The two main types of video projectors available to consumers are either LCD or DLP-based. For a sampling of LCD-based video projectors, which also includes LCD variants LCOS, D-ILA, and SXRD projectors, check out some of my current suggestions. For more video projector suggestions, also check my current list of DLP Video Projectors.
1. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5010e 3LCD Video Projector
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If you are looking for a new video projector that has a lot of features, but still delivers great performance, check out the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5010e. The 5010e utilizes 3LCD technology, supported by 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution and a very bright maximum 2,400 Lumens output capability.
The 5010e has several great features: A large center mounted lens with a retractable lens cover (opens and closes automatically when the projector is powered on or off), 3D (inlcuding 2D-to-3D conversion) viewing mode, Split Screen display (which allows two sources to be projected on a screen simultaneously), and the incorporation of a WirelessHD connection option for one HDMI source. Also, to make setup easier, the 5010e also provides both horizontal and vertical lens shift, in addition to keystone correction.
However, a couple of downsides are that 3D glasses must be purchased separately and the WirelessHD function is a little slow.
Read Review - Product Photos - Video Performance Tests - Compare Prices for the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5010e
Also available without the WirelessHD connection option. Compare Prices for the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5010
2. Panasonic PT-AE7000U 3D Video Projector
Photo (c) Panasonic
The PT-AE7000U (PT-AT5000E in Europe, is the first 3D capable home theater video projector from Panasonic. The PT-AE7000U utilizes 3LCD technology and features full HD 3D and 2D video projection capability, which requires active shutter glasses. With its native 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 2,000 lumen output, and impressive 480Hz refresh rate, the PT-AE7000U is designed to project bright and natural looking 3D and 2D images. In addition, the PT-AE7000U also provides excellent built-in setup and adjustment tools that are normally not found in its price range. For more details, read my Product Profile.
3. DreamVision Starlight1 1080p LCOS Video Projector
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
At an MSRP of $6,995 the DreamVision Starlight1 1080p LCOS Video Projector (utilizing JVC's D-ILA platform) bucks the trend towards inexpensive 1080p video projectors, but is definitely worth the extra cash, if you have the budget. Its 3 LCOS chips, native 1080p resolution, and acceptable light output provide excellent image quality right out of the box.The Starlight1 provides two HDMI ver 1.3a inputs, 120Hz Clear Motion Drive, and video upscaling for standard resolution input sources, such as DVDs. To find out if the DreamVision Starlight1 is right for you, check out my Review, Photo Profile, and Video Performance Test Results
4. Panasonic PT-AE4000U 3LCD Projector
A top home theater projector in Panasonic's current line is the PT-AE4000. On the design front, the PT-AE4000 is plain, but functional, appearance, highlighted by its convenient center mounted lens. On the inside is a 3-Chip LCD panel, (1920x1080) 1080p native pixel resolution, 1,600 lumens output, and a stated contrast ratio of 100,000:1. In addition, "smooth screen" technology eliminates the LCD "screen door" effect. To make setup easier, the PT-AE4000 also includes a split-screen "before and after" display, as well as a built-in waveform monitor. If you want excellent performance and extensive setup control options, check out the Panasonic PT-AE4000.
5. JVC Reference Series DLA-RS40U 3D DILA Projector
Photo (c) JVC
While most video projectors use either DLP or LCD technology, other technologies are also in use. One example is JVC's DLA-RS40 video projector that employs a variant of LCD, known as DILA. The DLA-RS40 offers an excellent image at full 1080p (1920x1080) native pixel resolution via 3 DILA Chips, 220 Watt Lamp, 120Hz Clear Motion Drive (screen refresh rate), and maximum contrast ratio of 50,000:1. The DLA-RS40 can also accept both 2D and 3D sources via its 2 HDMI ver 1.4a inputs. Another convenience is complete power focus, zoom, and lens shift control via the remote. The image looks great in both 2D and 3D, and the projector is extremely quiet.
This is one impressive unit worth checking out, however, for best results, pairing with a good screen and professional setup is recommended. 3D viewing also requires JVC's PK-AG1 3D glasses ($179) and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter ($79). If you are considering a new video projector, the DLA-RS40 is definitely worth consideration. NOTE: The JVC DLA-X3 (compare prices) is the alternate model number version of the DLA-RS40 (Compare Prices.
6. Viewsonic Precision Pro8100 1080p LCD Video Projector
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
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, and acceptable light output provide excellent image quality, providing a very natural looking image, with none of the usual LCD artifacts, such as the screen door effect. Also, the Pro8100 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. However, the Precision Pro8100 could use a higher lumens output and easier onscreen menu navigation. For more details, check out my Short and Full Reviews, and Supplementary Photo Gallery.
7. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8700UB 3LCD Video Projector
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8700UB is a great projector for your home theater. This projector is THX certified, offers native 1080p resolution, and incorporates an HQV ReonVX processor for excellent video upscaling of standard resolution source signal. In addition, the 8700UB utilizes 3-Chip LCD technology (3LCD), has a 200,000:1 contrast ratio, and a light output of 1600 lumens. With this combination, the 8700UB produces excellent, accurate, color and outstanding black levels. The Home Cinema 8700UB also 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. Epson Home Cinema 8700UB is definitely worth consideration.8. DreamVision Dream'E 1080p LCOS Video Projector
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
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. For more details, check out both my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my Supplementary Photo Gallery and Video Performance Test Results.
9. Sony Bravia VPL-HW15 SXRD Video Projector
While most video projectors use either DLP or LCD technology, other technologies are also in use. One example is Sony's VPL-HW15 video projector that employs a variant of LCD, known as SXRD. The VPL-HW15 offers a stunning image at full 1080p (1920x1080) native pixel resolution via 3 SXRD Chips, 200 Watt Lamp, up to 1,000 Lumens output, and a maximum contrast "stated" ratio of 60,000:1. The VPL-HW15 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. 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.10. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 8350 3LCD Projector
Video projectors have certainly come along way in a few short years, and the PowerLite Home Cinema 8350 from Epson is an excellent example. This projector offers native 1080p resolution as welll as 1080p video upscaling of standard resolution source signal. In addition, the 8350 utilizes 3-Chip LCD technology (3LCD), has a contrast ratio of 50,000:1, and a light output of 2000 lumens. With this combination, the 8350 produces excellent, accurate, color and can project an 80-inch widescreen image from a distance of only 8 feet or a 120-inch image from 12 feet away. The Home Cinema 8350 also has all the inputs you need, including 2 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 8350.