Welcome to Projector People. 
Resource Zone
Blog
Demo Room& Reviews
Courses
Projector Reviews
Optoma HD66
Projector Central - 2/3/2010
The Optoma HD66 is a small, powerful, versatile home theater projector that's great for movies, video games, or HD sports.... 720p 3D support adds a bit of future-proofing and allows for the use of 3D PC games, if you have a computer powerful enough to handle them. All in all, the HD66 offers an outstanding value for those on a budget who want a bright home theater projector that is great for movies, video games, and for additional types of computer-based projection as well. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE4000U
Trusted Reviews - 2/4/2010
...the AE4000 still has room for improvement and leaves Epson plenty of wiggle room to justify charging significantly more for its TW5500 flagship LCD projector, Panasonic has undoubtedly delivered some really key improvements over the AE3000... Couple its better pictures with its now enormous feature count, in fact, and the AE4000 is a unique, almost crazily flexible and hugely tantalising product for its price point - provided you can house it in a room dark enough not to expose its slight lack of brightness during dark scenes. Read the review »
Epson MovieMate 60
Big Picture Big Sound - 1/21/2010
It's the extras, the built-in CD/DVD player, the integrated speakers - even the carrying handle - that set this litte guy apart from the competition. Whether you're looking for a portable big screen entertainment system to take on family trips, or something to handle multi-media slide shows at the local senior center, or a simple lawn chair theater for those warm summer evenings, the MovieMate 60's portability, overall solid performance and simplicity of operation will handily fill the bill... Read the review »
Mitsubishi XD600U
Projector Central - 1/7/2010
... a versatile, portable option for large-venue installation. Its 1.5:1 zoom lens makes it easy to install, and 3D capability goes a long way towards making it future-proof. Maintenance costs are low thanks to a filter-free design and long lamp life. Wired networking makes things simple for the folks in charge of maintenance... If you're looking for a versatile projector for a multi-unit installation in conference rooms or university classrooms, the XD600U may be just what you're looking for. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3800
AV Forums (UK) - 1/1/2010
It’s little, it’s plastic and it doesn’t cost much. But boy does it perform!
The HC3800 doesn’t pretend to be anything but an entry level DLP projector, yet in turns in an excellent performance in terms of picture quality and features ... I found my time spent with the HC3800 to be entertaining for all the right reasons and at the price point, this projector deserves to find quite a few new homes as I think its definitely a best buy at this level of the market.
Read the review »Vivitek H1080FD
Projector Reviews - 12/1/2009
...For an entry priced 1080p projector, it's really bright, has good color, and even a built in speaker, which could come in handy... it's a good match for family rooms, bonus rooms, or even out in the back yard... I may come down hard on lower cost projectors, but... A projector like this Vivitek, in most ways, will be higher reslution, and in many ways (like brightness) blow the doors off of the same $3000 - $5000 projectors people like me were buying (and raving about) just 4-5 years ago. Read the review »
Sanyo PLC-XW250
Projector Central - 12/16/2009
"...With brightness of over 1,700 ANSI lumens and color pre-sets for use in non-dedicated environments, the PLC-XW250 delivers a lot of flexibility to display a bright, clear, sharp image in low to moderate ambient light. If you don't need to connect a lot of sources at once, and your display environment is not pitch dark, the ease of use and low cost of ownership make the Sanyo PLC-XW250 a strong and practical option for classrooms and moderate sized corporate conference rooms." Read the review »
Optoma HD20
Home Theater Review - 12/14/2009
This projector isn't for everyone. I wouldn't recommend it as a primary display for a well-heeled home theater aficionado, as they would probably appreciate the performance the extra money can buy you. However, for the vast majority of people, those who simply want a nice big watchable picture that will wow friends for sporting events or movie night, you can't go wrong with the Optoma HD20. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3800
About.com - Home Theater - 12/16/2009
...Although there are some features lacking that would make installation and setup a little easier in more complex installations, the HC3800 has the features that deliver performance that counts. The HC3800 is definitely a welcome entry into the budget-priced video projector market and a great example the continuing trend of making video projection more affordable for the average consumer. Read the review »
LG Electronics CF181D
Projector Central - 12/4/2009
One of the most surprising new 1080p models coming to market this year is the LG CF181D. At an official street price of $2,499, it is the least expensive LCoS 1080p projector to come to market in 2009. It is also, hands down, the brightest home theater projector we've ever seen when calibrated for optimal video performance... LG has come out of the blue to challenge Epson, Mitsubishi, and Sony with a formidable offering of their own in the mid-$2,000 price range. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 705HD
Projector Central - 12/7/2009
...It is brighter, higher in contrast, smaller, lighter, has a lower overall cost of ownership, and it is $50 less expensive (than the Home Cinema 700). It is lacking the SD card reader and 7W speaker that were found in its predecessor, but for many people, these features either weren't important or came second to image quality, which the Home Cinema 705HD has in spades. If you want a projector that can display a colorful, high-contrast image in almost any environment, this is it. Read the review »
BenQ W6000
Projector Reviews - 11/25/2009
The BenQ W6000 was intended to be the brightest projector anywhere near its price for movie watching, and there's no doubt it delivers on that. Few home theater projectors under $10,000 can match the "best mode" brightness of the W6000....Often, however, in the past, the brighter projectors compromised elsewhere to get the brightness. The BenQ, W6000, though, also just happens to be a pretty impressive projector overall. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3800
Projector Central - 11/13/2009
"The Mitsubishi HC3800 is a solid and competitive new entry in low priced 1080p home theater projectors. It couples a bright video-optimized picture with excellent contrast and a 1.5:1 zoom lens. The 5,000 hour lamp will reduce maintenance costs down the line. It requires calibration, but most projectors benefit from calibration. Overall it is an outstanding value for the money." Read the review »
Epson PowerLite 410W
Projector Central - 10/22/2009
The Epson PowerLite 410W is a highly-polished 1280x800 short-throw projector that is ideal for classroom settings. It has a bright picture that is sharp and detailed. It has an easy mounting solution thanks to the optional wall-mount arm. While it lacks a digital input, connectivity is otherwise excellent. Though it is not the least expensive option for short-throw classroom projection, it is one of the best. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE4000U
Projector Central - 10/27/2009
Two top home theater projectors compared head-to-head. "The Epson 8500 UB and the Panasonic AE4000 are both magnificent projectors. Neither one is better than the other for all situations. Each of them has unique advantages. Some of those advantages may be critical to you and tip your decision one way or the other. But we rate both of these projectors extremely highly, and give them both our most enthusiastic recommendation." Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3800
Projector Central - 9/4/2009
"...from what we've seen... at a retail of $1,495 and street prices somewhat less, the HC3800 appears to be properly value priced compared to the Optoma HD20 at $999. Both of these projectors represent compelling values in DLP 1080p projection, and each has its unique advantages over the other. Though the HD20 delivers a remarkable image for the money, the HC3800 is clearly a step up in brightness, contrast, and sharpness... one needs to see them side by side to appreciate the differences." Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3800
Projector Central - 8/27/2009
"The Mitsubishi HC3800 will be unveiled at CEDIA on September 9 where dealers will see it for the first time. It will begin to ship in October. But this is one of those potentially super hot models that has "home run" written all over it. Assuming it clears all the road test hurdles in the review evaluation and it gets enthusiastic green lights, you can anticipate dealer backlogs with waiting lists. Be prepared to get your order in early." Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3800
Projector Reviews - 9/6/2009
"Bottom line, for under $1500, with 1080p resolution, the Mitsubishi HC3800 looks to be a performance leader, with better than entry level blacks, very good color, and, I should note, a 2 year warranty. You’ll want to check this one out when it ships in late October." Read the review »
Sharp PG-D4010X
Projector Central - 10/22/2009
"The Sharp PG-D4010X is near the top of its class for brightness and image quality. Its features and qualities are well-suited to its corporate and education target markets, and all of the needed video and control connectivity for these applications are present. Lens limitations put the projector at a slight disadvantage in portable settings, but for fixed use in a classroom or boardroom it is a winner. " Read the review »
Mitsubishi XD280U-G and Mitsubishi XD280U
Projector Central - 10/22/2009
"The XD280U is on par with the competition in its class in nearly every respect, including price. However, it is the 6000-hour lamp life that will catch the attention of those who look beyond the initial price and think about the long-term cost of ownership. For educators and purchasers on a budget, the XD280U is worth a close look." Read the review »
BenQ W6000
Projector Central - 9/28/2009
"...The BenQ W6000, at factory default settings, is a bit of an ugly duckling. Contrast and brightness are out of alignment, as are color balance and saturation. Sharpness is too high. However, with a little perseverance and some remote-control kung-fu, it emerges looking like a swan. With a very bright cinema mode and great contrast, the W6000 is a solid choice for large-screen home theater in a dark room or Sunday afternoon football in the living room." Read the review »
Casio XJ-S43W
Laptop Magazine - 7/20/2009
This price, combined with a three-year warranty, makes this projector one of the best values on the market. The XJ-S43W doesn’t just excel at PowerPoint...business users will be sneaking this ultraportable projector home for entertainment purposes - an area where it truly shines... We made the mistake of watching an HDTV broadcast of a baseball game blown up to a size of 96 inches, and the image quality was awe-inspiring. Now, unfortunately, we will never be satisfied with our regular TV again. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 6500 UB
Big Picture Big Sound - 8/10/2009
Epson's 6500UB may be boxy... and its frame interpolation mode may not be quite ready for prime time, but that's not going to stop me from calling it a remarkable performer. You'll notice I didn't tack "for the money" onto the end of that sentence. Yes, at less than $3,000 the 6500UB represents a fantastic value in the front projector marketplace. However, its bright and beautiful video performance... puts the 6500UB in the top echelon of current 1080p projectors. Period. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 6500 UB
Home Theater Magazine - 7/1/2009
The Epson was more than adequately bright in its Low lamp mode on my screen (see HT Labs Measures). The lamp's specified life of 4,000 hours to half brightness (in Low mode) is the highest we've seen.... The Epson's performance is truly remarkable for the price... No projector we've yet tested - and few displays of any other type - can exceed the Epson's color quality and accuracy. Although that isn't true out of the box, the 6500 UB provides the tools to help a calibrator get it right. Read the review »
Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series , Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series and Screen Innovations Black Diamond Reference Series
Projector Central - 6/26/2009
... The 1.4-gain version amplifies the projector's lumen output, producing a striking, high-contrast picture. While it does not retain as much of that "plasma" appearance as does the 0.8-gain version, it is still an extremely capable ambient light screen. While it's a little pricey, the performance is worth every penny for those who do not have the ability or desire to eliminate ambient light from their viewing room. Read the review »
Optoma PK-101 PICO Pocket
Maximum PC - 7/2/2009
The Pico performs best in a very dark room or at distances much closer to the screen, where its light is concentrated on a smaller area.
The Tick : Crisp, bright display at distances up to about six feet; incredibly small, battery powered, built-in speaker.
Atom Ant : Needs a very dark room for best results--and a battery yswap to play a feature-length movie.
Read the review »InFocus IN1102
The Street - 6/29/2009
... For roughly the price of a decent laptop, you get a flexible, portable display powerhouse that - once debugged - is a fast and easy to use. Done right, you can flash it in a sales meeting and without disrupting the flow of your presentation.
If you're doing a lot of hand-to-hand combat, i.e. selling, these days, it's worth taking a look at the latest in portable projectors. And the InFocus N1102 should be at the top of that list.
Read the review »Epson Home Cinema 700
Projector Central - 6/2/2009
Epson's Home Cinema 700 is a hybrid - it incorporates some of the best features of mobile presentation projectors as well as some great home entertainment capability.... innovative options like the SD card reader and USB ports make projection a snap... auto iris and HDMI port make it a great choice for home entertainment, especially with a video game console... the Epson Home Cinema 700 attempts to do two things at once -- and actually succeeds. Look for this one at street prices around $799. Read the review »
Vivitek D935VX
Projector Central - 5/26/2009
Vivitek's D935VX is a powerful, full-featured projector that's perfect for larger classrooms. High lumen output, a moderate-throw lens, and wired networking make it ideal for ceiling mounting in a small lecture hall. A good remote control is often taken for granted, but makes the lecturer's job much easier. Physical security features keep theft to a minimum, and a low street price keeps the whole package affordable. Look for the D935VX at street prices around $800. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 6100
Audioholics - 5/19/2009
It's always surprising to me to see new projectors hit the market with better and better performance and less and less compromise - and at prices often identical to, or even lower than, just a year prior... projectors like the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 6500UB has more features, bulb life, and overall image quality than its predecessor and seems to be a real market leader in terms of performance and value. If you thought the Home Cinema 1080UB projector was a deal, hold onto your DVDs ... Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z3000
Home Theater Magazine - 5/1/2009
...the Sanyo produced a very impressive picture. Two years ago, you wouldn’t get this sort of performance for even twice the price. If you can accommodate the need for a separate screen and a darkened room, you might consider a projection setup as an alternative to a one-piece, flat-panel television monitor for your home theater...this is possible even on a beer (or at least high-end beer) budget. Read the review »
Mitsubishi XD221U
Projector Central - 4/24/2009
Normally, people think of projectors as visual aid products. The XD221U is one of the first that can give teachers serious help in the audio department, too. With the XD221U's sound-mixing capabilities, teachers can be easily heard over any other content being played... it is an outstanding projector in other areas, too - such as its exceptional lamp life and otherwise-nonexistent maintenance requirements. It can be found for less than $800, making it a great bargain. Read the review »
DVDO EDGE
HDTV Expert - 3/1/2009
Every once in a while, an AV product comes along that resembles a Swiss Army knife in functionality. It’s been a few years, but DVDO’s Edge fits squarely into that category. (Actually, it’s more like one of those loaded knives that has everything from a magnifying glasses and saw to tweezers and a bottle opener.) Read the review »
Hitachi CP-X2010N
Projector Central - 4/14/2009
The Hitachi CP-X2010N has almost everything you could want in an education projector. It is small enough to be used on a rolling cart and powerful enough to light up a screen without turning all the room lights off. It has a quiet fan and a loud speaker. It is portable, but theft-resistant.... It is, in short, a well-rounded projector that can be adapted to a myriad of classroom applications. Its low price and long lamp life make it a smart choice for schools trying to keep costs low. Read the review »
Mitsubishi XD211U
Projector Central - 4/24/2009
The XD221U is one of the first (projectors) that can give teachers serious help in the audio department... With the XD221U's sound-mixing capabilities, teachers can be easily heard over any other content being played... Of course, it is an outstanding projector in other areas, too - such as its exceptional lamp life and otherwise-nonexistent maintenance requirements. The XD221U has just been released as of last month. It can be found for less than $750, making it a great bargain. Read the review »
Canon Realis SX7
Campus Technology - 4/15/2009
[ Not a tech review. Higher Ed POV ]
"The sharpness of the image was pretty dramatic" ... next to a VGA projector... Hamilton is now using the Canon REALiS projectors to project onto 8- to 10-foot screens in classrooms throughout the campus, ranging from a 15 seat seminar style room to a 40-seat flat-floor classroom. A range of class types are using the systems; Hicks said that in particular, "Art history faculty really like the images that these projectors are putting out."
Read the review »Epson Home Cinema 6100
Projector Central - 3/30/2009
If you want the brightest 1080p resolution picture you can get for under $2,000, the Home Cinema 6100 is it. ... So for family room entertainment, football parties, and any situation where you want a bright 1080p picture in ambient light, the 6100 should be high on your list of models to consider... the 6100 is an excellent candidate for sports bar installations due to its high resolution, low price, long lamp life, ease of installation due to zoom and lens shift, and brilliant picture. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z3000
Trusted Reviews - 3/30/2009
... if you'd rather save a couple of hundred quid to blow on a few Blu-rays - as well as getting a handy three-year warranty into the bargain - then you can rest assured that the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 is still a very talented machine. Albeit one that you might need a bit of help with initially if you want to get it looking its best. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE3000U
Home Theater Magazine - 3/1/2009
The PT-AE3000U is an amazing value and a tweaker's delight. Other than color, the image didn't quite topple the more expensive Mitsubishi, but it held its own. If you're looking for cutting-edge features and solid video performance, you should definitely give this one a spin. Read the review »
Optoma PK-101 PICO Pocket
Projector Central - 3/3/2009
Outside of improved brightness and resolution, I wasn't sure how pico projectors could differentiate themselves from one another, but the Optoma Pico PK-101 DLP Projector found its niche. It's great for projecting photos or video from anything you can connect to it via composite video and does a very good job of rendering color. Read the review »
3M MPro110 Pocket
Projector Central - 2/27/2009
As in our video test, the data image also had some darkening at the corners. If you need a hands free environment and you're using an RGB cable, I highly recommend that you invest in a mini-tripod as it is essential for pointing the MPro110. Without it you'll find the MPro110 is so small and light that the thick RGB cable, if left unattended, will express its will. 3M envisioned this need as the MPro110 has a 1/4" tripod socket on the bottom. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 6500 UB
Projector Central - 2/25/2009
The Epson 6500UB and 7500UB are most impressive for their exceptional brightness and black levels in dark scenes. They produce a very sharp, brilliant, dynamic image that is clearly among the best of the 1080p projectors currently on the market. Any buyer will absolutely love the picture quality. Read the review »
Sanyo PLC-XTC50L
Projector Central - 2/13/2009
... Considering its long throw lens option, the seamless continued operation in the event of a lamp failure, and its relatively quiet fan noise, it would be an ideal selection for use in houses of worship. But it is versatile enough to fit into a variety of application arenas. An interesting and unique product, the Sanyo PLC-XTC50L is highly recommended. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z700
E-Gear - 2/5/2009
The PLV-Z700 handled everything with ease and although black levels were not quite as deep as I’ve seen on some other projectors, they’re far from the charcoal grays which LCD used to be known for.... With street prices even lower than its $1,995 list price, the PLV-Z700 delivers a compelling high def picture at a price that was unthinkable two years ago and hard to resist now. Read the review »
DVDO EDGE
Home Theater Review - 1/26/2009
For just under $800, the Edge, from DVDO, is a remarkable product and achievement. It packs many of the same features and performance specs of its big brother, the DVDO iScan VP50Pro HD video processor ($3,499), at a fraction of the cost. Its level of control and user interface is topnotch and easy enough for the most inexperienced of user(s) to comprehend and utilize. Read the review »
DVDO EDGE
Projector Reviews - 12/18/2008
DVDO Highlights
- Excellent deinterlacing and scaling of SD and HD video sources
- Easy setup via its on-screen setup wizard and hints
- Six HDMI v1.3 inputs for ease of connecting all of your HD video sources to your projector
- Two HDMI outputs: one to handle both video and audio and a second that handles audio only for receivers with HDMI inputs
- Lipsync feature allows for correction of mismatched audio and video signals Read the review »
- Above average brightness for one of the lower cost 1080p projectors
- Overall, the HC4900 offers truly impressive color handling and flesh tones
- Great placement flexibility, with motorized zoom, focus and lens shift
- Black level performance is not impressive
- $2995 MSRP
- Its closed-captioning decoder provides schools with a low-cost way to meet ADA508 requirements.
- The LAN connectivity lets school IT administrators monitor the device wherever it is located in the school. This also means the project can be remotely controlled and powered down at night.
- The projector is supported by Epson's Brighter Future sales and support program for educator, which includes special pricing, an extension of Epson's limited warranty to three years, dedicated account managers and toll-free support.
Elite ezCinema , Elite ezCinema , Elite ezCinema and Elite ezCinema
Secrets of Home Theater - 12/26/2008
The screen lifts up easily, without bunching or balkiness, and stays put when you let go of the handle (no locking required). I did not notice any folds, wrinkles, or waves on the screen. Storing the screen simply involves reversing the above-process, which takes less than minute from start to finish. I left the screen in front of the RPTV when not in use. This is really a no-hassle, spouse-friendly way to have a projection screen in the room without installation hassles. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5500
Secrets of Home Theater - 12/26/2008
The Mitsubishi HC5500 is another good, value-priced 1080p front projector.... it has certain attributes that make it a more attractive option for those interested in a permanent installation, such as anamorphic lens compatibility and motorized zoom and focus. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi’s limited placement options mean that for consumers interested in maximum flexibility, they should carefully consider whether the HC5500 is appropriate given their room and screen size preferences. Read the review »
DVDO EDGE
Projector Central - 12/18/2008
The DVDO Edge is a remarkable little machine. It has many of the same abilities as the much more expensive iScan VP50, like precision deinterlacing, PReP, A/V Lip Sync, noise reduction, and Game mode... It does have some limitations, such as a smaller selection of output resolutions and output connections. But the bottom line is that the Edge gives you the performance of a top-shelf video processor at a bargain basement price. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z3000
HDTV Expert - 12/1/2008
... a big step up from the Z2000, and.. only a small part of the improvement comes from the new iris system. ... the projector has 30% higher contrast and better gamma and black level performance than the Z2000, and it tracks a much tighter grayscale. ...Should you spring for the extra dollars to get the Z3000? Absolutely. Out of the box, it’s a good performer. With some additional tuning, it turns into a great performer that holds its own against any 3LCD or single-chip DLP model. Read the review »
DVDO EDGE
About.com - Home Theater - 12/1/2008
However, the upscaling performance of the Edge was superior to the DVD upscaling performed by my upscaling DVD and Blu-ray Disc players... If you have a lots of video sources going to your HDTV, the Edge is a great way to get the best results possible from each component, even from devices that already have built-in scalers.
I give the DVDO Edge Video Scaler and Processor a 5 out of 5 Star Rating.
