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View Full Version : [Help Needed] HT Projector choices

thsmith
05-21-2009, 10:16 PM
A friend at work was asking me about projectors but I know nothing about them so I thought I would see if fellow polkies in the projector know could help.

He is torn between these two projectors.

Panasonic PT-AE3000U $2500 or the Epson Home Cinema 6500UB Projector for $2500 (after $500 rebate).

Pretty good writeups at this site

http://www.projectorreviews.com/1080p-projector/1080p_projector_award_winners.php

He would be interested if any other 'new' information out there that would either help him decide or change his choice altogether. He is going with a really big screen, so he is leaning toward the EPSON.

Screen desired dimensions:

Main uses: Equal sports in HD and BR movies.

Gain: 1.2

16.9: 135" diag, 66x118". Throw distance of 18'1", eye height 46". Center of screen 58". Top 90". Bottom 24"

2.39:1 133" diag, 52x125w. Throw distance of 18'10", eye height 46". Center: 54 2/3", top 80 2/3". Bottom 28 2/3".

Note: he will adjust the throw distance using the zoom/refocus.

Thanks for any info to help him decide.
appadv
05-21-2009, 11:23 PM
They are very close in PQ. However, I would go with the 6500UB. The Epson 1080UB (last year's model) is also a great performer.
Sherardp
05-22-2009, 02:41 AM
In its best mode the Epson would be brighter and for such a large screen you're going to need all the lumens you can. I would even go as far as suggesting a Da-lite Hi Power screen to get even more output from the projector. The Panasonic is ok, has lens memory so you can run a scope setup without the need of a lens/sled assembly.

If these are the only choices then the Epson, if the budget expands, JVC RS10.
thsmith
05-22-2009, 08:13 AM
Thanks appadv and Sherardp !

Keep it coming Polkies, BTW this guy just bought some nice used RTi10s and a Polk center.
Grimster74
05-22-2009, 08:28 AM
I've owned the Epson Home Cinema 1080 (right before the release of the 1080UB) and its a great projector. For a screen of that size I would definately go with the Epson due to the Epsons being real light cannons. Seen a few of the Panny projectors before and the picture it throws was right on par with the Epsons but the Epsons in my opinion are much brighter projectors for sure.
Sherardp
05-22-2009, 08:33 AM
I've owned the Epson Home Cinema 1080 (right before the release of the 1080UB) and its a great projector. For a screen of that size I would definately go with the Epson due to the Epsons being real light cannons. Seen a few of the Panny projectors before and the picture it throws was right on par with the Epsons but the Epsons in my opinion are much brighter projectors for sure.

So what do you own now?
Grimster74
05-22-2009, 08:35 AM
LMAO!!!!! Oops, guess I forgot to mention that, JVC HD1, stole it from some poor bastard that knew if he sent it to me I'd pull the trigger on it. Thanks again bro for looking out for me!

Rob
engtaz
05-22-2009, 10:00 AM
Go with the Epson.
dpowell
05-23-2009, 01:48 PM
Epson makes a great projector. I've had one in the past but went with a Mitsubishi last time around due to the price point but that doesn't seem to be an issue here.
mshan242700
05-23-2009, 02:22 PM
Another good site for projector reviews: http://www.projectorcentral.com/