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Best LCD Video Projectors

Top Picks For 3LCD, LCOS, D-ILA, and SXRD Home Theater Video Projectors

By , About.com Guide

11. Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD 3LCD Video Projector

Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD 3LCD Video Projector - Photo 0f Front View with AccessoriesPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD is a video projector that has a variety of uses. It can be used for home entertainment, business, or in the classroom. The MG-850HD utilizes 3LCD technology with 1280x800 (approx 720p) native resolution, supported by a strong 2,800 lumens light output and up to a 5,000 hour lamp life. In addition to the HDMI and Component video connections, the MG-850HD also features a microphone input, USB input for digital media playback from flash drives, and has built-in speakers.

However, to take it up a notch, the MG-850HD also has a built-in iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station for direct playback of music, photo, and video from those devices. For more details on whether the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD is a video projector that provides the flexibility and performance you need, read my Review, Photo Profile, and Video Performance Tests.

12. Panasonic PT-AR100U 3LCD Projector

Panasonic PT-AR100U 3LCD ProjectorPhoto (c) Panasonic
The Panasonic PT-AR100U is the newest entry level unit in its home theater projector category, and offers sleek design, with the lens mounted located near one side. Inside, the PT-AR100U utilizes a 3LCD chip assembly, combined with (1920x1080) 1080p native pixel resolution 2,800 lumens of light output, and a stated contrast ratio of 50,000:1. Also, make setup easy, the PT-AR100U also includes a split-screen "before and after" display, as well as a built-in waveform monitor. To find whether the Panasonic PT-AR100U s right for your home theater setup, read my Product Profile.

13. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 710HD Projector

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 710HD ProjectorPhoto (c) Epson
Video projectors have some a way in both quality and afforadability, with an increasing number coming in below $1,000. Granted there are some sacrifices you have to make, such as lower contrast and not-as-deep black levels. However, for all-around home entertainment use, these new breed of projectors are quite capable.

One example is the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 710HD. This projector is stylish, and can be placed on a table or mounted on the ceiling, either in front or behind the screen. Some of its features include, 3LCD technology, (1280x800) 720p native pixel resolution, 3,000:1 stated contrast ratio, and an impressive 2,800 lumens of light output. The strong light output enables the 710HD to used in settings where some light is present, making useful not only for home entertainment use, but also for classroom or business presentations. In fact, the remote control can even be used as mouse or pointer.

Another feature that is included on the 710HD is a own built-in speaker, which projects intelligible sound loud enough for a small room. However, for for a home theater listening experience, you definitely need an external audio system. To take a closer look at the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 710HD, read my Product Profile.

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14. Epson MovieMate 85HD LCD Video Projector/DVD Player Combination

Epson MovieMate 85HD LCD Video Projector/DVD Player Combination - Front View with AccessoriesPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Epson MovieMate 85HD is one of a class of video projectors that include a built-in DVD player. The projector section utilizes 3LCD technology with 1280x800 (approx 720p) native resolution. All DVDs played in the projector's built-in DVD player are projected in 720p. The 85HD also has both an HDMI and microphone input (for Karaoke or presentations), and also has both built-in speakers and digital audio output (for connection to a home theater audio system). The 85HD is easy to set up, making it great for novice users. To find out if the Epson MovieMate 85HD is right for you, check out my Review, Photo Gallery and Video Performance Tests.

15. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD 3LCD Video Projector

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD 3LCD Video Projector - Front View With AccesoriesPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Priced at $749.99, the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD 3LCD Video Projector is targeted at the budget-minded. With its compact size, the 705HD can be placed just about anywhere. The 1280x800 pixel resolution and 2,500 lumen output, combined with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, displays a bright image, but black levels are not as good as on slightly higher-priced projectors. However, the 705HD is easy to use, and has quick turn-on/shut-off time. To find out if the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD is right for you, check out my Review, Photo Gallery and results from a series of Video Performance Tests.
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16. Sanyo PLV-Z4000 3LCD 1080p Video Projector

Sporting a three-chip LCD design, the PLV-Z4000 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 PLV-Z4000 delivers 1,200 lumens with a contrast ratio of 65,000:1 (full on/full off). The PLV-Z4000 also has two sets of Component video inputs, as well as two HDMI inputs. 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. The PLV-Z4000 can also project a 100-inch image with as little as a 10 foot distance from the screen. If you are looking for an affordable, flexible projector, check out the PLV-Z4000.
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17. Sony Bravia VPL-AW10 LCD Projector

Are you looking for an inexpensive video projector that has decent performance and is backed up by familiar brand name? If so, then check out the Sony Bravia VPL-AW10. This projector features a 3-Chip LCD panel, 1280x720 (720p) native pixel resolution, 1,100 Lumens, and a stated 6,000:1 contrast ratio. The VPL-AW10 also has all the inputs you need, including HDMI. This projector is also easy to setup and use, which lens shift and an Auto Iris function that assists in optimizing picture quality. This projector is also compatible with both NTSC and PAL signal sources. With a listed price of $999, the Sony VPL-AW10 is very affordable for a projector in this performance class.
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18. Epson MovieMate 72 3LCD Video Projector Upscaling DVD Player Combination

The Epson MovieMate 72 is one of new class of video projectors that includes a built-in DVD player. The projector section utilizes 3LCD technology with 1280x720 (720p) native resultion. All DVDs played in the projector's built-in DVD are upscaled to 720p. In addition, this unit also has extra inputs (including HDMI) that can accommodate another device, such as a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player, game system, or other source. The MovieMate 72 also has both built-in speakers and a digital audio output for connection to a home theater audio system. The MovieMate is easy to use and very portable, making it great for novice users.

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