Opinions needed - Sony VPL-HW10

Velocitydreamer

Hello fellow Polkies,
I've been debating between a 70" LED and Projector, and have finally decided on a Projector. I found a Sony VPL-HW10 and am wondering if anyone has a weigh-in on this projector. I don't need 3D, 4k, etc. Just want good quality 1080p. I would LIKE to go up to a 158" screen, but need to research if it can do that large of a screen, brightly. Regardless, I'm getting the projector and a 96" screen for $1,025. Is this a good price? Is it a nice projector by today's standards (regardless of the 3d/4k & whatnot). I'm going tomorrow to pick it up, so any advice asap would be awesome!

polkfarmboy

Epson 5030 for brightness and high contrast doing really large screens in normal rooms. Benq w1070 for the best value and brighness for $899. I have owned panny , epson, JVC ,mitz and sony .The benq is my fav cheap pj that has no motion blur and near perfect color out the box. I bought it as I am waiting on 2k4k

Velocitydreamer

May go for a VPL-vw50 I found for $650, and get a larger Elite Screens Black/Matte Grey screen.

polkfarmboy

Velocitydreamer wrote: »

May go for a VPL-vw50 I found for $650, and get a larger Elite Screens Black/Matte Grey screen.

Why ? its not even gona put up a big screen and the benq has a native contrast of 10000 so its going to stomp all over that sony. Its your money and your going against the advice you seek, forget the large screen and dont even think about grey its just dumb because they require even brighter pj's?

Velocitydreamer

Sorry, it right at the point you posted your response :P

Velocitydreamer

I'm looking for used, highest quality for a 160ish screen at lowest pricing. My max is $1,050. Checking on Craigslist in my state.

polkfarmboy

I dontwant to see you blow your money but understand that investing in displays gives you the least return in the resale world. If you buy a nice pj then you can garentee the market is going to crash through the floor and your 3k pj is going to be worth less than half. I suggest you wait till this happends and take advantage of some one selling to upgrade to 4k and just get a solid performer with cheap bulbs and thousands of hours on the bulb. Thats why I suggest the benq nd your not going to get dust blobs inside if your into heavy usage likemyself. Take a look on the benqw1070/ 1080 thread and listen to others

polkfarmboy

Velocitydreamer wrote: »

I'm looking for used, highest quality for a 160ish screen at lowest pricing. My max is $1,050. Checking on Craigslist in my state.

I bought a short throw benq w1080 for $850 on amazon and you can buy a 150" pull down for only $250?

Velocitydreamer

Found an Epson 6500UB nearby for $575 (could talk him down I'm sure). That a good one?

Velocitydreamer

Also found an 8500UB for $700, but could talk him down as well I'm sure.

Velocitydreamer

That w1080 is sounding pretty nice, reading on it

polkfarmboy wrote: »

I bought a short throw benq w1080 for $850 on amazon and you can buy a 150" pull down for only $250?

Velocitydreamer

Just wondering if that Epson 8500u is a good deal? O.o

Velocitydreamer

I'm reading more and more and I think I may just go with the BenQ w1080st Just looking at a nice big screen, I think the max I can fit in this place is a 120"... wonder how far back the projector is going to have to be to fill it. I'm moving into a house (in a decent sized apt at the moment) come February. Granted, any "wise" person would wait, but..... thanks for the advice. I wasn't trying to go against your advice purposefully. My first post posted the same time yours came in. I like to look at a lot of options and consider them; whether they suck or not, but just need opinions... whether I take them or not :P Thanks for the heads up man!

polkfarmboy

Velocitydreamer wrote: »

Just wondering if that Epson 8500u is a good deal? O.o

This one!!!

Velocitydreamer

LoL so it IS good deal then? (I was reading up on it last night. I hear people loved the picture, but complained the bulbs don't last?)

So you think this is the best I've found? I've also found a Sanyo Z2000... But go for the Epson 8500u? Thanks!

Velocitydreamer

I've read a LOT of failings with the 8500u... they love the performance, but low bulb life and many reporting red lines... of course the latter I can easily see for myself upon demoing.

Velocitydreamer

Also reading this is a pretty sweet projector at it's price, guy compared it with the w1070 and liked the darks n shadowing: http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD131Xe-1080p-Theater-Projector/dp/B00E4JEDWE/ref=sr_1_12?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1388402763&sr=1-12&keywords=projectors

Velocitydreamer

Just realized.... I spend hours and hours on it since it's my primary computer monitor at home... projector would NOT be wise due to bulb life -.- Guess it's back to looking for a 70-75 led -.-

Velocitydreamer

Decided FOR a projector, just gonna use a smaller tv for monitor

j1mmy

I own the Epson 6500 UB and like it a lot (replaced a sony PJ). The used price you found is a deal and a half. Long bulb life on the epson's.

I will never buy a sony pj, tv, every again due to past issues.

Velocitydreamer

Going to pick up the 8500UB tonight. 2.5-3hr drive, gotta be there after midnight lol... but I'm excited

Velocitydreamer

Make that New Year's (not Eve) night.

jon s

before buying a screen, light up a white wall with the 150" size... You gonna see that ALL those projectors are gonna be real dim... Most are designed for max 110-120" diagonal... Use a light meter and see if you can get 20 ft candles from the wall...

Velocitydreamer

I was planning on looking into one of those meters... I have seen this projector (in online photos) with a 158" screen, and with a darker room, it produces a VERY impressively bright and lush picture. The person even showed with their lights all on, and it was pretty decent. Just looks like I'm going to have to invest heavily, at my next place in February, at lighting control :P

ps. After reading a bit, I see what you're saying on how to use the meter... very wise... I'll have to wait til February when I get into my new place to measure it, THEN get a screen... how cruddy do these look on a white painted drywall? til feb. LOL jk jk I appreciate it, and any advice as I'm somewhat new to HT Projectors.

polkfarmboy

Your going to be fine at 150 with the epson

Velocitydreamer

Yeah... I'm rediculously stoked Thanks a TON guys for the advice. I was checking out ProjectorCentral's calculator... I'm trying to figure out my *minimum* distance to do a 150" screen, as I don't know how big a livingroom I'm going to be able to get at a rental house down here. I'll be buying in 2yrs, but until then.... Also, what are the thoughts on coffee table / inbetween seating / ceiling mounting of these? Thanks again guys!

nguyendot

I would have just purchased an Epson 8350 refurb for $900 direct from Epson. 2yr warranty and bright enough to go to your size. The BenQ is good too. Personally I'd never purchase a projector off Craigslist for any more than 1/4 the original value since you never know what it's been through, and you're out money with no warranty if it breaks.

The 8500UB should have great contrast, but test it out well before you bring it home, or you'll have a lemon on your hands. Stay far far away from Sony projectors unless you plan on buying brand new and very high end. Otherwise there are others that will wipe the floor with it.

Velocitydreamer

Ok, I was super stoked to go pick up the Epson 8500UB, and the guy suddenly has some story about his uncle blah blah blah. It'll be available in a few weeks. Should I wait and get the 8500UB for $700, or? Supposed to be rather minty and I can't find ANY other 8500ub even close to that price used. I have never minded used products, and as long as bulbs have sufficient life left, that's fine. Anybody seen any sick deals on used projectors that can be shipped, or on Amazon? I don't really care about 3D, just want the best blacks w/ smooth contrast, and bright enough to cover a 150-158" screen brightly. What's the best I'll find for $750-$1,000 max. Need opinions, and facts to back them help!