LCD / DLP PROJECTORS? - For home theater
 

Looks like my big old Sony VPL-VW10HT HD projector is giving up the ghost...

What decent priced high definition projectors are out there - ones which offer excellent performance for the buck?

I replaced my Sony with an overpriced Runco and replaced that with a Panasonic PT1900 (must cehck model # but sounds about right). US$200 after a rebate about a year or so ago.

The Panasonic is very quiet in comparison to the others and the picture quality is as good as the Runco for a small fraction of the cost. Not to mention ease of finding a dealer.

The PT has a good throw distance range also and high lumen and contrast rating. I can actually watch a movie with all the lights on.

Took home one of our Dell projectors over the christmas break to watch movies... excellent. Think retail is around $1700, they put out 2400 lumens... bright enough that we don't have to worry about light-proofing our classrooms, even the ones with the big bay windows facing west.

Whatcha think?
http://www.hometheatermag.com/buyersguides/frontprojectors/

Checked my model is a PTAE900U

Check your throw distance requirements when you make a decision. Projectorcentral has a nifty tool for this.

http://www.projectorcentral.com

I bought the Optoma HD72 last year and it has an outstanding picture. I have it setup with a 92" screen. I bought from www.projectionguys.com.

looks like they have a pretty good package on the newer HD73 model
http://www.projectionguys.com/product.cfm?id=791

Epson has a new 1080p projector that can be bought for under $3k now. All the reviews I have seen say it's top notch. Check out www.avsforum.com to do research on anything you are potentially going to buy. You will need to filter through all the horror stories just like on any forum.

Is the 900 the prior model to the Pana 1000?

I just went thru this last week. Ended up buying a 52'' LCD Sharp from Circuit City. About 3,300.00. You might want to check with Sams Club before you buy. Prices at Sams is pretty good but did not have a 50'' or larger LCD when I checked. Good luck. Spencer