The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very high-end home theater systems. However, video projectors are becoming more available and affordable for the average consumer. For a sampling of video projectors in the entry-level to upper mid-price ranges, check out some of my current suggestions.
At an MSRP of $5,999 (not including the lens), the NEC NP4001 DLP Video Projector is not for the bargain hunter, but is a great value for the high-end home theater enthusiast. With a native pixel resolution of 1280x768 (720p), and dual lamp output of 3,600 to 4,500 lumens, this projector provides excellent image brightness and resolution, especially in large room settings. Also, features include powered focus and zoom, as well as powered horizontal and vertical lens shift. For more details, check out my my Short and Full Reviews. In addition, after reading my review, also check out even more details and close-up look at my NEC NP4001 Photo Gallery. Photos (c) Robert Silva, Licensed to About.com
Photo (c) 2007 - Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
At an MSRP of $1,999, the Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD projector is an upgrade of its popular PT-AX100U, which I reviewed previously. Two improvements include better detail performance with dark scenes and better motion response for video game play. With its native 720p resolution and high 20,000 lumen light output, the video quality is excellent. Flesh tones, overall color saturation, and contrast levels provide a very natural looking image, with none of the usual LCD artifacts, such as the screen door effect. For more details on the Panasonic PT-AX200U, check out my Review and Photo Closeup Profile.
Photo (c) 2008 - Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
At an MSRP of $2,999, the Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080UB 3LCD projector is an upgrade of its popular Home Cinema 1080. The main improvements are the addition of a second HDMI input and, more importantly, higher lumens output and better black level performance, which improves contrast and color saturation. With its native 1080p resolution and acceptable light output, the video quality is excellent. Flesh tones, overall color saturation, and contrast levels provide a very natural looking image, with none of the usual LCD artifacts, such as the screen door effect. For more details on the 1080UB check out my Short and Full Reviews, and also my Photo Closeup Profile.
The Optoma HD80 provides true 1920x1080 (1080p) native resolution capability via DLP technology, at a very reasonable price. The HD80 has a 16x9 aspect ratio in combination with a 3,000 hour light source, which generates 1,300 lumens of brightness. The HD80 also has an impressive 10,000:1 contrast ratio, as well as all necessary analog and HD video inputs, including both DVI and HDMI. Whether you are buying your first video projector, or replacing an older projector, don't settle for the bargain basement, low resolution units - jump up to full 1080p without breaking the bank with the Optoma HD80.
While most video projectors use either DLP or LCD technology, other technologies are also in use. One example is Sony's VPL-VW60 video projector that employs a variant of LCD, known as SXRD. The VPL-VW60 offers a stunning image at full 1080p (1920x1080) native pixel resolution via 3 SXRD Chips, 200 Watt Lamp, and maximum contrast ratio of 35,000:1. The VW-60 can also accept both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 input sources and features 2 HDMI inputs. Another convenience is complete power focus, zoom, and lens shift control via the remote. The image looks great, and the projector is extremely quiet. This is one impressive unit worth checking out, however, for best results, professional setup is recommended.
Video projectors have certainly come along way in a few short years, and the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 is an excellent example. This projector was the first to bring 1080p native resolution below the $3,000 price point. However, in addition to its breakthrough price, the Cinema 1080 really delivers. Featuring 3-Chip LCD technology (3LCD), this projector delivers excellent, accurate, color. This projectcor also has a contrast ratio of 12,000:1 and a light output of 1200 lumens. In addition, the Cinema 1080 has all the inputs you need, including HDMI, Component, and VGA, and can accept just about any input signal, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and HD resolutions up to 1080p. Definitely check out the Epson Home Cinema 1080.
At an MSRP of $2,999 (can be found at about half that price), the Panasonic PT-AX100U 3LCD projector offers lots of useful features and solid video performance that is normally reserved for projectors in higher price ranges. With a native pixel resolution of 1280x720 (720p), the PT-AX100U is HD-compatible. In addition, the video quality is excellent for a projector in this class; flesh tones, overall color saturation, and contrast levels provide a very natural looking image, with none of the usual LCD artifacts, such as the screen door effect. This level of performance is hard to find in other similarly-priced units currently on the market.
Sporting a three-chip LCD design, the PLV-Z2000 has a native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), which enables it to display high definition material with accurate detail and in 16x9 format. In addition, the Z2000 delivers 1,200 lumens with a contrast ratio of 15,000:1. The PLV-Z2000 also has two sets of HD-Component video inputs, as well as an HDMI input. Two other conveniences are a flexible lens shift system that makes positioning the projector properly with the screen easier, and a very quiet fan doesn't distract from your viewing enjoyment. The PLV-Z2000 can also project a large 100-inch image with as little as a 10 foot distance from the screen. If you are looking for an affordable and flexible video projector, check out the PLV-Z2000.
The HD72 provides true 720p HD performace via its Texas Instruments Dark Chip2. The HD72 has 1280x768 native pixel resolution and 16x9 aspect ratio, in combination with a 3,000 hour light source that generates 1,300 lumens of brightness. The HD72 also has an impressive 5000:1 contrast ratio, as well as all necessary analog and HD video inputs, including both DVI and HDMI. If you are looking for a moderately priced projector (less than $2,500) that doesn't cut corners, check out the Optoma H72.
Infocus has been making video projectors for some time, and their experience shows in its IN76. The IN76 combines the DarkChip2 DLP Chip from Texas Instruments with Pixel Works video processing to deliver an exceptional projected image. With a native pixel resolution of 1280x720, the IN76 can display HD sources in their best light. In addition, the IN76 features a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, a 1,000 lumens rating, and bulb life of up to 3,000 hours. The price of the IN76 is about $2,000. A good price for a good projector.
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