Read the review »Optoma HD806
Projector Central - 11/20/2008
As far as home theater is concerned, when compared to projectors like the HD80 and HD8000, the HD806 falls a bit short in contrast, color saturation, and color wheel speed. However, if you are looking for a bright DLP 1080p projector for casual home video entertainment with a light or two on, and you are among those that aren't sensitive to rainbow artifacts, the HD806 may be just the right choice. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE3000U
Projector Reviews - 11/17/2008
The Panasonic PT-AE3000U is an excellent projector. It is certainly one home theater projector that should please just about everyone, especially when you consider its price performance. In fact, there are no serious downsides to this Panasonic projector. True, its average brightness in both best and brightest modes, will lose it some potential owners, including those who plan on larger than 110" screens or have more than the minimal amounts of ambient light to deal with. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5500
HomeTheaterReview.com - 10/11/2008
If you're just stepping up to buy a new front projector, you owe it to yourself to see what the entry-level Full HD 1080P Mitsubishi HC5500 has to offer. ... Given it's HQV Reon VX video scaler, you can be certain to see clean and clear images on screens 50 inches and up. When it comes to bulb life, this projector is king (one of the very best), and being able to change the bulb in three minutes without having to move the projector really makes this a gem. Read the review »
Casio XJ-SC215
Laptop Magazine - 11/7/2008
The Casio XJ-SC215 is best suited for people who need the best possible color accuracy in a DLP projector, such as photographers, interior designers, architects, and illustrators. Our advice, however, is to opt for the XJ-SC210, which lacks the USB connector but sells for $200 less. And if you’d rather not splurge for color accuracy or USB connectivity, take a look at the XJ-S42, which is brighter and costs $400 less Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z700
Smart House Magazine - 11/3/2008
Like the PLV-Z3000, the PLV-Z700 projector features full HD panels with 1920 x 1080 resolution. Dynamic, deep and rich black performance, combined with good colour reproduction is provided through a new variable iris lens which controls the iris adjustment and refreshes every 1/60th of a second. Read the review »
BenQ W20000
Home Theater Mag - 10/1/2008
The BenQ W20000 had some glaring issues when I first received it, but BenQ has tweaked it in a bit more with its new firmware. I had hoped the new dynamic-iris system would be a bit more refined and in the Planar’s league. However, it looks like its implementation could use a bit more work.
Overall, the BenQ W20000 still delivers good performance for its price point, but it’s not quite the home run I hoped for.
Read the review »Panasonic PT-AE3000U
Projector Central - 10/13/2008
The Panasonic AE3000 will be one of the year's hottest selling projectors... As far as features are concerned, the AE3000 has lens memory, split-screen calibration, an onboard waveform monitor, and the frame interpolation system that, collectively, make this projector the most feature-laden 1080p projector on the market. On top of all that, it is selling for very aggressive street prices. It is not possible to give this model anything other than a full five stars across the board. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE3000U
Switched.com - 9/3/2008
"We're intrigued by the Frame Creation Technology, which enables quick and easy switching between various widescreen formats -- most projectors on the market that allow aspect ratio changes force you to refocus the lens each time. ...the PT-AE3000 will let you switch from the 16:9 aspect ratio to others. (it) also features an aspect ratio of 21:9, which comes close to simulating the movie theater experience... the PT-AE3000 comes with a generous three HDMI 1.3 inputs and two component inputs." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE3000U
GizModo.com - 9/3/2008
Some 1080p projectors are getting down below the $2,000 mark, but the real news is that insanely good projectors are appearing in the $3,000 range. On the heels of Sony's VPL-HW10 comes Panasonic's AE3000, which has 60,000:1 contrast ratio using LCD projection technology. The $3,500 system handles motion blur withsomething like the 120Hz seen in LCD flat panels: 120 frames per sec for 60Hz content; 96 frames per second for 24P content. It's smart on power consumption, reducing the drain on the lamp according to the scene's requirements. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE3000U
PC Magazine - 9/3/2008
“The Panasonic PT-AE3000 is a self-described evolution of the company's highly regarded PT-AE2000 LCD front projector. Similar to the technology featured in 120Hz flat-panel LCD HDTVs, the AE3000 "Frame Creation" feature inserts interpolated frames into a standard 60Hz video steam for a claimed improvement of picture detail and clarity.” Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE3000U
Dvice.com - 9/3/2008
"While Panasonic's latest front projector has plenty of features to admire — full HD (1080p) resolution, easy display of extremely wide aspect ratios, and all the image processing you could want — I say it's most useful ability is side-by-side picture adjustment. When you want to tweak the picture (and we know you do), just engage the projector's Split Adjust mode, which splits the screen into two halves: make adjustments on one, and compare with the original settings on the other." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE3000U
TechRadar.com - 10/3/2008
"You're sure that your new High Definition Panasonic LCD projector is the veritable bee's leg joints, but how to convince your other half that the $3500 (£2000) you've just splashed out is worth sacrificing that Caribbean holiday for?” “Simple. Just fire it up and activate Split Adjust mode to divide the screen into two. One half shows boring old vanilla 1080p Full HD signals, while the other highlights the cutting edge adjustments the PT-AE3000 is capable of..." Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5500
Projector Central - 7/23/2008
Beyond the improved image quality, the flexible scaling to accommodate a permanently deployed anamorphic lens makes the HC5500 a very attractive option for those looking for a cost-effective 2.35 Cinemascope installation...
Mitsubishi continues to make competitive inroads into the hot 1080p home theater market with its evolving line of 1080p models that are all outstanding value propositions..the HC5500 is highly recommended.
Read the review »Mitsubishi XD211U
Broadcast Newsroom - 9/30/2008
The XD211U is an ideal solution for the corporate road warriors who need a light weight projector that outputs a respectable image, as well as those in the education markets who can benefit from an inexpensive DLP projector (It features an anti-theft security hook for the large, lecture hall type installations). It is under $1000 and ships with a three year warranty on the projector and one year (500 hours) on the lamp Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z60
Projector Central - 9/28/2008
Sanyo's PLV-Z60 is an impressive projector... The 2x zoom lens, extensive lens shift, and abundance of HDMI and component video inputs make it easy to install. It lacks the on/off contrast of the Epson Cinema 720 and the superpowered lumen output of the Panasonic PT-AX200, but it compensates with a beautiful, film-like image that's razor sharp and crystal clear. If you're looking for a new projector for your light-controlled home theater, this is the one for you. Read the review »
Canon Realis SX7
IT Business Net - 9/22/2008
Writing computer software requires exacting detail. Proofreading each letter, number, and symbol in the code and checking that it is correct requires a crisp, high-resolution display that a team of programmers can carefully review, line-by-line. Since there is no room for error, the Engineering Information Group of publishing giant Elsevier displays their code... using a Canon REALiS SX7 Multimedia Projector. Featuring HD-quality SXGA+ resolution display of intricate type as small as 7-point... Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Secrets of Home Theater - 9/18/2008
I could not have picked a better product than the Sanyo PLV-Z2000 to begin the series. It provides an incredible amount of flexibility in room placement, and with its shuttered door and quiet fan, can be placed in on a coffee table in the middle of the room without distracting from the viewing experience. It produces a very good image for a front projector, and at $1,895 street price is an incredible value. Read the review »
Onkyo HT-S5100B Home Theater System
About.com - Home Theater - 8/15/2008
The Onkyo HT-S5100 is a Home Theater-in-a-Box system that delivers performance, as well as providing lots of practical features, for a reasonable price. ...If you are looking for an all-in-one home theater system that offers a lot of flexibility, and sounds pretty good, for a reasonable price, check out the Onkyo HT-S5100 as one possibility. Read the review »
BenQ W500
Trusted Reviews - 8/25/2008
Verdict With a price under £600, the W500 was inevitably never going to challenge the best projectors out there... That said, for all its black level and occasional colour shortcomings, the W500 has still got more than enough going for it to be well worth considering if you’re looking for a fairly casual, ultra-affordable projector for general TV, sporting event and gaming use. Read the review »
OPPO Digital DV-983H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player
Trusted Reviews - 3/11/2008
The DV-983H's awesome picture performance and incredible feature list makes it one of the best DVD players we've come across... But £300 is undeniably expensive for a DVD player no matter how good it's picture quality is, and if you have that sort of money to spend we'd recommend getting yourself a Blu-ray player first... But if you're still unhappy with its DVD upscaling, or simply can't be bothered with Blu-ray and want the best possible DVD performance, then the DV-983H is an ideal choice. Read the review »
OPPO Digital DV-983H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player
Gizmodo - 3/11/2008
At $399, it's a player we'd recommend if you have a gigantic DVD library that you want to keep even when faced with the impending Blu-ray transition...there's no sense in buying a movie again if you can get a somewhat reasonable upscaler.... It's their new flagship model, so you know this is quality DVD playback. It's also the last upconverting DVD player Oppo will ever make, so you might want to get in on this latest generation before it goes out of style Read the review »
OPPO Digital DV-983H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player
CNet - 4/2/2008
The bottom line: The Oppo DV-983H is pretty much the ultimate standard-def disc player, but its high price means videophiles on a budget can get a better bang for their buck. [ click through to complete review for video ] Read the review »
Panasonic PT-LB80NTU
ChannelWeb - 8/8/2008
While the PT-LB80NTU is a little larger than we would like a portable projector to be, it is light enough to take on the go when needed. Additionally, its wireless functionality allows for many creative uses. The PT-LB80NTU has a MSRP of $3,299. Additional models are also available with lower brightness, no Wi-Fi and in wide-screen format. Read the review »
OPPO Digital Advanced 3-to-1 HDMI Switcher
PC Magazine - 7/18/2008
The Oppo HM-31 is easy to recommend to anyone who needs a few more HDMI ports, especially given its clever auto-switch capabilities. The lack of an included HDMI cable appears to be common with switches at this price, and, considering how inexpensive HDMI cables have become, I don't find this a deal breaker... the only complaint I can level at the HM-31 is that it has only three HDMI inputs... but even the current three-port version is well worth our Editors' Choice award. Read the review »
BenQ W5000
PocketLink.UK - 8/8/2008
On the all-important image quality, we found the colours were fantastic, the shadows detailed and the picture offered a depth that you simply don’t get in cheaper models, but equally can be lacking at this price. Images displayed no colour wheels, a little noise, and were generally very good. Read the review »
Optoma EP728
Tech Radar UK - 8/6/2008
Switching to Standard mode makes the projector noticeably more quiet, but it makes the picture too dark for our tastes. As you can see, the Optoma isn't perfect, but it is a very good compromise and the small size makes it a favourite of ours. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC1600
Projector Central - 7/18/2008
The Mitsubishi HC1600 is a bit of an odd duck. It has high lumen output, excellent ANSI contrast, quiet operation, and good color balance. However, the 2x speed color wheel will be a problem for some who want to use it for home theater. All in all, it is a great entry level projector for photography and still content, and it does perform admirably in video, HD sports and video games for those not susceptible to rainbows. At street prices under $1000, the HC1600 will be a solid choice for many looking for a good projector that won't break the budget. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-F200U
ChannelWeb - 6/13/2008
The PT-F200U achieves its goal of being a flexible projector able to adjust to different needs when placed in a permanent setting. Those needing high-definition sharpness or colors will probably be a little disappointed, but for every day, standard use, it will live up to the expectations of most. Read the review »
ClearOne MAX Wireless
CNet - 12/16/2006
The Max Wireless's most notable feature is that it is cordless, meaning you can pick it up and wander around the office during calls. Plus, it frees smaller offices from buying more than one conference phone; just move the speaker to the office where you need it (as long as it's within 150 feet of the base).
The bottom line: When it comes to cordless conferencing, the Max Wireless offers good bang for your buck.
Read the review »NEC NP100
Laptop Magazine - 5/19/2008
If you have a few extra dollars to spend, we would opt for NEC’s more versatile and higher-resolution XGA version of this projector, the NP200, which is still a bargain at $649. However, the NEC NP100 does a good job with typical presentations at an amazingly low price. And with an introductory rebate of $50 (which ends on June 30), it’s also temporarily the least expensive, at an astounding $449 Read the review »
BenQ W5000
Trusted Reviews - 5/14/2008
Heading into the W5000's pleasingly no-nonsense but perfectly clear onscreen menus uncovers rather more flexibility than I'd have expected of a sub-£1,500 Full HD DLP projector. For instance, there's the software processing element of Texas Instrument's Brilliant Colour system, designed to ramp up colour saturations and improve tones. Read the review »
Ovation Multimedia Avia II: Guide to Home Theater
Associated Content - 5/9/2008
The Avia II DVD will not only help you set up your system but they can help you with purchase choices for your system even before you do the shopping. You can find out more about what each component of a home theatre system can do and whether you would be interested in even having them or not. The DVD does a great job explaining what each type of component is used for but not where to buy them or which brands are best. Read the review »
NEC NP3151W
Channel Web - 5/9/2008
Throughout all of our tests, which incorporated multiple input sources (including a HD session of GTA IV), the NP3151W stood up to the challenge. Video quality is above par with bright, vivid colors, and the two 5 watt speakers had ...volume for everyone in the lab to hear. With its bright (HD) display, multiple installation possibilities, and network remote options; (this) projector is worthy of the $4,999.99 MSRP ... equally capable in both the Board room as well as the home theater. Read the review »
Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen , Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen and Elite ezFrame Fixed Frame Screen
Projector Central - 5/2/2008
The Elite White and Gray screens offer the least blue shift among the budget fabric screens in this review, and only the Goo Systems paint exceeds the Elite in being color neutral. The Elite provides a 2.44" wide frame, which is adequate but we wish it were a bit wider. It has the look and feel of a substantial product, and though it is a bit more work to assemble than either the Grandview or the Saaria, you can do it in less than an hour. And at just $420, it is the most attractively priced of the snap-together fixed frame screen products. Read the review »
Optoma HD71
Projector Reviews - 4/19/2008
This is definitely a projector I plan to recommend to many. For those that just want to enjoy a movie or a sporting event, and don't want to fuss about very subtle differences, here's one of the brightest projectors overall, and it does many other things extremely well - A great overall package! Read the review »
NEC NP100
PC World - 4/2/2008
...the NP100 displayed generally good results--including sharp text and well-rendered color graphics--when hooked up to a notebook PC's VGA port, as well as when connected to a DVD player's composite-video port. The projector has a small speaker that was adequate for playing Windows prompts and PowerPoint sound effects, but not movie soundtracks. .., the NP100 is a good bargain for a projector capable of displaying bright and attractive images in both office and home environments. Read the review »
Hitachi CP-A100
PC Magazine - 4/2/2008
The relatively poor video performance isn't important for the overwhelming majority of business users. If you need a projector for presentations or special applications where only an ultra short-throw projector will do, the CP-A100 is one of the best choices overall, with a combination of image quality, image size, and features that earns it an Editors' Choice in the ultra-short-throw category. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC6000(BL)
ZD Net - 4/15/2008
The good: The Mitsubishi HC6000 is a solid value with capable video processing; linear grayscale tracking; accurate color decoding; full feature package for ease of setup; and plenty of connectivity.
The bad: Inaccurate primary and secondary colors; black-level performance could be improved a bit more.
The bottom line: One of the better performers in the entry-level 1080p projector race, the Mitsubishi HC6000 also benefits from a comprehensive feature set.
Read the review »Optoma TX7155
Laptop Magazine - 3/27/2008
With a street price of $1,100, this ultraportable model includes a very generous three-year warranty that features a one-year warranty on the lamp—four times longer than most other projectors. With this factored in, the price is equivalent to that of the Dell M209X, which has similar performance. The Optoma TX7155, however, is a half-pound heavier and has a lower contrast ratio. Read the review »
Sanyo PLC-XL50
Projector Central - 3/14/2008
... the XL50 is a reasonably priced alternative to large flatscreens, and requires much less setup and clutter. For almost any presentation environment, the XL50 offers an escape from heat exhaust near the audience, long cable runs, staring into the projector's lamp, and blocking the picture with your shadow. With excellent lumen output and solid color performance, the XL50 is suited to almost any room. Read the review »
Canon Realis X700 , Toshiba TDP-PX10U and Sanyo PLC-XL50
PC World - 3/18/2008
Finding the right business projector today is a lot easier than it used to be. Or a lot harder, depending on your point of view. It's easier because there are so many variations that, if you pick carefully, you'll likely find one that meets your needs. It's harder for the same reason. With so many options, you have to do your research, or you may wind up with the wrong projector. Read the review »
OPPO Digital DV-983H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player
HT Guys (podcast) - 3/18/2008
[ Podcast after the jump ] We really liked the Oppo Digital DV-983H. So who should spend $399 on it? If you are really into movies and have a large collection of DVDs this is the player that will do the best with everything you have. If you have a front projector and don't want to spend $3000 on a video processor this player will do the same thing, at least for your DVDs, for a fraction of the cost. If you are a videophile and you want the absolute best video performance the 983 is for you. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Crunch Gear - 3/14/2008
Ok, I’m impressed, really impressed. I almost never write such rave review, but the 1080UB is really that good. It is bright, sharp and the colors are rich. The best way to view HD content is with a front projector and this is the best projector under $2999. And Epson is offering a $200 rebate, so the real price is $2799. I’d say the UB is an overall 20% improvement over the PowerLite and remember. I liked the PowerLite. Read the review »
Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote
HDTV Magazine - 3/13/2008
As with any Harmony remote, the One is a great choice for your home theater. It's new, sexy and easy to use. The touchscreen is cool and the larger buttons make it a bit easier to use. But overall it doesn't represent a huge departure from the 880. Of course we're gadget freaks, so we'll both be using them, but if you want to save some money, the 880 remains a great option. Bang for the buck, the 880 is still probably the way to go. For the coolness factor, the One is where it's at. Read the review »
NEC VT800
PC Magazine - 3/6/2008
"What if you need a projector for business presentations but would like to use it for watching sports and movies at home? The VT800 ($1,000 street) from NEC Display Solutions just might fill the bill. Not only does the VT800 deliver a high-quality, bright image for presentations, it also offers two relatively rare features for a business projector: fairly high-quality, high-volume audio and a Silicon Optix HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) chip for video processing." A four star (Very Good) rating. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC4900
About.com - Home Theater - 8/1/2007
... lots of useful features and solid video performance. With a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p), the HC4900 delivers a full HD image. One the one hand, detail, flesh tones, overall color saturation, and contrast levels provide a very natural looking image that is hard to find in other similarly-price units currently on the market... two drawbacks are its average 1,000 lumen light output, which doesn't do as well in large rooms, and lack of keystone correction... Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC4900
Sound and Vision Magazine - 8/1/2007
Mitsubishi might not be the first name in front projectors, but its HC4900 1080p LCD front projector is an all-around strong performer that stands up very well alongside its competition. And though I occasionally wished for a little more brightness from its Low lamp setting, on the plus side, I was impressed by the projector's setup features and accurate color. Maybe the market for rear projectors is slipping away, but I think it's safe to say Mits is looking at bright future in front projection Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC4900
Projector Reviews - 8/19/2007
Pros and Cons
Canon Realis SX7
Projector Central - 2/6/2008
As reviewers, it is our job to find fault with the products that cross our test bench. With the Canon REALiS SX7, that is a fairly difficult task. The projector is bright, but brightness can be adjusted easily; it has a long zoom; it has excellent color accuracy and saturation. Contrast is excellent for this class of product... For the display of high-resolution data graphics, professional photography, and 4:3 home theater, the SX7 is a powerful performer all around. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE2000U
Big Picture Big Sound - 2/5/2008
But as an all around 1080p home theater projector, the Panasonic is a winner. With it's super blacks, excellent contrast and deep, beautiful color saturation, it'll make you discover HD content all over again. Despite its size and odd motorized focus/zoom, if you've got room for the Panasonic, you won't be disappointed...you'll be in love. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
IGN - 2/4/2008
The projector's low pricing... coupled with it's extremely high lumen output make it a great option for those who aren't yet addicted to big screen gaming… even at 100-inches, the difference between 720p and 1080p isn't terribly noticeable... support of 1080p 24fps further ameliorates resolution concerns... the projector's support of 24fps signals from Blu-ray and HD-DVD players means it won't apply 3:2 pulldown to video sources that don't require it. Read the review »
Optoma EP1691
Laptop Magaz - 1/29/2008
Of course, one of the best features of the Optoma EP1691 is its price: just $999 street, which includes a 2-year warranty. Although it has a few flaws, this is easily one of the best projector values on the market. Read the review »
InFocus IN10
Projector Central - 1/29/2008
The InFocus IN10 is far from the first microportable projector, but it is arguably one of the best. With nearly 1600 real lumens, a 4,000 hour lamp, and quiet operation, the IN10 can be had for street prices around $1250. If you need tons of power in a tiny package, don't miss it. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-F100NTU
Government Computer News - 1/21/2008
Panasonic has set the price of the PT-F100NTU at $4,999. If your job requires presentations involving nuanced details such as detecting art forgeries or counterfeit bills, this is not the projector for you. If, however, you need a powerful conference room projector that lets the audience read Power- Point slides or Excel charts from the back row, this will suit your needs admirably. Read the review »
Sanyo PLC-XL50
HDTV Expert - 12/20/2007
But there’s nothing else on the market that competes with this product. It’s bright, it has a “sweet spot” native resolution that’s perfect for the education and corporate markets, and it accommodates just about every input signal you’d need, except for the aforementioned DVI/HDMI types. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
About.com - Home Theater - 1/18/2008
I was impressed with PT-AX100U, and more so with the AX-200U. I give the Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD video projector the same rating as I gave the previous PT-AX100U, 5 Stars out of Five. This is definitely a great performing, affordable, video projector to consider for a home theater setup. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Projector Reviews - 1/18/2008
If you are spending less than $3000 at the time of this writing (1/08), the Epson Home Cinema 1080UB is definitely, in my book, the king of the hill, and the one to beat. It's going to give noticeably more expensive projectors a serious run for the attention of those who have the bucks, but now don't feel the need to spend the extra. Simply put, this Epson is serious competiton for many of the projectors costing significantly more. Read the review »
Epson Pro Cinema 1080 UB and Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Projector Central - 1/18/2008
Evan Powell reviews the Pro Cinema 1080UB and illustrates the differences between the Home and Pro version.
