Am I a fool to consider a NOS Pioneer Elite PRO-FPJ1 projector?

[carlthewave]

Wondering people's thoughts on this one. I can pick this up for $1500 (was a $9K retail just a few years ago) This projector is a modified JVC unit with the Kuro technology. All the reviews I've read say the black levels are great. I know it would be an improvement over the mid-level, 720p Epson projector that was included with our house.

3d is not of interest to me. Anything in this price range today with the level of performance of the Elite?

[zongtoo]

I feel if it fits your budget and will work for your application, why not. It's a very good piece of equipment.

[TommyC]

I would think really hard on this. Video tech advances at a very fast pace, especially in the projector world. A 4 year-old projector will be behind quite a bit in the contrast and processing area.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by TommyC

I would think really hard on this. Video tech advances at a very fast pace, especially in the projector world. A 4 year-old projector will be behind quite a bit in the contrast and processing area.

+1 that's a tough call...

[jdandy]

Carl........A NOS Pioneer Elite PRO-FPJ1 projector for $1500.00 seems like a fair deal to me, especially consider your comment about simply wanting to raise the bar over an aging Epson projector. The PRO-FPJ1 projector specs look good. 1920 x 1080p Full HD Resolution/ 30,000:1 Contrast Ratio/ 2x Motorized Zoom/Focus Lens/ Optical Engine With Precise Light Processing/ HDMI v1.3 With Deep Color/ VXP Video Processor/ Front Air Intake And Exhaust Vents/ 60" To 200" Projection Sizes/ Black Finish. The price is right, in my opinion. You will pay a lot more for the leading edge, and even if you choose to go up in the future the Pioneer Elite PRO-FPJ1 projector isn't breaking the bank.

[W9TR]

Hi Carl,

The PRO-FPJI is a clone of the JVC DL-RS2. This PJ was intrduced in 2008, so is 4 years old. That's 28 dog years, or 100 projector years. It will be way better than what you have. It is probably better than a new $1500 PJ today, but not by much. You will need to get it ISF calibrated to get he best out of it. Black levels on JVC's latest are 4x better, but you're into more than double the money for a new one, but you get a 3 year warranty, which a NOS unit likely does not have. Kind of a crap shoot.

You might want to check with Pat Bradley in Burnsville, he's an ISF calibrator, and may be able to help you decide. Plus, he's the only guy I'd recommend for a cal in the cities.

Tom

[UFTE]

I actually own this projector and have used for the past 3 years with no complaints or issues. I think for the price you cannot beat it. Only issue I see in the future would be a lamp replacement when the stock one dies, but by then I'd hope to upgrade to the new "latest and greatest". If you are looking to be on the cutting edge of technology you will end up spending much more as others note, and it looks like you will be leaps and bounds above what you currently have

Ryan

[carlthewave]

Thanks everyone!
When we bought our house, it had the theater room with the Epson. I admit I was blown away going from a 60" plasma to an 8ft screen. But as time went by, I really started to miss the blacks that my Pioneer Elite Pro-151FD had. The Epson just doesn't cut it. I know if I doubled my budget (or more) the Pioneer projector WOULDN'T be considered. I'm thinking the Pioneer projector might be good for a few years...that is until 4K projectors become more affordable.

Or...until Tom upgrades his JVC RS50. I am still blown away by the picture that projector puts out. It really reminded my of my Pioneer Kuro plasma. You really have an impressive theater Tom!

[W9TR]

Carl,
If you liked the RS-50, the RS-2 will give you a very similar look when calibrated. The black levels won't be quite as good, but you will only notice that in maybe 5% of the movies you watch. I saw the Pro FPJ-1 at CES a few years back, and it looked very good. If you're interested in the RS-50, drop me a line.
Tom

[CFz]

Originally Posted by carlthewave

Thanks everyone!
When we bought our house, it had the theater room with the Epson. I admit I was blown away going from a 60" plasma to an 8ft screen. But as time went by, I really started to miss the blacks that my Pioneer Elite Pro-151FD had. The Epson just doesn't cut it. I know if I doubled my budget (or more) the Pioneer projector WOULDN'T be considered. I'm thinking the Pioneer projector might be good for a few years...that is until 4K projectors become more affordable.

Or...until Tom upgrades his JVC RS50. I am still blown away by the picture that projector puts out. It really reminded my of my Pioneer Kuro plasma. You really have an impressive theater Tom!

I have an 151FD as well and still don't think there is another mass produced television that can beat it's picture quality overall. The new Elites are nice, but I still prefer the plasma. And that is 4 year old technology...