Which of these two projectors?

[hometheaterman]

I'm looking for a projector and want to spend less than $2000 on it. I will mainly be watching DVD's and SD material although some HD and probably more in the future but for now most of what I watch is still only in SD. I have thought a bit about going with a rear projection instead but I just really don't want to go that small. Even at 65" it is smaller than I want for this room. I'd like to go with atleast 106" screen.



The two ones I'm considering are the Panasonic AE900 and the Sony HS60. The 900 worries me as it has the issue of lots of people complaing the bulb is blowing out very early. This worries me but other than that people seem to love it. The problem with the Sony is I really dislike Sony and have had horrible luck with most everything I've owned from them recently and swore I'd never buy another Sony product. Here are the links to the two. Which one is better or is there another one in this price range thats better? I can get the Sony cheaper than the Crutchfield page as a family member works at a store that sells them so I can get a family discount. The Panasonic's I can't. I just used the Crutchfield page as it has lots of info on it.

Here are the two links.

Sony
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-H6tg3clO5Hw/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=160150&I=158VPLHS60

Panasonic
http://www.projectorpeople.com/proj...id=20229&itmname=Panasonic PT-AE900U&sid=PCEL


This was the screen I was considering.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-H6tg3clO5Hw/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=160250&I=618SIL106

Does anyone have any experience with it? How is it? I'm trying to have a good picture here but not spend too much.

 

[charper1]

Look here before buying from Crutch. http://www.focusedtechnology.com/ - I have bought many things here along with numerous recommendations. I have a FPTV at 106" and moderate ambient light and my images are true, bright and beautiful and garner WOWs!! It has led to numerous friends and neighbors conversions from fad, over-priced flat-panel only thinking to enjoying FPTV realities; not to mention the money they saved for a better H/T.

I would also look at the Sanyo PLV-Z4 or Z5 and the Da-Lite 106" 16:9 in the high-contrast matte white 1.5 gain with tensioner and save near $100 over that Draper. HERE: http://www.focusedtechnology.com/deluxe-modelb.html

Compare all 5: http://www.projectorcentral.com/par...2=3432&pid_508=3025&pid_509=3475&pid_546=3076

I have a Z3 and Z4 and prefer them over the Sony for sure; the Panasonic is decent; look at the newer Panasonic PT-AX100U too.

And the top shootout review: http://www.projectorcentral.com/ax100u_plv-z5.htm

 

[Digital Dude]

Yeah forget the Sony. You can get a Z4/5 or Mits 1000 or BenQ PE7700 or Optoma HD70 for less money.

 

[hometheaterman]

I have considered the AX100U but keep seeing reports of jagged edges in bright scenes which worries me although I think with any image this big I'll probably have a problem. I can't see it being worth $700 more than the 900 but I don't know. The only reason the Sony was in the running is I can get it at a discount. I'll check out those others thanks.

 

[JimMcC]

Pj

Are you only interested in a LCD projector? No matter what projector you buy, you will not be happy watching SD material on it.

 

[hometheaterman]

DLP would be ok too although I'm thinking I might order that Panasonic just for the reason that I can get out the door with everything I need mount and cable wise with the screen for under $2000 which would be nice. Now I could spend a little more but I'm really liking the price I see on that.

 

[hometheaterman]

I went ahead and ordered the Panasonic AE900U and man am I excited. I can't wait until it arrives.

 

[charper1]

Cool! You will enjoy your FPTV for sure; that DVD rental budget is sure to go up. Do you have an up-converting DVD player?