The Epson Pro Cinema 1080 UB is a beautiful projector once it is calibrated. And in buying the Pro version you are likely to get some assistance with the calibration. The package is fairly priced, and a highly competitive value proposition... it would be difficult to find a better choice than the Pro Cinema 1080 UB. We can give it our Editor's Choice Award with great enthusiasm.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Secrets of Home Theater - 1/11/2008
...Although 720p is not as high a resolution as 1080i (converts to 1080p by the projector), the difference is minimal depending on how large your screen is and how far away you sit. So, if you can't afford to go all the way to a native 1920x1080 projector, this is a good choice, especially because you can get it for less than $1,700. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Trusted Reviews - 1/12/2008
Verdict: In some ways the Z2000 is a ground-breaking piece of kit. Certainly its black levels redefine what we consider possible from an affordable LCD model. And these, together with its extreme HD sharpness, may be enough to entice budget buyers to part with £1,800 or so. However, Sanyo really needs to work on its colour tuning before it might persuade us to pick it over the best the DLP world currently has to offer. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 720
Projector Central - 1/11/2008
The Home Cinema 720 is a killer projector. It gives solid performance in all areas with extra emphasis on rock-solid contrast and black levels. With the exception of limited connectivity and a bit less than ideal vertical lens shift range, it has no major flaws. ... the picture quality is outstanding for the money. The Cinema 720 is an exceptional value at $1299, and it was an easy decision to give it not only very high ratings in the 5-star categories, but our Editor's Choice Award as well. Read the review »
Epson MovieMate 72
Gizmodo - 12/25/2007
I love the thing. I've been a fan of projector all-in-ones for a while now, and I think Epson is onto something with the 720p, because it makes both high-def input stuff and upconverted DVDs look better than the 480p alternative. The color is great, and the sound is okay, though I happily connected the optical line out to an old Sony 5.1 receiver I had for the full surround effect. Read the review »
Epson MovieMate 72
Projector Reviews - 12/18/2007
I really like the MovieMate 72. That said, my 15 year old daughter, who tells me she needs one, won't be getting one for the holidays. ... I am very comfortable recommending it to friends for their familyrooms, living rooms and bonus rooms as a family shared entertainment system. Our Hot Product Award is given to projectors and related products when they offer a value proposition that makes it a top choice for a significant group people. The MovieMate meets that standard - effortlessly. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC4900
Projector Central - 12/18/2007
...HC4900 and the Z2000 identically in the 5-star ratings. There are those who will definitely prefer the incremental black depth that the Z2000 can achieve. ...the additional zoom and lens shift range of the Z2000 quite useful. Some will undoubtedly place more value on HDMI 1.3 and/or 1080p/24 than I have done, and would be willing to pay a premium for these features. ... They are both great products. No matter which model you end up with, you will be totally amazed at what a mere $2,000 (+/-) will buy you these days. Read the review »
Epson MovieMate 72
Mac World - 12/17/2007
... a cool, all-in-one, home-theater projector that features (HD) 720p resolution, high-quality integrated speakers, and a built-in up-converting DVD player. It can display just about anything from your Mac’s desktop, USB thumb drives, gaming consoles, TV receivers, and more... more than a TV or conference-room projector. The lamp could stand to be a little brighter, and some auto-focus and automatic keystone adjustment would be welcome additions, but even without these features, I want one. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Evil Avatar Forum - 12/18/2007
Like I said earlier, it's pretty tough to find faults when you are sitting there staring at a 92" image in hi-def. At a price of $1299 you can have big screen hi-def gaming for less than a price of a 40" flatscreen TV. Gaming on a projector is something everyone should experience, and while the AX200U isn't top of the line, it's a great mid-level projector that's sure to last you for quite some time. Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Cinema 400 , BenQ W500 , Mitsubishi HC1500 and Epson PowerLite Cinema 400 (B-Stock)
Projector Central - 11/30/2007
The BenQ W500 is an interesting mix of high-end and low-budget. High lumen output and first-rate image processing circuitry make it a great budget option for video games, sporting events, and HDTV watching. However, a 1.2x zoom range limits placement flexibility, while color is less than perfect. The projector's main strengths are its low asking price and $250 replacement lamps, which can make the BenQ W500 an attractive, affordable option. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Audio Video Revolution - 8/1/2007
All in all, the Home Cinema 1080 would be quite an impressive performer at twice its price. Given its aggressively low price of $2,999, it is an absolute steal that should lure large plasma clients to get a front video system instead... Whether you’re building a budget home theater room or simply want a big-screen 1080p display for your living room (and don’t wish to sell a kidney to go the flat-panel route), the Home Cinema 1080 is definitely worth your very, very serious consideration. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE2000U and Mitsubishi HC6000(BL)
Projector Central - 11/9/2007
The primary differences between the HC6000 and the AE2000 are in features not directly related to picture quality. The AE2000 has a wider array of extras than the HC6000. Furthermore, there is a sizable price gap between the two models that will be hard for the consumer to ignore. The AE2000's price advantage, should it be maintained into the future, will be a competitive edge that will enable it to capture a greater market share in the 1080p marketplace than the HC6000. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Robb Report - Home Entertainment - 11/1/2007
The Pro Cinema 1080 is a very good performer in all other respects and really does provide a crisp 1080p picture. Fortunately, given the unit's surprisingly low price, you'll probably save enough to replace your aging standard-definition DVD player with a proper progressive model—or better yet, get an HD DVD or Blu-ray player. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080
About.com - Home Theater - 10/19/2007
"...the Cinema 1080 has all the inputs you need, including HDMI, Component, and VGA, and can accept just about any signal you can throw at it, including NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and HD resolutions up to 1080p. Whether you are shopping for your first projector, or replacing an older one, definitely check out the Epson Home Cinema 1080." Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Projector Reviews - 11/1/2007
Hot Product Award Winner!
The PLV-Z2000 is really a very watchable projector. Overall it is an excellent projector choice for those wanting great looking movies, and do not need the largest sized screens. A beautiful picture combines with placement flexibiliyt that should allow the Sanyo to work easily in almost any room. Add into that a great warranty, and the fact that it is the lowest priced 1080p projector to date, and you have a winner!
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE2000U
Projector Central - 11/2/2007
...Panasonic has delivered another star performer in the world of home theater projectors. It edges out the competition in contrast and color saturation. It has superb color accuracy in video optmized mode, and a supremely serviceable bright operating mode that penalizes the user very little in terms of color accuracy. For HD DVD, Blu-ray, and HDTV sources in particular, the AE2000 is the strongest of the 1080p projectors we've seen so far under $5,000. Read the review »
OPPO Digital Advanced 3-to-1 HDMI Switcher
Audioholics - 10/31/2007
What's to say about an HDMI switch? It either works or it doesn't. This one works and, with the auto switching feature, it may make it painless for you to set up. Even if you have to control it directly, you have just about every option under the sun to do so. Fully featured? Oh yeah. And at this price point, it's a no-brainer. If you need an HDMI switch, this is the one to buy. You may find an HDMI switch for cheaper, but it'll likely be missing some of the features that this one has. Make sure you really don't need those features before you purchase something else. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-FW100NTU
Projector Central - 11/1/2007
At current street prices around $3900, the FW100 may seem a little steep. However, the projector being offered is unlike any other currently available, and it fills a specific need superbly. If you or your organization are in need of a highly versatile fixed-installation projector for a large audience, give the Panasonic PT-FW100NTU a good look. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Projector Reviews - 10/27/2007
...Movies, general HDTV (and TV), and sports programming (especially HDTV), all are a pleasure to watch.
I have no doubt that I will end up recommending the PT-AX200U to more people than any other 720p projector, even though, I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist. The Panasonic PT-AX200U home theater projector, may be a bit of a compromise in a few areas, but it excels in others, and the bottom line is an excellent price performance proposition.
Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Projector Central - 10/29/2007
The Sanyo Z2000 is a tough new competitor that establishes the latest benchmark in 1080p price/performance. It offers excellent image quality, a host of features, and very few flaws, all for an industry-leading rock bottom price. If you have been waiting for prices to drop before stepping up to 1080p, the Z2000 is the product you've been waiting for. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z2000
HDTV Expert - 10/22/2007
Otherwise, the projector has outstanding color performance and tracks a pretty clean grayscale once you tune it up. Drive it with native 1080p content and/or a high-quality video scaler, and you'll be happier than a clam. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Secrets of Home Theater - 10/20/2007
The Epson Home Cinema 1080 is an excellent example of how far home theater projectors have come in the last few years. It produces a very smooth image with 1080p resolution that really makes high definition sources pop... Compatibility w/ HDMI 1.3 is another plus for the HC 1080. If you haven't yet switched to 1080p, this high resolution is definitely worth it if obtainable for an affordable price. This is exactly where the Epson Home Cinema 1080 comes in with its MSRP of less than $3,000. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Tech Talk Blog - 10/10/2007
I used it to play World in Conflict, a PC military strategy game from Sierra as well as a Blu-ray movie. In a dark room, the resolution is crisp and the colors vibrant. The projector displays in wide-screen formats and has a 12,000:1 contrast ratio for deep and rich blacks. I thought that the game looked best with about a 60-inch screen, but you can take the diagonal width of the image much higher... as much as 150 inches... by moving the projector back. Read the review »
OPPO Digital Advanced 3-to-1 HDMI Switcher
Product Wiki - 10/1/2007
The HM-31 makes it easy switch between your DVD player, set-top box, and gaming system using the included credit card sized remote, a button on the player itself, or let the HM-31 switch automatically by analyzing the presence of an HDMI signal. In the case of automatic switching, the inputs are assigned a priority (ie. 1st, 2nd, 3rd) to determine which source gets displayed if there is more than one signal present. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Projector Central - 10/2/2007
In short, the AX200 is one of the most versatile multi-purpose projectors we've yet seen for the home entertainment market. Last year's AX100U rated a full 5 stars across the board. The AX200 delivers even better performance at a lower price. It is a highly competitive offering in today's market and warrants another solid 5-star rating. Due to its versatility and attractive price, we expect the AX200 will be one of the hottest selling home theater projectors of the season. Read the review »
Optoma HD80
Audioholics - 9/13/2007
I will recommend this unit for die-hard DLP fans and those who have been sitting on the fence waiting for prices to dip below that $3000 mark. Remember, just three years ago 1080p was only possible at prices well over $10,000. In fact, anyone who personally purchased the HD81 and is reading this might be getting a little hot under the collar right about now. Optoma is joining a much-appreciated group of companies that are truly bringing incredible value to consumers. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Audioholics - 9/7/2007
Panasonic unveiled its new PT-AX200U LCD 720p home theater projector which is designed to target gamers. Tom Taylor, or Tsquared as he's known in the Major League Gaming community, was on-hand to demonstrate just how the PT-AX200U aids in removing game lack associated with online play. The system boosts speed by 3x ... in an effort to lower game lag - something Tom is very familiar with. According to him, the lag was all but gone and the system made gaming much more enjoyable. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX200U
Kotaku.com - 9/6/2007
Panasonic had their PT-AX200U high-def projector set-up off in a corner of their CEDIA booth. The projector has a 1280 by 720 resolution, 2,000 lumens brightness and 6000:1 contrast. More importantly the projector has a gaming mode which optimizes frame response to improve signal processing by a third. The setting also tweaks the contrast settings bringing out darker scenes and images that are typically over saturated. Read the review »
Sony VPL-AW15
Projector Central - 7/19/2007
Overall, I like the Sony AW15 and would recommend it subject to two important caveats: (1) it must be used in a dark viewing space to get the true contrast benefit from it, and (2) the viewer must sit at a distance of at least 1.8x the screen width in order to eliminate the intrusion of pixelation and screendoor effects. However, if you have a theater room that can accommodate these requirements, the AW15 is capable of producing a beautiful picture for the money. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC1500
Audioholics - 9/5/2007
It's absolutely mind-blowing to me that we live in a time when a projector can be had for this price possessing the level of features and amenities that come with the HC1500. If you break it down into price per square inch, you are saving a bundle by going with front projection at this price – as of this writing you can barely get a decent 40-inch LCD TV for the same money. RUN to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer and check this one out for yourself – you owe it to your wallet. Read the review »
Optoma HD80 and Optoma HD80 All You Need 1080p Home Theater Package
E-Gear - 8/31/2007
This projector really knows how to make blacks... Throughout the (Pirates of the Caribbean) I was continually impressed with how dark the HD80 was able to render dark parts of the screen while still maintaining the details.
While I still firmly believe that projectors ... with 720p resolution produce great HDTV pictures, a true 1080p source with a large 1080p display is even more impressive. This is one that will give you that boost in picture, without the sports car price.
Read the review »
Optoma HD81
CNET.com - 8/21/2007
The good: Accurate color decoding for both SD and HD sources, very good video processing with included external processor; more connectivity than nearly all competing projectors.
The bad: Poor gamma and grayscale tracking at high light output settings; very little flexibility for setup and installation; no vertical lens shift.
The bottom line: Although a good performer if you use it with a relatively small screen, the Optoma HD81 1080p DLP projector is overly complex and difficult to set up and install.
Read the review »Hitachi CP-X400
Projector Central - 8/8/2007
The Hitachi CP-X400 is a powerhouse of a projector, outputting nearly 3000 ANSI lumens from a 7.7 lb. package that sells for roughly $1500. In terms of bang for the buck, it's hard to match. While it has somewhat restrictive lensing and can be hard to mount in some situations, it is an impressive multimedia projector, suitable for use in conference rooms and classrooms large and small. Read the review »
Optoma HD80
ProjectorCentral.com - 8/1/2007
Evan Powell writes: "I want to restrain myself from using too many gushing superlatives. But it will be difficult, because the HD80 is simply a magnificent projector for the money. Excellent performance in contrast, black level, sharpness, and color combine to make it a riveting home theater experience." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Smart House Magazine - 7/26/2007
The AE1000 is unquestionably a superb projector – the best LCD yet from the Panasonic brand – and clearly delivers the benefits of Full HD with the outstanding subtlety of its gradations and shadow detail. Its complete freedom from pixellation or noise will dispell any doubts that LCD can't cut it at the top of the projector Premiership. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Home Theater Magazine - 7/1/2007
In an electronics world that seems to be full of a 'beat the competition to the punch' attitude, it's nice to see a company that still takes the time to get things right. While Epson was quick to incorporate HDMI 1.3 protocol in anticipation of things such as Deep Color, at least other aspects didn't fall by the wayside. The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 does what it promises - it displays a great-looking picture for a great-looking price. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC1500
Projector Central - 7/5/2007
We already used up all of our superlatives in praising the HD1000U, and our enthusiasm carries over to the HC1500. Both will be granted the Editor's Choice Award. The bottom line is this: if your installation can accommodate the limitations of its zoom range and fixed throw angle, you will not find a better picture for the money under $1,000 at this time. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5000BL and Mitsubishi HC5000
Audioholics - 7/2/2007
Picture quality and video processing were way above par. This is not necessarily a budget projector, but considering the advanced features and "convenience package" Mitsubishi throws in with motorized lens shift, focus and zoom - not to mention the sleek lines and beautiful housing - you do indeed have a value product. One must also consider the calibration results - if this is consistent across all models, then the HC5000 gets my complete thumbs up as a "must-see" product and one of the nicest pictures I've witnessed this year. In a sea of new 1080p projectors being released this year, Mitsubishi has a distinctive product that sets it apart as a leader. If you're shopping for a 1080p model you owe it to yourself to check it out. If you're a custom installer this unit should be on your very short list as it's certain to make your customers ecstatic. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5000BL and Mitsubishi HC5000
Home Theater Magazine - 6/21/2007
"It may not have the Sony's sexy case or the JVC's incredible contrast ratio, but the little Mits that could holds its own against two very heavy hitters. A few programming quirks aside (stop crushing blacks!), it's the processing that keeps the HC5000 afloat. It passed every test I threw at it. There's no need to worry about scalers, scaling DVD players, or 1080i-only outputs. It's too bad the HC5000's LCD panels, although far improved over previous generations, can't produce the numbers of its LCOS (or DLP) competitors." Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Cinema 400
Projector Central - 6/7/2007
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 400's primary attributes are high lumen output, excellent color performance, versatile lensing, and 1280x720 resolution at low street prices. Installation is more flexible than other projectors in this price bracket, making the Cinema 400 a unique value. While image sharpness was a weak point, the simple fact remains that the Cinema 400 is a strong performer that's easy to install, and won't break the budget at only $1100 after rebate. Read the review »
Optoma DV11
Tech.co.uk - 6/1/2007
...The changes are subtle. As Optoma is keen to point out: "the DV11 is brighter at 1600 Lumens so better for gamers and TV in a standard room and also the DVD has been moved to the back - it's now a slot design. The contrast has changed to 2200:1 without Image AI for a better picture all round... The speakers have also been upgraded so it sounds better..." Read the review »
Epson Powerlite 1715C
Californian.com - 5/31/2007
...In comparing the entry-level Epson S4 with the InFocus IN24+, I preferred the Epson in pretty much every category. The unit is compact, comes with a carrying case and plugged effortlessly into both a DVD player and Windows laptop. (Note to Apple users: Most projectors don't come with the Apple cord you need to plug into Apple laptops.)
...for most business users, a $600 projector with fewer lumens and SVGA image quality is fine as long as ambient light is on your side. Otherwise, look to spend upward of $1,000. And if you can find a great deal on Epson's $1,800 PowerLite 1715c - with wireless and USB connectivity and weighing just 3.7 pounds - snap it up. It's a beaut.
Read the review »InFocus IN24+ and InFocus IN24EP
Projector Central - 6/1/2007
The InFocus Work Big IN24 represents a great value in today's market. With street prices just under $600, the IN24 brings together a solid feature set with a bright, sharp picture that can be used in conference rooms, classrooms, and even living rooms. While the IN26+ is a more powerful projector, those who do not need the extra lumens or resolution will find the IN24 to be right up their alley. Read the review »
Optoma HD73
Secrets of Home Theater - 5/25/2007
If you were an early adopter to the home theater market and are using an older projector with a lower resolution and contrast ratio, this projector could be a perfect upgrade at a very reasonable cost. If you are new to the home theater world, this is an excellent starter projector, as you will be amazed by the image and will spend many hours enjoying hi-definition content with your friends and family. If you are an old hat to this industry and are starting to get a little cynical in your old age, perhaps you should look at some of the higher end models, including the new 1080p units. Even those are getting to be very affordable. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Sound and Vision Magazine - 6/1/2007
In a review of three 1080p home theater projectors, Sound and Vision Magazine said of the AE1000U:
This projector offers great performance at a very reasonable price, and its setup and convenience features are exemplary for a budget model. From where I sit, the PT-AE1000U looks to be yet another in a long line of excellent, affordable Panasonic front projectors.
Read the review »Epson Pro Cinema 1080
Sound and Vision Magazine - 6/1/2007
BOTTOM LINE: About the only downside of the Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 1080 is that it costs $2,000 more than its near-identical sibling. But if you're going the custom-install route, this stylish projector -- with the solid blacks and rich colors of its crisp 1080p pictures, not to mention its future-proof HDMI 1.3 input and Deep Color support -- won't disappoint. Read the review »
OPPO Digital DV-981HD 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player
About.com - Home Theater - 1/1/2007
Taking all into consideration, OPPO has succeeded in delivering a DVD player that combines high performance with great value. If you have a TV with HDMI or DVI, consider the DV-981HD. I give the OPPO DV-981HD 4.5/5 Stars. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HD1000U
Projector Central - 10/1/2006
Considering the brightness, the beautifully balanced color, and the street prices under $1500, the Mitsubishi HD1000U is an extraordinary value. In terms of sheer price/performance, it is probably the strongest home theater offering we've seen from Mitsubishi. Its key advantages include high brightness for large screen or ambient light conditions, and terrific color balance and saturation. For those who can live with the limitations imposed by its lack of lens shift and restricted range of throw distance for a given image size, it is a formidable home theater projector. Mitsubishi's inclusion of a free replacement lamp with the initial purchase sweetens the deal even further. (Currently this offer is scheduled to expire 12/31/06). If you want to step into the experience of very large-screen home theater and you want to do it on a budget, the HD1000U is one of the strongest competitive options on the market today. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HD1000U
Projector Reviews - 10/6/2006
The Mitsubishi HD1000U has been awarded our Hot Product Award, for its price/performance value. The HD1000U should logically appeal to those seeking a brighter projector to watch movies with modest ambient light, or on really large screens, or who like sports and HDTV in brighter rooms. This is the lowest priced bright home theater projector today. As an added bonus, even though image performance can be improved slightly with adjustment, the HD1000U it produces a great image right out of the box. Read the review »
OPPO Digital DV-981HD 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player
Secrets of Home Theater - 5/1/2007
Oppo has yet again delivered one of the best DVD player values you can find on the market today. I am excited to see what they will come up with next. It would be nice to see Oppo implement one of the newer video processing chips like the ABT, VXP, or Realta. I would also love to see something from them in a next generation HD format. Until then, the 981HD is highly recommended product as a high resolution audio digital transport and 1080p DVD player. Read the review »
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Digital TV Designline - 4/5/2007
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 features new, and in some cases exclusive, video technologies that are designed to deliver an unparalleled home theater experience. The Cinema 1080 offers sharper image detail via the projector's true 1080p resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). It is currently the only projector manufacturer to offer HDMI 1.3 connectivity with Deep Color (over 1 billion colors) and xvYCC (30-bit, 36-bit & 48-bit) support on 1080p native resolution projectors. Through the use of 3-chip, 3LCD technology, the images are brighter, and provide more accurate colors are achieved through the Wider range of black tones. The new projectors offers up to 12,000:1 contrast ratio, which contributes to increased visual depth via Epson's proprietary C2 (*Crystal-Clear) Fine technology. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX100U
Popular Mechanics - 5/9/2007
How to Make Your Own Drive-In Movie Theater
Where you position your projector has a lot to do with the layout of your vehicle. The Sienna has a deep and level dashboard, so the Panasonic projector fit nicely, but that's not the case with every car. You may find it easier to position your projector on the roof. Also, the performance of your FM transmitter is entirely dependent upon how crowded the FM dial is in your area. We suggest tuning your car radio first to find a dead station, then adjusting the frequency of the FM transmitter until the soundtrack comes through.
Read the review »Optoma EP770
Projector Central - 5/2/2007
The Optoma EP770 manages to combine the light weight of a good portable projector with the high lumen output of a larger fixed-installation machine. Its excellent connectivity makes it a sure bet for educators, while its ability to project on large screens make it ideal for both photographers and travelling presenters. If you want a portable projector with many of the bells and whistles of a larger business machine, all at a great price, the EP770 will serve you well. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U and Epson Home Cinema 1080
Gizmodo - 4/30/2007
Summing up, this Panasonic PT-AE100U 1080p projector is an extraordinary value for $3000. However, if you want to plug in an Xbox 360 with its optional VGA adapter for 1080p playback, this is definitely not the projector for you. Because of that, we give the edge to the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080p projector, because its picture is comparable to that of the Panasonic, but its inputs are slightly more versatile. Big thumbs up to both, but the Epson edged out the Panasonic by a minuscule margin Read the review »
Panasonic PT-P1SDU
About.com - Home Theater - 3/1/2007
The Panasonic PT-P1SDU is illustrative of a trend that is making video projection available to the average consumer.
If you are in the market for your first home theater video projector, or need a projector for meetings or to take to family gatherings, check out the Panasonic PT-P1SDU.
I give the PT-P1SDU a rating of 4 stars out of 5.
