so, summing-up, from a perspective of balancing future proofing with maximising the specs of current models the issues to consider include things like:

1) DVI input (HDMI preferred, especially in a Meridian discussion)

2) native 16:9 ratio

3) QUIET operation !

4) good price / perfomance

Picking-up on #4 for a moment, the models that have been mentioned in the thread so far include (in � order)

Sanyo PLV-Z2 �1439
Benq 8700 �4457
InFocus Screenplay 7200 �4999 (5700 is 2999)
Marantz VP12S3 �6899
Sim2 HT300 �8999
Sharp 12000 � lots ? (price not found on UK website)

Which represents a huge range of abilities and, in some AV circles, its not fair to compare a �1400 model with a �6900 model. However the projector market is changing very rapidly indeed so would those that have seen these beasties consider that the price ranking reflects their relative strengths, in other words is the Marantz �2.4k better than the Benq which is �3k better than the Sanyo ?

Not related to price is NOISE. Are any of these actually quiet enough to prevent distraction during a film ? (I'm not sure what 30dB actually is - are we talking about pc fan noise ? this level of noise is enough for me not to consider a htpc so I'd certainly find that racket above my head problematic...)

ian