Multimedia projectors?!?! help me pick one

[kmacready]

I'm looking to install a home theatre this summer. I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with miltimedia projectors.

What projector do you have? Would you recommend it? please explain why or why not.

Besides the lumens and picture resolution, what are some other factors I need to be aware of before making a decision?

Thanks CC,

-kmac

[demonfork]

I'm looking to install a home theatre this summer. I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences with miltimedia projectors.

What projector do you have? Would you recommend it? please explain why or why not.

Besides the lumens and picture resolution, what are some other factors I need to be aware of before making a decision?

Thanks CC,

-kmac

What is your price range?

[kmacready]

under $2K (screen separate).

[demonfork]

under $2K (screen separate).

At that price range there are 1chip DLP (as apposed to the more expensive 3 and now 4 chip DLP's) You can also get a LCD projector in that price range as well.

In the 2k price range I have demoed the InFocus X10 (DLP) and the Epson 6100 3LCD. They will both handle 1080P, for the price I felt that the Epson was the better deal mainly because the bulb had double the life expectancy than the InFocus unit.

I also believe that the Epson 6100 is the lowest priced 1080P projector currently on the market and it is also the brightest (It is under 2k while the InFocus is around $2200)

Hope this helps

[kmacready]

Great info. Thanks!

When did you do this demo? I actually had the InFocus X10 at the top of my list, so I am glad you used that as an example. I'm also considering the Sanyo Z700 and the Epson 6100.

I have found the InFocus to be considerable less in price ($1300) than the other 2 models ($1700 and $2050), respectively. www.tigerdirect.com

Epson has them both beat in Lumens 1800 v 1200. However the room I will use has no windows and adjustable lighting. From what I read 1000 Lumens should be adequate in that scenario.

I did not notice the lamp life epectancy before.. quite a big difference. I'll hav eto look up the cost of the replacement bulbs to find out how much of a difference it will make.

[bedub1]

I bought the Panasonic PT-AX200U 720p projector for about $1000. It's a top-of-the-line 720p projector, because the 1080p projectors were out of my price range. I have it shooting at a 120" screen. The brightness is fine, the problem is BLACKS.

If you want a nice 1080p projector, looks like the Panasonic PT-AE3000U is the way to go. Looks like it's $2499 though.

Check out www.projectorcentral.com and also www.projectorreviews.com

[kmacready]

Will ceck it out, thanks for the tip.

what is the problem you experience with the blacks? Is it difficult to see dark scenes in the picture?