Read the review »Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx , Draper Onyx and Draper Onyx
Electronic House Magazine - 5/1/2007
Electronic House features an award-winning home theater which includes a custom cabinet constructed for the 92-inch Draper Onyx Series screen for a seamless, built-in appearance. Read the review »
Optoma HD81 , Mitsubishi HC5000BL , Mitsubishi HC5000 , Epson Pro Cinema 1080 , BenQ W10000 and Epson Home Cinema 1080
Projector Central - 4/17/2007
The following is a summary of the reviews we have conducted since last fall on 1080p projectors under $7,000, including several updates. Each summary includes the highlights and limitations of each model, and relevant comparative notes.
A Key Observation: All of the 1080p models we have seen are extremely good projectors. Whichever model you decide to get, you are going to love it. The following summaries discuss differences between the projectors, but this needs to be kept in perspective. Often the differences in picture quality are subtle, and they need to be seen side by side in order to detect them at all. That means that any one of the 1080p models shown in a theater by itself, with no standard of comparison, is going to look very impressive to just about any consumer.
So … do yourself a big favor and don't get too bogged down in the details. Be practical. Pick a model that (a) fits your budget and (b) can be installed easily in the room you've got. Then f Read the review »
Epson Pro Cinema 1080 and Epson Home Cinema 1080
Audioholics - 4/3/2007
"Epson makes very capable projectors. They pay attention to the optical system and indeed make the 3LCD panels that are utilized in most other LCD projectors on the market. They know how to do projectors. These new "D6" 1080p panels are no different and are a serious incremental step forward in technology. I have not seen a better LCD projector to-date and believe that Epson may have just set itself up to capture a serious chunk of the market given a retail price under $5000. I can't recommend this projector enough - it has no screen door effect, comes with some default settings that measure well and has excellent detail and black levels when used in the proper modes in a light-controlled room. This is going to be a hot projector for 2007." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Projector Reviews - 12/16/2006
The PT-AE1000U is simply the most versatile of the 1080p projectors on the market in terms of ergonomics, both physical, and performance options. Combine that with the lowest price of any 1080p projector to date, and we do have a Hot Product Award winner.
Perhaps I should say the PT-AE1000U is really user friendly. It will almost certainly work in most people's rooms, looks great out of the box, and has overall extremely good performance, certainly for its price. As to the sharpness, I seriously doubt that more than a few people will dissatisfied, almost all will consider the image nice and sharp, and detailed.
Read the review »Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Car and Audio Electronics - 4/1/2007
With 1080p and incredible features, [the AE1000U] projects an image true to the movie or television director's vision. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U
G4 E'zine - 3/1/2007
While most projectors require a nearly dark room to be able to offer a proper viewing experience, the AE1000U confidently handles both near dark and dimly lit rooms with ease. This is in part due to the dynamic iris, which helps provide deeper, richer levels of black, but also to the AE1000U's unbelievable 11,000:1 contrast ratio. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Ultimate AV Magazine - 3/1/2007
The Panasonic's picture has a very film-like, natural, and non-digital look. By "film-like" I do not mean soft, but rather a well-balanced combination of creamy smoothness and detail that was a pleasure to see. And, of course, there were no rainbow artifacts from this three-chip LCD design.
The choices in affordable, high quality 1080p projectors available to the home theater enthusiast are growing rapidly. And prices are dropping even as quality increases. The more the better. As big screen projection becomes more affordable to more enthusiasts and even to casual viewers, more of them will opt projectors. The superiority of high-definition will then become strikingly obvious even to those who think standard definition (particularly on DVD) is "good enough." The Panasonic is a compelling choice in this hot race to put projectors into more homes, a choice that isn't likely to disappoint any home theater fan.
Read the review »Panasonic PT-AE1000U
See the Panasonic PT-AE1000U in action - 4/16/2007
Photos of the Panasonic PT-AE1000U in action. Read the review »
Epson PowerLite 83C
The Journal (Education Publication) - 4/12/2007
Epson designed the projector, which is available now, based on input from its education customers. The result:
InFocus IN78
Absolute Gadget - 4/12/2007
The IN78 is a must-have for anyone wanting a high-performing projector that is easy to set up and use; while it may not be cheap it is less expensive than some of the other high-end projectors available costing around eight grand. For six thousand less the IN78 does the same job, in style. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Sound and Video Contractor - 4/1/2007
Indeed, that’s the theme for the AE1000. It's a remarkable statement on the state of the industry that a $4,000 video projector could deliver such good images, and it certainly raises some questions about the true value of more "premium" products. I don’t know if Panasonic was going retro with the design, going back to the days of the boat-anchor chassis. But there’s nothing but state-of-the-art technology in the AE1000 when it comes to the moving pictures it produces. And it’s technology that installers should look at, whether they’re working in residential or video oriented commercial environments.
Note: The manufacturer warranty is specified in this article as 2-years, when it is in fact a 1-year warranty.
Read the review »Epson Home Cinema 1080
Crunch Gear - 4/10/2007
Epson's Home Cinema can project a 10-foot wide picture with stunning clarity. The color, image quality, sharpness and detail in its high-def picture is excellent.
Every once in a while there is a product that's a keeper and this is one. If you've been waiting for a really good 1080p projector at $3,000 then wait no more. Its going to be a while before someone else comes up with better quality at this price. In terms of value and picture quality the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 gets a solid A.
Read the review »Mitsubishi HC5000BL and Mitsubishi HC5000
Projector Reviews - 11/1/2006
I, too, am shopping for a 1080p projector. Having watched the HC5000BL extensively (about 14 hours of content viewing), it is certainly a serious contender for my theater. My only reservation is brightness, which again is "average", because of my very large screen. Of course, none of the other announced under $10,000 1080p projectors is claiming to be brighter than the Mitsubishi HC5000 - what a dilemma! Read the review »
Optoma EP1690
Projector Reviews - 9/3/2006
Thanks to the EP1690, the large numbers of people buying business projectors for the home, no longer have to sacrifice resolution to get sufficient lumens, and the cost difference is not so great, that many who, in the past would have bought a 4:3 projector for the home, will instead choose the EP1690, and end up with a much, much better solution.
Projector Reviews is pleased to award the EP1690 our Hot Product Award, in this case, as both a widescreen business projector, and as a quality, bright alternative in the home to dedicated home theater projectors. In both cases, the projector offers exceptional price performance compared to its closest competition.
Read the review »Optoma HD70
Projector Reviews - 11/14/2006
Remember, the HD70 even produces a significant amount of lumens when you really need them, even though its best mode is strictly average in brightness, so it is a good choice if you have a room with good lighting control. You can still handle modest to moderate ambient light when needed.
That about covers it. The Optoma HD70 sets the new standard for under $1000 projectors. At that price, it is definitely a winner.
Read the review »Optoma HD73
Projector Reviews - 3/20/2007
The bottom line, once I realized the screen size limitations I found the Optoma HD73 a pleasure to watch. It definitely had those "film-like" qualities that makes you forget you are watching a projector, and instead lets you to enjoy the movie. I think Optoma will be extremely wise if they not only market the HD73, but keep the HD72 in the lineup. Between the two projectors they will find plenty of satified owners. Read the review »
Toshiba TDP-FF1AU
Sci Fi.com - 4/11/2007
If portability is paramount, the FF1 is certainly the product to consider. The ability to give presentations straight from a USB drive and without a wall outlet in sight is extremely useful. Throw in the collapsible screen, and it's a go-to item in almost any situation. Based on this alone the FF1 is a winner, but if you want to rely on it as a gaming or home theater device, you'll find it lacking - unless you're projecting on the ceiling. Read the review »
NEC NP60
Projector Central - 4/4/2007
The NEC NP60 currently holds the record of being the brightest sub-4 lb. XGA projector we've yet seen. With impressive features and capabilities for its weight class and price, the NP60 is a highly recommended addition to any mobile presenter's road kit. It delivers outstanding performance for the price. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX100U
About.com - Home Theater - 4/1/2007
At an MSRP of $2,999, 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. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5000BL and Mitsubishi HC5000
Home Theater Blog - 4/3/2007
The Mitsubishi HC5000 is one of those rare products that have given me cause to re-examine what I look for in a display device. Put another way, the HC5000 is more than the sum of its parts. All things being equal the VPL-VW50 would easily relegate the HC5000 to also-ran status, however all things aren’t equal. I simply found the HC5000 to be more engaging than the Pearl, even with its superior black level.
Given the fact that these projectors are priced within $500 USD of each other I strongly recommend (as always but especially so in this case) seeing both first-hand before making a final decision. You might find yourself inclined to agree with me but then again absolute black level and shadow detail may very well win out as your preferred criteria. Either way it’s nice to see further examples of 1080p front projection at or under the 5k mark.
Read the review »
Epson Pro Cinema 1080
See the Epson 1080 in Action! - 3/29/2007
See photos of the Epson 1080 in action. Read the review »
Toshiba TDP-FF1AU
PC Magazine - 3/8/2007
When the Toshiba TDP-FF1AU Mobile Projector ($699 direct) arrived at my door, I took one look at the box and thought that someone must have made a mistake and sent me a large-screen notebook instead of a tiny projector. Opening the box to reveal the soft yet sizable carrying case—13.75 by 18.75 by 5 inches (HWD)—did nothing to change my mind. But when I opened the case, I found the reason for the large size: a bundled screen, an essential extra that the TDP-FF1AU's competition lacks. Read the review »
Mitsubishi PK20
PC Magazine - 3/8/2007
When Mitsubishi's original PocketProjector came out more than two years ago, it literally defined a new category. It was the first projector to combine a DLP chip with an LED light source, letting it fit in a minuscule form factor—nearly pocket size. (Well, it could fit in a pants pocket—just barely—but only if you didn't try to fit the power block and cables in at the same time, and didn't mind taking a chance on ripping your pocket when you jammed it in.) There are still only a small number of LED projectors today, but it's a growing category. The PK20 PocketProjector ($895 direct) is Mitsubishi's second-generation entry. Read the review »
Optoma HD73
Projector Central - 3/14/2007
The Optoma HD72 was an outstanding projector when it was released one year ago, and it remains a solid, competitive projector today. The HD73 isn't an upgrade or replacement for the HD72, per se, but a similar projector made for different needs and environments. While the HD72 is a great multipurpose projector, the HD73 is a wonderful home theater projector for classic dark room viewing. As long as you keep its mounting limitations in mind and properly plan your installation, the HD73 is an impressive projector that can serve well as a cost-effective solution for great video and data display in your home theater. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5000BL
Home Entertainment Magazine - 1/1/2007
It appears that Mitsubishi's product planers are themselves smart shoppers, and know full well the recipe for a winning combination of great performance and affordable price. No need to wait any longer for affordable 1080p projection. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX100U , Panasonic PT-AE1000U and Sanyo PLV-Z5
Digital Home (Canada) - 1/30/2007
Plasma and LCD flat panel HD televisions are hot but for the ultimate home theatre experience movie only a front projector will do. Once you’ve had the opportunity to watch your favourite movie or HD sporting event on a 100” or larger screen, you’ll wonder how you’ll ever watch a “tiny” 50” screen again!
Digital Home has researched the Canadian marketplace for high definition digital home theatre projectors and we have found five that we think provide the best value for Canadians seeking a true home theatre viewing experience.
Read the review »
Optoma HD72 and Optoma HD72 Home Theater Package
Secrets of Home Theater - 1/30/2007
The Optoma HD72 is priced within a very competitive section of the market. Optoma has its own HD70, and Mitsubishi has the HD1000U below the HD72 pricing. There is also the Panasonic TX100U LCD at around the same price as the HD72.
For those who can deal with the throw and offset limitations of the HD72, it looks to be a competitive unit. With a higher budget, I would personally look for a 1280x720 DLP without a white segment on the color wheel (including Optoma's own HD7100, among others) if sticking with DLPs, but there are those who will value the white segment and brighter environments where that segment can be useful.
Read the review »
Optoma EP1690
Personal Computer World - 1/11/2007
Windows Vista is optimised for widescreen operation and wide-aspect displays are now the norm on notebook PCs. If you’re presenting from such a PC, then it’s great to have a projected image that’s the same shape as the screen you’re used to working on.
....
The Optoma EP1690 serves its purpose in bringing quality widescreen projections to the boardroom, but those after a home cinema projector will want to opt for a more consumer-oriented model.
Read the review »
Optoma HD81
Projector Reviews - 12/22/2006
There is no question that the HD81 is an excellent 1080p single chip DLP home theater projector. Despite being the highest price of the "big name/high volume" projectors, it's very hard to argue with the value Optoma provides.
In that light, I'm pleased to announce that the Optoma HD81 projector picks up our Hot Product Award. More on why the HD81 won our award, in the Summary section, although I'll start here by saying that the HD81 not only offers more than just an extremely sharp image. It produces extremely good color accuracy, and enough control of the image processing to please even the most enthusiastic tweakers out there, let alone, satisfy the average consumer.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Big Picture Big Sound - 12/20/2006
So, without further hyperbole, I think you get the idea: 1000U = amazing image quality, particularly on high definition sources. Though the 1000U isn't inexpensive, it's one of the cheapest Full HD 1080p projector on the market (street price around $4,000), which is really saying something. If you've only seen 720p projectors up until this point, find a demo of the 1000 as soon as you can – you may never go back.
Yes, the 1000U requires a darkened room for best effect, but you're going to want a good environment for this projector. It's one of those components that will make you want to upgrade all your other equipment. That's probably the best compliment I can give it.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX100U
Digital Home Review - 12/19/2006
The Panasonic PT-AX100 represents a tremendous value in 720p HD front projection.
Its brightness and many color modes, should allow owners to project an excellent image regardless of source and ambient light conditions. We were impressed with: ease of setup, the compact yet easy to use remote, the choice of colour modes, and overall good picture quality.
Thanks to its 2x optical zoom lens and lens shift capabilities, this projector should be easy to mount or place in any home theatre.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX100U
Engadget HD - 12/11/2006
Let me just say right off the bat that this Panasonic projector is outstanding and if your looking for a review filled with negativity, this isn't it. We have no problem stating that we're in love the LCD-powered 720p AX100U projector and strongly believe that there isn't a better priced (or performing) unit anywhere near the $2,999 price point. Where else can you get a projector with 2x zoom lens, vertical and horizontal lens shifts, 1080p/24 compatibility, zero screen door effect and still produce an amazing picture for three grand?
The post-calibrated picture is amazing and we can truly recommend this projector to anyone with a small or large budget. We are sure that many people on a budget will consider this unit but you know what, consider this projector even if it seems like the price is too good to be true. It's a whisper quite 720p projector that can produce a great picture. Keep in mind that resolution isn't everything and that Panasonic future proofed this unit to accept 1080p24 signals -- it will just scale 'em down to a fine looking 720p image.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-DW5000U
Secrets of Home Theater - 12/1/2006
The Panasonic PT-DW5000U is a spectacular projector. The bright image maintains excellent contrast, resulting in a completely different movie experience, and one that is superbly enjoyable. Obviously, such a bright picture is not for everyone, but for those consumers who are a little older, or who just don't like watching a dimly lit movie, this projector is a must-see. Read the review »
Optoma HD81 , Panasonic PT-AE1000U , Mitsubishi HC5000BL and Mitsubishi HC5000
Projector Central - 11/17/2006
1080p Projector Shootout
Another important conclusion we came to is this: there is no single projector that could possibly "win" this shootout. Each projector does something better than the others. It is up to you to determine which of the features and image quality characteristics are most important to you, and which you can accept a little compromise on. These are matters of personal taste, and what is important to us may not be to you.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX100U
Secrets of Home Theater - 11/20/2006
Of all of the projectors I have owned or seen, the PT-AX100U is the one that I would be most comfortable recommending to first time projector owners. There are multiple reasons for this, including its price point, but largely the flexibility that Panasonic has designed into this particular model. From the vertical and horizontal lens shift and large throw range that allow it to work in many environments, to the ability to go bright when needed, while also providing a good color balanced mode with good contrast ratio for dark room viewing, this is just a really good unit. When I get a call from a friend of a friend or a relative telling me that they are thinking about getting a front projector and asking me for a recommendation, I expect the PT-AX100U to be the first projector to come to mind for a while, even if I do end up recommending something else after finding out their budget and other factors. Read the review »
Optoma HD81
Projector Central - 11/15/2006
The Optoma HD81 offers 1080p resolution in a package ideal for a traditional dedicated theater. With exceptionally high video-optimized lumen output, solid blacks and brilliant highlights, the HD81 can deliver brilliant and very sharp images to the screen. For those who need or want the extra lumen output, the HD81 stands out as a clear winner. Read the review »
Ovation Multimedia AVIA: Guide to Home Theater
DVD Talk - 9/2/2003
Final Thoughts: Joseph J. Kane, Jr. has done a wonderful job creating a modern calibration DVD for the new-age home theater system. The graphics and animations provide tons of eye candy, and the Hi-Def live-action footage makes adjusting video settings easy. The step-by-step video test pattern instruction is the best on the market, and far exceeds Avia in ease of use. If you already own Avia, DVE is not a "must-have" DVD, but it will make calibration simpler. If you don't own Avia, DVE is easily your best option as it sells for half the price of the now nearly obsolete Avia. Digital Video Essentials is currently the latest and greatest tool for turning would-be home theaters into true home cinemas. DVD Talk Collector Series Read the review »
Ovation Multimedia AVIA: Guide to Home Theater
Home Theater Spot - 1/30/2004
Conclusion: Ovation Multimedia has proven itself again with the introduction of AVIA Pro. AVIA Pro is a complete calibration suite for all possible Home Theater configurations. As with any product, or any review, there will undoubtedly be those who dislike the product. The Linux users despise the Microsoft users. The Microsoft users don’t like the Apple/Macintosh users. So goes the philosophical side of reviews and the products of discussion. When deciding on whether AVIA Pro is a viable product, you must remember its purpose and target audience.
Some may argue that AVIA Pro is too much in both content and price. While AVIA Pro could have easily been put on one DVD, it would have had to resort back to a generic monitor type principle. AVIA Pro was designed for the professional calibrator in mind so that he or she could take any type of display and maximize its potential. Most people agree that CRT based and Fixed Pixel based displays are different. Why then shouldn’t it make sense that a calibrator or technician might work on more than one type of display. Instead of calibrators and technicians being required to maintain multiple types of test materials, Ovation Multimedia tries to present it all in one package. AVIA Pro attempts to provide all the tools necessary to properly calibrate many different displays and audio systems. Ovation Multimedia understands that there are many different preferences to this task. They have, I believe, tried to accommodate the many different calibrators, technicians, and their methods.
Read the review »
Ovation Multimedia AVIA: Guide to Home Theater
Secrets of Home Theater - 6/1/1999
AVIA is a disc that every A/V storeowner should have their employees view. It has a lengthy discussion on how to properly set up a home theater system. VE dealt mainly with the proper adjustment of your TV's front panel controls, while AVIA is an all around home theater setup disc.
Bottom line: AVIA is another disc that is a must-have for anyone who wants to get the most out of their home theater system. With this disc you will be able to extract every nuance possible.
Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Cinema 400
Projector Central - 11/1/2006
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 400's primary attributes are high lumen output, excellent color saturation, versatile lensing, and 1280x720 resolution at low street prices. It will be an ideal projector for video game enthusiasts and for those who want to light up a big screen at a Super Bowl party. Its most evident weakness is color accuracy. Since there are other 720p home theater projectors in this same price range that deliver more precise color, we are less inclined to recommend it to those whose primary interest is viewing movies in a darkened home theater. Read the review »
Casio XJ-S35
Computer Times - 10/1/2006
Not since Scotty beamed up Captain Kirk have we been more impressed with technology. The more we tested Casio's Super Slim XJ-S35 compact projector the more excited and amazed we became. The XJ-S35 seems much too small to deliver such super performance....
If you are looking for a projector for office, home, or on the road presentations, Casio's Super Slim XJ-S35 compact projector is the best there is on the market today and has earned our coveted Editor's Choice award with flying colors. It passed every one of our rigorous tests with ease.
Read the review »
Optoma HD81
Electronic House - 10/24/2006
Best of 2006
The Optoma HD81 home theater projector is based on Texas Instruments' BrilliantColor color processing technology, known for high brightness and vibrant colors. Touting a native 1920 x 1080p resolution, the HD81's resume also includes 10-bit color-per-channel processing, a seven-segment color wheel and impressive 6,000:1 (full on/off) contrast ratio. The projector's single-cable solution from the video/color enhancement box to the HD81 minimizes setup time and delivers a lossless, noise-free signal.
cool because
It provides ultimate video resolution with 10-bit color processing.
Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC5000BL and Mitsubishi HC5000
Projector Central - 10/25/2006
What we are seeing is significant leaps forward in picture quality for the money—true advances in the state of the art that warrant high acclaim.
With the HC5000, Mitsubishi has done a great deal more than just hit a leading edge, low price point with 1080p. The projector is remarkable for its beautifully natural picture quality, as well as a host of features that makes it about as user friendly and easy to install as any projector out there. We are very pleased to give the HC5000 our strongest possible recommendation, and we offer our warmest congratulations to the product managers and engineers at Mitsubishi for a job exceedingly well done.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-DW5000U
Government Computer News - 10/23/2006
One of the advantages of a large projector is more room for data input ports. The PT-DW5000U comes with two RGB, one DVI, one normal video and one S-Video port. As a result you can hook up just about any signal.
The PT-DW5000U also aces display quality tests, especially when it comes to text, which the unit handles faithfully down to six-point size.
There were some very slight registration errors in the video display tests, but given that the projector is more optimized for enterprise presentations, this was not surprising.
At $12,000, the price is a bit steep. However, in a mission-critical role, the redundancy might be something you can’t pass up.
Read the review »
Hitachi PJ-TX100
Audioholics - 10/16/2006
For $2999 this projector would have a TON of competition and would be difficult to recommend – but with a street price of $999 it’s a no-brainer. The Hitachi provides lots of features and an incredibly detailed lens system that delivers precise resolution and clarity. This is a projector I think can fit into any entry-level system and provide years of enjoyment. The remote gets our “kudos” award for hitting all of the basic requirements and basic 2:3 pull-down features means that even standard definition video will be passable on this system. The PJ-TX100 is a solid performer, so be sure to put it on your “short list” when shopping for a sub-$1000 projector that works well in the home theater environment. Read the review »
Optoma HD72
Consumer Reports - 10/1/2006
Best overall: Optoma HD72 $2,000...The Optoma earned high marks for its excellent HD picture quality and black level, color… [ must subscribe for full review ] Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U-RE
Digital Producer - 9/7/2005
John Virata for Digital Producer gets an early look at the Panasonic PT-AE900 home theater projector. "The practice in getting a colorist to work with Panasonic to develop a projector is based on Panasonic 's goal to ensure that the color fidelity that the viewer sees via the projector is as close as possible to what the director of the film intended." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U-RE
Digital Producer - 9/7/2005
John Virata for Digital Producer gets an early look at the Panasonic PT-AE900 home theater projector. "The practice in getting a colorist to work with Panasonic to develop a projector is based on Panasonic 's goal to ensure that the color fidelity that the viewer sees via the projector is as close as possible to what the director of the film intended." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U-RE
Secrets of Home Theater - 12/1/2005
Winner - Best of 2005 Award
The Panasonic PT-AE900U is a terrific little projector. It has a good image quality, reasonable brightness and contrast, and all the preferred features, including Dynamic Iris and lens shift.
