I've decided that I really want a projector. I never liked to watch movies on TV anyway, especially since mine is a 29" and my space is rather limited.

I don't have a lot of money, so a Sanyo Z1 for U$ 500 seems like a pretty good deal. Am I right or am I better off looking into another model?

Thanks in advance!

Not bad for that price. That was a decent EDTV projector in its time. Used? Be cautious of the lamp, it probably costs $300-400 to replace and may be used up already.

Not sure how to compare to other PJs in the price range. It was $1500 when new, but it is 3 generations old. It's basically whatever specific deals you can find on older models for $500. And with the lamp issues, it really becomes a case-by-case study on what is the best deal.

Actually, it's $500 for a new unit. That's why I thought it was a good deal.

As long as anamorphic/progressive DVDs look great on it, I think it will do. Getting it to watch movies on DVD mostly.

Maybe I should consider something else? I don't know, zero knowledge about projectors

Thanks again!

Not even close to the best bang for the buck. I paid a little over $500 for an Infocus 4805 refurb that blows the Z1 out of the water. My slightly more expensive CRT projector makes the Z1 look like a pile of garbage.

MUCH better projectors can be had for a little more than $500. A Z1 will never be worth replacing a $300-$400 bulb for. I wouldn't pay $300 for a Z1. Probably not even $200. The black levels are horrible and contrast is weak, especially in dark scenes. The future bulb costs on such a unit just isn't worth it today when you can get a much better quality DLP at such low prices nowadays.

Having said all that you'd probably dig the Z1 a bit (at first anyway) if you've never seen a home theater projector before. If I were you I wouldn't get anything lower than an Infocus 4805. The 4805 is an entry level 16:9 pj that is leaps and bounds better than past entry level units like the Z1. Refurb units can be found fairly cheap. You may have to save a bit more, but the huge increase in quality will be worth it. Trust me.

The X1 is also an ok choice for a first projector, but the 4805 has some big improvments over it that make it worth the upgrade price.