http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-LS100-home-theater-projector-review.htmThis one uses a laser phosphor system - so Lamp hours are going to be in the 20,000 hour range. At 4000 lumen , Projector is also bright enough to use with a good amount of ambient light. And, its an ultra short throw - so its mounted maybe 2-3 feet in front of the screen. This one maxes out at 130 inches diagonal ( 16:9) - My screen is 110, and trust me, its plenty big. 130 is really very, very large.
Of course this one isn't Ultra Hi Def, and its retailing for $3000 - but I am hoping to see the lamp tech work its way down .. but maybe it won't..
I thought by now 3 chip DLPs ( all of the benefit of DLP, but no rainbow effect) would be common place, but that design is still only found in high end ($15k+) large venue stuff..
Of course you can now get a decent home theater projector for under $1000- and lamp cost have come down as well -
http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-HT2050A-vs-Epson-2150-vs-Optoma-GT1080Darbee.htmhttp://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-HC-2150-vs-Optoma-HD39Darbee-review.htmI have owned Sony, Panasonic and Epson..all were good.. I am on year 5 with the Epson. Just now replaced a bulb ( $120) , and have been very happy with the performance. The Epson 2150 is what I would get if I were buying one today- $750 and its bulbs are currently $50.
( okay I would probably also think hard about the Epson 3100 for around $1300 -
http://www.projectorcentral.com/epson-3100-review.htm)
But seriously moving to a projector was one of the best things I ever did. I never want to go out to movies any more.. the picture, sound and and experience and much better at home. Screens are.. mostly optional . A wall really will work quite nicely. Also discovered that my local university has a surplus store.. and they are selling very large, very nice Dalite pull down screens for $50.. Definitely check into that sort of thing where you are if you do pick up a projector - and you should.