At the $2,000 price point, this Pannie is one of the projectors to beat.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U-RE
Projector Central - 10/14/2005
The Panasonic AE900 is an impressive step beyond last year's AE700. It is a particularly strong solution for users who place a premium on color accuracy. Panasonic has invested a great deal of time and energy into developing projectors that deliver precisely correct color as the film director intended it to be seen, and the results are obvious. With the latest increase in contrast and color saturation, the AE900 represents a significant challenge to competing home theater projectors using the 720p DLP chips. It will be difficult for the more expensive DLP-based products to maintain their current price levels in the face of stiff competition from products like this one. Anyone who is considering a single-chip 720p DLP projector owes it to himself or herself to audition the Panasonic AE900. You will find that the AE900 shines in color accuracy, color saturation, and a smooth, filmlike image that is totally lacking in pixelation. DLP products will certainly hold their own in contrast and black levels, but the overall differences between LCD and DLP are simply not what they used to be. And at street prices in the low $2,000's, there are a lot of reasons for consumers to be giving the Panasonic AE900 a hard look. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AX100U
Projector Central - 9/26/2006
Though the versatility of the AX100U is one of its most distinctive characteristics, the ultimate satisfaction with this projector comes from its sharp, natural film-like image. In particular, standard definition DVDs look better than we've ever seen on any 1280x720p projector within this price range.
We rarely rate any projector a full 5 stars across the board, but the simple fact is that we find nothing to complain about with the AX100U. Panasonic has combined outstanding image quality with unparalleled ease of use and versatility in a way that we've not seen before. And as of this writing it is all available for street prices under $2,000. Accordingly, we are happy to give the PT-AX100U our strongest recommendation.
Read the review »
Mitsubishi WD2000U
Projector Central - 7/26/2006
The Mitsubishi WD2000U is a feature-rich widescreen data projector with impressively high lumen output. It is ideal for a corporate conference room, or a small auditorium or college lecture hall. Its bright image helps to compensate for low to moderate levels of ambient light. While it has a secondary function as a video projector, those looking for a dedicated home theater projector should probably look elsewhere.
In our 5-star rating system, performance was docked half a point due to a rating of 3000 ANSI lumens and an actual measurement of 2250. On the other hand, it has a feature set unmatched by any other projector in this price range, and it worked flawlessly from the get-go, leading us to assign 5-star ratings for Feature Set and Ease of Use. And if you are seeking a powerful solution for widescreen data presentation, the WD2000U is worth every penny of its asking price.
Read the review »
InFocus IN42
PocketLink.UK - 8/1/2006
VERDICT: If you’re planning on buying a projector primarily for home entertainment use you’ll find the IN42 lacking in the contrast control and consistent image clarity that we strive for today. It’s certainly adaptable enough, with an impressively large screen size, lumens rating and a user-friendly control-set, but its strength really lies in professional-level business use. Read the review »
Optoma HD70
Projector Central - 9/13/2006
The Optoma HD70 is an important projector in that it brings 720p DLP under $1000 for the first time. While it does not quite rise to the level of the HD72 in pure image quality, it delivers a bang-up image at a bargain basement price. If you've been thinking about getting into front projection home theater for the first time, we would wholeheartedly recommend that you look at the Optoma HD70. There are some fine lower resolution 480p projectors available today for even less than the HD70. But when 720p is available at this price, it's hard to say no. Read the review »
Optoma EP7150
Projector Central - 9/4/2006
The Optoma EP7150 is intended to give the mobile presenter a lot of flexibility in delivering computer-based presentations to small and medium sized audiences. It packs a lot of lumen power into a tiny, lightweight form factor, and puts a sparkling image on the wall at a modest price. It does not have the versatility or connectivity that larger and heavier units offer. But when you are on the road there is no reason to lug around a bulkier projector with capabilities you do not need. The EP7150 is a powerful and convenient presentation tool for the frequent traveler, and it represents an exceptional value for the money. Read the review »
Casio XJ-S35
PC World - 8/25/2006
What I admire most about the XJ-S35, though, is how easily it fits into a briefcase. To achieve the unit's slim design and still provide a good cooling system, Casio developed a small lens and light source and added a quiet cooling technology that includes a heat pipe--a first for a portable projector.
Inputs include VGA and composite video, along with USB connectivity for image projection from a portable USB drive and for use with Casio's pending USB wireless adapter, available as a $149 option. One limitation: Like many superportable projectors, the XJ-S35 lacks audio support.
Although the XJ-S35 costs more than budget-priced XGA projectors do, it weighs several pounds less. If you're traveling light but need a high-quality projector, the Super Slim XJ-S35 is worth a look.
Read the review »
Optoma EP1690
Projector Central - 8/9/2006
The Optoma EP1690 has a lot to recommend it. It is a bright, high contrast projector that combines the best attributes of data and widescreen video projectors. It is a solid multi-purpose projector for textual data, graphics, computer video, or video games. With a low price, monitor passthrough, and Kensington lock, it will be an attractive option for use in classrooms when widescreen performance is needed. It can also deliver quite acceptable home theater video or digital photography slide shows when not being used in its primary role as a presentation projector. There's a bit of a learning curve when using the remote, but for $1700, it does the job it was designed for, and does it very well indeed. It is one of the most aggressively priced WXGA projectors on the market at this writing, and it is easy to recommend. Read the review »
Hitachi PJ-TX100
Secrets of Home Theater - 8/1/2004
Because of the excellent brightness and contrast, the Hitach PJ-TX100 is the best LCD projector we have ever tested. The iris control makes it simple to bring down the brightness if desired, and the lens shift controls are a delight in aligning the image on the screen regardless of where the projector is sitting.
The Screen Door Effect (SDE) is noticeable, but that is the case with all LCD projectors. On the plus side, this also indicates a sharp lens. On a 72" wide screen, we could not see the SDE when sitting any farther away than about 5 feet....
Hitach has a real winner here in the PJ-TX100 LCD projector. It is nicely priced, bright, contrasty, easy to tweak, and has every feature you could possibly want. Highly recommended!
Read the review »
Hitachi PJ-TX100
VnuNet.com - 6/6/2005
All the various inputs lie at the rear of the projector. Both DVI-D (which is compatible with current high-definition HDCP copy-protection standards) and standard analogue VGA sockets allow you to hook up a PC, while component, S-Video and composite alternatives are also offered.
Although an internal speaker might have been useful, the fact that the PJTX100 doesn't have one isn't a huge blow.
If you sit in the 'DLP or nothing' camp, this model will be struck off your shopping list. But the PJTX100 shows that there's still no clear winner in the LCD versus DLP battle. It's a great projector capable of producing large, high-quality displays.
Read the review »
Hitachi PJ-TX100
Home Theater Magazine - 10/1/2005
...When you take price, picture quality, and aesthetic design into account, the PJ-TX100 has a lot going for it. Its image, though slightly noisy, is very good. It's bright, it has a decent black level, and it has enough adjustments that you should be able to make it look its best regardless of your setup or installation. Taking care when setting up the projector is key, because it looks better in some positions than in others. Whatever you want to call this thing—Eye of Sauron, Christina Ricci, Thunnus obesus—the PJ-TX100 puts out a great image for the money, and, with all of the adjustments and HD resolution, it's quite a value, to boot. Read the review »
Hitachi PJ-TX100
Ultimate AV Magazine - 10/1/2004
...Hitachi has done an excellent job with the PJTX100. It has every control and adjustment I'd expect or want in a home theater projector, and with patience, some really great video can be coaxed out of it. You'll be pleased with its picture detail and color quality, particularly if you feed the PJTX100 a steady diet of 480p movies and hi-def programming. An outboard video scaler can help with lower-resolution composite sources; e.g., cable movie channels. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-75
Projector Central - 7/5/2006
The Sanyo PLV-75 is an impressive new addition to the company's line of bright, widescreen products. In some very large screen home theaters, nothing else will do. Set it up with a gray screen, hook up an HD-DVD player or your HDTV source, and settle into the new world of large scale high definition. The grand scale of it, along with the high def format, is pretty amazing.
However, the PLV-75 is not just for home theater. If you own a sports bar and want to upstage your competitors who have just put in a few flat panels, try the PLV-75 on an eight- or ten-foot wide screen, and give your customers this year's football season in spectacular high definition. It will make your competitors' plasma screens look like average, everyday televisions.
Read the review »
Optoma HD7100
Projector Central - 6/14/2006
Judged purely in terms of image quality, ... it delivers a world class image. And with a street price of $2,999 there is no question that it is a leading-edge product in price/performance. It is amazing to think that just twelve months ago this level of performance cost $6,500.
Though the optical quality of the new lens is first rate, the throw distance and lens shift will create challenges for some ...
However, if you happen to have a desired screen size, viewing distance, and room configuration that can be accommodated by the HD7100, then the ease-of-use limitations become moot. At that point it is all about the picture, and there are few competing home theater projectors anywhere near the price of the HD7100 that can deliver comparable color saturation, contrast, black level, and image sharpness. For the money, the HD7100 is simply tough to beat, and we have rarely seen a projector that has earned a more solid 5-star rating for value.
Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3000U and Sanyo PLV-Z4
The Age (AU) - 5/26/2006
Mitsubishi HC3000: An extremely quiet DLP with high brightness and excellent contrast. It can be set up to trigger the mechanism that lowers an electric screen when it is turned on. It has excellent colour and clarity and even when projected within 2 m there is negligible screen-door effect. It provides a 2.5-m image from 3.7 m. Lamp life is up to 3000 hours. It's 310mm wide x 100mm high x 245mm deep and weighs 3 kg.
Sanyo PLV-Z4: The definition is good but the real story here is the lovely colour balance. It's an LCD unit with good contrast, very low noise and there's HDMI connectivity. Lamp life is up to 3000 hours. If you want to project onto a 2.5-m screen the PLVZ4 requires a mounting distance of just over 3 m. The motorised lens cover is a great idea. It's measures up at 382mm wide x 127mm high x 305mm deep and weighs 5kg.
Verdict
We'd be happy with any of these. The Sanyo has gorgeous colour balance and the Sony's flexibility and great definition are very appealing, but the Mitsubishi wins with its combination of brightness, definition and contrast, even though it requires a larger room.
Read the review »
Optoma EP719
Laptop - 1/2/2006
As the first XGA-resolution to carry a $999 price tag, and with relatively inexpensive lamp replacements ($299), the EP719 is a great bargain. As long as you can live with a one-year warranty, you can't go wrong with this unit. Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
Stuff Magazine UK - 4/2/2006
If you want to get a 200-inch tall version of "War of the Worlds" in your living room, you can't get easier, better, or more value-packed than this. Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
iGames.com - 5/1/2006
An important point to make is that not only did they include the DVD player, but it will also read the following formats: VCD, SVCD, HDCD, CD, MP3, WMA, Kodak PhotoCD, and JPEG, just about every media format available for a wider variety of uses. There is also a handy on-screen interface to play the audio files.
Already owning a DLP projector, I was not sure that anything about the MovieTime™ unit would surprise me. I would like to say that I was wrong. The ability to just take this unit, plug it in and start watching movies is beyond anything else currently offered in the industry, and everyone who saw this machine during the testing was equally impressed and wanted to purchase one. Its many features are an equal match to the quality of the image it projects. The unit also stands out from the typical square” DLP™ projectors with a nice, balanced profile and larger lens that make it easy to operate. It is unique and very enjoyable, and packed with enough to please almost anyone. Look for a spring sale of $999.00!
Read the review »
BenQ CP120
Trusted Reviews.com (UK) - 4/1/2006
I am yet to be convinced that wireless projection is anything more than a tickbox feature. It seems a lot of hassle just for the sake of not carrying a VGA cable around, but at least the BenQ doesn’t charge a King’s ransom for the privilege - £1,048 is about average for a portable projector of this specification.
In other areas, however, the CP120 is a very clever piece of kit. It can’t quite match the best portable projector around in terms of picture quality... It’s not as portable as the InFocus LP120. But it has been designed with business travellers in mind and those thoughtful touches – such as the real-time automatic keystone adjustment and quick cooling – may well be enough to persuade them to opt for a CP120 instead.
Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3000U
SmartHouse (Australia) - 5/19/2006
...More good news comes from the HC3000's colours. For the vast majority of time they are superbly natural in tone, and delineated with unusual subtlety. Initially, though, they don't seem especially vibrant – but switching on the BrilliantColour feature sorts this out. BrilliantColour noticeably improves mid-tones without impacting those nice, dark shadow areas, resulting in an image which, in terms of sheer dynamism, rivals anything else at a similar price-point in the DLP world and outdoes anything LCD can manage. Only the very occasional over-wrought colour tone showed that there might still be room for improvement with any future BrilliantColour 2 system… Read the review »
Optoma EP910
Projector Central - 5/15/2006
The Optoma EP910 is one of those rare projectors that clearly represents another advance in the state of the art, and sets a new price/performance benchmark. It is not the least expensive of the SXGA+ models on the market, but current street prices around $4,000 combined with outstanding image quality make it one of the best value propositions in today's market. It is highly recommended for commercial high resolution work, digital photography, and (subject to the caveats noted) large scale 4:3 format home theater. Read the review »
NEC LT35
ABC News - 5/11/2006
The NEC LT35 ($2195 street) earns bragging rights both as the brightest projector we've tested and for having among the highest contrast ratios we've ever measured. That's remarkable enough for a 4.4-pound portable projector that measures 3.5- by 10.2- by 8.2-inches (HWD) and comes with its own soft carrying case. But this XGA (1024 by 768) DLP-based projector offers even more, with sleek good looks and a collection of slick automated features that bring a new dimension to the concept of portability. Read the review »
Optoma HD72
Home Theater Magazine - 5/1/2006
Fortunately, video-display manufacturers are currently relentless in their pursuit of market share, with each one working toward better performance at lower prices. ... the new HD72 DLP front projector is a force to be reckoned with at its $1999 price.
...Thanks in large part to the spectacular affordability of the Optoma HD72, you can put together a system with a great picture and still focus on phenomenal audio performance.
Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z4
HDTV Expert - 1/1/2006
The PLV-Z4 is one of the best HD-resolution LCD projectors I've ever tested and a big step up from its predecessors. Color quality is improved - it's as good as the Panasonic PT-AE700U — contrast levels are up, and grayscale tracking is getting better. The dynamic iris has a lot to do with it, but so do the expanded color controls. Dynamic irising is all the rage now; numerous LCD projectors and some LCD rear-projection TVs have incorporated it to kick out better black levels.
The longer zoom lens is probably the best idea of all. The 145W UHP projection lamp has enough juice in it to overcome the smaller aperture of this lens, and my measurement of 350 lumens should be more than enough to light up an 82-inch to 100-inch diagonal screen in a controlled lighting environment with a 1.5:1 projection throw.
The PLV-Z4 does an excellent job with 480p, 720p, and 1080i signals. To put the icing on the cake, add a good video processor for 480i or 576i composite or component video sources and take SDTV signal quality to the next level.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-LB30U
eCoustics for PCWorld - 2/2/2006
In our still-image tests, the PT-LB30U displayed crisp text display and vivid, color graphics. And in moving-image tests, our judges awarded it above-average scores for its handling of computer games and DVD movie playback. The PT-LB20U's nimble performance may be due, in part, to its use of a proprietary ambient-light sensor (Panasonic calls it Daylight View technology) that boosts image color in bright rooms.
Though we used the projector's default settings for our tests, it has alternate picture modes (standard, dynamic, and natural) for improving the image. When we switched from standard to natural mode, the PT-LB30U improved its display of light and dark color shades, resulting in better graduated tones in a color ramp, and more-realistic skin tones in a group photo.
The PT-LB30U's attractive case offers a few controls on the top panel, plus the menu system controls on the rear panel. Unlike most projectors that use directional keys or a pad for navigating the on-screen menu, the PT-LB30U provides a small switch in back that moves left and right and up and down, not unlike a joystick. Though it took a while to learn how to apply the menu and enter keys in the back, we had no difficulty navigating once we got used to the controls. The credit-card size remote was harder to use than most standard-size models, however, and it lacked both a pointer and a mouse control.
Connection options include a pair of connectors for up to two computers (each with its own audio input, along with the usual audio-video ports). But otherwise, only a VGA cable comes with the unit. The projector's built-in 1-watt speaker is best for playing presentation sound effects or low-key music.
The PT-LB30U has versatile features and provides bright, high-quality images.
Read the review »
Hitachi CP-RX60
eCoustics for PC World - 2/21/2006
The CP-RX60 also performed well in our video playback tests, displaying warm, attractive color. One factor in this projector's pleasing color fidelity is its use of a relatively low default color temperature (7300K); many portables use a higher default setting such as 9300K.
To hold the CP-RX60's price down, Hitachi made a few compromises on features. Its brightness rating is 1500 lumens--strong enough for small group presentations, but not well suited for larger rooms. Another cut corner: The CP-RX60 is the only projector we tested that has a fixed-focus lens instead of a zoom lens, giving you less flexibility in placing it relative to the screen.
The on-screen menu system includes a simple menu that lists basic image adjustment options (such as brightness, contrast, and sharpness) and an advanced menu with additional picture tweaking controls (such as gamma and color temperature). Though you get only three preset picture modes (normal, cinema, and dynamic), you can create and save four custom settings, too. The unit ships with a computer (VGA) cable; if you want to connect the CP-RX60 to other audio-video equipment, you'll have to buy the necessary cables separately. Home-theater users will need to upgrade from the puny 1-watt speaker to a more powerful sound system.
The Hitachi CP-RX60's offers good image quality at a low price; but it lacks the setup flexibility and other features that competing models provide.
Read the review »
NEC LT35
eCoustics for PCWorld - 2/21/2006
Setup was easy, thanks to the LT35's automated features. This model has an automatic focus lens--the only one of its kind among the models we tested for our April issue roundup--and a distance sensor (located in the front of the projector). With these two features in its arsenal, it proved adept at instantly displaying a sharp image. The LT35 also has automatic keystone correction, which adjusts a distorted image (from a trapezoid shape to rectangular) when the projector is set up at an offset angle to the screen; and it features automatic start-up and shut down, so you can safely turn the projector on and off using a light switch or power strip connection.
The LT35's panel buttons and remote control are a breeze to use, thanks to a set of well-designed options. Among the image-adjustment options are numerous preset color temperatures and optimized picture modes for viewing different source material, plus the usual brightness, contrast, and sharpness choices. The remote has a handy focus adjustment and a lamp mode button (for switching between standard and economy mode), but no pointer or mouse control buttons. You can use the remote as a wireless mouse, however, with NEC's optional ($75 extra) remote mouse receiver.
To connect the LT35 to other audio-video equipment, you must obtain the necessary cables: Only a computer (VGA) cable and power cord are included in the box. You'll also want to use a stronger sound system for viewing movies and TV, since the projector's built-in (1-watt) speaker is suitable for nothing more than adding simple sound effects or low-key music to presentations.
With its superior brightness, excellent image quality, and easy automated features, the NEC LT35 is a first-class projector for business and home use.
Read the review »
Mitsubishi XD460U
eCoustics for PC World - 2/2/2006
The XD460 is an excellent choice for home use, as well. Its ample connections support multiple PCs and other video input sources, and its picture-in-picture feature enables you to view images from different sources at the same time. It is the only DLP model in our test group that uses a five-segment color wheel, with a yellow section in addition to the standard colors (red, green, blue, and white) found in four-segment wheels. This enhancement helps the XD460U deliver better color accuracy than most competing DLP business models.
Though the XD460U carries a higher price than most of the other projectors we looked at, it arguably would make the best choice as a crossover home-theater projector. Expect to supply your own sound system, however, since the XD460U's built-in (2-watt) speaker is sufficient only for business presentations.
This model's colorful on-screen menu was a snap to use, and we especially liked being able to shift the menu position off to the side so we could more easily view the effect of using various image adjustment tools. The XD460U's tools for color balance and color level (including separate contrast and brightness controls for each RGB color) are more advanced than those on many competing models.
Other operational conveniences: The large remote provides excellent mouse control, a laser pointer, dedicated buttons for picture mode and picture-in-picture control, and keystone correction that adjusts both horizontally and vertically. The bundled cables include USB and composite video and audio cables, as well as a computer (VGA) cable.
The top-flight Mitsubishi XD460U provides superior image quality and other great features, but it does so at a premium price
Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Cinema 550
Home Theater Magazine - 3/1/2006
The Cinema 550 scores well in the ergonomics department. The lens-shift options, manual zoom, keystone correction, and adjustable feet make it much easier to align the image with your screen. The remote is backlit and has dedicated input buttons; the inclusion of automatic aspect-ratio detection removes the need for dedicated aspect-ratio buttons. The menu is logically laid out and doesn't impede the setup process.
We recently received a review sample of NeuNeo's HVD2085 upconverting DVD player. The player caught our attention because it's region-free and allows you to upconvert the DVD signal to 1080p through both the HDMI and component video outputs. For fun, I connected it to the Cinema 550 to check out the performance. Much to my surprise, this $2,499 projector accepted the 1080p signal through HDMI—something that only one of the 1080p RPTVs in last month's Face Off could do, and that TV costs twice as much. No, this isn't a 1080p display. But the image quality on my 83-inch-wide Stewart Studiotek screen in a light-controlled room was really quite impressive, and detail seemed better than what I had with a basic 480i DVD player.
The TW100 and I have had a good run, but love—and home theater gear—must evolve.The Cinema 550 is younger, sexier, and better endowed with the features and connectivity my home theater needs. Call me fickle, but this HT gal is moving on.
Highlights
-- An excellent black level and contrast ratio
-- Ample adjustments to tailor the picture to your liking
Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3000U
Ultimate AV Magazine - 4/1/2006
"I didn't maintain much of a poker face with this review, as the enthusiasm of the opening paragraphs attests. Projectors in this price range typically have to cut corners, and this one is no different. Only Sony, with its 3LCD Cineza projectors, has figured out how to offer a fully loaded feature set and high performance anywhere near here. But Mitsubishi has chosen its tradeoffs very shrewdly.
