Projector recommendations

[JBrax]

One thing to consider (may not matter to you) is the Epson isn’t native 4K, instead uses their pixel shifting technology. The Sony 295 is the cheapest native 4K projector. I, personally, just installed the JVC NX5 and am extremely happy with it. I’m at around (don’t remember the exact number) 19’ throw on to a 150” screen. Blacks are black, picture looks amazing, etc. So, if your finance department won’t let the budget stretch then no doubt I’d go for the Epson in that ~$3k range. If you can get it up some (msrp is double) I’d do (and did) the NX5/RS1000. The Sony 295 will save you ~$1k and still give you native 4K. The NX7/9 (RS2000/3000) are amazing but you’re really bumping your budget up for them.

Oh trust me I want that JVC! I’ve gone full on sales mode and she’s at least considering it. I really want those blacks to be black and prefer native 4K. I know the JVC would be a considerable step up in performance over the Epson. This is our forever home so I’d really like to get it right and make the best choice for the long term. I’m trying….

 

[JBrax]

Great advice and don't discount the value of getting the best screen for what you're looking get out of the projector with the room and looking for HDR and sports (possibly with more ambient light?)

I’ll definitely not discount the importance of the screen. Solid advice thank you!

 

[keylooper]

Oh trust me I want that JVC! I’ve gone full on sales mode and she’s at least considering it.

Trust me, I get it We just "finished" our theater room install that I told my accountant "could easily be done for $20K all in" and we are now sitting at just shy of $50K all in. My single 10" sub ended up being dual 21" subs, my 4 seats ended up being 9 on platforms, my 5050UB ended up a NX5, etc. We're thrilled with the end result but these things add up pretty quick.

 

[JBrax]

Trust me, I get it We just "finished" our theater room install that I told my accountant "could easily be done for $20K all in" and we are now sitting at just shy of $50K all in. My single 10" sub ended up being dual 21" subs, my 4 seats ended up being 9 on platforms, my 5050UB ended up a NX5, etc. We're thrilled with the end result but these things add up pretty quick.

Every single time! In this current state no budget escapes intact.

 

[Sonnie]

I absolutely love my NX9... it's made the most impact on my viewing of any projector I have ever had... and it's perfect to my eyes straight out of the box. I don't think any calibration is needed, although I know the calibrators would probably never say it.

My 6050 was no slouch by any means, but there is definitely a difference between the two for my eyes.

 

[JBrax]

I GOT THE OK!!! JVC NX7 it is!

 

[JBrax]

JVC NX7 has been ordered! Whoop whoop!

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

JVC NX7 has been ordered! Whoop whoop!

I think you made the absolute right decision. IMO the JVC line is head and shoulders above the alternatives.

 

[JBrax]

I think you made the absolute right decision. IMO the JVC line is head and shoulders above the alternatives.

That gets me warm and fuzzy inside!

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

That gets me warm and fuzzy inside!

Mine isn't even the NX line, it's the e-shift model before, sans tone mapping, and it's amazing. I went from an Optoma HD20 to a Panasonic AE8000U (which was a top 1080p performer) to the JVC X790R. The only thing I'd upgrade to now is the NX7 or one of the lasers.

 

[JBrax]

Mine isn't even the NX line, it's the e-shift model before, sans tone mapping, and it's amazing. I went from an Optoma HD20 to a Panasonic AE8000U (which was a top 1080p performer) to the JVC X790R. The only thing I'd upgrade to now is the NX7 or one of the lasers.

I really don’t need any help getting more excited!

 

[Sonnie]

There will be more excitement when you first turn it on and see that gorgeous out of the box picture.

 

[JBrax]

There will be more excitement when you first turn it on and see that gorgeous out of the box picture.

 

[JBrax]

There will be more excitement when you first turn it on and see that gorgeous out of the box picture.

I’m going to need some screenshots from both you and @Todd Anderson !

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

This is from the previous generation, the X790R.

 

[JBrax]

This is from the previous generation, the X790R.

View attachment 43260

Those are some nice looking blacks!

 

[Todd Anderson]

I think you made the absolute right decision. IMO the JVC line is head and shoulders above the alternatives.

I agree with @thrillcat. JVC is the bomb... once you get it dialed in, it's going to floor you.

 

[Sonnie]

I just turned mine on and it floored me... haven't touched a thing other than lens shift, focus and memory settings.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Out of the box and in Cinema or Film mode, you get some near-calibrated performance.

 

[Sonnie]

I'll have to try those modes. I'm still on Natural.

Dennis and Wayne thought it looked incredible these past 5-6 nights we watched movies. The first movie I watched was Monster Hunter and it popped like nobody's business.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Actually, Sonnie, Natural is the one you want for SDR content on the NX line. I was thinking of last model run...

 

[Sonnie]

What about for HDR?

My eyes are pitiful... stints in them, cataracts removed... blind in one eye and can't see out of the other. BUT... if Wayne and Dennis have eyes as good as their ears, then I'm okay.

 

[Todd Anderson]

For HDR your projector should be in Frame Adapt mode... I believe it appears as "HDR" in the settings. I need to look at mine to confirm... but those other modes aren't an option when HDR is fed to the PJ (I think?)

 

[Sonnie]

Yeah... it is. It does the HDR automatically. I did turn on all the settings that pertain to doing the auto HDR stuff.

I turned off e-Shift for 8K, as it makes a noise, and per the professional reviewers, it's not that great. I certainly couldn't tell a difference in the picture, but my ears could tell it was a lot quieter.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Smart move... plus, the chance you'd see a difference in resolution between 4K and 8K at our screen sizes is likely zero. Perhaps if you had a 240" screen and you were sitting 8ft away ;-)