We do mostly projectors.

Reliability and service - hands down Epson. We have had over a dozen Sony projectors with problems in the last 3 years alone. Their service frankly stinks when you do have a problem with Sony. We have only had 2 problems ever with Epson with hundreds in the field. When you have a problem they overnight or 2 day a replacement and include a return shipping label. Sony, you jump through hoops to get an RMA then ship it out at your cost and wait for it to be repaired and returned.

The Sony 40 is more accurate out of the box, the Epson 5030 calibrates better. The Sony is brighter in its reference mode than the Epson in its THX mode. But, Epson's living room mode is about the same as the Sony's reference mode for brightness and if calibrated still gives a better picture. Epson's dynamic mode is brighter but gives up accuracy.

The Sony is quieter in high lamp mode. The Epson's noise can be noticeable in high lamp. The Sony LCOS chips do not show screen door for larger screens 120"or greater. Unless your further back once over 120" the screen door on the Epson will probably be noticeable.

Some other suggestions. If dealing with ambient light the Epson 3500 might be a better choice. It is considerably brighter than the 5030 but not as good contrast or blacks but still has decent picture quality. It also has decent placement flexibility but not as good as the 5030. Another consideration if you need lumens is the Epson 1985 but has limited placement flexibility.

Like many things in the field, use the one that best suits your situation.

Great info! Thx!