[Emil]

Hey

I need a new bulb for my Panasonic but before i spend the 100 bucks, I was thinking maybe I should just buy a current model

https://www.projectorcentral.com/panasonic_ax100.htm

I'm looking at this Epson. 
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/epson-home-cinema-3800-4k-3lcd-projector-with-high-dynamic-range-white/6366530.p?skuId=6366530


I probably already know the answer but has much changed besides 4k since 2006 when I bought the Panasonic?

[Norman Tracy]

I think the answer you know is 2006 to 2021 is many many generations of improvements in projector technologies. The demands of 4k and 8k had major trickle down effects on regular HD. Likewise color saturation and accuracy keeping up with HDR color spaces yield results visible in the normal color spaces. Couple of years ago I upgraded a Panasonic LCD I had installed in a dedicated home theater that was about the age of your to a 4k Sony and the improvement was stunning.

The other thing is with a LCD projector that old the LCD panels are likely 'cooked' which dulls the colors it was capable of making when it was new. This is very much a model and use case affected issue. Projectors that are on 8-12 hours a day used like family TV sets can get cooked while the same model in a home theater that plays a movie or two then is turned off offer a much longer useful life.

[Tyson]

If you have a light controlled room, then the Epson 5050 is probably the top choice for less than $5k.  If you're looking to spend more than $5k, then the JVC NX7 is the best under $10k. 

[Emil]

Cheaped out and picked up this Epson. Extra $800 for 4k wasn't worth it for me

https://www.amazon.com/Epson-Projector-Streaming-Enhancement-Interpolation/dp/B08GL4GB2M
Totally outclasses my  $3k,  15 year old Panasonic.

I was thinking of selling the Panasonic but once I saw what kind of picture quality you can get today for $800, what can it be worth? Especially with a burnt out bulb?