Looking to buy new Projector. Your experience is wanted.

[pmac]

Hello. I am asking here because of the infinite experience on what to look for.

There is so much garble on the internet reviews and ratings. I don't know where to start.

I guess to say I am looking to buy a projector in March 2014 when Taxes come in. I currently have an Optoma, but it is getting quirky with taking a long time to turn on it cycles over and over sometimes till it just shuts off and I have to retry, and it finally comes on...a 10 minute ordeal sometimes.
I also find that it is too dark on movies, bulb is good it is always like this I have gone through several bulbs since I got it, it just isn't bright enough. I am looking at getting a "light cannon" as I have read some describe it

I am looking at about $2000 more is not going to work, less is always a plus.

Distance to wall from projector location is about 12-14 feet. Size of image is 140" approx. and it should have a left to right adjustment since the projector is placed on the left side of the room a bit by about a foot or two.

I am in Canada but I imagine that shouldn't make much difference.

Any suggestions where to start would be great, thanks in advance for reading my book!

EDIT: 3D is a bonus if it is available at this price point, but not a necessity. I seem to recall 3D projectors tend to have more light too but don't know if that is the case.