More reliable projector - new panasonic or epson?

[soth]

Hi all,

Right now I'm trying to decide between the Panasonic PT-AE4000U and Epson 8500UB.

I paid approx $3000 for my last projector, a benq... i forget the model #, 5000 maybe. It only lasted 18 months before it broke, and the repair bill would have been more than the cost of the projector. Lucky for me, I bought it from costco, so even though the manufacturer's warranty was up, costco gave me a full refund. Sadly, Costco isnt carrying high-end projectors these days.

I'm looking for a projector that will last me 5 years+ without breaking down on me. I've never had experience with the Epson brand, and the only experience I've had with panasonic has been stereo equipment. The stereo stuff I've had from panasonic has been incredibly durable though, and so I am currently leaning towards panasonic... anyway, I'm starting to ramble here I guess, but could people who have owned these two brands please give me some feedback on which one is most likely to last the longest?

Thanks much!

 

[Ben_in_COSpring]

I don't think you'll get any data on reliability beyond the anecdotal, but Epsons do have the better warranty.

 

[highfigh]

Hi all,

Right now I'm trying to decide between the Panasonic PT-AE4000U and Epson 8500UB.

I paid approx $3000 for my last projector, a benq... i forget the model #, 5000 maybe. It only lasted 18 months before it broke, and the repair bill would have been more than the cost of the projector. Lucky for me, I bought it from costco, so even though the manufacturer's warranty was up, costco gave me a full refund. Sadly, Costco isnt carrying high-end projectors these days.

I'm looking for a projector that will last me 5 years+ without breaking down on me. I've never had experience with the Epson brand, and the only experience I've had with panasonic has been stereo equipment. The stereo stuff I've had from panasonic has been incredibly durable though, and so I am currently leaning towards panasonic... anyway, I'm starting to ramble here I guess, but could people who have owned these two brands please give me some feedback on which one is most likely to last the longest?

Thanks much!

Did you have any kind of UPS or surge suppressor on the projector? They really don't like unstable power and if it wasn't ventilated well, that could have been a major factor in its failure.

 

[BMXTRIX]

With proper ventilation and REGULAR cleaning of the filters either should last you for years. Epson has a 3,000 hour lamp and a longer warranty which is something that is definitely worth considering.

Also worth considering spending a bit more on an extended warranty if you are a particularly heavy user of your projector.