Anyone else getting a new projector soon?

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I'm looking to replace my Panasonic AE900U within the next few months.

After seeing Projector Central's review of the AE4000U ($2000), I have to say that things are looking pretty positive.
http://www.projectorcentral.co...0_projector_review.htm

I was expecting this to be at the $3000 pricepoint or $2500 street price at best.

Last year's AE3000U is now going for $1700.

I thought the Epson 8100 was an incredible price/performance based on the reviews
http://www.projectorcentral.co...e_cinema_projector.htm
but the AE4000's unexpected price is really appealing.

I was assuming I'd be looking at the $3000-$4000 options with a close eye on Panasonic and Epson for their new models. Since the AE4000U is actually $2000, I wonder what Epson is going to price the 8500UB and where it stacks up.

Has anyone else been keeping an eye on this since CEDIA?

 

[Tiamat]

while im not currently in the market for projectors, i've been keeping an eye on JVC projectors.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Tiamat
while im not currently in the market for projectors, i've been keeping an eye on JVC projectors.

Yeah, those seem remarkably good, especially considering they're getting those results without a dynamic iris. Unfortunately even the "low end" ones are more than I'd like to spend.

 

[sivart]

Optoma HD20...seems entry level 1080p at under $1000

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: sivart
Optoma HD20...seems entry level 1080p at under $1000

It should be interesting to compare the Vivitek H1080FD once that comes out. Do you know how sensitive you are to the rainbow effect?

 

[richardycc]

I have my eyes on the new Epson 8500ub or 9500ub,but it's hard to justify this upgrade especially my 4yrs old 720p Sony VPL-HS20 only has 135hrs on it.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: richardycc
4yrs old 720p Sony VPL-HS20 only has 135hrs on it.

:shocked:

About 16 movies per year?

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: richardycc
4yrs old 720p Sony VPL-HS20 only has 135hrs on it.

:shocked:

About 16 movies per year?

My 3 year old Optoma HD72 (720p DLP - never see rainbows) has about 900 hours on it. I thought that was low....wow

 

[Need4Speed]

My Epson is still looking fantastic .. and we have another kid on the way .. so no new HT upgrades in my future for a while since my wife is going to be staying home now. Then again, I'm totally happy with my setup right now. There's nothing I'd consider upgrading.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: richardycc
I have my eyes on the new Epson 8500ub or 9500ub,but it's hard to justify this upgrade especially my 4yrs old 720p Sony VPL-HS20 only has 135hrs on it.

Your license to own a projector is hereby suspended. I had 500hrs on the HD72 before the machine gave up on me on month 13.

 

[kalrith]

It's nice to see such a good projector in the $2k price range. If my plasma ever croaks or I move and have a dedicated HT room, then something like the AE4000U will be on my short list. I love the Intelligent Lens Memory and how well that would integrate with a constant-image-height setup (which is what I'd want).

YOyoYO, what are you planning to do with your AE900U?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: kalrith
It's nice to see such a good projector in the $2k price range. If my plasma ever croaks or I move and have a dedicated HT room, then something like the AE4000U will be on my short list. I love the Intelligent Lens Memory and how well that would integrate with a constant-image-height setup (which is what I'd want).

YOyoYO, what are you planning to do with your AE900U?

Door stop?

I guess after going some comparison testing, I'll just put it on Craigslist or something.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Has anyone else been keeping an eye on this since CEDIA?

Absolutely. There are a few projectors on the short list. I hope to buy in the next 4-6 weeks.

Panny AE-4000
Sharp XV-Z15000
Mitsu HC3800

So far the Mitsu is leading the way, but the huge 35% offset makes it a tight fit for my living room. I'm hoping for a 110" screen from a throw of 12'. With my 7'6" ceiling that puts the bottom of the screen about 18-20" off the floor.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
Has anyone else been keeping an eye on this since CEDIA?

Absolutely. There are a few projectors on the short list. I hope to buy in the next 4-6 weeks.

Panny AE-4000
Sharp XV-Z15000
Mitsu HC3800

So far the Mitsu is leading the way, but the huge 35% offset makes it a tight fit for my living room. I'm hoping for a 110" screen from a throw of 12'. With my 7'6" ceiling that puts the bottom of the screen about 18-20" off the floor.

The Epson 8100 looked pretty strong based on the review I saw. Is there something about it that was a deal breaker for you?

I was able to watch something on my projector for the first time in my new semi-optimized room for the first time tonight. I checked the settings and I have just over 1000 hours on my current bulb (bulb #2 for the AE900U). I don't remember how many I had on the last one before it started getting flicker problems. I'd guess around 2000 hours?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
The Epson 8100 looked pretty strong based on the review I saw. Is there something about it that was a deal breaker for you?

I was able to watch something on my projector for the first time in my new semi-optimized room for the first time tonight. I checked the settings and I have just over 1000 hours on my current bulb (bulb #2 for the AE900U). I don't remember how many I had on the last one before it started getting flicker problems. I'd guess around 2000 hours?

I've always preferred the look and feel of a DLP image. I have nothing against LCD per se. It's probably because my current projector is DLP and it's what I've become comfortable with. The fame interpolation in the Panny piqued my interest. It's not normally in projectors at that price point (the Epson doesn't have it), which is why it's on the short list.