[tpmilne]

I am just on the point of ordering a projector for the first time, and I have been all set to get a Panny PTAX200 when someone suggested that I should consider the Mitsubishi HC5500 for a few extra hundred of my hard earned pounds.

Now I fully appreciate that the HC5500 is 1080p, whereas the Panny is 'only' 720p. But the Panny has got such good write ups that I just want to have some views from all you experts out there about whether or not the HC5500 is worth the extra cash.

I would mainly be using the projector for Blu-ray movies and sport action from a Sky HD box. Hopefully this will mean that most of my enjoyment will be in HD, but of course there will be some SD footage scaled up either from my Sony S350 Blu-ray player, or through my Denon AVR1909 av receiver.

Finally, I am hoping to play a bit of Nintendo Wii on the projector but this is a secondary consideration.

Thanks a lot in advance

[Simon Coates]

Bump. I've got exactly that same question to ask.

Thanks

Simon

[stuartbrown21]

Hi there

I can't answer your question specifically, but I have owned a PT-AX100 (essentially the same as the AX200) for around 2.5 years now and have been mostly happy with it. As you say it is 'only' 720p but playing Blu-Rays I find he resolution and sharpness more than adequate, and I'd advise to not pay much more 'just' for resolution.

The reason that I'd upgrade to a more modern pj is that in the past couple of years black levels & contrast for LCD/LCOS based machines has improved quite markedly, and it is this area of performance that often draws me out of the viewing experience and makes me yearn for a better pj. Personally, I'd love a Sony VPL-HW10 but unfortunately i just can't afford to upgrade at this time (sob sob).

In this regard, I'd certainly think it may be worthwhile paying more for improved blacks and contrast - though as I say, I'm not too familiar with how the Mitsubishi fares in these areas.

Good luck.

[andyr300]

i was stuck between these two also, in the end got a sanyo but thats another story.

the panasonic has the upper hand in brightness so if you are planning any daytime viewing this might take the biscuit.

the mitsubishi has a great upscaler so predominantly SD viewing may be better on this model.

but all in all id say its more about whether the extra ~£300 is worth it for you, if you can afford it you may as wel take the 'better' model!

[tpmilne]

OK, thanks a lot for that information. The room I have at the moment has full blackout shutters so light wouldn't normally be a problem even if we are watching something during the day.

Any more views on whether or not the HC5500 is worth the extra 300 quid?

[pure_geordie]

Ask yourself this, what size image am I projecting?

Definately pay the extra, You want the biggest possible image and best the best quality.

Think that answers your Q. Yes you can achieve a good image 720p however the bigger the image the better projector you want. An HC-5500 would fit the bill if you can afford it.

Its worth the extra and I just wanted to go to 1080p from 720p. You won't be disappointed.