Projector choice down to just 3 projectors - help me choose one

[RL123]

I've been looking for a projector for months and the time seems right to buy one. I've used Projector Central's calculator to work out viewing sizes, distances etc and decided that LCD is right for me. DLP is too restrictive in terms of viewing position, long throw range etc. So, which is the right choice:

Sanyo Z700 - my favourite atm. But I've read it has poor black levels (worse than many other LCD projectors). That is literally the only negative I can find, but it is a big negative to try and overlook

Panasonic AX200 - seems perfect and I like the AX100...but there are so many potential faults with it. I'm also annoyed about how much the price has gone up in the last few months too

Epson TW700 - seems like a decent projector. I know very little about it though and user feedback seems rare

So what's best for me? I'm aiming for a 90-100" screen from about 11' viewing distance. Vertical placement is fairly flexible if that's relevant. Usage will be mainly games and HD movies, DVDs, and occasionally Sky TV

[edward]

How much residual light do you have?

I like to be able to show even during the day, which was definitely a factor for me.

I took Epson off my list after reading a few reports of poor customer service in the UK.

[RL123]

If I leave my curtains open there is quite a lot of light - in the Summer, it's usually quite light until about 9pm. I have thick, dark, curtains though and they can cut out most light even during the day. I don't think I'd use it much during the day though (without closing my curtains)

Thanks for the comments about Epson. Any examples in particular (if it's on here then I can go and search) or is it just a generally-accepted thing that Epson UK are a bit poor?

[weyland-yutani]

Originally Posted by RL123

Sanyo Z700 - my favourite atm. But I've read it has poor black levels (worse than many other LCD projectors). That is literally the only negative I can find, but it is a big negative to try and overlook

firstly, that only applies to 'out the box' settings. even a simple calibration improves things greatly.

secondly, closing your thick curtains will easily be enough to enjoy films during the day. find a dealer and ask to see a calibrated unit in action. the difference between OTB settings and calibrated is vast. the blacks are never going to match a similar DLP, but for a grand you get a hell of a lot. and, as usual, a grey screen will improve the contrast levels, too.

careful not to underestimate the size of this projector, though. it's a beast.

by the way this isn't a recommendation, its just a suggestion.

[Benrudd1]

Also when the Z700 is is said to have relatively poor black levels, that is compared to the current crop of 1080p projectors.
It still most likely has a much better black level than either the Panny ax200 or Epson Tw700 which are both 720p projectors.

[Sam Ash]

I'd still recommend DLP if you can help it. Have a look at the InFocus range. They have really good black levels, good shadow detail and excellent colour straight out of the box. The 720p InFocus IN78 720p projector is listed for £999.95 on the richer sounds web site.

I use the IN76 which is now discontinued but it is a good projector in terms of overall performance. I am quite critical about colour accuracy, good highlight, mid-tone and shadow detail reproduction. The highlights should retain the lightest tones and the shadows should not fill in and must have a good degree of detail.

Skin tones on my IN76 are also pretty good.

The black levels and shadow details on the IN78 should be better due to the incorporation of the Darkchip 3 as opposed to Darkchip 2 in my projector.

Hope that helps.

[RL123]

Thanks for the suggestion but I decided against DLP. I need a very short throw projector, with a good amount of lens shift and zoom, so that ruled out DLP straight away. At one point I really did want a DLP though and was so close to buying an Infocus X9. I've only seen a few LCDs but I've always been impressed with them.

Anyway...I've ordered the Sanyo PLV-Z700 now Ivojo were the cheapest at £999. It's my first time ordering with them but they seem pretty good.

[RL123]

It arrived this morning at 8.00am Massively impressed with Ivojo since I only ordered it 18 hours earlier

First impressions are it's mighty impressive visually. Lovely colour, lots of detail, and more than acceptable black levels considering the conditions I tested it in. It's silent. And it's huge!!