My big question is: What dealer did you buy it from? I ask, because there are multiple channels of dealers – large direct AV dealers (authorized) which to my best knowledge, Epson replaced their inventory. Distributors, which I assume Epson also replaced their inventory – but, any number of small dealers might have bought and put into their own inventory a couple of Epsons way back, and could therefore still have old units. And finally, there are those dealers selling Epson who aren’t authorized. They get their units, probably from other dealers buying from Distributors (but could be from a rogue large dealer…). Point being, those not authorized – most likely to have an old unit, but also could be those who bought from a distrib a while back.

Finally, this is a firmware fix issue. It is possible that the projector you bought was “upgraded” but someone blew it… and it made it back out into the field.

So, do let me know the dealer… one more piece in the puzzle. -art

The 8500UB is still my personal fav projector under about $4000 street. However, as I always say, make sure it meets your room requirements – it’s one of the brightest when you need max lumens, but its only slightly brighter than average in best mode, and there are a number that are brighter a few up to twice as bright in best mode (ie. BenQ W6000), or the LG CF181D, also extremely bright in best. Though neither are significantly brighter at their brightest. -art

PS. my other reviewers Tony and Mike, also must like the 8500UB, as they both bought one this spring – Mike replacing an old JVC RS1 – he needs the lumens… and Tony, replacing a very old Panny PT-AE700 or AE900 (I can’t remember which). both are very pleased… -art