Infocus 5000 questions

[krauts]

I've been looking for a projector and wanted to get the Sanyo Z3. I came across the Infocus 5000 on ableshopper.com for $999 after rebate. Now I have read some reviews and user reviews are ok and the big sites or magazine articles dont like it and they would recommend more expensive models. Does anyone here have real world experience with this model? How bad can it be for $999. I understand its not great but for $999 vs 1999 for a better model, I would think it would be ok. It's my first projector so I have nothing to compare it to. As long as DVD's and HDTV look good, that would satisfy me.

[Ralph Kramden]

Based on everything I've read about the Infocus 5000, I would pass on it. The reason it's so cheap now is because not enough people are buying it. Are you set on a LCD projector? What about a DLP projector? Have you seen both types in person? For about $1,000 you can do better.

[krauts]

what other 720p models are out there that can do that for $1,000? I'm looking for something that will be able to do HDTV as well as dvd's.

[Ralph Kramden]

I think the only other one that is native 720p is the Sanyo Z2. What does the Z3 cost now? There are 480p projectors that will look better than the Z2 or the 5000 due to their higher contrast and better black levels. You are aware the 480p projectors will accept a 720p or 1080i signal, correct? They then scale it down to 480p and HD looks excellent. Have you been to Avsforum.com and Projectorcentral.com?

[krauts]

A z3 is around 1299 now. I was reading that a native 720p pj will make HDtv look alot better than a 480p so that is why I was leaning towards the Z3 and now the 5000. The posts on avsforum seem to be ok on the 5000. I know its not the best but its only 999. Its my first pj so I don't have anything to compare it to either. Also, when people move do they leave pj's behind? we'll probably move in a few years so I could always leave it behind and upgrade then.

[Ralph Kramden]

I guess some people work it into the sale of the house, if the buyer is interested.
Otherwise you just take it down and bring it with you.