Optoma - HD28DSE

The Optoma will have the best looking image, period. The 1080p chip is reliable and provides excellent contrast for the money and should work well for many years to come. I can't speak to the Acer models as we don't see much from Acer projectors in the USA. Very similar to Optoma I would expect. The DLP models may produce some RBE issues for those sensitive, but otherwise, the much better black levels are truly worth it with these models. Note that placement of all of these models is going to be somewhat limiting due to the cheaper lenses in use. The EF11 has no zoom and a 1:1 throw ratio. The Acer ST model has a fixed .5:1 throw ratio. The Optoma has a 1.48-1.62:1 throw ratio. Make sure you know how to use this tool so you don't find yourself in a mess when you go to set things up... [https://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-HD28DSE-projection-calculator-pro.htm](https://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-HD28DSE-projection-calculator-pro.htm) If concerned about RBE a ton, then either buy from a place with a decent return policy, or get the FH06 from Epson which is more of a home theater designed model and is a okay entry level unit from them. You will take a hit on contrast for sure with this model and would need to go up to their 3200/3800 models to match what the DLP models are capable of in terms of contrast.

You cant know something you never had basically. But that projector, once it starts to get burn in, thats it... Ewaste. A proper projector (can find on ebay even as low as 300e) will have a bulb which is replaceable and last about 10k hours (depends on system) and the bulbs at least for me cost only 80euro. Colorwheels cost 5euro a pop. All very easy diy change out. My projector is now iirc 15years old. 1080p60hz, optoma, long throw, its on very often just like tv, i changed maybe 3 bulbs so far... Has gaming settings reduce latency etc. great colors and contrast. Never used a screen even for it. Any plain color wall worked better than any of the budget screens. Have repainted wall matt white now and it works very well instead of those budget screens. 

With Blackfriday looming im trying to make a similar decision. Again like you i have a dedicated theatre room with full control over light. I currently have an old 1080p Optama projector with a fixed 100" screen. I need to look at replace the projector but with mini-led 100" tvs dropping drastically im not sure which route to take. main use is movies as I have a sepwrat3 family room with an LG c3 65".

I have bought several used Projectors over the last few years, they work great for a while but always end up having bulb issues or fans issues and they overheat. Optomas are good to get used, easy to work on, but if you plan on using them in a theater setup, make sure they play nice with your receiver. I spent a lot of money on my set up, dropped 2500.00 on a Denon high end receiver ( used on inheritance money from grand parent that passed, only way i would ever be able to get something that high end.) Came across a good deal on a Optoma 1080 projector on FB Market place, think I paid like 80 bucks, it works great plugged into a streaming box like Apple TV, but when I plug it into my receiver, to get surround sound with the projector, the video will not come through and the receiver does not see the projector at all. So I use it as an outdoor projector for movie nights. I have a Benq HT1075 that a friend had that was overheating, paid like $200 for it, it works pretty good but has to be taken apart and cleaned every 6 months. I say all this to say you can find a good unit used, but be careful its like buying a used car, you don’t know if it was taken care of, and how much it was abused. It could turn into a money pit. I am waiting for UST laser projectors to become a little more affordable, then I will be will to drop 800 or so on one, and not have to worry about replacing a bulb at an inconvenient time for 150-200 bucks.

I have a 1080p Optoma projector in my HT. It is about 10 years old, so maybe due for an upgrade. For now, It gets the job done when it’s dark. But the image washes out quickly if a light is turned on and you can barely see anything. That’s why this caught my attention. With multiple strings of light bulb hanging, I could still see the display without any difficulty. I agree, this is not great but compared to the one I have at home currently the difference is night and day. What projector do you recommend from JVC?