What to buy with $1500.00

[ahearst]

Thanks to my employee bonus I will have approximately $1500 (including tax/shipping) available to spend on a projector this summer. Appreciate any recommendations from those in the know, as I'm a novice. Thanks again!

[matthewrounds]

I'm planning on buying the Panasonic pt-ax200u. Its $949 shipped through a sponsored dealer at AVS. Then I would use the rest to make a screen or purchase one.

I don't think you can get better than a 720p projector for $1500

[Beta Man]

My HC-1500 was $600 and I made the screen myself for less than $100.... You could do that, or buy a screen for $200 or so, and have some play money for other stuff.... or you could just save it

You'll be hard pressed to find a 1080p unit for $1,500 though.

[Trogdor2010]

On Amazon.com, they have an Infocus X10 1080p DLP projector for $1300, a great bargain and it is very bright so it's good for relatively large screens, and a very good performer. It does use a Dark chip 1 for black levels, but it should be deeper than most LCD projectors around it's price.

[DIY_HD]

Why settle? Do some shopping, pick the one you want and save the difference, if necessary. Don't sell yourself short. How often are you going to buy one of these? You might as well get what you want. I fully understand you don't want to wait any longer, but look at it this way. Every month new products are released. They are better and cheaper than the models before them.

But don't wait forever. When you find the one that floats your boat, strike, and don't look back. I bought my HDTV and BDP last June and they don't even sell them any more. Am I happy with them? H*ll yes. If I had to do it all over again, I would do it exactly the same way.

There is nothing wrong with what I have. But the manufacturers have to keep up with the competition, so they are continuously bringing new products to market. If you can find what you want for under $1,500, go for it. But if you want more, wait for it and save. That way, you will have no regrets. JMHO

[Disky76]

Originally Posted by ahearst

Thanks to my employee bonus I will have approximately $1500 (including tax/shipping) available to spend on a projector this summer. Appreciate any recommendations from those in the know, as I'm a novice. Thanks again!

My HC-1600 was $800 shipped on Amazon, and my Draper was about $100. With $1500, that leaves some room for audio.

The HC-1600 rocks. You will not be dissapointed.

[ahearst]

Originally Posted by Disky76

My HC-1600 was $800 shipped on Amazon, and my Draper was about $100. With $1500, that leaves some room for audio.

The HC-1600 rocks. You will not be dissapointed.

Though I plan a front speaker upgrade when Black Friday rolls around, audio isn't a big concern. I've given a lot of thought to purchasing the 1600, but the Panasonic PT-AX200U really has me intrigued. Unless I'm able to save additional money, enough to get in the ballpark for a possible 1080p projector purchase, I'll likely go with either the Panny or the Mitsu. My goal is to make a decision by July, purchase no later than August and have the projector and a screen installed and in use by Labor Day.

I appreciate all the recommendations I've received thus far. Please feel free to add more.

[fronn]

Personally (and no offense to anyone) I think it's kind of a waste to do anything but 1080p if you're going to go projector.

The main appeal of a projector is the screen size, and the advantages of 1080p and BR become even more clear (depending on the movie) at the larger sizes. It seems like it's setting yourself up for disappointment - if you're going to do it, do it right. There's several 1080p projectors that aren't too far out of the $1500 range that would work just fine.

If I had to save longer (even if it was another year) to get a 1080p projector or deal with a 720p and be able to get it now, I'd save and wait. If you're reasonable, you'll be using it for several years.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by fronn

Personally (and no offense to anyone) I think it's kind of a waste to do anything but 1080p if you're going to go projector.

The main appeal of a projector is the screen size, and the advantages of 1080p and BR become even more clear (depending on the movie) at the larger sizes. It seems like it's setting yourself up for disappointment - if you're going to do it, do it right. There's several 1080p projectors that aren't too far out of the $1500 range that would work just fine.

If I had to save longer (even if it was another year) to get a 1080p projector or deal with a 720p and be able to get it now, I'd save and wait. If you're reasonable, you'll be using it for several years.

although I agree that getting a 1080p unit will be in his best interest, and certainly at those screen sizes 1080p will be fully appreciated at normal viewing distance..... I don't think 720p/1080i units are a "waste" and I'm certainly not disappointed (especially at the price I got it for) with mine.....

It also depends on how important video is to him.... My projector "wows" me still.... and I'd certainly take a 1080p unit, but for the price jump, it's currently not worth it to me..... for an extra $1,000 I can buy a new CD player, or SACD player etc.... and I'd rather use the money for that.... it depends on what's important to you.

[fronn]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

although I agree that getting a 1080p unit will be in his best interest, and certainly at those screen sizes 1080p will be fully appreciated at normal viewing distance..... I don't think 720p/1080i units are a "waste" and I'm certainly not disappointed (especially at the price I got it for) with mine.....

It also depends on how important video is to him.... My projector "wows" me still.... and I'd certainly take a 1080p unit, but for the price jump, it's currently not worth it to me..... for an extra $1,000 I can buy a new CD player, or SACD player etc.... and I'd rather use the money for that.... it depends on what's important to you.

Maybe that line about disappointment was an exaggeration - apologies. I can't imagine really being disappointed with a 720p projector, but for a bit more than 1500 you can get a nice 1080p that'd last 'til 4k projectors hit the consumer market several years down the line. It just seems like a better use of funds would be spending a little more and getting a 1080p projector from the start.

