Replacing JVC X500R Projector - What Options Should I Consider?

LMaverickindi83 on 13/07/2023 - 06:20

Hi all,

I have a 8 year old JVC X500R mounted on ceiling. This was pre-installed in the house when we bought it two years ago. A week back it stopped working i.e. when powering it on, it starts and then after 10 seconds the image goes away and the three lights in the front (Standby, Lamp, Warning) start flashing. JVC service centre (and the internet) suggests a faulty ballast board and I have roughly been quoted $800 to fix or $1300 in case the lamp also needs replacement.

Question to the group -

  1. Should I cough up the $800-$1300 to fix an 8 year old projector
  2. Change to a newer 4k projector

If your suggestion is #2, any recommendation on which projector I should consider in a cost effective yet good performance for a 120 inch screen setup, approx 3.9 mtr away from where projector is installed?

Thanks all

Electrical & Electronics Projector

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 13/07/2023 - 10:02

    $500 lamp replacement.
    Really?
    Do some research on that one, I feel like JVC is taking you for a ride. In my experience lamps are $300ish and are user replaceable (but inflation maybe?)

    Assuming that's accurate, and assuming you are indeed coming due for a lamp replacement (which seems likely), you're looking at $1300 repair cost which puts you close/into the budget range of lower end 4K projectors ie https://www.justprojectors.com.au/viewsonicpx748-4k.htm (noting that this model might be too bright for your needs!)
    You might also consider that adding additional budget is worth it for a step up to HDR and proper 4K.

    Have a look around at what's available in your price range.
    From that shortlist, put them through the test to ensure the correct screen size is possible from your existing mount point with the following tool.
    https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.c…

    • Maverickindi83 on 15/07/2023 - 20:46

      Thanks ESEMCE.

      Appreciate the advice. Any guidance on brand (in terms of perfomance and reliability) - viewsonic, optoma, Benq, Epson?

      • ESEMCE on 17/07/2023 - 09:34

        Not really. (But I'm no expert, just another owner)
        They've all been making Projectors for years now. Benq probably the newest to the group, but still probably more than 10 years now and the technology itself, DLP or LCD is all very mature.
        In some cases I might recommend LCD over DLP (my historic preference), but as you're an existing user and have no apparent issues with your existing DLP, then I can't imagine you'd have issues with other DLP options.

        Look at noise level, every db counts as it's a logarithmic scale (especially since it's ceiling mounted and therefore generally in your seating vicinity), max/min brightness, lamp life and reviews.

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