Choosing a Projector

[NorthernBear]

I am in the process of having a home theatre installed in my home. The AV company installed a Mitsubishi HC7000 projector, however there were compatibility issues with 1080i/30 input devices. They are now suggesting that we switch the projector out for a Planar 8130 projector.

Question is, which is a better projector? The AV firm claims that the Planar is better, however the contrast ratio on the Planar is 10000:1 vs 72000:1 for the Mitsubishi. Both are 1000 ANSI Lumens.

Any idea if the Planar is better? They want to charge me an extra $1500cda to trade up to the Planar. Should I make the switch, or go with a different projector.

Projects is about 12ft away from the screen, which is 92 inches wide.

Thanks,

[Durentis]

Here are the specs for the Planar PD8130 and the Mitsubishi HC7000 according to Projector Central.

You'll notice that the Planar is DLP and the Mitsubishi is LCD. As I recall, DLP is the better of the two (and what I went with) though I don't recall what the differences were off hand. Should be easy enough to google though.. here's a start.

Also, the Planar looks to support more video modes but at a tighter throw range (that covers your ~12' distance). Note that those spec sheets don't necessarily tell the whole story - they're missing a bunch of modes that my W9000 supports.

I wouldn't worry too much about the contrast ratio difference. My BenQ W9000 is 8500:1 and it looks incredible.

Finally, the MSRPs listed are only $1000 US apart.. you may wish to haggle a bit on the trade-in cost if you go that route.

Now that said, I'm sure you can find a comparable DLP projector that meets your needs without paying so much unless you're paying a great deal less than MSRP on the Mitsubishi.. The BenQ W5000, for example.

[NorthernBear]

Thanks for the information. Ended up going with the Planar DLP projector. Apparently the contrast ratio is not the only consideration when selecting a projector, and in fact sometimes the contrast ratio is a little mis-leading. The DLP project provides a crisper picture.

[Twitch9]

it sounds like they are trying to get you to upgrade to a more expensive projector, i would also consider the Panasonic 3000 or one of the Epson 6500UB both very good and in the same price range and quality as the mitsubishi, on your size of screen i don't think you will notice the difference with the Planar. Keep us updated on what projector you choose.

[Grevlin]

I'm stuck between the Sanyo Z3000 and the Panny AE3000. Leaning towards the Panny these days.

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by NorthernBear

I am in the process of having a home theatre installed in my home. The AV company installed a Mitsubishi HC7000 projector, however there were compatibility issues with 1080i/30 input devices.

Was the compatibility something you noticed or what they told you? 1080i30 is the ATSC broadcast rate. That means if you tune into ANY HD channels either on cable or OTA, you'll have trouble.

Since you already made the decision, I guess this is a moot point.


fuad

[ryoohki]

Never played with a DLP unit that much. I'am sensible to the Blue filter and i see it everysingle time i flick they eye, even with dual wheel units. My friend is sea sick in front of a DLP Unit with a wheel. So i buy only LCD unit since they are no wheel in them... This doesn't apply only the projector but to RPTV too (in my case)

[Psiweaver]

The Planar is a nicer unit. Remember the cross border thing will mess with the price far more than you would think. DLP will have much better color than the LCD units will so that would be a good upgrade for you. In addition the planar should support 1080p/24 and other less common resolutions.

Alistair

[ak808]

i have the hc7000 for about 9 months now. It's a great projector in all aspects. Can't really compare it to much but it met my expectations in sharpness, clarity, and black levels. It does support 1080p/24 as well as other signal feeds. I have no issues on hd cable (1080i). In this day in age I honestly don't think that you can go wrong with either projector. Panasonic, Epson, Mitsubishi, Planar, all have their strengths and weaknesses. What attracted me to the hc7000 was the long 5000 hour bulb life. I currently have 1200hours on it and it still looks as good as day one, infact call me crazy but it seems brighter then before.