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Money is always a factor, but here’s my 2 cents. I have both still sitting here. Of the two, I put the IN83 in my main theater, while I’m using my RS1 for other purposes, these last few weeks.

I could live with either projector, but, at the same price – placement issues notwithstanding, I’ll take the IN83. I simply believe it has the most natural looking image (skin tones in particular) of any projector here, including my JVC RS1.

We’re quibbling over small differences on two excellent projectors. With both properly calibrated, I’d say this. If you walked into your room, sat down and watched one, then came back a couple hours later, and someone had switched to the other one, you likely wouldn’t notice any difference. Oh, perhaps if you knew what to look for and chose to do so, but, otherwise, if you were just kicking back and watching, I seriously doubt you would notice a change in the projectors, let alone which one is better.

We tend to get all excited about very small differences which are mostly apparent only in side by side comparisons. Subtle differences may be important to perfectionists, but most people just want to enjoy. Best way to put that in perspective, is around here, most friends, etc., love my Ensemble HD setup in “theater 2″. They’ve all seen the JVC, the IN83, or other higher end projectors in my main theater, but the smaller, more personal room (no high ceilings, etc), have many preferring the Ensemble. go figure!

I am, as you must suspect, highly critical, but at the same time, have taught myself to turn off that side, when I’m just watching, and not working. Even I enjoy the Ensemble, although I sure wish it had the Epson UB not the older HC1080. Still, I watch a fair amount in that room.

You have to decide if $700 is worth an extra couple of percent in performance (and even then, trade-offs.) -art

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Jim, I must be dense, this morning, but what exactly do you mean about ID’ing it as a blog? -art

You have to wonder why companies aren’t eager to have you review their products.

This is a fun time in one sense–lot’s of great choices. And that’s the problem. Figuring out which choice to make!

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Ok, I’ve got an email into BenQ product management, to see if I can get confirmation re which version DLP chip is in the W5000.

Yes, lots of products, most manufacturers would tend to prefer that we didn’t get into so much competitive commenting (they love print magazines, where every product is pretty great, and it’s like only one projector exists at a time in the universe.

That said, I really don’t have any problem getting review units, except from high end “local installing dealer” only brands like Runco/Vidikron, SIM2 (who does come through once in a while), Marantz, and some really high end.

The biggest problem is that I can’t get to all the ones offered, and the few I want to review. There’s only limited time, and at the very best, I can only do 1 per wee, (actually I average about one every 8-9 days, over the course of a year.

So, ultimately I can’t get to them all. A partial list of what’s coming up over the remainder of the year, including January (when I also have CES and a conference to attend). In approximate alphabetical order, these are commitments from manufacturers

BenQ: Done:
Epson: HC6100/PC7100, HC6500/PC7500, HC700 (720p), Moviemate 55,
InFocus: Done
JVC: RS10, RS20 (or the equivalent HD versions from the home division)
Mitsubishi: HC6500, HC7000
Optoma: HD806 (not sure whether I’ll get to it, don’t know much about it yet), if too similar to HD803, may not have time
Panasonic: PT-AE3000U
Planar: 8150
projectiondesign: One of the new Avielo models
Sanyo: PLV-Z60, PLV-Z700, (both in house, now) PLV-Z3000 (presumed to be available in Nov).
SIM2: One of three possible’s probably the new $4995 1080p Domino.
Sony: HW10, VW70.

All of the above, will be reviewed, based on when they are available, but all of these manufacturers, have confirmed, that they will send units. Obviously, most will be available between now and late November, but it will take 4 months to get through all of these.

At the end of January, or early february, I should publish my first 2009 1080p projector comparison report.

Finally, you are correct, a lot to choose from, and many are comparable. So it really comes down to figuring out, which will work in your room, from a physical placement standpoint, which features and performance areas you value most, and which flaws will bother you the least.

I suffer the same problem. It’s time to replace my RS1, but with what? IN83’s great, but no match in black levels (but oh, so bright), the new JVC’s maybe. I’m still slightly frustrated with the RS1’s less than 1000 lumens in brightest mode, though, which is also why I didn’t upgrade to the RS2, which isn’t as bright.

Hey, picking the projector is 75% of the fun for many folks.

BTW, I’d also like to get a shot at the Samsung, if I can get one out of them. Haven’t had a good connection there since Mark Pickard (their product manager) left Samsung last year, for a different company.

Gotta get back to work. -art

1. Why do you suppose the W20000 has acceptable noise and the W5000 does not? They are built on the same platform are they not? I thought the difference was the DC2 versus DC3 alone.

Bruce, there is a definite visible difference in noise. We are all still waiting the promised, improved firmware for the W5000. BTW, (and I’m going from memory), I believe the W5000 has the newer DC1.

2. Did you ever see the dreaded green vale that some forum posters complain about in the W5000? What is that about anyway?

No, can’t say that I have. I haven’t been following the W5000 threads, and you are the first to bring it to my attention. I’ll probably try to get over there. Some day BenQ promises the fix, and will send me one for a second look. I’m not holding my breath!

3. How would the W2000 stack up against the slightly higher priced Planar PD8130/8150 machines? These seem like the real competition if somewhat pricier.

Again, thanks for a great job of balanced reviewing!

That’s a good question. At CEDIA, Planar said they could get me an 8150 in October, for review.

It’s tough, over a year, I get to about 90% of the major home theater projectors under $10K, excluding outfits like projectiondesign, and Digital Projection. I should be getting a lower cost SIM2, as well. Still, this time of year it’s crunch time. I’ve got about 15 projectors on my list that should all be shipping before end of year. But, I can’t knock them off that fast.

So, like with the Planar 8150, I can’t compare until I have one. The previous Planar I reviewed – a while back, the 7060 was pretty nice, but had some weaknesses.

Should be fun. Hang in there! -art

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Answers above after each question