I think my projector just bit the dust.

[Blu-Buddha]

So a few nights ago my projector starting showing signs of crapping out - similar to something it did previously right after I purchased it used over two years ago entailing a $500 repair. Tonight while watching a movie it just started flickering and wouldn't stop. The fan was getting loud too. I shut it down for a bit and restarted and just got the flicker again. On the last restart it just sat there, whirred for a couple seconds then passed quietly (just like Marley and Benjamin).

Sucks, too, because a load of new movies I ordered just arrived this afternoon.

I'm going to peruse this forum and the rest of the net for a new projector. I'm looking for a 1080p DLP with ratio control like my Optoma H78 (I have a C.H. setup with anamorphics.) I really liked my H78 - nice, inky blacks and it had a pretty fast, multi-segment color wheel and I never saw the rainbows like I did from my old Benq projector.

Still, I'm really looking forward to 1080p projection since I was so happy with my 720p H78. Any suggestions?

[Ron Walker]

Don't know much about the DLP's (I didn't like the rainbows when I first looked back in 2000) but I have nothing but good things to say about the Panasonic PT-AE3000. The move up from 720P is substantial. Might be worth a look.

[kpkelley]

For DLP's there is Mitsubishi, Infocus, BenQ, and Optoma. Higher-end would be Planar(10K+), Runco(12.5K+), and Vidikron(12.5K+)

For 3-DLP there is Sony and JVC. Higher end models would be Vidikron(40K+).

[kpkelley]

JVC RS1 $2700 Used on AVSForum

Sony VW60 $2700 Used on AVSForum

Planar PD8130 $3750 Used on Videogon

JVC HD100 aka RS2 $3550 Used on Videogon

Benq W5000 $1899.95 Used on Videogon

Pioneer Elite PRO-FPJ1 $2950 Used on Videogon

JVC RS1 $2500 Used on Videogon

Sony VW60 $2699 Used on Videogon

Sony Qualia 004 $6000 Used on Videogon

[Brain Sturgeon]

Just FYI: Sony and JVC do not make DLP's-- all of their projectors are either LCD panel (lower end Sony) or 3 chip LCOS (aka SXRD for Sony or D-ILA for JVC).

In addition to the manufacturers listed above, Samsung, Projection Designs, and Marantz also make single chip DLP units. 3 chip DLP manufacturers include Runco/Vidikron which were listed above (all owned by Planar), Sim2, Digital Projection, Christie, and Runco. The jump from single to 3 chip DLP runs big bucks. The cheapest 3 chip DLP projector out there MSRP's for more than $32k.

Of the projector listings above, only the Planar 8130 and Benq are DLPs. The rest are LCOS machines.

[kpkelley]

LCoS machines, IMO, are much more similar to DLP projectors than they are 3LCD projectors, because they use a reflective panel instead of a transmissive one.

OP, did you have a budget in mind for your projector upgrade?

I had tried to find listings for used InFocus projectors, because you are familiar with them, but was unsuccessful. There is a refurbished IN81 for sale at Tech For Less for $1842.86. Accessories4less.com has refurbished Marantz VP11s1 projectors in black and pearl white for 4K.