I recently did a lot of research on projectors as I was in the market. My research is now close to 2 months old but I don't hink many new models have appeared in my price category.
First off, as mentioned, you can get a truly Excellent projector for the 2 to 3 thousand dollar range. To jump to the next tier of noticeable quality, you will have to go well beyond 5k. However, many of the 2-3k projectors are doing 1080p with as good of reviews as the crazy expensive models. So I agree, you actually get to save a couple of grand here.
After a lot of research, my personal top picks were.
#1 Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080p UB (ultra black)
#2 Panasonic PT-AE2000u
tied for #3
Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080p
Mitsubishi HC4900
I ended up going with the Epson 1080p (not the UB version).
Why, simply a matter of pricing. All are outstanding projectors and although the UB was my number 1 choice, Epson was offering $300 dollars and a free bulb, at that time, for the non UB version that was still one of the most respected in in it's price range. That's like 650 to 700 off.
Since you have the budget and then some, I'd go for the Epson 1080 UB or the Panny. Whichever offers the best deal.
I agree with the screen suggestions. From my research, painting a screen is not for the feint of heart but can give you good results if you find the right formula for your room and can apply it carefully.
I wasn't going to spend more than $500 to $700 dollars for my screen. Again it was the law of diminishing returns. Excellent quality can be found in that price range and to get only marginally better required upping the price into the thousands.
I like DIY projects so in the end, I went with Wilsonart "Designer White" Laminate for screen material and I'll be building a wooden frame covered in a black velvety material. Do some searching and you will find many posts on AV forums of people having great luck with this $100 dollar solution. I found at least one article where it was measured for gain and color and came out as good or better than many of the purchased screens in the 500 to $700 price range.
If you want something you can just hang, then Carada, Draper and Tribal were on my short list. I have to plug Tribal Screens here because they wer SUPER helpful answering all my questions. Top notch pre-sales service! I felt guilty for going the DIY route after they were so kind to me.
I'd suggest reading some articles on room brightness and screen gain in order to choose your screen color. This is the most important decision you can make here. Basically, in a dark, light controlled room, a white screen will give you more vibrant colors. However, if you have windows or like a bit of light on while you watch TV, a grey screen will give you much better contrast and your blacks will not look so faded.
There are some good reads on this topic and screen companies are usually able to make recommendations if you contact them.
My head is still full of semi useful information from my research, so if you have questions, ask away, before it gets lost in there.
Andrew
