Thinking of changing my 720p projector.
In a light controled dedicated HT room for a 120" screen.
as both models are almost same price at my area, which would be a better price in terms of picture quality & features?

Note: I am quite sensitive to rainbow effect, so LCoS vs 3LCD, which one does not have the rainbow effect?

Hi mpyw,

Only single-chip DLP-based projectors with a spinning colour wheel produce rainbow effects (commercial DLP projectors in cinemas use 3 DLP chips and no color wheel so no rainbow effects). The LCoS and 3-LCD projectors you mention do not use color wheels.

I've not seen the Epson so you'll need to get feedback from other forum members. I've been most impressed by the Panasonic line of front projectors but it's been some years since I viewed JVC units.

Regards,
Alan

mpyw,
I too am super sensitive to rainbow effect issues on DLP projectors. Some are better than others, some are worse, and some are not an issue at all. At work they use these little Dell branded "business" projectors. They are tiny, they are DLP, and whenever I turn my head, I can see major rainbow issues.

Alan is right (like usual) though. I have always been a big fan of LCD. Mainly for the leaps in technology over the years and the price, but don't shy away from any current home theater DLPs if they are the 3 chip models.

Don't look at it as complicating your search, but as just more options for you to pick from.

Epson 8700UB Specs

JVC HD250 Specs

There are other nice DLPs on that site as well that you can research... I will be getting a new projector this fall, so I will be going though similar decisions, but with technology changing all of the time, what works today might be beat out tomorrow.

Use discretion with regard to published projector specs. They are rarely truthful. What you really need to compare is specifications with fully calibrated displays. Calibrated to the same standard, like D65 / rec 709. JVC tends to have the most realistic specs.

The JVC, even though the specs indicate otherwise, will have a higher contrast as it is a native contrast that does not use a dynamic iris to pinch in on the light path to give the impression of increased c/r.

LED based DLP machines do not create a rainbow effect, but unfortunately, I know of only one on the market right now and it runs about 10K.

Both LCD and LCOS/DILA (LCOS and DILA are LCD based machines) exhibit more motion blur than DLP, which I am sensitive to.

I guess what I am trying to say, is that there are pro's / con's to each and one has to figure out what they can and can not live with and live without. If you are into accurate "film like" displays, go with JVC. If you like crispness and "pop", go with DLP. But if you get headaches from DLP induced rainbows, you will have to live with motion blur.

If you are not in a hurry, I think there will be some significant improvements within the next six to twelve months as LED becomes more mainstream. And if you are really patient, wait 24 months for laser based projectors.

Or, just buy whatever you can afford for now and be done with it, and don't read forums.

Hi,
I installed an Epson 8700UB on a friend a few weekends ago. I was really impressed with the quality of the picture. I own a Panasonic AE 2000 and the Epson is better.

In the US the Epson 8700UB is not expensive, my friend bought his from Visual Apex for 1999.00 free shipping, free replacement lamp and $100.00 mail-in rebate.

i have not seen the JVC but JVC projectors always receive great reviews.

This sounds a bit cruel, Jc.
Unless of course your friend is a Dalek. Then it would probably look quiet natural on him.

It sounds worst than it is in reality . . you need to take a look at the big picture

Drat! Foiled by my own diacritic.