Viewsonic Precision Pro8100 1080p LCD Video Projector - Review and Rating

At an MSRP of $4,995.00, the Viewsonic Precision Pro8100 1080p LCD Video Projector bucks the trend towards sub-$3,000 1080p video projectors, but is worth the extra cash. Its 3LCD chips, native 1080p resolution, provide a very natural looking image, without susceptibility to the LCD screen door effect. Also, the Pro8100 comes equipped with two HDMI ver 1.3a inputs, and provides upscaling for standard DVDs via a built-in Silicon Optix Reon-VX HQV video processor. However, the Precision Pro8100 could use a better lumens output and easier onscreen menu navigation. For more details on the Precision Pro8100, read further.

Viewsonic Precision Pro8100 features include:

1. 3-Chip LCD Video Projector with center mounted lens, 1,000 Lumens light output, 1920x1080 (1080p) Native Pixel Resolution, and Silicon Optix Reon-VX HQV Video Processing and scaling for standard DVDs and analog video sources.

2. Image size range: 40 to 300 inches.

3. Native 16x9 Screen Aspect Ratio. The Pro8100 can also accommodate 4x3 aspect ratio sources. The 16x9 aspect ratio is desirable for widescreen films and HD sources. The aspect ratio can be adjusted to 4x3 for projection of material shot in the 4x3 format.

4. 13,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio. This contrast range provides the ability to view details in very dark scenes as well providing a more natural look and texture to all images. 160 Watt Lamp and 2000 Hour Lamp Life. The contrast ratio is good, but the the lamp wattage and lamp life could be better for class of projector.

5. HDMI, VGA, HD-Component, S-Video, and Composite Video inputs. Any standard video source, except RF sources, can be connected to this projector.

6. Compatible with input resolutions up to 1080p, including 1080p/24 and is NTSC/PAL Compatible.

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

8. Power Zoom, Focus, and Lens Shift functions.

9. Fan noise - 23 DB.

10. Ceiling and Table mount compatible. Wireless Remote Control. Excellent manual and quick startup guide.

For a closer look at the features, functions, and connections of the Viewsonic Precision Pro8100, also check out my Photo Gallery.

Setup and Installation

The Pro8100 is easy to set up, but the onscreen menu is not as intuitive as some.

After setting up a screen (size of your choosing), position the unit at the optimal distance from the screen (your choosing). I chose to place the unit on a mobile table to make this easier, but the Pro8100 can be ceiling mounted with an accessory mount.

Starting up the projector is fairly easy. First, plug in your source (such as a DVD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD player) to the proper video input. Then, plug in the power and turn on the power using the button on the side of the projector or the remote. It takes about 30 seconds or so until you see the Precision Pro logo projected on your screen, at which time you are set to go.

At this point, you can raise or lower the front of the projector using the adjustable feet, and you can also adjust the actual lens angle using the Lens Shift Controls on the side of the projector, or on the remote control. You can also use the Zoom the lens to get the image to fill the screen properly. After this, you can use the powered focus control to sharpen your image.

I found that the Pro8100 did not automatically search for the input of the source that was active. I found that I needed to access the source manually either via the projector's onboard controls or via the remote control.

Additional components used in the review of the included:

1. Outlaw Audio Model 950 Preamp/Surround Processor paired with a Butler Audio 5150 5-channel power amplifier. Crown 2-channel amplifier used for Surround Back Channels.

2. DVD player used for additional comparisons: Oppo Digital DV-983H DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Player (HDMI output 1080p/1080i/1080p upscaling).

3. Blu-ray Disc/HD-DVD Player used: LG BH100 Blu-ray/HD-DVD Combo player.

4. Loudspeakers used: Left, Center, and Main speakers were custom made with Electrovoice drivers, and two KLH powered subwoofers installed under the stage area of the projection room (see photo). Four wall mounted Klipsch S-2 Dipole Surrounds.

6. Connections between components were made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables.

Blu-ray Discs used included scenes from from the following: Alien vs Predator: Requiem, Across The Universe, Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch, and Wadrobe, Cloverfield, Crank, Hairspray, I Am Legend, I Robot, Master and Commander, Ratatouille, and Shakira - Oral Fixation Tour.

HD-DVDs used included Scenes from the following: 300, Batman Begins, Beowulf, Bourne Ultimatum, Serenity, and Transformers.

Standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: The Cave, House of the Flying Daggers, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut), Lord of Rings Trilogy, Moulin Rouge, and V For Vendetta.

Proceed to Page 2: Evaluation and Final Take