The vertical lens shift is the only feature I truly missed. The adjustability offers everything you need to get a good picture, the memories are adequate, and the day –to-day usability is terrific, and more importantly, the essential performance characteristics of this projector are simply excellent across the board. The image is sharp and dimensional, the contrast and blacks are excellent, and the colors pure and un-digital in the best way.
If the HC3000 cost $5K I'd be happy with it. At $2500, it's a marvel. Go see for yourself."
Read the review »
NEC LT380
Projector Central - 3/8/2006
"The LT380 displays a smooth, film-like image that is well suited for home entertainment. The excellent color performance, smooth image, sharpness and clarity of detail, and good connectivity including DVI combine to make the LT380 particularly suitable for a variety of home entertainment uses. If you want to maintain some ambient light in the room, and if you prefer 4:3 format home theater to optimize the display of classic films, television shows on DVD, many video games, and so on, the LT380 may be just the right solution for you.
All in all, the LT380 proves itself to be a truly multipurpose projector. Not only does it perform admirably with data signals, but it also displays video with nary a hitch. Top-notch color performance makes it a good choice for digital photography display, complex graphics, or video. If you need a projector for both home and the office, the NEC LT380 is flexible enough to fill both roles without compromising on either front. We are happy to give it high ratings in all categories, because it is an excellent example of a projector that excels at everything it was designed to do.:
Read the review »
InFocus IN76
Projector Central - 4/14/2006
The InFocus Play Big IN76 is a solid product that is capable of producing a thoroughly satisfying image. If you are able to find it being demonstrated by someone who knows how to optimize it, you will likely be wowed by its bright and engaging image. However, though it is a strong contender that will hold its own in today's market, if official street prices are maintained at $2,999 it would be difficult to characterize the IN76 as standing out above the crowd in the highly competitive 720p niche. Nevertheless, its impressive image, its sleek and beautiful casework design, and the distribution muscle of InFocus will work in tandem to ensure that the IN76 gets its fair share of the booming home theater market. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3000U
About.com Home Theater - 4/3/2006
... the HC3000's practical center mounted lens design makes it easy to position and line up with the screen, especially in smaller rooms. On the other hand, the lack of motorized zoom and focus does limit the flexibility in using as a ceiling mounted unit, unless the user does mot expect to have to adjust these parameters after installation.
The HC3000 is definitely a welcome entry into the video projector market and is illustrative of a trend that is making high quality video projection available to the average consumer. With a list price of $2,500, the HC3000 is a hard one to pass up.
If you are in the market for your first home theater video projector, definitely check out the Mitsubishi HC3000.
I give the Mitsubishi HC3000U DLP Video Projector a solid 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Home 20
DailyGame.com - 3/25/2006
As a result, if you're in the market for a projector for LAN parties or other occasional use, the PowerLite Home 20 should more than suffice, especially if you're keeping an eye on your budget. But for consumers looking for an entry-level projector to take advantage of the high-definition revolution, the 480p ceiling on the PowerLite Home 20 means this projector, as attractive as it may be, probably isn't your best long-term bet. Read the review »
Optoma HD72
Audioholics - 3/23/2006
The HD72 projector produced incredibly sharp, well-defined images. It also has some of the best colors and black levels we have seen in a projector under $3500. The projector’s input flexibility, impressive feature set, and styling are things normally found on projectors at much higher price points. An impressive 2-yr. warranty and no dead pixel policy make this an easy recommendation. The lack of lens shift may be a consideration for those who cannot mount the projector precisely....
For those of you with budgets fixed below $2500 looking for a DLP or LCD projector, the Optoma HD72 should be placed at the top of your shopping list. (It) is not without faults as outlined in the review but if you can accommodate (it) you should seriously consider this new low priced DLP. It simply blows our mind that the consumer can now purchase this level of performance for $2000. If this isn’t the Videoholic’s hay day, then we don’t know what it is. But we do know it is highly recommended
Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z4
Audioholics - 3/15/2006
I believe I may have already said everything there is to say about the Sanyo PLV-Z4. This projector is practical in price, flexible in its functionality, and robust in its capabilities. It can reproduce blacks well for an LCD projector (though it did not strike me as a “DLP-killer”) and it can put out color as well as some LCoS displays I’ve seen. The real strength is in being able to put forth a great amount of sharp picture without significant screen door effect. I was able to watch and enjoy this projector from a very close proximity and only by truly straining my eyes could I pick out the screen door (and I just had my eyes checked, they’re fine). The Sanyo is a tough competitor and I now know what all the fuss has been about – it’s warranted. Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Cinema 550
Cincinnati Post Online - 3/4/2006
It's awards season in the entertainment business, so the Epson Cinema 550 home-theater projector is feeling a little giddy.
It's probably expecting a nomination. How about "best and brightest" in the under-$2,500 category? Maybe. The 550 certainly ranks among the brightest high-definition projectors at or below its price ($2,499).
Read the review »
Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control
Home Toys - 3/1/2006
The remote itself is very nice to use ... the buttons are slick and the LCD screen is clear. Having a recharging station is terrific too. I never lose the remote any more, it's always ready to go and I never have to worry about changing batteries. The IR signals are stronger than any other unit I've tried so it never fails to do it's job. Just picking up or tilting the unit brings on the LCD screen ... no buttons to push for that ... nice! Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-80
Projector Central - 3/1/2006
The Sanyo PLV-80 is a rarity in the world of widescreen data/video projection systems. Most widescreen projectors are built for home theater and do not have the horsepower to be used in more demanding large screen applications. The PLV-80 is designed to deliver a big, bright, engaging image, and it does that in spades. It is ideal for video presentation use.
Many home theater enthusiasts are looking for much brighter widescreen projectors so they can watch movies in their family room with the lights on. It is understandable that the 3000 ANSI lumen rating on the PLV-80 would sound enticing to such users. However, in most cases the PLV-80 will be too big and too muscular for home use--too much light, too much heat, and in a small space, too much fan noise. Except in the most unusual of circumstances, the PLV-80 is not a viable home theater solution.
Having said that, we are enthused by the overall performance of the PLV-80, and have no reservations about giving it a solid recommendation for deployment in the larger venues that it was designed for.
Read the review »
Samsung Sp-H710AE
Projector Central - 2/24/2006
The H710 is an excellent projector that is ideal for darkened room home theater projection. The SP-H710AE is a videophile's projector, designed to be incorporated into a dedicated home theater, and packed with features to bring the best possible image quality for the price into your home. If you are looking for the best possible image you can afford, the H710 will not let you down. From a pure performance perspective, it gets 5 stars. However, in assigning a value rating we must take into account that there are home theater projectors selling for quite a bit less that can rival the H710 in its overall price/performance proposition. So it has been assigned four stars for comparative value.
If you are among the many new home theater enthusiasts looking for an inexpensive large screen solution, the H710 is probably not for you. However, if you are looking for an elegant picture from a truly premium product and are willing to pay extra for it, the H710 will reward you with one of the finest home theater pictures you will find anywhere under $5,000.
Read the review »
Epson MovieMate 25
Digital Journal.com - 1/23/2006
"A bit larger than some of the competition — the unit is 13.4” x 12.2” x 7.1” — the Epson MovieMate 25 looks like the iPod of video projectors and is a great alternative to today’s hulk-like TVs...
At 15 pounds, the MovieMate 25 is still easily movable from room to room, and it comes packaged with speakers, a subwoofer and an 80-inch portable screen. With an easy plug-and-play setup, we turned one room in our office into a home theatre in a mere five minutes.
For its long list of functions, its ease of setup, its incredible image quality in many lighting conditions, and its affordable price tag, we are awarding the Epson MovieMate 25 with Digital Journal’s Best Product Award in the projector category."
Read the review »
Optoma HD72
Projector Central - 2/15/2006
The Optoma HD72 is a formidable competitor in today's home theater projector market, delivering particularly outstanding image quality for the money. We have marked it down a bit in features and ease of use due to the limitations imposed by the 1.2x zoom lens, the lack of lens shift, and a limited range remote. The performance rating is docked 1/2 star due to occasional image noise. But we can enthusiastically give the HD72 a solid five stars for value. And if the HD72's throw distance and fixed throw angle fit the geometry requirements of your particular home theater, then the limitations we have cited in this regard are irrelevant to you. In that case, the HD72 will be a truly dynamite home theater solution, delivering one of the best images we've yet seen anywhere near the street price range of $2000. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z4
Secrets of Home Theater - 2/20/2006
"I took that basic preset and then adjusted the brightness, contrast, gamma, and color, to produce an image that I found particularly nice for watching movies on DVD, and high def satellite TV programming. I stored that setting in one of the projector's memory banks. My wife thought the image was beautiful, and said it reminded her of Technicolor® movies from decades past. ...The Sanyo PLV-Z4 is a winner at less than $2k (street price). The lens on this projector in particular is superb. Although you might think the Natural mode is the one to always use, you might find, as I did, that some of the other modes, with higher brightness, contrast, and color, are more exciting." Read the review »
NeoDigits Helios HVD2085
Home Theater at About.com - 12/1/2005
Final Take: The NeuNeo HVD2085H is a smartly-styled, feature-packed, easy-to-use, DVD player.
Features such as 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling, especially through component outputs, make this unit an option for HDTV owners.
In addition, both Region Code Free DVD playback, with full bi-directional PAL/NTSC conversion, gives the 2085 even more flexibility.
Despite some inconsistencies with regards to video performance, the 2085 none-the-less produces an overall good image on DVD movie material and is worth checking out. I give the NeuNeo HVD2085 3.5 Stars out of 5.
Read the review »
OPPO Digital 1080i HDTV-Ready Divx DVD Player with DVI
Home Theater at About.com - 12/1/2005
The OPPO OPDV971H is a smartly-styled, feature-packed, easy-to-use, DVD player that delivers what it promises.
DVI connectivity with Faroudja video processing and upscaling enables the 971 to deliver an excellent picture on DVI (or HDMI w/adapter cable) equipped HDTVs.
In addition, other features, such as DVD-Audio, HDCD, and Divx playback, and NTSC/PAL conversion, add great audio and video flexibility.
The only misgiving is the lack of a progressive scan output via its component video outputs, however, progressive scan is fully supported by the DVI output. Despite this, the total feature package and performance makes the OPPO OPDV971H is one of the best DVD players out there for under $200. If you are looking for a new DVD player to use with that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. I give the OPDV971H a rating of 4.5 Stars out of 5.
Read the review »
Optoma H31 Digital Cinema
Home Theater at About.com - 12/1/2005
The H31 does not have the brightness output or native Hi-Def resolution capability of its more expensive cousins, however, I was pleasantly surprised how well it did perform on various screen sizes, ranging from 40 to 100 inches.
I found the colors on the H31 to be visually accurate, with good black levels and contrast. Although I found that the brightness level dipped as I projected on larger size screens (in comparison with other projectors I used) I still found the H31 to be of acceptable brightness at up to 100 inches. With regards to the lack of true native Hi-def resolution display, I found the scaling capability of the H31 maintained good image detail on larger screen sizes and different aspect ratios.
Also, for those intimidated by a video projector, you don't need a pro to assist you with the H31. The setup and adjustment menus were very easy to navigate and were completely accessible either via remote or projector unit itself. Although you can do additional tweaking if you have specific installation requirements, the H31 still performs very well out of the box.
Final Take - For a great combination of performance, features, and price in an entry-level unit, I give the Optoma H31 DLP Video Projector a rating of 4.5 Stars out of 5.
Read the review »
Tannoy EFX 5.1 Home Theater Package - Platinum
Audioholics - 5/18/2005
I think these are great speakers for the price. I have to include price in my statement because I would have chosen a more expensive speaker package for my system if price were not a concern. But at $699 retail, you would do well to purchase these Tannoys. They pass all of the criteria I stated earlier for a satellite system:
- Can be heard and not seen
- Work well in smaller spaces
- Are absolutely cost effective versus a higher-priced alternative
They will out perform any HTIB solution that I have heard to date. And if you were even remotely thinking of running out and buying a Bose system, consider that Tannoys cost about two-thirds less, and in my opinion, sound much better and have a superior build quality.
Read the review »
DVDO iScan HD+ and Tannoy EFX 5.1 Home Theater Package - Platinum
Audioholics - 5/1/2005
I think these are great speakers for the price. I have to include price in my statement because I would have chosen a more expensive speaker package for my system if price were not a concern. But at $699 retail, you would do well to purchase these Tannoys. They pass all of the criteria I stated earlier for a satellite system:
- Can be heard and not seen
- Work well in smaller spaces
- Are absolutely cost effective versus a higher-priced alternative
They will out perform any HTIB solution that I have heard to date. And if you were even remotely thinking of running out and buying a Bose system, consider that Tannoys cost about two-thirds less, and in my opinion, sound much better and have a superior build quality.
Read the review »
Sharp XR-20X
Projector Central - 1/25/2006
Projectors are designed to meet the needs of targeted markets. For the Sharp XR-20X the target markets were classrooms and conference rooms. As a price sensitive market, education is sometimes forced to trade functionality for price. Perhaps Sharp had this in mind when it decided not to include a DVI or HDMI digital connection.
However, Sharp did two things very well with the XR-20X. First, it raised the bar for business/classroom DLP projectors by moving to a 3x color wheel. This change significantly minimizes the "rainbow effect" that some users experience and makes a noticeable improvement in image quality when compared to other 2x projectors.
Second, with XGA resolution, high brightness, and a 3x color wheel, a street price of approximately $1350 makes it a significant value. While you can find a less expensive XGA projector, you will be pressed to find one with comparable performance at this price.
Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
PC World - 10/25/2005
The $1499 MovieTime is one of only a few digital projector models to have an integrated DVD player and built-in speakers. To watch a movie across an entire wall in your home, accompanied by surprisingly good sound, all you have to do is plug in a power cord and pop in a DVD. When the movie's over, just unplug the unit and stash away the reasonably compact box (14.5 by 4.6 by 10.7 inches). Read the review »
Mitsubishi XD460U
Projector Central - 1/25/2006
The downside of using a conventional 4:3 format XGA projector for home theater is that 16:9 widescreen material is displayed in a pixel array of 1024x576. All HDTV programming is compressed into this format. Now, HDTV still looks exceptionally good, and much better than DVD even after the compression. But it does not have quite the precision that projectors in 1280x720 format are able to deliver.
The bottom line is that the selection of a projector, like everything else in life, involves trade-offs. But that is a good thing—what may be critically important to you may be irrelevant to someone else. The trick is being aware of the tradeoffs you are signing up for. But for now, I must wrap this up. I want to go fire up that Mitsubishi XD460, light up my very large scale 4:3 screen, pop in my DVD of Gone with the Wind, and take a trip in time back to 1939.
Read the review »
NeoDigits Helios HVD2085
Projector Central - 1/11/2006
This is a lot of DVD player for the money. It is easier to switch between the various modes available for the myriad of formats that this player will support than it is in any other player I've seen. It's thin and stylish and has very comprehensive options for connecting a TV or monitor. Although the HVD2085 supports the higher resolution HVD DVDs and NeoDigits sells a handful of titles, you will not find much from Hollywood in this format.
At its advertised price of $225, the NeoDigits NeuNeo HVD2085 is a bargain. With the current push toward copy protection, you might consider a non-copy-protected 1080i DVD player before they go the way of the dodo bird.
Read the review »
Optoma H79 Digital Cinema
Ultimate AV - 8/1/2005
J. Gordon Holt, founder of Stereophile, once admitted to me during an interview that the reviews he most regretted were those in which he was overly enthusiastic about a new technology. I have long taken his admonitions to heart. Without some journalistic caution, it would be far too easy to gush about the Optoma H79.
To my mind—and eyes—the H79 qualifies as the first single-chip DLP that delivers acceptable home theater performance. Not only can it produce a stunning, virtually noise-free picture through its DVI inputs, but it does so without inflicting visual fatigue even after more than five hours of continuous critical viewing. Sure, it occasionally displays rainbow artifacts, and it doesn't have as black a black as a good CRT projector, but its wide contrast range, exemplary shadow detail, superb color delicacy, and extremely low mechanical noise level make it hard to deny its seductive allure.
If you have been a longtime holdout against single-chip DLP technology, the H79 will challenge your long-held opinions and biases against DLP projectors. In the end, I can offer no higher praise than this simple phrase: "I could live with it." When you factor in its price (and the street prices we've seen on this projector are exceptionally enticing), the H79 ranks as nothing short of the most impressive single-chip DLP projector I've ever seen. If you buy any other similarly priced projector without auditioning a H79, you are making a very big mistake. This is one giant-killer of a projector.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U
Home Cinema Hardware - 12/1/2005
The PT-AE900 portrays enormous scale with its pictures too, thanks to an excellent black level response and deftness of touch when it comes to showing shadow detail and subtle colour blends. Shots of Katsumoto’s village against the mountainous backdrop look truly three-dimensional.
If a projector has any problems with the chicken wire effect, the swirling mists of the scene where Cruise is captured by Katsumoto’s men would reveal them. But thanks to Panasonic’s smooth screen system, we detected no trace of chicken wire on the PT-AE900. Also, as an LCD projector, it suffers none of the artefacts associated with rival DLP technology, such as stripes of colour in peripheral vision or dottiness over motion. In fact, picture noise of all types is superbly repressed.
The only criticism of the PT-AE900 is that it doesn’t improve on Hitachi’s
PJ-TX200, which looks a little sharper with high definition sources and offers marginally better black levels. But the Panasonic’s enormous flexibility, user-friendliness and all-round quality nevertheless make it a bargain of near irresistible proportions.
Read the review »
Epson MovieMate 25
Sound and Vision - 12/1/2005
BOTTOM LINE Epson’s MovieMate 25 served up more natural-looking colors without adjustment, and much better sound, than its competitors here. Its prominent screen-door effect — par for the course with inexpensive LCD models — and inability to accept high-def sources might be a turnoff. But with its accompanying screen, Epson makes it easy to enjoy one-stop home theater. Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
Sound and Vision - 12/1/2005
BOTTOM LINE The Optoma MovieTime DV-10 didn’t look perfect out of the box, but with some adjustment it delivered the best picture of this lot with both DVDs and HD broadcasts. Granted, its sound quality left something to be desired. But if you can hook it to a surround system, all will be forgiven once the lights go down. Read the review »
Optoma HD72
Popular Mechanics - 1/6/2006
One of the buzzwords at the show this year was Home Cinema. Not Home Theater, but Home Cinema, as in life-size images on a mammoth screen inside your home. We didn't quite have the room for a high-def video projector in our awards, but I want to tell you about a great entry-level model from the high-end video company Optoma. The HD72 is a true 720p DLP projector that gives you a sharp, bright image up to 104 in. in size at a projection distance of 12 ft. Check some of these specs: a powerful 1300 lumens, 5000:1 contrast ratio and wide compatibility with input devices (HDMI, DVI-I, component video, S-video, composite video). It's about the size and weight of a standard abridged dictionary. The price: $2000. Can you get 104-in. of big-screen TV for $2000? The HD72 is a tempting option if you're the kind of person who visits The Internet Movie Database a lot. Sitting in the welcome dark and comfort of Optoma's demonstration room, my impression was, "This is like being at the movies." Nice.--James Ross Read the review »
Optoma H31 Digital Cinema
Globe and Mail Update - 1/23/2006
The Good: Affordable; excellent image quality; runs relatively cool; very compact and portable; good selection of audio/video inputs; backlit remote; quiet projector.
The Bad: Leg for raising front of projector adjusts in increments that are too large.
The Verdict: An excellent projector, whether you're into the occasional big-screen viewing session or building an affordable home theatre.
While it generates playable images for video games, movies look outstanding on the H31. If you're looking for an entry-level projector for a permanent home theatre or just something you can set up on a coffee table for occasional viewing, you won't go wrong with the Optoma H31.
Read the review »
Hitachi CP-X443W
CNet - 10/25/2005
Hitachi's long history of supporting networked projectors continues with the CP-X443, a compact, LAN-ready projector that offers an impressive set of features, better-than-average brightness, and a slew of connections. It also has excellent color balance and the best speakers we've encountered on a business projector. With a street price of $2,795, this projector will be as popular with users as it is with the bean counters. Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
Home Cinema Choice - 10/1/2005
It's no coincidence that we've ended up referring more than usual to the DV10's price during this review, for that really is its saving grace.At $849 it's so cheap that, even though we have grave doubts about its usefulness as a combi ,it's still worth considering just as a decent ultra budget projector - especially if you only need a cheap and cheerful centrepiece for occasional gaming or sports-viewing parties. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U
Ultimate AV - 11/1/2005
$3200 may sound like a lot of money for a video display to those accustomed to buying a $500 TV every 10 years. But in the world of front projection, it's relatively cheap. You can go cheaper, but at this price level you definitely get what you pay for.
And with the Panasonic you get a lot—a compact, quiet projector with fine color, solid black levels, no DLP rainbows, and a range of adjustments that is the equal of projectors costing several times as much. It definitely deserves a close look.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U
Home Cinema Choice - 11/1/2005
Last season’s PT-AE700 LCD projector was a hard act to follow; in many ways it was an instant projector classic. Perhaps that’s why it’s been in Panasonic’s range so long – but the brand has indeed replaced it, with the highly anticipated PT-AE900...
The AE900 improves over its predecessor in many ways. For instance, brightness is up from 1000ANSI Lumens to 1100ANSI Lumens; running noise is down from a minimum of 26dB to just 23dB; and claimed contrast ratio is up from 2000:1 to 5500:1.
The AE900’s remote control also betters its predecessor in that it has a backlight and universal remote functionality – complete with ‘learning’ tools, an LCD display, and the capacity to handle up to eight secondary pieces of kit.
Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z4
Home Cinema Choice - 11/1/2005
There are many reasons to like this model. Its powerful firmware that allows meticulous setup, the lens shift facility, the ultra quiet cooling, and the broad wideangle zoom range all give the Sanyo unequalled flexibility in smaller rooms. The visible LCD pixel grid structure is a minus point, but moving from standarddef to HD signals brings immediate benefits. Given the entry-level price of the unit, it’s difficult not to be impressed. Read the review »
Epson MovieMate 25
PC World - 1/1/2006
Epson has upped the ante for DVD-equipped projectors with its MovieMate 25. The product features excellent image quality, tons of great extras, and an astonishingly low $1199 price tag. The only negative is its substantial 13.4-by-12.2-by-7.1-inch size--bulky for a unit that's designed to sit on a living-room table.
