Just a thought from a front projector owner:
You should not automatically shy away from such factors as bulb replacement costs. If a bulb lasts ~3 yrs (~3000 hrs) and costs $350 (and considering you'll be wanting to upgrade to the next tech wave in 10 yrs anyway) the price difference would have to be less than $700 for that to be a major consideration. If, however you are the type to leave the TV on in the background (using 4-6000 hrs/yr), this may, indeed, become an issue. You should do the math first.
