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.

[sapiendut]

Have you looked at Panasonic PT-AE3000U? It has the nice auto zoom feature so you can do CIH on the cheap. I use it with 96" 2.4:1 screen in a dedicated room. It's plenty bright even with some of the lights turned on.

[wiredmass]

I've done a little shopping and I can get the HC1600 from B and H for well under $700. I think that's the one I'm gonna go with for now. I appreciate all the input.

[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.

[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

[Disky76]

I think that Beta has pretty much given the info for the 1500 given that he knows since he has one - and since I have the 1600 I'll chime in. I throw at 14 feet in a 16x20 room, with seating between 10 and 13 feet for a 100" 16:9screen. Performance has been excellent. DVD's look like film, and Blu-Rays are so crisp it's like looking through a window. I know that there are some differences between the 1500 and 1600, but I would suspect they are minor.

[ditch-digger]

own the 1500 myself, the only neg i have heard on the 1600 is the color wheel. it may cause rainbows in some. its spins much slower.

i have some screen shots in my ht gallery of the hc1500...

it projects on a 106" screen from 14' away

[brokenthumb]

Originally Posted by 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

Were you talking about the Sanyo Z60? That is what I was recommending to talstarone for his short throw distance. It just came out last year and you can find them a lot of places. Visual Apex has it for around $799 right now.

[talstarone]

Originally Posted by brokenthumb

Were you talking about the Sanyo Z60? That is what I was recommending to talstarone for his short throw distance. It just came out last year and you can find them a lot of places. Visual Apex has it for around $799 right now.

Thanks Everyone,I Am Sincerely Greatful for All the Help and Suggestions.
It Looks As If the Sanyo has the lead right now.
This is due to the short distance in my room(about 9ft 6in)and also the price is right where I was hopeing it would be.

So Thank You Brokenthumb and all the kind members here in the Projector Thread.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by brokenthumb

Were you talking about the Sanyo Z60? That is what I was recommending to talstarone for his short throw distance. It just came out last year and you can find them a lot of places. Visual Apex has it for around $799 right now.

ah... no... was looking at the one you owned..

Yes... the Z60 prices are pretty good right now.