Decision Time: Entry Level 1080 Projector

jArgHA

I have been planning on purchasing a new projector for some time and have pretty much settled on going for an entry-level 1080p projector. For the past 2 years I have been using an old Dell 1100 SD projector which served me well but now I want that bit more.

I have been using the Dell on a wall mounted shelf approximately 13' from a 90" (approx.) diagonal screen, but intend on moving house also in the coming months so choice of projector may have to be relatively flexible on placement (haven't found new place yet so the future room dimensions are unknown).

I have identified the following projectors as being entry-level 1080p projectors in my price range:
* Infocus X10
* Sanyo PLV-Z700 (or the similar Sanyo PLV-Z2000 if there happens to be any end of line stock going cheap)
* Mitsubishi HC5500

I have done most research on the first two models mentioned above, the Infocus X10 does seem like a high quality entry level proj, with probably better black levels and contrast to the Sanyo, but less flexibility on placement. Some people have mentioned the 'rainbow effect' occurring with the X10 and I am susceptible to this, but I was wondering does the rainbow effect only become noticeable on very large screens (I have seen it when looking from left-right or vice versa on a friend's screen which must have been about 4-5 metres wide).

The Sanyo PLV-Z700 seems to get good but not great reviews all round, and based on these appears to maybe be lacking a bit on the brightness and contrast side of things. It does have great lens shift however, which would make it ideal for placing in rooms of different sizes.

The Mitsubishi HC5500 is the most expensive of the three and the one which I have done the least research on as yet - if anyone has some tips on this proj. in comparison to the other two please let me know.

Based on the reviews / forums I have been trawling through, the recently released PLV-Z700 may the first of a few new entry level projectors coming out in the 'near' future. Anyone know what other entry level projectors are expected to come to market in the coming, say, 3 months? Is it potentially worth waiting for any of these new entry level projectors that may blow those mentioned above out of the water?

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated and help me make a decision on which projector to go with.

Edit: One other point I am wondering about is the weight factor (X10 = 6.4kg, Z700 = 7.4kg, HC5500 = 5.6kg). These all seem quite heavy for shelf mounting, is a ceiling mount necessary for projectors of these weights or could a sturdy shelf still be used?

Jason Ryan

Hi,

if you are prone to RBE you should stick with shortlisting to LCD only. That would rule out the IF X10

As well as that, if your placement is an issue, you should be looking at lcd only, as they have greater flexibility in terms of where you can site them.
If you are looking at using a shelf, the projector will need to be inverted, ie, upsidedown, on the shelf if you go the dlp route.
Reason for this is that they dont offer image shift as lcd's do, which can be up to 2x the image shift up, down, or sideways.

jArgHA

@Jason

Thanks for the tips, I never knew about inverting projectors for a shelf mounted setup. Is this only necessary when the shelf is quite high, and can it impact on the projector which may not be designed for 'upside-down' usage?

It seems an LCD projector may be the way to go based on flexibility and lack of RBE. Does anyone know if there will be any entry level 1080p LCD projectors released in the coming months which may rival the Sanyo PLV-Z700?

jArgHA

I have pretty much decided on going for a Mitsubishi HC5500. Does anyone know if the rebate offers that one sees on projectors apply for European consumers? Mitsubishi are offering a $300 rebate and a free replacement bulb with the HC5500, if purchased before 31/01/09 (http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com/products/projectors/HC5500.html).

The best price I can find for this projector is from Ivojo:
http://interactive-av.co.uk/projector-spec.php?pid=25377

I'm not sure yet if Ivojo deliver to Ireland (emailed them yesterday and no reply yet). Has anyone else dealt with Ivojo and have +/- feedback?