Need some quick projector advice

B Run

So I moved my theater room around and now have room for a projector and screen. I currently have a Mitsubishi wd73840 diamond series dlp and a potential buyer lined up, and can do an even trade for an Optoma HD20 and 100'' Elite screen without spending any money. As far as picture quality goes would this be an upgrade, downgrade or lateral move if anyone has experience with either one? The benefits would obviously be a bigger screen and much nicer appearance, I just want to make sure i'm not going backwards here or selling it too cheap. Thanks in advance for any help.

Sherardp

Go for it. The HD20 is a great PJ, not the best black levels though. DLP is known for image POP anyway so expect a great image, but not those deep inky blacks of say a Panasonic plasma. If you want better image quality you would have to upgrade to an Epson model, but for now yes you would be happy with the HD20 and the huge screen.

Another idea would be to take the trade, sell the HD20 for 300-400 and get the Epson for under 1K.

http://www.visualapex.com/home-theater-projectors-refurbished/Epson-Projector-Details.asp?For-Projector-Model=Home-Cinema-8350-R

A review of what you are getting into

http://www.projectorreviews.com/optoma/hd20/index.php

B Run

Appreciate the help! It's not technically a trade but i'm getting $1,000 for it and for that I can buy the HD20, screen and mount so i'm not paying out of pocket. Its on craigslist and the buyer wants to come get it asap I'm just making sure i'm not downgrading. I saw a refurb HD20 for $699 and I could get it and buy a more expensive screen, just didn't know if a refurb projector was a good idea or not.

B Run

One more question. I'm pulling out a ceiling fan to wire an outlet for the projector. It's exactly 10 ft from the screen location and my viewing area is 13ft for the front row and about 17ft for the back row of seating. I've tried using the projection calculator to find the best screen size. It seems like from 10ft i'll be best with a 92'' unless im reading it wrong? I wanted to go 100" but not sure if I can fill the screen from that distance. I can mount it a little further back if necessary but i'd prefer it to be under the outlet for cosmetic reasons etc.

B Run

Good to hear. I just sold it and now i'm getting excited. I do see rainbow effect but I saw it on my Mitsubishi and it never really bothered me so i'm not too concerned with it. Fry's has an Epson 8100 for $800 right now, I might do that instead if its a better projector.

B Run

Here's a pic of the stage my tv sat on. I'm going to put the screen in front of the blacked out window and remove the fan to put the projector there. I'll prob ditch the stage and go for a cleaner look once I get everything ordered. I want the 8100 now but it's in store only and Fry's wont let you talk to an employee or check inventory today due to "sales" but its a 45 min drive so I dont want to waste an hour and a half to find out they don't have it.

Don't know why it keeps turing sideways, but you get the idea.

B Run

That's how my bedroom projector is setup, but unfortunately it would be right over the last row of seating's head and i'm about to put 2 more Fxi's there already.

B Run

So I went with a refurbished Optoma HD20, 92'' Elite fixed screen, universal mount, 50ft HDMI, and Disney wow calibration dvd. After everything I came out $8 ahead, so i'm definitely stoked about the "trade". Thanks again for all the help, i'll post pics when I get it up and running.

Sherardp

Cnograts bro, if you aren't happy with the Optoma definitely give the Epson a shot.

B Run

Will do! I have a feeling it'll be a nice improvement over my 73'', but if for any reason I don't like it i'll bite the bullet and spend a little more. Thanks again for the input.