Over the past several years I realize I am spending less often. Not sure I am spending less, heh, but at least not as many times in any given, oh, month or whatever. Last week I broke down after much consternation over a few months and picked up one of the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drives. I took it home and hooked it up and popped in the HD version of King Kong.

As many have written similarly in the past, the picture and sound are pretty incredible. But, since I have an older DLP projector (an InFocus X1), I am not getting the full fidelity of a HD image.

So, long story short, even on the X1 the quality is noticeably and substantially better than standard DVDs. But it's  not what it can be, so I find my self leaning toward a decision point: I need a new projector. I don't want a flat screen, I don't think. I have a 120-inch (or more) diagonal image on the wall now, and I like it that way. One room is there just for the theater-like experience. It's not my living room, in other words.

There are a number of newer 1080p projectors out there now, as it turns out, and they don't cost a zillion bucks anymore. I have been researching newer models and have found a couple that look interesting. But I figured there might be some readers of this here site that would have some experience and input.

Here is what I have found so far - what do you think, and what am I missing?

the JVC DLA-HD1 (or it's cousin, the all-black JVC DLA-RS1) - this is my running favorite
or the Sony VPL-VW50 (nicknamed the "Pearl")
or the Optoma HD81

Any ideas anyone?

UPDATE (July 28, 2007): Epson also has a real contender out that I am considering in their PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 model.