DreamVision Dream'E 1080p LCOS Video Projector

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. After reading this review check out my Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results

The features and functions of the DreamVision Dream'E include the following:

1. 3-Chip LCOS Video Projector with 1,200 Lumens of light output and 1920x1080 (1080p) Native Pixel Resolution.

2. Image size range: 50 to 250 inches - adds flexibility for both small and large screen sizes and room environments.

3. Native 16x9 Screen Aspect Ratio. Cinemascope (2.35:1 to 2.50:1) via optional Wide System Kit or 2.35 THEATRE System Kit.

4. 15,O00:1 Native Contrast Ratio, 200 Watt Lamp, and 2000 Hour Lamp Life.

5. HDMI (2), VGA, HD-Component, S-Video, and Composite Video inputs.

6. Compatible with input resolutions up to 1080p, including 1080p/24 (scaled to 1080p for screen display). NTSC/PAL Compatible.

7. RS232 Interface and two 12-volt trigger connections for custom installation control needs.

8. Automatic video input Detection - Manual video input selection also available via remote control or buttons on projector.

9. Silicon Optix (IDT) Reon-VX HQV deinterlacing, scaling, and video processing for standard DVDs and analog video sources.

10. Manual Zoom, Focus, and Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift. Fan noise: 20 db (decibels).

11. Ceiling and Table mount compatible. Wireless Remote Control. Easy to use owner's manual and quick startup guide.

12. Dimensions (WxHxD) 520 x 190 x 530 mm - 20.5" x 7.6" x 20.7" Weight17.0 kg / 37.5 lbs

For an additional look at the features and connectivity of the Dream'E, check out my supplementary Photo Gallery.

Hardware Used in this Review:

Setup Provided Courtesy of Gary Altunian, About.com Guide for Stereos

Projection Screen: SMX Cine-Weave 100² screen

Blu-ray Disc Player: Panasonic DMP-BD55K

Amplifier: Denon POA-A1HDCI 10-channel power amp

Pre-Amp: Parasound Halo P7 pre-amp/controller

Home Theater Receiver (Used for decoding only): Yamaha RX-V3300

Left/Center/Right Speakers: Pioneer Elite EX S-IW691L in-wall speakers

Surround Speakers: Pioneer S-3EX speakers (same drivers as the in-walls but in an enclosure)

Subwoofers: BG-Radia/THX BGX-4850 Subwoofer System

Also used: Helios H4000 DVD Player using 480i Composite video output for deinterlacing/scaling tests.

Software Used

The software used in this review included the following titles:

Blu-ray Discs used included scenes from from the following: A Night At The Museum, Eragon, Hairspray, Shakira - Oral Fixation Tour, The Dark Knight, and X-Men - The Last Stand.

Standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: Hero, I Robot, Kill Bill - Vol 1 and 2, Lord of Rings: Return of the King, Master and Commander, and The Day After Tomorrow.

Also used: Silicon Optix HD Test Disc (Blu-ray Edition), Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD Test Disc, and THX Demo Disc (Optimizer 2.0).

Setup and Installation

Initial setup and use of the DreamVision Dream'E is fairly straightforward.

If you are installing the Dream'E yourself, you have the option to mount it on the ceiling or placed on a table. To mount the Dream'E on the ceiling you need to purchase an optional ceiling mount kit (see your installer).

For the purposes of this review, the Dream'E was placed on the top shelf of a short AV equipment rack.

After setting up a screen (size of your choosing), position the unit on a table, rack, or mount on the ceiling at the optimal distance from the screen or white wall(your choosing).

Starting up the projector is easy. First, plug in your source (such as a DVD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD player) to the proper video input on the side of the projector.

Next, plug in the power cord and turn on the power using the button on the back of the projector or the remote. It takes about 10 seconds or so until you see the DreamVision logo projected on your screen, at which time you are set to go.

At this point, you can raise or lower the angle of the projection lens using the vertical shift control, and you can also adjust the actual image angle on the projection screen, or white wall, using the Keystone correction function via the onscreen menu navigation buttons accessible on the rear of the projector, or on the remote control. You can also use the manual zoom control to get the image to fill the screen properly. After this, you can use the manual focus control to sharpen your image.

The Dream'E will search for the input of the source that is active. You can also access the source inputs manually via the controls on the projector, or via the wireless remote control.

Video Performance

With 1,200 lumens output, the Dream'E projects a bright image well suited for home theater viewing, with excellent contrast, black levels, and color rendition. However, if you are planning to use a large room, where the projector to screen distance is more than 20 feet, a projector with a higher lumens output may be preferable.

The Color consistency and contrast was excellent throughout. I found that the DreamVision Dream'E was able to bring the out the details in dark scenes very well. Probably the best examples of both contrast and detail reproduction scenes from the Blu-ray Discs editions of The Dark Knight (opening bank robbery and Hong Kong scenes) and Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour (the detail in Shakira's sequins and the confetti at the end of the concert).

I also found that the DreamVision Dream'E did a fine job with 480i sources with regards to acceptable upscaling. An example of good upscaling was the one-on-one fight scene between Uma Thurman and a young adversary armed with an unusual weapon. Also in terms of scaling performance of standard DVD; using the 480i composite video output of the Helios H4000 I found that the DreamVision Dream'E did a very good job, considering the source quality.

Proceed to Page 2: Evaluation and Final Take