Other than in size, the MovieMate 25 is superior in every way to rival Optoma's impressive MovieTime DV10. The extras start with an 80-inch, floor-standing, pull-up, 16:9 wide screen. A 40-watt subwoofer works with the projector's integrated speakers to produce deep, natural sound.
Read the review »
Optoma H79 Digital Cinema
Secrets of Home Theater - 11/1/2005
The H79 is an excellent example of how far video projectors aimed at the home theater market have come in the last few years. It produces a bright, smooth image with accurate, well-saturated colors, and has a respectable contrast ratio, especially given its brightness. It is the quietest projector I have experienced, another important factor in my buying decision. I bought one. You might want to as well. Read the review »
Optoma EP719
LAPTOP Magazine - 1/6/2006
[ EDITORS CHOICE] The competition was very strong for this roundup of sub- $1000 projectors, but the Optoma EP719 clearly outshone the rest. Alfhough not the brightest of the group, the Optoma single-handedly creates a new product category: the bargain-basement XGA projector. And as if that's not enough, the EP719 boasts the best contrast ratio we have yet seen.
As the first XGA-resolution projector to carry a $999 price tag, and with relatively inexpensive lamp replacements ($299), the EP719 is a great bargain. As long as you can live with a one-year warranty, you can’t go wrong with this unit.
Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Cinema 550
Projector Central - 12/9/2005
The Epson Powerlite Cinema 550 is among the strongest of the new high contrast LCD projectors released this fall. Those who make their projector selections based on manufacturer's specs will tend to overlook the Cinema 550 with its official 3000:1 rating, and go for one of the competing units rated at 5000:1 or higher. They do so to their detriment, for the Cinema 550 is fully capable of meeting or exceeding the actual contrast, black level, and color saturation performance of the other high contrast LCDs in its price range.
Our only concern is that there is sufficient anecdotal information to suggest that some examples of the Cinema 550 may have panel convergence problems that can result in undesirable color shifts and a softening of the image. A Cinema 550 that is properly aligned will be a truly phenomenal performer for the money, and it will be well worth it to seek them out, and we know that properly aligned units are available. This convergence problem may be a non-issue, or it may be something more prevalent that buyers will have to resolve with Epson and/or their dealer. Accordingly, if you buy from a dealer with a solid reputation for first rate customer service and satisfaction, there will be no risk of getting stuck with a unit that is not up to its full potential.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U
Secrets of Home Theater - 12/1/2005
Winner - Best of 2005 Award
The Panasonic PT-AE900U is a terrific little projector. It has a good image quality, reasonable brightness and contrast, and all the preferred features, including Dynamic Iris and lens shift.
At the $2,000 price point, this Pannie is one of the projectors to beat.
Read the review »
Optoma EP729
Laptop Magazine Online - 11/8/2005
"...If you need to get in and out of meetings quickly and want to turn heads while you’re there, the Optoma EP729’s combination of high brightness and short cool-down time make it worth every penny."
Rating ****1/2
Read the review »
OPPO Digital 1080i HDTV-Ready Divx DVD Player with DVI
Ultimate AV - 11/1/2005
Anyone who wants nearly state-of the art DVD picture quality from DVI will be well served by the Oppo. The player's audio performance certainly is reasonable considering its price, but is not in any way exceptional. When its price is factored in with its video performance the Oppo OPDV971H seems like a no-brainer must-buy for videophiles on a budget. For readers who listen critically to CDs I would suggest a separate, dedicated CD transport or player.
You can certainly use the Oppo from its component output if you currently lack a DVI or HDMI input on your video display, but plan to upgrade. But the primary reason to own an Oppo OPDV971H is for its superb DVI output. And even if you splurge and buy two OPDV971H's, one for upstairs and one for downstairs, you'll still have lots of money left in your pocket for other stuff. So perhaps the phrase "superb value"isn't too out of line after all.
Read the review »
OPPO Digital 1080i HDTV-Ready Divx DVD Player with DVI
ECoustics - 9/11/2005
If you are avid videophiles on a budget, a savvy computer user, or an amateur video editor, then the Oppo Digital OPDV971H is a DVD player worth your money. This player was capable of playing basically any file we through at it across a range of recordable media and brands. Video quality is exceptional as is the audio quality of this player. The remote control and certain parts of the OPDV971H leave something to be desired, but Oppo Digital puts your money where it counts, on the inside. Plus, they throw in a DVI cable which makes the overall package even sweeter. If you are in the market for a DVD player, pick up the OPDV971H, it’s worth it and will hold you over until the next generation Blu-ray and HD-DVD players come around. Read the review »
OPPO Digital 1080i HDTV-Ready Divx DVD Player with DVI
Secrets of Home Theater - 6/1/2005
If you are in the market for a budget DVD player, with DVI output, and which has exceptional video performance, the 971H definitely meets those criteria. This player passes below-black, has no pixel cropping, and there are no signs of Y/C delay. I personally can’t wait to see what Oppo has in store for us next. Read the review »
Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control
CNet - 5/2/2005
In the final analysis, the Harmony 880 represents a nice step forward for Logitech. While it has some elements of a high-end remote (color screen, motion sensor, docking station), the $250 price tag is still fairly reasonable. In fact, the only real non-Logitech competition in this price range is the Home Theater Master MX-700, but it lacks the color screen and the rechargeable battery, and its PC-programmable macros require more hands-on massaging. In the future, we'd like to see an RF version (unlike IR, RF passes signals through walls and cabinets), which would appeal to people with multiroom setups or hidden components. But for those that have single room setups with all their components exposed, the 880 certainly makes an excellent choice. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3000U
Projector Central - 11/11/2005
The Mitsubishi HC3000 may be viewed as a breakthrough product in the world of DLP technology for having pushed 1280x768 resolution to the lowest price points yet. The pixel matrix of 768 lines, which is rare at this time in home theater projectors, adds a valuable dimension for those who wish to use their projector for both video and data display, as XGA and WXGA computer signals can be viewed in their native unscaled, and/or uncropped formats. The BrilliantColor feature brightens up the picture and is an added benefit for most types of viewing material.
Overall, the HC3000 is a solid, impressive projector. We would have liked to see a longer zoom range and physical lens shift, features that would make the HC3000 more adaptable to a wider array of installation challenges and less dependent upon ceiling mounting. Nevertheless, for those who have a room and seating layout into which the HC3000 can be accommodated with ease, it is an excellent product that will be able to deliver years of beautiful home theater entertainment.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-LB30U
VideoSystems.com - 9/1/2005
While the PT-LB30U will find itself primarily n the luggage of traveling presenters and on AV carts moving between classrooms and conference rooms, Panasonic’s smart automatic setup features make it a good choice for anyone. You’ll regularly move it around and just expect it to work. Its Daylight View feature isn’t meant for the video professional who’s looking for highly accurate color. However, it is meant for the large majority of users for whom projector setup is an afterthought or given no thought at all. In that reality, image quality is only as good as the person setting up the projector. Panasonic has taken a nice step forward with the LB30 by adding some intelligent processing to improve real-life situations. And that two-second power-up cycle? Maybe my fingers were giddy on the stopwatch, but I think it’s actually less. Way cool Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z4
Projector Central - 10/14/2005
Moreover, the challenge is not just on relative price/performance, but on absolute performance. For the PLV-Z4 could be placed side-by-side with the most expensive high-end single-chip DLP projectors that are six times its price and hold its own in head-to-head performance. We dare suggest that in a shoot-out between the Z4 and any of the high-end DLP products wherein the models were not revealed to the audience in advance, the PLV-Z4 might actually be favored by some consumers for its exceptional contrast, deep color saturation, and image sharpness.
Thus we would say this to underscore the point: Currently the PLV-Z4 has a street price of about $2,200. If you are about to lay down $12,000 for a high end single-chip DLP home theater projector on the theory that the more it costs the better it must be, do not miss the opportunity to audition the Sanyo PLV-Z4. The Achilles' heel of single-chip DLP has always been color, and a side-by-side demo with the Z4 will illustrate in convincing terms why LCD is not dead. Heck, you might just save yourself $10,000.
Read the review »
Sanyo PLC-XP56
CNet (eCoustics) - 9/1/2005
Tiny three-pound microprojectors make sense for those who spend as much time traveling as giving presentations, but these lightweights run out of steam in large rooms with big screens to fill. For them, you need a heavyweight projector, such as Sanyo's PLC-XP56, which is one of the brightest projectors in its class and, with a $699 attachment, can project images off a corporate LAN to lower the anxiety of roving presenters. With an expected street price of $6,000 (it lists for $9,995), its colors aren't as accurate as we'd like, but it's worth the cost if you need a bright image and sharp focus. r Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
CNet - 5/15/2005
The nice thing about the Optoma MovieTime DV10 is that it's compact, although not quite as small as the Cinego. Weighing 7 pounds, it's easy to move around, and it comes with a protective canvas carrying case. Setting up the projector was a little harder than it should have been. First off, it's designed to sit about a foot below the bottom edge of the screen, so unless you have a relatively high screen and low surface for the DV10, such as a short coffee table, you may find yourself having to compromise by raising the back of the projector. We had to stack it on a DVD to get it to the right height--the tiny adjustable feet just didn't extend far enough. Of course, once you get it right, you'll be able to set it up that much quicker the next time (we could usually set it up in a little more than five minutes). Read the review »
Optoma H27 Digital Cinema
Home Theater Magazine - 10/1/2005
So, we return again to the subject of value. Yes, you will need to mate the H27 with a projection screen. If you spend $1,000 on said screen, we're talking about $2,199 for a wonderful—and wonderfully large—picture. You won't find a better value in the flat-panel or microdisplay worlds. If you want a super-sized picture to provide a fine anchor for your blossoming home theater, you must check out Optoma's value menu. Read the review »
Optoma H78 Digital Cinema
Digital Home Mag (UK) - 7/28/2005
There’s not the slightest hint of processing noise, edge definition is super sharp without artificial enhancement, and flesh tones are superb. Darker, moodier films are at their best with the H78, and a revisit of The Matrix is a visual treat. The dark scenes have very real depth and Neo’s famous coat is really very black. There’s a trade-off that some black-level detail is lost, but it’s worth it for the near three-dimensional martial arts display.
While it’s bulky and expensive, and noticeably poor in the daytime, in a darkened room, the H78 creates a picture like few other projectors today.
Read the review »
Optoma H27 Digital Cinema
Projector Central - 10/7/2005
When compared to the Optoma H31, the H27 nearly matches its performance in color balance and saturation, and black level is excellent, though the H27 is not quite as bright as the H31. Another noteworthy difference is that the H27's throw angle is more extreme, so in choosing between the H27 and the H31, your installation requirements should be considered. Overall, the second test unit performs substantially better than the early model. At a street price roughly $150 below that of the H31 (at this writing), the H27 represents an excellent value in low-cost 480p home theater projectors. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U
Projector Central - 10/14/2005
The Panasonic AE900 is an impressive step beyond last year's AE700. It is a particularly strong solution for users who place a premium on color accuracy. Panasonic has invested a great deal of time and energy into developing projectors that deliver precisely correct color as the film director intended it to be seen, and the results are obvious.
With the latest increase in contrast and color saturation, the AE900 represents a significant challenge to competing home theater projectors using the 720p DLP chips. It will be difficult for the more expensive DLP-based products to maintain their current price levels in the face of stiff competition from products like this one. Anyone who is considering a single-chip 720p DLP projector owes it to himself or herself to audition the Panasonic AE900. You will find that the AE900 shines in color accuracy, color saturation, and a smooth, filmlike image that is totally lacking in pixelation. DLP products will certainly hold their own in contrast and black levels, but the overall differences between LCD and DLP are simply not what they used to be. And at street prices in the low $2,000's, there are a lot of reasons for consumers to be giving the Panasonic AE900 a hard look.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE700U
By Sector.com - 10/9/2005
"Overall, Panasonic has put out a fine-tuned product which still continues to impress me, as it is perfect for the office and even greater for home cinema use. It is a little bulky, but still light enough to allow portability to some extent. I find that the introduction of a knob that can let you adjust screen position manually greatly increases the user friendliness of the product by increasing efficiency and comfort at the user's end. " Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
The Altus Times - 10/14/2005
OK, so you can't afford the plush couch ensemble, the top-of-the-line audio receiver, progressive-scan DVD carousel and dashboard-sized LCD television. That doesn't mean a home theater is out of the question.
If you can dim the lights and draw the curtains, there are two new projectors that can provide a wide-screen movie experience without exhausting your savings.
Optoma Technology Inc.'s MovieTime Digital DVD Projector and the Epson America Inc.'s MovieMate 25 are both reasonably priced and easy to use.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U
Austrailian IT - 10/11/2005
The AE900 is the fifth-generation home theatre projector from Panasonic that has become a category leader. ...Panasonic's strongest feature is dynamic iris technology that displays low-light shots beautifully... The fan is quiet - it was inches behind my left ear and I did not notice it until the movie finished. The back panel bristles with connection options, including HDMI. ...A valuable extra is the learning remote that can control up to eight components. ...But, beware, once you are bitten by the projector bug, you will live the life of a vampire as daylight makes the picture shrivel up and die. Read the review »
OPPO Digital 1080i HDTV-Ready Divx DVD Player with DVI
Audioholics - 10/11/2005
"This player has been hyped almost to the point of being the holy grail of DVD players. In all honesty, for the $199 MSRP it really is a great player. The differences come down to black level, build quality, audio capability, bass management, and the responsiveness and usability. For the price you really can’t pass up the video quality of this player – especially if you’re looking for a source component to match with a digital display." Read the review »
Tannoy EFX 5.1 Home Theater Package - Anthracite and Tannoy EFX 5.1 Home Theater Package - Platinum
Audioholics - 10/1/2005
"I think these are great speakers for the price. I have to include price in my statement because I would have chosen a more expensive speaker package for my system if price were not a concern. But at $699 retail, you would do well to purchase these Tannoys. They pass all of the criteria I stated earlier for a satellite system:
- Can be heard and not seen
- Work well in smaller spaces
- Are absolutely cost effective versus a higher-priced alternative
They will out perform any HTIB solution that I have heard to date. And if you were even remotely thinking of running out and buying a Bose system, consider that Tannoys cost about two-thirds less, and in my opinion, sound much better and have a superior build quality. "
Read the review »
BenQ PE7700
Ultimate AV Magazine - 10/1/2005
"What's important here is just how much video projector you can buy today for relatively little money. That alone makes the PE7700 an exciting addition to the video market. The fact that it's also a fine performer makes it a must-see before finalizing any purchase decision. I definitely recommend it." Read the review »
Tannoy EFX 5.1 Home Theater Package - Anthracite and Tannoy EFX 5.1 Home Theater Package - Platinum
Home Cinema Choice (UK) - 5/1/2005
The enhancements to the centre are an improvement and dialogue sounds clean and relatively free from the restrains of its compact dimensions. Bass notes from the sub dig deep and blend seamlessly with the partnering satellites.
Music sound is also impressive and U2’s How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb sounds impressively coherent as the EFX 5.1 makes a good stab at respectable hi-fi sound.
The EFX 5.1 demonstrates once again that Tannoy is very capable when it comes to making speakers, and makes an affordable way to omplete a home cinema set up.
Read the review »
Tannoy Mercury F1 - Apple Wood Finish , Tannoy Mercury F2 - Apple Wood Finish , Tannoy Mercury F3 - Apple Wood Finish , Tannoy Mercury F4 - Apple Wood Finish , Tannoy Mercury FC - Apple Wood Finish , Tannoy Mercury FR - Apple Wood Finish , Tannoy Mercury F1 - Dark Oak Finish , Tannoy Mercury F2 - Dark Oak Finish , Tannoy Mercury F3 - Dark Oak Finish , Tannoy Mercury F4 - Dark Oak Finish , Tannoy Mercury FC - Dark Oak Finish and Tannoy Mercury FR - Dark Oak Finish
Ultimate AV Magazine - 12/1/2004
I like a lot about the Tannoy Fusions. For a price about as low as you'll find for any quality speaker system today, it offered good perfor-mance overall. If you thought your budget was too tight for a quality surround speaker system, I recommend you give these a listen. Read the review »
Optoma DV10 MovieTime
PC Magazine - 9/30/2005
"Our color temperature measurements revealed the DV10 came admirably close to matching the standard used in broadcast and video production, helping to insure accurate image reproduction. ....Optoma's inclusion of such useful extras as a protective storage bag for easy transportation helped make the DV10 a solid value for those who want an instant movie theater anywhere there's an outlet and a blank wall and earns our nod as an Editors' Choice." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE900U
DIgital Producer - 9/7/2005
John Virata for Digital Producer gets an early look at the Panasonic PT-AE900 home theater projector. "The practice in getting a colorist to work with Panasonic to develop a projector is based on Panasonic 's goal to ensure that the color fidelity that the viewer sees via the projector is as close as possible to what the director of the film intended." Read the review »
NEC WT610
PC Magazine - 8/25/2005
The NEC WT610 gets a four out of five rating from this PC Magazine reviewer "...the WT610 is nothing if not flexible. You'll find SVGA and DVI connectors for a computer or for component video and HDTV, a pass-through connector for a monitor, S-Video and composite video inputs, three audio inputs, one audio output, a USB connector to let you control your mouse through the remote, and another USB connector for plugging in a USB key to show JPG files. There's also a PC Card slot that you can use to display JPG files stored on a PCMCIA card or for a wired or wireless network card, available as an option." Read the review »
DVDO iScan™ HD
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity - 6/1/2004
iScan HD scores 100% in DVD Benchmark Review - Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity ..."The IScan HD combines outstanding de-interlacing capabilities with a world class scaling engine." Read the review »
DVDO iScan™ HD
Audiophile Audition - 12/1/2004
"It can be utilized with just about any display, will handle any type of standard definition programming you throw at it (including videotape), is built nicely, and worked flawlessly ... highly recommended." Read the review »
DVDO iScan HD+
Widescreen Review - 2/1/2005
"The DVDO iScan HD+ provides exceptional performance and value." [ reprinted in PDF format 569KB ] Read the review »
DVDO iScan™ HD
Audiofile Audition - 4/1/2005
"It was nice to plug something in easily, push a couple of buttons, and have it work 100%. ... It can be utilized with just about any display, will handle any type of standard definition programming you throw at it (including videotape), is built nicely, and worked flawlessly for the couple months I had it in use. It handily outperformed the processing in a $9000 plasma monitor, and considering the price, is highly recommended." [reprinted in PDF format 398 KB ] Read the review »
DVDO iScan HD+
Home Cinema Choice - 5/1/2005
"The DVDO iScan HD+ is our outright winner. Its connectivity is the best in the class and its video processing is good enough to transform the performance of already impressive hardware. If you’re serious about fine-tuning your home cinema system to its absolute best, then the iScan HD+ is the ‘must- have’ final embellishment." [reprinted in PDF format 597 KB ] Read the review »
Ovation Multimedia AVIA: Guide to Home Theater
Projector Central - 8/24/2005
Bill Livolsi reviews video calibration software for Projector Central, comparing the AVIA disc and other popular choices. "The AVIA disc is a great choice for anyone who has never set up a home theater before, but would like to learn and eventually perform more in-depth calibrations without hiring a technician. And while the narrators focus on CRT displays more than digital projectors, this just means that the AVIA Guide can be used on every video display in your home." Read the review »
Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control
PC World - 4/14/2005
The same things that make the rest of the Harmony line outstanding are back, including an easy-to-use Web interface for programming the remote; a Help button that makes troubleshooting a breeze; and a comprehensive database of remote codes that makes it possible to control even your air conditioner. Read the review »
Panasonic PT-LB30U
Laptop Magazine Online - 8/1/2005
"The wireless version of the Panasonic PT-LB30U is a high-end example of a new generation of projectors supporting 802.11g Wi-Fi for stutter-free wireless presentations. This 5.7-pound LCD model beams out no less than 3000 lumens at XGA native resolution. Like all LCD projectors, the PT-LB30U has a relatively low contrast ratio of 400:1. Another downside is the lack of optical zooming capability. The considerable brightness of this model does carry a price. The PT-LB30U sells for $3,799 without the wireless connectivity option and $4,299 with it." Read the review »
Hitachi CP-RX60
Laptop Magazine Online - 8/1/2005
"...An entry-level projector designed for business or home use, the CP-RX60 delivers 1500 lumens of brightness and XGA resolution in a fairly portable 4.8-pound design. It's easy to set up and uses LCD technology for superior color accuracy. You won't have to shout to be heard over this projector; the noise level is only 33 dB when you engage whisper mode. When you bring the CP-RX60 home, you'll be glad to find an S-Video jack. You don't get a remote control or a carrying case, but Hitachi does include a two-year warranty. " Read the review »
InFocus X3
Projector Central - 7/26/2005
"...The InFocus X3 delivers exactly what it is designed to deliver--excellent, crisp, bright data images in XGA resolution for a modest investment. Its long life 4000 hour lamp and exceptionally good video round out the package to make it a solid projector value for the money. It is not fully loaded with every feature you could imagine, either for data or for video. However, the X3 is an impressive low cost projector that should perform admirably as an all around presentation workhorse in the classroom and smaller conference room." Read the review »
DVDO iScan™ HD
Projector Central - 7/22/2004
"...The degree to which the iScan HD can improve your projector's image depends upon how good your projector's onboard processing is to begin with. But even with the latest in projector technology, improvements can be achieved. We tested the unit this week with both the Optoma H77 and BenQ 8700, two projectors we happen to be reviewing at the moment. On both projectors the iScan HD rendered a noticeably smoother, sharper, and more three-dimensional image from DVD as compared to the images the projectors were capable of without it. Some of our better quality DVDs were actually improved to the point where they appeared to be HD format. Thus for videophiles who have these projectors and are seeking the best possible DVD performance out of them, the iScan HD is worth the investment." Read the review »
InFocus ScreenPlay 4805 , NEC HT410 and Optoma H31 Digital Cinema
Projector Central - 6/16/2005
...The final factor in selecting a projector is of keen interest to all—the price tag. Since prices are dynamic and change rapidly over time, we won't quote specific prices in this article. We can say, however, that at this writing, for dark theater viewing, the best overall values in the 480p class of projector are the Optoma H31 and the InFocus Screenplay 4805. At this writing, the Toshiba MT200 is selling at street prices notably higher than its competitors, and there is nothing about the MT200 that, in our estimation, would warrant a premium price. It is our hope that this overview will help put the various buying factors into focus. Though image quality is important, the practical aspects of throw distances, throw angles, fan noise, the ability to turn up lumen output for ambient light conditions, etc., all contribute to ease of installation and long term satisfaction with your projector. Each buyer has a different set of objectives and a particular room size that he or she is Read the review »
Optoma H79 Digital Cinema
AV Revolution - 7/1/2005
controlled ambient light, the Optoma has more than enough brightness for your needs. Brightness aside, nearly every aspect of the Optoma’s picture quality is adjustable to suit the viewer’s tastes. The Optoma H79 is a solid value and a projector that will bring you loads of joy for years to come. Read the review »
OPPO Digital 1080i HDTV-Ready Divx DVD Player with DVI
Projector Central.com - 7/7/2005
Your first impression of the Oppo OPDV971H occurs when you open the box. Inside you find the Oppo 971 wrapped in a cloth-like blue pouch. Your immediate feeling is you have something special and that this company cares for its customers...
