Any experienced Projector users?

I would also recommend the Sanyo as a budget option. I owned the PLV-Z4, for the money it was great.

You have a lot of leaway in regards to the throw distance.

I would recommend the projector to be positioned behind the viewing seat as you won't notice the beginning of the light emitting from the projector - distracting.

You will also probably not need ambient light as the projector gives off alot of light... unless you want to add it to floor - think movie theatre step lights facing away from your seated view point and far from the screen.

Because of a recent move, I have downsized to a LCD and am very disappointed in the picture.

Cheers,
Richard

The beam is a real distraction if in front of you?

I never would have thought about that.....everytime I think I am getting somewhere I get hit with more confusion :)
With the Sanyo should I be able to expect to be able to throw it from behind me if I am at around 13 ft from screen or will I be more limited to projecting from front?

If the beam is behind you, your periferal vision will just notice a haze above you... with the beam infront of you, you will see the beginning of the cone of light... it would bother me.

If you are seated 13 feet from the screen, you have a lot of room behind you to mount the projector. I think the spec on the Sanyo Z5 was over 9 meters max distance... although I wouldn't go that distance.

The Sanyo had a lot of controls to tune the picture, lens shift, zoom, etc.

If I go back to a projector and was looking low budget the Sanyo with HDMI and 1080p is great... with more dollars the Infocus is looking real nice at $5000.

On another note, a HDDVD or BlueRay gives a ton of resolution to the image and you can save various picture settings for older DVDs or new High Def DVD's on the Sanyo.

Cheers,
Richard

Thanks Richard, while the Sanyo was a top contender it might be the unit I have to find a reason NOT to purchase at this point, everyones ideas were appreciated!

How big of a step up is the Sanyo PLV25 over the Optima HD-70? These 2 units plus the Panasonic PT AX1000 are my 3 top choices, I would like to be able to have some light fom time to time in room, it can be easily totally dark but for parties and casual veiwing, a bit of direct reading light and some low watt ambient would be great.
Also with any or all these options can I expect good if not passable results with a somewhat budget pull-down screen........around $300 for screen? Thanks again, doing research is great on many websites but having the chance to talk to members here makes me a bit more comfortable.