Help Needed in Choosing Projector "DESPERATE"

[bencam101]

hello i am a first time projector purchacer and am in need of some DESPERATE help from all you projector fans out there. i am STUCK... i am trying to decide on which projector to purchace and have narrowed it down to either the Panasonic AE700.. or the InFocus ScreenPlay5000... both are apparently "GOOD" projectors... but i keep changing my mind from one to the other.. the panasonic has higher Zoom capabillities.. and longer lasting bulb aparently.. and no.. or lesser fly screen effect.. but the in focus is apparently better for quality of image.. i am not sure.. i keep getting mixed messages from everyone that i ask and its becoming extreemly frustrating and confusing.. i mainly want the projector for DVD's... hidef television.... and computer monitoring.. possibly xbox gaming as well.. but mostly DVDs and computer.. can anyone please please please help me in deciding which projector i should go for ... i would GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ADVICE AND HELP... thankyou verry much.

 

[av-man]

I have always been disappointed by the big name projectors, Hitachi, Panasonic, Toshiba Etc. You will not go wrong buying a projector fom a company that specializes in them like Infocus. Although Infocus is not my choice of products to sell (I carry Sim2) they are a very good machine. A lot of companies O.E.M. from them. One I carry is made by Infocus and suped up at their factory(kind of like nascar would do a chevy). In my opinion if it is made by Infocus and fits your budget then thats the way to go.

 

[BMXTRIX]

The Panasonics are awesome - it's as simple as that. If you are looking at 1280x720 LCD, then that is the only way that I would recommend that anyone go right now. That's just me of course. I don't think they 'blow away' the competition, they are just a little bit better. In black level and projector design for the money. Just marginally better.

Of course - the 1280x720 DLP projectors are just a little more cash and look a lot better. May not be in your budget though.

 

[bencam101]

Oh boy.... see what i mean.. even more confusing

oh boy oh boy oh boy.. same thing again

one person goes for the infocus.. the other goes for the panasonic...

this is way too confusing for me

oh what will i ever do


please.. more responces ... im even more desperate than before



thanks for the responces however... they were helpfull.

 

[av-man]

The Infocus is about $300 cheaper.
But the Panasonic does have a nice lens shift that will help the DIY installer.

 

[BMXTRIX]

See, now it is one of those things I should have mentioned: I've just seen the InFocus 4805 (DLP) and 7205 (DLP) and they look great. I have nothing against InFocus and definitely have them on my 'recommended' list. But, the Panasonic has the best engineered 1280x720 LCD projector on the market (in my opinion) right now. It is just simply a little bit better overall. The lens options allow for incredible mounting versatility and the image and contrast is just excellent for the money.

InFocus has a lot of good press, but it is mostly around their DLPs, not the LCD home projectors. You might want to also ask this question and do some reading (if you haven't) at www.projectorcentral.com which is an excellent projector specific resource.

 

[Doug917]

bencam101,

I have an infocus Screenplay 4805 and can't get over how awesome the color and detail is and the model you're looking at is better than mine. I have also heard great things about the Panasonic. I'd say just choose one and start enjoying it. I get in the same postition all the time. If you were looking at one crap projector and one awesome one, you'd get a clear answer. You should be very happy with either projector as they are both great units.

 

[XtremeAV]

DLP Every Time

I sell both models and have seen them both in action many times & let me just say that for home theater Infocus with it's DLP wins hands down.
I don't know how some people can compare an LCD projector to even a low end DLP unit unless they have not seen them in person because just reading specs. you will never see what I mean.

 

[bencam101]

but the infocus 5000 is not a dlp.. it is also an LCD projector just like the panasonic.

im thinking of going with the panasonic... but im still not sure... i keep changing my mind for MANY various reasons. im still stuck

please help help ... thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[RLA]

Hello
Many folks like the Panasonic 700 but alot of people are reporting problems Vertical banding and dust blobs are the most common complaint with this machine. The Infocus 5000 will have more SDE
The Sanyo Z-3 should also be considered It has blow holes for cleaning dust from the LCD panel and is reported to have no VB

Speaking of the low cost 1280x720 DLPs there have been reports that Toshiba does not have a zero dead DMD policy and a couple of consumers have machines with dead DMD's I would have the dealer do a QC check before purchasing one of these.

The Infocus 7205 is in a different class than all of the above Projectors
And is a light cannon this would be my pick of the bunch but is more
moola

 

[superman_kalel]

check out the Optoma H31. I just picked this up with screen and mount for about $1100ish and it's awesome. Check www.projectorcentral.com and look at the 'Top Projectors for HT' and read the reviews...

D

Projector Central Low Cost Projectors:
1.Panasonic PT-AE700U
2.InFocus ScreenPlay 4805
3.Optoma H31

 

[XtremeAV]

If you can afford a little extra cash and your room is large enough the Infocus SP-5700 is a great unit and is DLP.