Upgrade Path

[mpompey]

I'm thinking about upgrading my projector in preparation for something to shakeout of the HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray war next year. I currently have an Optoma HD30 DLP front projector. I have really loved this unit. However, it doesn't natively support 720p or 1080i, no HDMI or DVI inputs. But other than that it has been a stable workhorse in my theatre for the last 2 years.

What you guys recommend for my next projector? Mind you I want to stay sub $3K if possible, and have HDTV quality for the next gen of DVD players.

 

[BMXTRIX]

You likely are going to see the same answers all over again and they will range from the Mits. HD1000 or Optoma HD70 to the Panasonic AX100 and Sanyo Z5 projectors.

IMO: Nothing has been settled yet. While I agree that you may want to rush out and buy something now (I have a 3 year old Panny), it really may not be worth the rush quite yet. I expect, that by the end of this year that we will get releases of multiple 1080p projectors that deliver 1080p for about $3,000 or so and include things like lens shift and HDMI 1.3 native. Those are well worth waiting for in a front projection setup that will likely last more than a few weeks.

If you just gotta upgrade, I would try to get the cheapest of the 720p models to work with my setup. Think HD70 or HD1000.

 

[angstadt530]

I would wait at least a year or so if I were you. You currently have a really nice projector, and the latest technologies are still evolving. I know it's tough (I'm sitting on my hands too!), but I think the smarter move is to wait until HDMI 1.3 really takes control of the market. On the bright side, a year from now the prices on the models you're looking at now will be way down, and there will probably be something even better for you to buy!

Think about when DVD players first came out. A lot of people spent HUNDREDS of dollars on interlaced ones, only to watch progressive scan players take the market over--and at sub-$100 prices!

Like I said, I know it's difficult to wait, but I think you'll be more satisfied if you wait at least a few more months.