Quote (Mick7 on Apr 30, 2014 9:38 AM): Thank you for your reply. I forgot to mention in my previous post that I had fairly good control of my ambient light problem, and that the screen I have was recommended about 7 years ago for my 720P InFocus projector. Which BTW cost $6,800 back then.

Which projector do you have? InFocus made very few high end models which were in that price range. The IN777 is the only one which comes to mind, and that's in a completely different class than pretty much anything you will find under $3,000.

Quote (Mick7 on Apr 30, 2014 9:38 AM): I guess where I'm lost where your recomendation is concerned is as it relates to night time viewing with the Epson 5030UB. Are you saying that there will not be vast improvments over my old original equipment because of my screen during the night time when there is no ambient light problem?

If you have a really good projector that's a few years old, then it is still a good projector. The advancements in DLP technology have been minimal IMO, especially when it comes to home theater. Pricing has dropped phenomenally, but quality improvements haven't really kept up. So, while the Epson 1080UB has been surpassed by the Epson 5030UB, I'm not sure I would spend the money on the upgrade unless I really wanted 3D. To that end, the several year old Epson 8350 is still considered a great entry level 1080p projector with phenomenal placement flexibility and a solid image despite it's age. It's a 4 year old design, and still really well regarded.

Don't get me wrong, you will get a quality jump, but DLP also has a very different look than LCD, and that may be something you aren't prepared for at all. Especially if coming from the 777 which was a 3-chip DLP model. I'm not entirely sure I would go that route. You also can't be sure you aren't RBE sensitive so one of the other DLP models out there may not be a good choice either.

I don't have a good recommendation on this, just a lot of negatives. I very likely wouldn't be looking at the 5030 though. Far more likely would be the JVC RS46 or the Sony 50ES models. LCoS will significantly improve the black levels for after dark viewing.

Quote (Mick7 on May 1, 2014 11:29 AM): My projector was an InFocus ScreenPlay 7210

This was a solid projector that was considered something of a light cannon. I believe it was somewhat noisy, but a solid unit, that mostly carried the high price tag due to the time that it was produced.

Quote (Mick7 on May 1, 2014 11:29 AM): From what I have read and what you are telling me the LCOS is the best at a much higher price point.

LCoS starts just under $3,000. That's not a lot up from the 5030UB, but is a bit more. LCoS has the best black levels and an excellent image quality for film viewing in a good theater space. The JVC models may be the best out there in a true home theater - dark walls, dark ceiling, dark carpet, zero ambient light. But, it isn't bright enough for a larger screen to be filled as easily (over 120" diagonal) and all LCoS projectors don't have the same response time, and therefore the same look, as DLP.

Sony projectors are a bit brighter. Not quite as inky on the black levels, but can handle a bit more imperfections in the room.

I don't see any obvious reason to go with the Epson 5030. It's to close in price to the JVC/Sony entry level LCoS models.

BUT: If we are looking for a nice basic upgrade on the 7210 with just a general value level upgrade? The BenQ W1070, or the nicer BenQ 7500 are the ones to get. They are both DLP projectors which is a look you are used to seeing. They are 1080p, 3D, higher contrast, etc. The offset of both will be less than the 7210, so you will need to consider adjusting the projector mount, and perhaps placement may force you into the 7500 vs. the W1070. But, both have a similar look to them and are projectors I would expect you to be very happy with if you have enjoyed the 7210.

Quote (Mick7 on May 1, 2014 11:29 AM): I want the best HD pic I can get for movies, TV, and sports.

The JVC RS46 is about $2700 or so (you can contact me if you want to on this) and produces the best 2D image on the market for movies in a truly dark space.

Quote (Mick7 on May 1, 2014 11:29 AM): My system is old as my Integra receiver is not HDMI compliant, and on the Epson 5030UB it still had a component imput, which would save me about a 40' run for new HDMI cables. The receiver is still smoking good and I push it hard, but it has held up well over 7-8 years.

All projectors pretty much have a component HD input. You will want to try HDMI though. Just run a cable on the floor or something to see what HDMI looks like. No manufacturer is investing the same quality into component video inputs as they were a few years ago before HDMI was around. Now there is a lot more focus on HDMI and far less on component HD. I use component video for a lot of my systems, but keep in mind you can NOT get 1080p Blu-ray Disc over component video from any currently available BD player.

Quote (Mick7 on May 1, 2014 11:29 AM): Now you have all of my details so if you still think I should go another way other than the Epson I will be giving it some SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. Thanks. Mick7

Just a few more details: Screen size, lens to screen distance, room color, wall color, ceiling color, carpet color?