Any Suggestions on a new economical projector?

[wiredmass]

So, I've always been a fan of Infocus. I started with the X1 several years back and then stepped up to the IN24. The third projector I've owned for a while is the Infocus IN72 and I've been happy with it. This projector has a ton of features that the lower priced units do not have. It has HDMI, Component, and of course the standard S-video. It is only a 480p projector but will support an image up to 1080i. I can fairly say that the image that this unit throws is quite awesome. It looks much better than my 720p TV.

So, I've really been thinking about selling the Infocus and making a step up to a new projector. I'm one of those people that is constantly upgrading my system or making changes. It's my hobby and I love the process of hooking up new gear and making tweaks to the system.

What would you guys suggest for a decent projector in the $800-1000 range? I know I won't be able to get top shelf gear but know that with recent price drops I could get something fairly nice.

Thanks for any input.

[Beta Man]

you can get a Mitsubishi HC-1500 or HC1600 which is 720p/1080i native for less than $700 bucks.....

I would do that, or save the $1500 necessary to get into a 1080p model.

[wiredmass]

Does that have HDMI inputs?

[PurpleJesus74]

Originally Posted by wiredmass

Does that have HDMI inputs?

I believe it has 1,i've been looking at that model myself.

[Trogdor2010]

Since you are an Infocus fan (as I'm too), I would save up for the X10 1080p projector which is $1300 at tigerdirect.com, the X9 720p projector, or look online for a cheap in76 720p model. If you just want to spend it, go for the Mitsubishi as they mentioned, or the Epson HC700, Optoma HD65 OR Panasonic PT-AX200U.

[Propellarhead9]

I was looking at the Mitsubishi one to, I am trying to configure a 150" screen in my basement but I have been holding off hoping to find someone who has a similar size screen to see if the picture is still goos at that distance. Supposedly is supposed to but I don't want to get it an find out it can't.

[Lord_Stewie]

Originally Posted by wiredmass

So, I've always been a fan of Infocus. I started with the X1 several years back and then stepped up to the IN24. The third projector I've owned for a while is the Infocus IN72 and I've been happy with it. This projector has a ton of features that the lower priced units do not have. It has HDMI, Component, and of course the standard S-video. It is only a 480p projector but will support an image up to 1080i. I can fairly say that the image that this unit throws is quite awesome. It looks much better than my 720p TV.

So, I've really been thinking about selling the Infocus and making a step up to a new projector. I'm one of those people that is constantly upgrading my system or making changes. It's my hobby and I love the process of hooking up new gear and making tweaks to the system.

What would you guys suggest for a decent projector in the $800-1000 range? I know I won't be able to get top shelf gear but know that with recent price drops I could get something fairly nice.

Thanks for any input.

How much are you looking to sell the projector. I may be interested to purchase the item. PM me.

thanks.

[Disky76]

I own an HC-1600, and, as I read above that you chose that projector, I felt compelled to reply. I am quite happy with the projector's performance. It does great - and it does great at its lowest setting. I expect that you will be happy with your purchase.

[talstarone]

Is either The Mitsubishi HC1500 or HC1600 a better performer then the other?I noticed there isnt a great deal of price difference between the two,but it looks as if the HC1500 has more positive reviews.

And I was wondering,is a DLP chip better for a front projector then a 3 color LCD set?
I plan on getting a projector over a Plasma or LCD TV and have a small room.It would be about 9 feet from projector to screen.Will the present a problem for the Mitsubishis?

And at that distance what can I figure having in screen size?60 or maybe 80 inches total?
Thanks Sincerely for Any and All Help Everyone...

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by wiredmass

I went to Best Buy today and the dude I always buy my gear from said he would match the B and H price.

Make sure it's not their open box ones.... and buy the service plan (haggle it down to $100 or so) It will include a free bulb replacement, which I think you can cash in on pretty quickly, so you'll be set for the life of the projector basically.

Originally Posted by talstarone

Is either The Mitsubishi HC1500 or HC1600 a better performer then the other?I noticed there isnt a great deal of price difference between the two,but it looks as if the HC1500 has more positive reviews.

And I was wondering,is a DLP chip better for a front projector then a 3 color LCD set?
I plan on getting a projector over a Plasma or LCD TV and have a small room.It would be about 9 feet from projector to screen.Will the present a problem for the Mitsubishis?

And at that distance what can I figure having in screen size?60 or maybe 80 inches total?
Thanks Sincerely for Any and All Help Everyone...

You're right that the 1500 has better reviews, and that's the one I have, but I'm not sure about the 1600 because I haven't seen it in action.

The 3-color LCDs eliminate the potential for rainbow effect, but I've yet to know anyone personally who's experienced it... and a lot of people have viewed movies on my projector.

I sit 9 feet from my screen, and it's 106" and looks great......

For 9' of throw distance, lens to screen.... you'll be able to get a 61" max image...... Is this the physical limitations of the room? Are you able to cut out a whole in a closet wall etc to add a couple of feet, and create a component room?

If 9' is the maximum throw distance you're going to be able to have, you'll either have to get a much more expensive projector (and still be very limited in screen size) or be stuck with a very small screen for a projector.

[brokenthumb]

Originally Posted by talstarone

Is either The Mitsubishi HC1500 or HC1600 a better performer then the other?I noticed there isnt a great deal of price difference between the two,but it looks as if the HC1500 has more positive reviews.

And I was wondering,is a DLP chip better for a front projector then a 3 color LCD set?
I plan on getting a projector over a Plasma or LCD TV and have a small room.It would be about 9 feet from projector to screen.Will the present a problem for the Mitsubishis?

And at that distance what can I figure having in screen size?60 or maybe 80 inches total?
Thanks Sincerely for Any and All Help Everyone...

A lcd such as the Z60 would get you to a 90" image at 9' from lens. I can fill my 100" screen from 10' with my Z2.

I also sit 9' from the screen and its incredible!

[Beta Man]

good suggestion..... But the OP should keep in mind that MSRP is $2k and other than one on Ebay (wouldn't go that route) I can't find anyone selling these (They're 5 or 6 years old, and lamps are gonna be $350 or so) So if you find a great deal on one, great..... but I wouldn't buy one used for more than $400-$500