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DreamVision Dream'E 1080p LCOS Video Projector - Product Review

About.com Rating 4

By Robert Silva, About.com

DreamVision Dream’E 1080p 3-Chip LCOS Video Projector - Front View

DreamVision Dream’E 1080p 3-Chip LCOS Video Projector - Front View

Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

The Bottom Line

At an MSRP of $5,300.00, the DreamVision Dream'E 1080p LCOS Video Projector bucks the trend towards sub-$3,000 1080p video projectors, but is worth the extra cash. Its 3 LCOS chips, native 1080p resolution, and acceptable light output provide excellent image quality, providing a very natural looking image, with no screen door effects or other unwanted artifacts. Also, the Dream'E comes equipped with two HDMI ver 1.3a inputs, and provides video upscaling for standard DVDs via its built-in Silicon Optix Reon-VX HQV video processor.

Pros

  • Very good image quality.
  • Very good out-of-the-box preset calibration.
  • Able to produce large images with short projector/screen distance.
  • 2 HDMI ver 1.3 Inputs - Accepts 1080p/60 and 1080p/24.
  • Extremely quiet - in normal mode, fan noise is not audible.

Cons

  • Stylish, but odd physical design, large cabinet.
  • Lackluster 1080p/24 performance.
  • No separate DVI input (HDMI inputs can be used using DVI/HDMI Converter cable).
  • Awkward side-mounted input connections.
  • Pricey.

Description

Guide Review - DreamVision Dream'E 1080p LCOS Video Projector - Product Review

Setting up and using the DreamVision Dream'E wasn't difficult, but I do have one complaint; the side mounted input connections are sort of buried and more difficult to get to than on most projectors, which have their connections laid out in a more widely spaced fashion on the rear panel.

The DreamVision Dream'E doesn't offer power-controlled lens adjustments, but its manual zoom and focus controls are easy to use. On the other hand, the horizontal and vertical lens shift controls are awkwardly placed on the bottom front of the projector.

However, despite the above indiosyncracies, the Dream'E proved to be an excellent performer. I found the color quality and contrast levels were very good. In addition, the built-in 1080p scaling of the DreamVision Dream'E did and excellent job of upscaling lower resolution DVD material, as well as passing direct 1080p Blu-ray and HD-DVD resolutions. However, 1080p/24 signals looked jagged.

On the other hand, the Dream'E, since it is a derivative of LCD technology, did not display any signs of the Screen Door Effect normally associated with LCD-based technolgy, even on large projected images. One benefit of the LCOS variant to LCD is the virtual elimination of this effect. The Dream'E is an example that LCOS can produce very smooth-looking film images, typically associated with rival DLP technology.

The DreamVision Dream'E is definitely a welcome entry into the video projector market but is not for the bargain hunter. With a price of $5,300 and its large size and 30lb weight, the Dream'E is for the serious home theater enthusiast.

If you are looking to upgrade a older projector, stepping up to the DreamVision Dream'E is worth consideration.

The overall performance and function of this projector is very good, with a few expections. I give the DreamVision Dream'E 3LCOS Video Projector 4 out of 5 Stars.

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