Upgrading Projector: Optoma HD65 or Epson Cinema 720

[BMXTRIX]

I think that you are making some very wise purchases with your money. I'm not sure of the quality of the newest Yamaha gear, but I have always thought that Yamaha and Denon have been class leaders for overall quality. I think you are at worst, really safe with Yamaha.

The hardest part I know you may struggle with, as I know I do, is whether or not the price of the 6500 is worth it when you see some of the other deals which are out there. Every now and then a $1200 or 1500 special pops up online. Some great stuff out there! But, the 6500 is a really strong product, period. You likely will be happy for years to come with it vs. others which may leave you wanting. I know when those specials come up, I resist the urge to buy in and I just wait patiently until I have the funds to get exactly the projector I want to upgrade to. Right now, the 6500 is way up on that list.

The Panasonic is the one I would get. I'm still pretty happy with my PS3 though.

You've got all the right gear lined up to be looking at a significant overall improvement.

 

[mpompey]

I hear you BMX.

I think my issues is that I was looking for a way to upgrade all three components at the same time; and cutting corners to do that. Just caught a case of upgrade-itis, but thankfully you guys had the cure and brought me back to my senses.

 

[lsiberian]

I hear you BMX.

I think my issues is that I was looking for a way to upgrade all three components at the same time; and cutting corners to do that. Just caught a case of upgrade-itis, but thankfully you guys had the cure and brought me back to my senses.

I will add that the Good Epsons are rarely sold on ebay while the Panny's and Sanyos are. I interpret this to mean that the Epsons are so good that people find no reason to sell them.

 

[lsiberian]

The Panasonic is the one I would get. I'm still pretty happy with my PS3 though.

You can't play Madden on the Panasonic and the PS3 does have very good processing. It's a game system and as a computer nerd I can tell you game machines tend to be more powerful than Home theater PCs not built for gaming.

I suggest a PS3 to anyone getting a blu-ray player. No other player offers gaming.

 

[BMXTRIX]

You can't play Madden on the Panasonic and the PS3 does have very good processing. It's a game system and as a computer nerd I can tell you game machines tend to be more powerful than Home theater PCs not built for gaming.

I suggest a PS3 to anyone getting a blu-ray player. No other player offers gaming.

There are any number of reasons why people do not get the PS3 and don't want the PS3. I don't argue AGAINST the PS3, but hopefully you agree that people may agree with some/all of the points below.

1. The PS3 has no full IR control capabilities without extremely specialized third party products.

2. The PS3 has no IR control capabilities out of the box.

3. The PS3 generates far more noise than stand alone players.

4. The PS3 has a price point that is now a fair bit higher than the competing stand alone BD players.

5. A game system in the theater invites my kids to come play video games in the theater - this is not something I want.

6. The PS3 is far more complex than current Blu-ray stand alone players which may present reliability issues.

7. My equipment rack is not well ventilated, so I can't have the extra heat which the PS3 produces.

8. I'm not totally green, but I don't want to draw all that power to run a PS3 when all I want to do is watch a movie.

9. Movie player. That's it. That's all I want. I don't want a silly looking game system in my rack.

Yep, I've pretty much heard all of those in my dealings.

Personally, I want a stand alone player because I don't want all the wear and tear on my PS3 for movie watching. I'd rather use it for gaming, and leave the movie playback for a movie player. Still, I've already got my PS3 which I've had since release date and have been very happy with. It certainly is a very good option.