Be careful with the current JVCs.The RS50s are known to have lamp life and brightness issues. A lot of the owners are dumping them for something else.
If you like DLP..then a Sharp ZX17000, Benq W6000, Vivitek H5080 or Infocus SP8602 are your best bets below $4000. The Optoma 8600/8700 retails for a bit more since it has very high quality lenses to choose from.
By going with the 3 chip projectors, you're going to lose the razor sharpness that only a single chip DLP can do, so keep that in mind.That's unless you get a very expensive 3 Chip DLP. Bright scene POP is another strong point of DLP. DLPs still rule in motion..no other tech can match them as yet. The LCOS rule in black levels for the darkest scenes. LCDs fall along the same lines as LCOS but not as refined..They look more like big LCD TVs on the wall.
There's a trade off with all techs LCD,LCOS and DLP. Most that like DLP don't have the same feeling after viewing certain LCD or LCOS projectors. It is a different look and feel. Some people can't see the difference. You sound like some one that can..better stick with DLP if you can.
Using a simple phrase to describe the difference from LCD to DLP , it is like comparing a painting to a window. The DLP looks like a window, the LCD a painting..no depth IMO.
LCOS projectors like Sony and JVC have a softness to them, as does the Panasonic AE4000, which uses a smooth screen technology. If you're into razor sharp images..then stick with a Runco LS5 or one of the DLPs listed above.
Good luck with your hunt!