Typically "spend a bit more up front and pay less in the end" ends up being a rule for the reasonable consumer electronics market (I say reasonable, because the audiophile market is beyond absurdity and doesn't follow any logical rules ). The step to 1080p is worth the investment if you don't want to worry about upgrading for a while.

Ultimately it's up to him, but I just wanted to chime in and offer a counter opinion to all the 720p recommendations. Maybe he'd be completely happy with spending ~$1k on a 720p projector and using the rest of the cash elsewhere, I dunno - I just know I wouldn't.

[threefiftyrocket]

Originally Posted by ahearst

Thanks to my employee bonus I will have approximately $1500 (including tax/shipping) available to spend on a projector this summer. Appreciate any recommendations from those in the know, as I'm a novice. Thanks again!

Skip the projector! Buy a crapload of Blu-rays

[ahearst]

Originally Posted by fronn

Personally (and no offense to anyone) I think it's kind of a waste to do anything but 1080p if you're going to go projector.

The main appeal of a projector is the screen size, and the advantages of 1080p and BR become even more clear (depending on the movie) at the larger sizes. It seems like it's setting yourself up for disappointment - if you're going to do it, do it right. There's several 1080p projectors that aren't too far out of the $1500 range that would work just fine.

If I had to save longer (even if it was another year) to get a 1080p projector or deal with a 720p and be able to get it now, I'd save and wait. If you're reasonable, you'll be using it for several years.

Good point. Definite food for thought. The feedback is important to me, I really appreciate it as I don't want to act too impulsively. I've seen a few 1080p projector bargains available the past few months, at this message board and over at AVS Forums; quality products (though refurbs) for under $1500.00. What's the concensus on refurb 1080p's? Good deal or no?

[KingLeonidas300]

Originally Posted by threefiftyrocket

Skip the projector! Buy a crapload of Blu-rays

Good call (IMO)... At $20 a blu ray you can get about 65-70 and this would include tax.

I think I would go with the extra films to watch but like everyone has already said it is all about what you want.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by ahearst

What's the concensus on refurb 1080p's? Good deal or no?

I can't offer a consensus, just my opinion..... but I'd say "Go For It" with a warranty.... I've bought plenty of Refurb stuff in the past.... and I've yet to be disappointed (although horror stories exist with Refurbs and New In Box stuff ) Just make sure you get a warranty... usually if something craps out, it'll crap out in the first 100 hours or so.

Originally Posted by KingLeonidas300

Good call (IMO)... At $20 a blu ray you can get about 65-70 and this would include tax.

I think I would go with the extra films to watch but like everyone has already said it is all about what you want.

For you guys suggesting Blu-rays....... What displays do you have??? I would think for many, the choice of a 100+ inch display, and a netflix membership or a bunch of discs that will likely average $5-$10 less each in 6 months, is a no brainer.......

[Disky76]

Originally Posted by JamesJoe

Damn I must get myself 1080p unit too!

I'm going to have to agree with Beta - 720p projectors (including mine) really wow myself and visiting friends alike. Also, to touch on something Beta said in the past, a high quality 720p projector could, in essence, throw a better picture than an entry level 1080p.

It's not all about resolution. There are other factors to consider, like color saturation, contrast ratio, etc.

[Another_Dude]

Its just a little out of your budget, but I would give the Panasonic PT-AE2000U a serious look. I was about to get one when the PT-AE3000U came out at what I consider to be a great price. The market dropped on the PT-AE2000Us and it shouldn't be tough to find a great deal.

1080p

Aww yeah.

[ahearst]

Originally Posted by Another_Dude

Its just a little out of your budget, but I would give the Panasonic PT-AE2000U a serious look. I was about to get one when the PT-AE3000U came out at what I consider to be a great price. The market dropped on the PT-AE2000Us and it shouldn't be tough to find a great deal.

1080p

Aww yeah.

That Panny is one sweet pj, but it's more than I'm willing/able to spend. Another 1080p projector that's within the realm of possibility for me is the BenQ W5000. BenQ's online store is selling a refurb model for $1699; that I could do. Any thoughts, positive or negative regarding this or any other pj's made by BenQ? Thanks in advance.

[Driver_King]

Originally Posted by fronn

Maybe that line about disappointment was an exaggeration - apologies. I can't imagine really being disappointed with a 720p projector, but for a bit more than 1500 you can get a nice 1080p that'd last 'til 4k projectors hit the consumer market several years down the line. It just seems like a better use of funds would be spending a little more and getting a 1080p projector from the start.

Typically "spend a bit more up front and pay less in the end" ends up being a rule for the reasonable consumer electronics market (I say reasonable, because the audiophile market is beyond absurdity and doesn't follow any logical rules ). The step to 1080p is worth the investment if you don't want to worry about upgrading for a while.

Ultimately it's up to him, but I just wanted to chime in and offer a counter opinion to all the 720p recommendations. Maybe he'd be completely happy with spending ~$1k on a 720p projector and using the rest of the cash elsewhere, I dunno - I just know I wouldn't.

Just FYI, the Panasonic PT-AX200U accepts a 1080/24p signal. In head to head comparisons from multiple online sources, the difference between a native 1080p projector and the Panasonic is not very noticeable at all. This is head to head, as mentioned. It is unlikely that he would be dissapointed going for the Panasonic because the lack of native 1080p picture.