Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Projector problems??

I have been thinking a lot lately about getting a front projector. Namely the sanyo plv z5, or panny 100 or even possibly the 1080 versions the epson 1080 home or the panny, but I am kinda concerned because on the avs forum they seem to have a lot of problems? I am asking individuals that have or have had projectors in the past. How long do these projectors last? Is the quality control for projectors that bad that a person is lucky to get one that does not have some sort of problem within a year? Let me know what you think? Looking for good experiences and bad? I really don't want to spend that kind of money if it will only work for a few years (or less). I definitely want the big movie theater experience, but I sure would hate to have my wonderful tv I already have and sell it and then have a projector that craps out on me within a year. I wouldn't think that would be a very smart investment. Has anyone had experiences with any of these projectors??

I've been a long time member of AVSforum and other forums. While it is possible to get a lemon with anything you buy, I really am not sure that I follow your comments. Most people don't have many problems with projectors, and they don't crap out in a year.

I've had a Sanyo Z2 for over 3 years and it has been great. Recently, I've had an issue with some faint vertical lines, but I'm still troubleshooting the issue. I'm looking at the cable and HTPC video card I'm using as the problem.

If you get at least a 720p projector or higher, HD material is stunning. I guess it all depends on if you want a big screen experience or a smaller experience.

For me, if I ever need repair work done, it is a lot easier to send a 12lb unit to Sanyo for 3 day turn around, than it is figuring out how your going to get your large TV repaired.

Spending "that kind of money"? Projectors cost less overall than HDTV's, Plasma's, LCD's on the market.

I'm not giving up my 130" image anytime soon.

Good that is the kind of response that I was hoping to hear. I have recently been reading about individuals having problems with their panny 100ax in that forum. Anyway, I meant that kinda money in respect to the fact I bought my big tv just two years ago. I have built a theater room out of my basement with the help of my dad and ran wires for a ceiling mounted projector. I am really wanting to go to the projector. So you really like the sanyo? I have been leaning that way because I kinda like the auto lens cover, but also the fact I love movies and have a totally light controlled room. What projectors would you recommend? Thanks

Well, I don't really have much input on other projectors, however, check out projectorcentral.com as they have great reviews and recomendations.

I've had the Z2 for over 3 years and it has been great. In fact, I'm typing on my 130" screen right now, while I'm listening to a little Stevie Ray Vaughan on my Axioms.

There are some other Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 owners around these parts, so they may chime in...you can check out my website below of some pictures. Here is a pick of Star Wars at 130" with my cheap digital camera.

Ditto Randy's suggestion to check out Projector Central. They have a lot of info to consider in selecting a projector including list and reviews of their most highly recommended projectors and most popular models.

I purchased a used NEC 240K and had it for about 2.5 years with no troubles at all. I recently replaced it with the Mitsubishi HD1000 (for a while was rated one of 3 best buys on projector central) and am very pleased with it. It isn't as versitile to place as say the Sanyo Z series or some other popular models, but is fine for my situation.

Unless you are going to go the Blu-ray or HD DVD route I wouldn't recommend going to 1080p as they run around $5000 to get a highly rated model. Excellent 720p models can be had for $1000-1500 and are going to look just about as good as any 1080p model showing standard DVD's or HD TV (which is mostly 720p content). It'll likely be a couple years before there is a fair bit of 1080p content on HD TV and Blu-ray players are a more reasonable price and by then the 1080p projectors will probably be as cheap as the 720p ones are now.

My 2 cents

Projector prices have been dropping as fast as those for TV displays. Since the introduction of the JVC-RS1 purchases of other 1080p projectors declined. The Sony Pearl which was regarded as the top 1080p projector of 2006 can now be purchased in the $3000-$3,500 range which is around the price of a good 60" flat panel TV. 1080p Panasonics and Sharps are cheaper still.

720p projectors are excellent buys right now and probably represent the best bang for the buck. While resolution is important there are other projector properties which more significant to image quality such as luminosity, contrast ratio, greyscale linearity and color accuracy.

3+ years and running.
http://www.quadloft.com/h30/

I picked up a Z4 maybe 6 months ago after the prices had dropped -- the value for dollar was just too good to pass up. I have been very happy with it.

The final decision was between the Z4 and the corresponding Panasonic -- AU900 I guess -- with the final decision being made by local availability and pricing. I probably would have also been very happy with the Panny but on balance I think the "sharp Sanyo" is closer to my viewing tastes than the "smooth Panasonic".

If you have some wall space and the ability to control ambient light then a projector seems like the obvious way to go. As others have said, getting a projector to a service depot is much easier than moving an RPTV, and there is really nothing more to go wrong in a projector than in an RPTV.

Someone made a comment about Axioms never being criticized in the media. Not sure that is true -- I distinctly remember someone complaining about blood pouring out of their ears after the first listening session

I own a Sanyo Z5 (only 30 or so hours on the bulb), I have been in love with the sharpness and clarity ever since I bought it.

Its an amazing projector for the price! Highly recommended.