Projector for smaller church setting

[BeckyFlint78]

Our current projector recently started having problems and we need to invest in a new one. The room will seat 100 people and lighting control is an issue. We want a good projector, however, we don't need to spend more than $1000.00 because we will eventually be moving to another location with a larger sanctuary. Any suggestions?

[Arlin]

How big is the screen?
Do you have specs for your current projector? You certainly don't want to end up with a lower brightness projector than you currently have.

A quick search at projectorcentral.com shows 4,000 lumen projectors are the highest output projectors available below $1,000. Note, those are all 4:3 aspect ratio.
Widescreen is gonna be a bit more expensive.

[Arlin]

Also, where and how far away is the projector from the screen?
If you need a long-throw or short-throw lens, they can cost as much or even more than the projector itself.

[KeckCreative]

When you say lighting control is an issue, do you mean it is a bright room that stays bright throughout the service? What native resolution you wanting? Screen size/throw distance? Ceiling mounted?

You'll want to go for higher lumen. If trying to stay under $1,000, you'll probably max out lumens around 3500. Here's some 1024x768 native resolution models listed with B&H prices

Panasonic PT-LB90U ($999)
Sanyo PCL-XU350A ($795)
Viewsonic PJD6251 ($760)