HT Projector choices

thsmith
thsmith Posts: 6,082
edited May 2009 in Electronics
A friend at work was asking me about projectors but I know nothing about them so I thought I would see if fellow polkies in the projector know could help.

He is torn between these two projectors.

Panasonic PT-AE3000U $2500 or the Epson Home Cinema 6500UB Projector for $2500 (after $500 rebate).

Pretty good writeups at this site

http://www.projectorreviews.com/1080p-projector/1080p_projector_award_winners.php

He would be interested if any other 'new' information out there that would either help him decide or change his choice altogether. He is going with a really big screen, so he is leaning toward the EPSON.

Screen desired dimensions:

Main uses: Equal sports in HD and BR movies.

Gain: 1.2

16.9: 135" diag, 66x118". Throw distance of 18'1", eye height 46". Center of screen 58". Top 90". Bottom 24"

2.39:1 133" diag, 52x125w. Throw distance of 18'10", eye height 46". Center: 54 2/3", top 80 2/3". Bottom 28 2/3".

Note: he will adjust the throw distance using the zoom/refocus.

Thanks for any info to help him decide.
Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
Post edited by thsmith on
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Comments

  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited May 2009
    They are very close in PQ. However, I would go with the 6500UB. The Epson 1080UB (last year's model) is also a great performer.
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    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2009
    In its best mode the Epson would be brighter and for such a large screen you're going to need all the lumens you can. I would even go as far as suggesting a Da-lite Hi Power screen to get even more output from the projector. The Panasonic is ok, has lens memory so you can run a scope setup without the need of a lens/sled assembly.

    If these are the only choices then the Epson, if the budget expands, JVC RS10.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited May 2009
    Thanks appadv and Sherardp !

    Keep it coming Polkies, BTW this guy just bought some nice used RTi10s and a Polk center.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited May 2009
    I've owned the Epson Home Cinema 1080 (right before the release of the 1080UB) and its a great projector. For a screen of that size I would definately go with the Epson due to the Epsons being real light cannons. Seen a few of the Panny projectors before and the picture it throws was right on par with the Epsons but the Epsons in my opinion are much brighter projectors for sure.
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2009
    Grimster74 wrote: »
    I've owned the Epson Home Cinema 1080 (right before the release of the 1080UB) and its a great projector. For a screen of that size I would definately go with the Epson due to the Epsons being real light cannons. Seen a few of the Panny projectors before and the picture it throws was right on par with the Epsons but the Epsons in my opinion are much brighter projectors for sure.

    So what do you own now?
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Grimster74
    Grimster74 Posts: 2,576
    edited May 2009
    LMAO!!!!! Oops, guess I forgot to mention that, JVC HD1, stole it from some poor **** that knew if he sent it to me I'd pull the trigger on it. Thanks again bro for looking out for me!

    Rob
    Money Talks, Mine says Goodbye Rob!!!!
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,665
    edited May 2009
    Go with the Epson.
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited May 2009
    Epson makes a great projector. I've had one in the past but went with a Mitsubishi last time around due to the price point but that doesn't seem to be an issue here.
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    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
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  • mshan242700
    mshan242700 Posts: 823
    edited May 2009
    Another good site for projector reviews: http://www.projectorcentral.com/
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