Is it worth the upgrade?

[reedwesd]

I currently have a Sanyo Z5 projector (720p) and have been really happy with it for the past 1 ½ years but I have recently been thinking about upgrading. I am using a DIY 110” screen (Wilson Art). I am looking at the Panasonic AE4000u. If I upgrade will a see a major difference and is it a $2000 difference?

 

[BMXTRIX]

If 3D is anywhere near being anywhere close to being on your radar, then I wouldn't buy a replacement projector at this time unless there was a pressing need. Will you see an upgrade with 1080p? Yes, you typically will see an upgrade. Will it be phenomenal? Not typically, though the Panasonic Smooth Screen technology does completely eliminate the screen door effect which can make the image look sharper (or softer) depending on your point of view. I'm pretty happy with what the AE4000 does with SDE and I think Panasonic really has it figured out.

The Epson 8500UB would be my choice over the 4000 because I have no use for the extra bells and whistles that the 4000 delivers, but both are really good.

But, with 3D models on the way if you can wait 12-18 months you likely will have some 1080p home theater projectors available which can handle 3D at 100+ inches and come in about the same price as the AE4000 currently does. IMO, it is worth waiting for if the price is the same.

On the other hand, if you must have a new lamp right now, then it may be time to just bite the bullet and do an upgrade.

 

[reedwesd]

Thanks for you help. I am alittle on the fence about 3D so it is not a huge deal to me right now. I would like to have 1080P but just not sure if I can justify the $2K on it.

 

[jostenmeat]

Thanks for you help. I am alittle on the fence about 3D so it is not a huge deal to me right now. I would like to have 1080P but just not sure if I can justify the $2K on it.

How many feet are your eyes to the screen?

How good is your vision, 20/20?

Assuming 20/20, if you sit over 21 ft away or so, you won't get any benefit of 1080p.

Any closer than that, it start becoming worth it to upgrade.

Once you are as close as 13-14 ft away, it is quite definitely worth it to upgrade, as there you already get the maximum/full benefit of 1080p. BTW, I'm saying all of this without knowing your disposable income, etc.

For my own viewing angle, not only could I use better than 1080p, I think I remember that I could do with even better than 1440p. But, 4k projectors are way out of my league for now.

 

[reedwesd]

I am about 14-15’ from the screen and I would say my vision is close to 20/20.

I need to stay around the lower $2K mark.

The room is completely pitch black except for some accent lighting that I use behind my screen.

 

[manlystanley]

But, with 3D models on the way if you can wait 12-18 months you likely will have some 1080p home theater projectors available which can handle 3D at 100+ inches and come in about the same price as the AE4000 currently does. IMO, it is worth waiting for if the price is the same.

BMX,
Great advice. I have a Sharp XR-32X 720P projector that I bought about 2 years ago for $699. For my family, it works great on our 106" screen.

As I see the prices fall on the 1080p's I've been tempted to jump in and upgrade, but I really agree with you. Especially since the younger of my 5 kids are into old Walt Disney movies and B/W Shirley Temple.

I'm planning on waiting for two years and picking up a 1080P 3D projector. By then, Bluray will be the dominate format, so the 1080P capabilities will actually be fully used.

Best Regards,
Stan

 

[jeffsg4mac]

I am in the same boat as you. I have a Panny AE900u 720p that looks really good when calibrated, but I know that a newer 1080p model would look even better and have more lumens to boot. Tough to answer. I will probably get a new one later this year or early next.