsubishi model sells very expensive here in China btw. 1000USD more than the Epson 6100

The Sanyo will blow away any tv you could buy. So yes it's still good enough.

Sanyo also has a 3000 model,

 

[AVRat]

Doing a little research, the Sanyo 700 would be a very good, cost efective, runner-up option.

 

[Sherardp]

I would go for a 1080p unit right off the top, and not even consider 720p unit. A waste of money, especially when you can buy 1080p PJs for right at or under 2k. I would even consider Epson Home Cinema 1080 or Panny 2000U if you can find one as they should be under 2k. My good buddy upgraded to my JVC HD1 and sold his Epson for around 850 or so. Ebay has these units at 1500-2000 and for that coin they are very good. The Epson 6100 as mentioned should definitely be considered.

Also @ your price range, definitely consider the JVC RS1/HD1. I sold mine for 1800 so surely you can find one around the 2k mark. Check videogon out for sure.