From all I have seen. The epson's seem to be rock solid. I have not heard many people complain about anything going wrong with them. That might be the deciding factor. I will pay a little more if I know I am not going to have to worry about it. So far it seems the route to go. I have heard issues with the panny and definitely the sanyo, not just about the return policy. I think I am leaning toward the epson. It'll be a stretch for me, but I think it will be worth it in the long run I think.

7.1 theater room
60 fronts vp180 center 4 qs8's ep500 sub

3.0 tv room
m3's vp150 center