Will I notice the difference ?

[monkeyleader]

Hey - so I've had many fine years out of my Sanyo Z4 projector (top recommendations from the guys on here I may add)

The amber bulb light has been on since the beginning of the year, and I finally think I should replace it.

A question though I asked myself - and I know the economics don't add up, but bear with me. Is it worthwhile starting to think about a new 1080p projector.

My room is 13Ft long and I sit around 9ft away from the screen which is 7ft wide. The Sanyo gives a top picture even at this short throw distance, but I know its working within itself. Question is, if I moved to a 1080p projector would I really notice the PQ difference at these distances? Inputs would be your normal SkyHD, BlueRay and HD-DVD.

cheers,

Nigel

[spooney]

I sold my Z4 yesterday and I agree the image looks fantastic.
I was in the same position the last few weeks and not sure at all if there is an improvement worthwhile the investment. Putting aside there is nothing such as an investment in home cinema

i asked around with people I trust and know the difference first hand. The answer has been a solid, yes. The enhanced resolution is one thing but the contrast and blacks will be significantly better. BUT: And here comes the catch. This will only really happen to your satisfaction if you dig deep into your pocket.

I decided to spend almost 4 times of the current price of a Z5 based on the new Mitsubishi HC7000.
My dealer also confirmed it would be a great improvement with a HC6000 (still 3 times a Z5 but coming down rapidly with the new models due this month). If you move to the Z2000, for sure a decent pj, it all depends on your sources and there won't be much improvement. I am a regular and long-term customer, so this is not about making quick money

Head spinning?

[kbfern]

If I were you and was happy with the quality of the image you are getting I would wait 6 months at least(unless the lamp finaly blows).

The reason is there will be more 1080p models out by then to choose from and any models launched in the next 2 months will have come down a bit by then and also there will be reviews available too assess them properly.

If you buy now all the models currently available are at the end of there production run (Z2000,AE2000,HC6000) new models are out soon.

Don't know what your budget is but LCD is going to be around
£1500+.Have you considered DLP as 1080p entry models are from £900 up.

[monkeyleader]

Budget isn't really an issue (within reason) I'm worried about the blub blowing and actually taking out the PJ in its wake - which is why I'm probably going to go ahead and pickup a new bulb anyway - always worth selling it with a semi-new bulb I guess. Amazed that the price of 1080p projectors have fallen so much. I'm hoping even the bulb replacement will make quite difference as my eyes have probably gotten used to the added darkness a 3 year old PJ brings (just checked the hours and its 2540 - very impressed !)

Nige

[Mark Grant]

A new bulb should make it look like a new projector again

I would wait to buy a new 1080P projector for a while unless you are in a rush to spend money, as prices are dropping and new models are appearing.

If you have a PC connected to your projector then a 1080P such as JVC HD1 series etc looks fantastic for viewing photos ( noticed a 40D and L lense in your signnature )

Mark.

[spooney]

I agree. A new bulb will definitely bring you back to the fantastic picture you are used to. The image will be much, much brighter.


BTW: I sold my Z4 to a guy who uses the pj as monitor. He run his current Z4 12.000(!) hours in 2.5 years currently being on the 4th lamp. Now the image is getting yellow
Quite impressive built quality I'd say.