Need some advice

[CasualKiller]

Swear to god my heads going to implode.

So seeing how its almost bonus time at work again I decided to look into a projector set up for the basement.

Due to the need to also pick up another sound setup, screen, seating etc I need to keep the projector cost around $2500 <prefer lower>

My main uses are Blu and games on PS3.

Now I think I have it narrowed down to 2 possibly 3 projectors.

The Sanyo PLV-Z2000 - $2367 and a $500 rebate so $1867

The Mitsubishi HC4900 - $2197 and a $200 rebate so $1997

Anyone have any experience with either of these? How are they for games etc?

Although both seem like nice projectors I was wondering if it would be worth the couple extra hundred bucks to go with a Panasonic PT-AE2000U.

Really just seeking advice before my purchase so I don't end up with a bum deal.

Thanks guys!

[jcdennis]

I don't have much experience with the Mitsubishi, but the Sanyo is great if you have total light control, and the Panasonic is worth the extra $$$ if you don't.

(I use the Sanyo for Blu and games on a PS3, and love it.)

[ryoohki]

I use the Sanyo with a High Power screen is it's plently powerful enought (well too much sometime LOL)

[saginawjuggalo]

Those projectors are all pretty close in real world performance. Panasonic having the advantage in overall better PQ but be warned it has dust issues. I feel the Pansonic is over priced. It is priced closely with better performers such as the Epson 1080UB, BenQ W5000 & Sony VPL-VW40. Panasonic needs to work on it's price structuring. Sure it edges out Mitsubishi and Sanyo but not by a large margin and should priced accordingly IMO.

I beat myself up over witch one to get for the longest time. Yes, I wanted the best I could afford but I came to the conclusion that with projector pricing dropping from the stratosphere, it just wouldn't be worth going all out right now.

Soooooo, I decided on the Sanyo as it was the best bang for the buck and should keep me very happy from everything I have read. I ordered the Sanyo PLV-Z2000 for 2175.00 minus $600 in rebates = $1575.00! Call around for the best price and make sure you deal with an authorized dealer or no rebate for you.

I don't have the Sanyo as of yet but from my extensive research it doesn't pale in performance of the higher priced Panasonic and the price was too good to pass on. We're talking a $1200 difference here! The Z2000 offers a lowest price & longest warranty of either Pansonic & Mitsubishi! The Z2000 has a bit better blacks then the HC4900. The HC4900 is a little sharper but some would say that makes it a tad less film like. The Z2000 also has the lowest noise output. I also feel very good about the dust blower, white finish and the motorized dust cap. Sanyo also has the lowest bulb cost compared to any of the 1080P models I checked up on. The Sanyo has a slight advantage with screens under 100", while the HC4900 has the slight advantage with screens 100+". The HC4900 has better colors out of the box but the Sanyo can be tweaked to high heaven. The HC4900 has higher lumens but once calibrated it is close to the Z2000's output. One drawback with the Z2000 is it doesn't have a 12v trigger. This only matters if you plan on using a electric screen. The Z2000 also has 2 HDMI & 2 Component inputs. The HC4900 only has one of each but also has a DVI input.

Overall the HC4900 and Z2000 is a close performers. You can't go wrong with either but as of now with Sanyo's $600 rebate (ends 05/31/08) the Z2000 is the best bet.

[CasualKiller]

Great stuff, thanks for the help guys. Going to look into ordering a Sanyo.

[saginawjuggalo]

If you plan on going with the Z2000, give ProjectorPeople a call for the best price. They have been very good to deal with so far. They are a authorized dealer and have great customer satisfaction over the net. I also went with them because they where willing to work with me on pricing. No problem at all. I ended up getting a great deal when you consider they have the best online return policy just incase something where to go wrong.

If online shopping isn't your bag, CostCo has the same model for $1,700 after rebate BUT you have to pay tax, gas and a $50 memebership cost if you don't already have one. 90 days to return, same day pick up and no restocking fee may be worth the extra expense.. Just a heads up.

[CasualKiller]

Wow great link, nice prices, only downside it looks like they don't ship to Canada

[jcdennis]

Originally Posted by CasualKiller

Wow great link, nice prices, only downside it looks like they don't ship to Canada

They are actually who I got mine from... and I'm in Canada. You just have to send and e-mail or call, rather than just ordering on line.