If you do not have a digital display with a DVI or a HDMI connector, you cannot take advantage of the 971's exceptional digital performance; however, its remarkable handling of analog video, such as composite video, s-video, and component video is reason enough. At $199, the Oppo OPDV971H is truly a great value.
Read the review »
Optoma H31 Digital Cinema and Optoma DV10 MovieTime
Projector Central - 8/4/2005
Optoma has designed a projector that both the first-time buyer and the experienced projector user can enjoy. It is light, bright, portable, and produces a great image, comparable to Optoma's H31 or other high quality 480p projectors. With the integrated DVD player, wiring is kept to a minimum, and the projector can be packed away in its included carrying case when not in use. If you are interested in portable, part time home theater in a living room or family room, the MovieTime DV10 offers a complete package that eliminates the hassles of cable clutter and connections. Selling at street prices around $1500 at the time of this article, the MovieTime DV10 is definitely worth a look. Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z2
Projector Central - 11/3/2003
With the appearance of the Sanyo PLV-Z2 on the market, the everyday consumer that might be a candidate for a high definition big screen TV suddenly has a terrific new option available for the same or less money. A PLV-Z2 plus a good quality screen will cost less than the TV. So instead of a 50" or 60" image, you can have a 100" image that is capable of displaying HDTV and DVD video in superb quality.
Furthermore, by opting for a front-projection system you get rid of the big TV box in the room. Since the projector itself is so small it is almost invisible. And if you opt for a retractable screen, the entire system can pretty much disappear when not in use. This is often a huge plus, especially if you have other folks in the household that may not share your passion for the ultra-large-screen experience.
The Sanyo PLV-Z2 sets a new performance standard for projectors in its price category. We are enthusiastically adding it to our list of Highly Recommended Home Theater Projectors.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE700U and Sanyo PLV-Z3
Projector Central - 10/19/2004
The Panasonic AE700 and the Sanyo PLV-Z3 are both excellent products that push the envelope on LCD technology. They are both capable of delivering beautiful HDTV and DVD images in high resolution with their 1280x720 LCD panel format.
The AE700 sells for a few hundred dollars more than the Z3. Based upon our comparative review, this price differential is justified. The AE700 can deliver a brighter image while retaining excellent contrast and color saturation, and it offers some unique flexibility for shelf mounting with its longer zoom lens.
Nevertheless, the Sanyo Z3 may be the better choice for those who want to ceiling mount or table mount their projector since the lens shift affords more range of image placement. Setting the unit on a table between the viewing seats or on a coffee table is a simple way to get started in home theater, and it is easy to remove the projector from the room when not in use. Those who have a dark viewing room may wish to take advantage of the Theater Black operating mode to maximize the black level, contrast, and color saturation potential that the Z3 is capable of.
These are great times for projector buyers. We've never had so many great, inexpensive home theater projectors on the market. It is not surprising that consumers are moving past the big-screen TV and going for the larger scale theater experience at a more rapid pace than anyone had ever expected.
Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE700U
Projector Central - 10/7/2004
The Panasonic AE700 offers an excellent value proposition to those looking for outstanding high contrast HDTV performance at a modest cost, and to those looking for the simplicity of shelf-mounting their projector with no muss or fuss. In particular, the AE700 is an outstanding choice for football fans who want to get the highest quality images from 720p broadcasts. Furthermore every sports bar in America could use one of these for smaller screen applications (there is not enough light output for very large screen usage in ambient light). In a sports bar it would be a great 60" or 72" alternative to the 42" plasma flat screen. For HDTV in general and HD sports in particular, the AE700 is highly recommended. Less expensive alternatives lack either the physical resolution or the contrast to match the AE700 in detail, clarity, and image sparkle, and none of them can match its flexibility for installation in a wide array of viewing rooms.
For those who do not care about HDTV and are more interested in DVD and regular television, the AE700 still offers simplicity of installation, but it is not as uniquely competitive with standard definition material as it is with HDTV. For these buyers, less costly alternatives might be more appropriate. Nevertheless, Panasonic's achievements with LCD technology, both in improved contrast and reduced pixelation, are impressively manifested in the AE700. Overall it is a strong product release by Panasonic that continues the company's tradition in low-cost, high performance home theater projectors.
Read the review »
Optoma H77 Digital Cinema
Projector Central - 7/29/2004
The Optoma H77 is a solid home theater projector that offers some distinct advantages. In particular the long zoom range and vertical lens shift make it easy to install in a variety of settings. Its very low fan noise is always a bonus, and it is particularly strong in its display of HDTV.
The H77 is not one of the brighter units in the category, so its use in a dark viewing space is important. The use of 480p component input increases brightness about 60%. And with 480p input, overall image stability is exceptional. Therefore those who do not use an external video processor such as the DVDO iScan HD may prefer to use 480p analog instead of the DVI port to gain the additional light output.
The H77's current retail price of $8,995 is on par with other home theater projectors featuring the HD2+ DLP chip. One can definitely get a beautiful picture from it. However this is a highly competitive market. Ultimately the H77's value proposition will be based upon the degree to which consumers find this unit discounted on the street.
Read the review »
NEC HT410
Projector Central - 4/1/2005
The HT410 has many useful features, solid construction, good standard video and excellent HDTV capability for the money. Video image quality is certainly well above average for this class of projector, and the feature set and ease of use make it a good choice for many first-time projector buyers. The versatility of its lens shift and wide range of lumen output will give it an edge over many other products in the same price range. Anyone who wants to put a big picture on the wall without spending much money should give the HT410 serious consideration. Read the review »
BenQ PB6200
Projector Central - 3/24/2004
The BenQ PB6100 and PB6200 both represent excellent values in today's market. In the economy class group of machines, there are always limitations and trade-offs; you simply do not get Porsche performance when you're on a Saturn budget. So we are pleased to recommend both of these units as long as you keep their limitations in mind and match them to your viewing needs.
If you plan to use your projector for DVD and television viewing only, the PB6100 is a beautiful and very cost effective option. You get an outstanding DVD picture for the money. However, if in addition you plan to use your projector for computer video games and your computer outputs an XGA signal, then you should opt for the PB6200 in order to match native resolutions. Under no circumstance do you want to live with the compression of the XGA signal into the PB6100's native SVGA display. Also, if HDTV is part of your viewing mix, the PB6200 is also worth stepping up to for the additional resolution. Finally, anyone planning to deploy their projector for part-time presentation use should go for the 6200, as native XGA is the only way to go in the presentation world these days.
Read the review »
Mitsubishi XD450U
Projector Central - 12/16/2004
...most older classic films such as Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, Treasures of the Sierra Madre, The Wizard of Oz, Fantasia, and Citizen Kane, were all done in native 4:3. And for film history buffs who enjoy the classics, there is nothing like seeing them in full large screen 4:3, as they were originally shown in commercial theaters back then. Only a native 4:3 format projector is capable of delivering this experience. The native 16:9 projector will always place the image in smaller format in the center of your screen, with black bars on each side. The decision on format is therefore a matter of personal taste and preference. How you wish to set up your home theater is your decision, and there is no "right" way to do it. For those who want to go the 4:3 route for dedicated home theater, the Mitsubishi XD450U is a substantial performer to consider. For those who wish to use their projector for both home theater and portable presentation, the XD450 is truly a stellar choice. The 5000-hour lamp in low power mode, the hands-off maintenance-free operation due to the sealed light engine, and the breakthrough one-year warranty on the lamp are all unique features that collectively amount to a superb value proposition. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3
Projector Central - 12/17/2003
...The bottom line is that the HC3 offers a unique and effective solution for users who want some light in the viewing space. It does this better than the Sanyo Z1 and Panasonic L300, which are used to better effect in dark environments. Thus we are pleased to add the Mitsubishi HC3 to our Highly Recommended list. Whether the HC3 or one of its competitors is the right choice for you depends on the type of viewing environment that is best suited to you and your family's needs. Read the review »
Mitsubishi HC3
Projector Central - 2/3/2005
...At its new price of $999, the Mitsubishi HC3 is one of the best values for the money in the home theater projector market today. It is the first native widescreen projector to go below $1,000, and it delivers a superb image for the money. We are enthused to put a new spotlight on this product, and with its new value proposition it continues to be a very highly recommended projector. Read the review »
BenQ PE8700 HD2+
Projector Central - 7/29/2004
Unlike most projectors from BenQ, the PE8700 is clearly designed with home theater as its intended market. The upgraded HD2+ DLP chip generates marginally higher contrast than the original version, and the rated 1000 ANSI lumen output is ample for light-controlled home theater. The light engine uses a 6-segment, 5x speed color wheel. The engine is sealed to prevent light leakage and dust contamination. And features like picture-in-picture and picture-on-picture make it particularly consumer friendly. Physically it is a solid unit weighing 16.7 lbs. Read the review »
BenQ PE8700 HD2+
Projector Central - 9/29/2003
Currrently there are about a dozen high-performance projectors on the market featuring the 1280x720 HD2 DLP chip. Prices run from upwards of $16,000 all the way down to under $8,000. The BenQ PE8700 has an MSRP of $7,995, and is selling for street prices well below that. It delivers extremely impressive video with relatively few consequential flaws at an aggressive price. Thus it is one of the outstanding values in today's market. BenQ engineers and product designers should be justifiably proud of their accomplishment. We are pleased to add the BenQ PE8700 to our list of Highly Recommended Home Theater Projectors. Read the review »
BenQ PE7700
Projector Central - 4/29/2005
...The BenQ PE7700 is a lot of projector for the money, and the first projector featuring the HD2+ DLP chip to boast an MSRP under the $3,000 mark. After a full review of this projector, we found no major flaws aside from the easily bypassed onboard deinterlacing. Delivering outstanding image quality and an impressive feature set, the PE7700 is more than worth the price. Read the review »
BenQ PE8700 HD2+ and Optoma H77 Digital Cinema
Projector Central - 7/29/2004
...Collectively these three projectors are the most aggressively priced of the HD2+ machines. It was easy to include the PE8700 on our Highly Recommended list due to the fact that you get so much video quality for the money. The decision to put the MT800 on the Highly Recommended list now and wait on the H77 for the time being was based upon our findings that they are selling for roughly comparable street prices--a situation that could change at any time. However at equivalent prices, the MT800 edges the H77 as the more formidable projector for the display of standard definition signals, while they are about equal in HDTV quality. The MT800 is clearly the more brilliant of the two as well. Nevertheless, the H77 has lower fan noise and the convenience features of lens shift and power zoom/focus that will be particularly attractive to some buyers. So for these folks the decision to go with the H77 over the MT800 may make very good sense. Read the review »
Sharp Notevision PG-B10S , InFocus X2 , Hitachi Performa CP-RS55 and BenQ PB6110
CNet - 6/29/2005
CNet reviews several popular low cost projectors. "Budget projectors have long been pigeonholed as being too dim for typical business applications, a perception that the latest crop is challenging. Not only are the new models cheaper than ever, they also deliver markedly better performance, making them increasingly more attractive for business presentations, educational purposes, and even home entertainment." Read the review »
Hitachi CP-X345W
AEC Newsroom - 5/1/2005
Charlie White reviews the Hitachi CP-X345W projector for Digital Media Net. "Summing up, the Hitachi CP-X345 Multimedia LCD Projector gives you just about what you would expect in a projector in this $1500 price range. Its sharp image and good brightness along with its small size and light weight will serve it well in the presentation category. Its whisper mode is highly effective, even though that mode and decreases its brightness. As far as using it in a home theater, you could certainly do much better. For the price, though, you could certainly do worse. Seven stars out of 10." Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z3
Secrets of Home Theater Hi-Fidelity - 5/1/2005
...The Sanyo PLV-Z3 is a fine projector. It has improved contrast over the Z2, adds better menus, and has the new HDMI input jack. At $2,000, it is an extremely competitive product, and will deliver a great home theater experience. Read the review »
BenQ PB6110
CNet by ECoustics - 4/29/2005
With an unbeatable combination of brightness and contrast, BenQ's PB6110 leaves other projectors wanting and does it at a bargain price. It's also easy to start up, delivers a brilliant image, and comes with a three-year warranty. On the downside, this business projector creates quite a ruckus and takes a while to cool down. Still, it's an impressive piece of presentation technology for $900. Read the review »
Optoma H31 Digital Cinema
Audioholics.com - 5/2/2005
If you're looking for a budget display to get you into the big screen home theater experience, look no further than the Optoma H31. In addition, this unit doubes as a great portable unit for presentations or those needing some measure of portability. We have no reservations about giving out our hearty recommendation for this projector. Read the review »
Hitachi CP-X430W , Hitachi CP-X328W and NEC VT770
IT Asia One - 2/11/2004
Aaron Tan puts six office projectors to the test for lights on presenting. Projectors reviewed include the Casio XJ-350, Epson EMP-74, Hitachi CP-X328, Hitachi CP-X430, and the NEC VT770, with the reviewer's choice going to the NEC VT770. Read the review »
Sharp Notevision XR-1X
IT Asia One - 9/15/2004
Edward Lim reviews the Sharp XR-1X for IT Asia One "The XR-1W is a worthwhile investment for frequent travellers to deliver snazzy business presentations. Plus, you can watch DVDs with it in your hotel room - connect to a notebook that plays DVDs and project on the wall." Read the review »
Casio XJ-450
IT Asia One - 2/6/2004
Aaron Tan reviews the Casio XJ-450 for IT Asia One. "Impressive specs and performance make the XJ-450 a premium board member. Its blinding brightness makes for shiny presentations in larger rooms, even with the lights on." Read the review »
InFocus LP600
IT Asia One - 3/15/2005
Tony Lim reviews the InFocus LP600 for IT Asia One. "The projector produced vivid pictures with strong colours and adequate black levels. And with its high brightness, you don't need to have a pitch dark room for that pleasant viewing experience." Read the review »
Sony Cineza VPL-HS51
Sound and Vision Magazine - 4/1/2005
Al Griffin reviews the Sony Cineza VPL-HS51 calling it 'the Lamborghini of LCD projectors.' "Sony's latest Cineza projector offers great image quality and useful features, and it's one of the coolest-looking projectors I've ever seen. Best of all, it doesn't cost much more than a budget HDTV projector." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE700U
Sound and Vision Magazine - 4/1/2005
Al Griffin reviews the Panasonic PT-AE700U for Sound and Vision. "At $3,000, Panasonic's PT-AE700U is a true high-def bargain. Its picture sharpness was a notch below that of the Sony or Hitachi in this comparison, but its overall combination of price, performance, and features is tough to beat." Read the review »
Hitachi Performa CP-RS55
C/Net - 4/5/2005
Rich Malloy reviews this low-priced Hitachi projector, giving it a 7 out of 10 stars. “…in view of its compact size (11.2 by 8.0 by 3.2 inches)--not much larger than a cigar box--this 4.8-pound model is also well suited for mobile applications. Add to that a record-low price tag... and we might just call the CP-RS55 a basic, one-size-fits-all business projector.” Read the review »
Panasonic PT-L500U
Home Cinema Choice - 4/1/2004
Home Cinema Choice reviewer Jim Hill takes a look at the Panasonic PT-AE500E. "Now the picture looks more like the clean-cut, vivid imagery you get from a DLP chip - and without the awful rainbow effect you get with some DLP models - although it still can't achieve the deep reds, greens and blues that a DLP device can. And just in case you were wondering how it performs with a high definition video feed - either from curiosity, or perhaps like us, you have a HD source - the answer is that it's fabulous. Making full use of the panel's resolution, HD looks altogether more lifelike." Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z2
Secrets of Home Theater High Fidelity - 5/1/2004
Secrets of Home Theater's editor John E. Johnson gives the Sanyo PLV-Z2 a thorough review. "First, let me say that the Sanyo Z2's picture is twice as nice as my much more expensive Sony 10HT. And, it has that lens shift that I like so much." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-L500U
Secrets of Home Theater High Fidelity - 5/1/2004
Secrets of Home Theater's super video guru Steve Smallcombe puts the Panasonic PT-L500U through the paces with his SmartAVTweaks system. "Overall, I very much enjoyed using the PT-L500U. No projector available today is perfect, but you can get very high quality images for not a lot of money, especially compared to just a few years ago. The PT-L500U is an excellent projector with a unique set of features." Read the review »
InFocus LP120 , Optoma EP725 and NEC LT10
PC World - 7/1/2004
Melissa J. Perenson gives a nod to NEC in a review of seven portable projectors for PC World. "We liked the 2.2-pound NEC LT10 the best, due to its combination of terrific overall image quality and easy portability (it's about the size of the latest Harry Potter book)." Read the review »
Sony Cineza VPL-HS3
CNET - 9/1/2004
Philip Ryan reviews the Sony VPL-HS3 for CNET. "Over the last year or so, LCD front projectors have made great leaps forward in producing deeper blacks. The Sony VPL-HS3 ($1,499 list) is a good example. It's not perfect, but its image would look right at home in a shoestring home theater." Read the review »
Epson PowerLite Home 10+
Home Theater Magazine - 9/1/2004
Geoffrey Morrison takes a quick look at the Epson Home 10+ home theater projector for Home Theater Magazine. "For the money, this projector does an excellent job of giving you a big-screen image for small-TV prices. It's attractive, has a decent black level, and provides an iris to adjust that level." Read the review »
BenQ PB6200
Home Theater Magazine - 9/1/2004
Geoffrey Morrison reviews the cross-over business/home theater BenQ PB6200 projector for Home Theater Magazine. "From an aesthetic point of view, the BenQ garnered high praise for its diminutive size. I liked its color scheme and rolled-off edges. The dual fans on the back are fairly quiet in the economy mode" Read the review »
Sony Cineza VPL-HS51
Widescreen Review - 10/1/2004
Bill Cushman of Widescreen Review magazine takes a look at the Sony Cineza VPL-HS51 home theater projector. "On virtually all viewing, this projector delivered a bright, detailed image with superb color, freedom from artifacts, great contrast, and an excellent black level." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-L500U
Audio Video Revolution - 10/1/2004
Matt Evert reviewed the Panasonic PT-L500U projector, and then bought it! "…Panasonic has done a great job at providing a big-time theater option within reach of nearly everyone. I will purchase the review model for that very reason." Read the review »
BenQ PE8700 HD2+
Stereophile Ultimate AV magazine - 10/1/2004
Thomas J. Norton reviews the upgraded BenQ PE8700+ home theater projector for Stereophile Ultimate AV magazine. "I was mighty impressed by BenQ's PE8700 DLP projector, reviewed in the June 2004 UAV. Now its replacement, the PE8700+, has been launched, and it's no letdown. True, the price has gone up a couple of big ones over the PE8700's closeout price of $6000. But in compensation, the new model gives you the new Texas Instruments 16:9 DMD, the HD2+." Read the review »
Optoma H77 Digital Cinema
LA Audiofile - 10/1/2004
Kevin Nakano reviews the Optoma H77 home cinema projector for LA Audiofile. "The Optoma H77 is a remarkable projector capable of producing a beautiful high-definition picture with wonderful colors, excellent blacks and ultra-quiet operation. The color accuracy was amazing on this unit, especially when using the DVI interface." Read the review »
Panasonic PT-AE700U
AudioEnz - 11/1/2004
Tony Davey reviews the Panasonic AE700U projector for AudioEnz, New Zealand's most read hi-fi magazine. "Panasonic have clearly developed a winning formula with their PT-AE line of projectors, and from the AE100 and onwards, each new generation has been a step forward in terms of quality and value. Like the AE500, the AE700 has set a "bang for the buck" benchmark for others to try and achieve." Read the review »
NEC LT265
PC World - 11/2/2004
PC World's Melissa Perenson reviews the new NEC LT265 wireless proejctor. "The NEC LT265's vast array of features make this model a good, versatile choice for a range of presenting situations--including use in small to medium-size conference rooms, and at events involving more than one presenter at a given location." Read the review »
InFocus ScreenPlay 4805
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity - 11/1/2004
Steve Smallcombe uses his Smart AV Tweaks method to review the InFocus ScreenPlay 4805 for Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. "My very first business projector was an InFocus, many years ago when they were about the only ones in the business. InFocus has obviously used their experience to produce a line of excellent 16x9 DLP-based projectors that directly target the HT market. While for my own use, I’d spend the extra dollars and get a projector with higher resolution (InFocus offers those as well), the 4805 is a remarkable achievement and an excellent value." Read the review »
NEC VT47
Pocketlint.co.uk - 11/1/2004
The gadget Guru's at Pocketlint.co.uk turn their attention to the NEC VT47, giving it whopping 9 out of 10. "Projectors do for TV what iPod has done for music: both are pieces of technology that change the way we use media. Projectors just lack Apple's marketing. Most of us think of them as those hot, noisy things that we slept through at school, and which are boring us still with deadly PowerPoint presentations. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are plenty of gadgets that can turn you into a bore, but a projector for home cinema is not one of them." Read the review »
NEC HT410
Pocketlint.co.uk Gadget Guru - 11/1/2004
The gadget Guru's at Pocketlint.co.uk review the NEC HT410, giving it 7 out of 10. '...for those looking to dabble in the home cinema experience without spending thousands of pounds, it will make a good addition to your gadget cupboard.' Read the review »
NEC MT1075
Sound and Video Contractor - 12/1/2004
Jeff Sauer reviews the NEC MT1075 for Sound and Video Contractor magazine. 'And even without the novelties, the MT1075 is a well-performing projector with a reasonable price. With practical options like a 4,000-hour long life lamp, thorough connectivity options, remote administration and monitoring features, and wireless networking, the MT1075 delivers solid performance with plenty of user flexibility.' Read the review »
Sanyo PLV-Z3
HDTVexpert.com - 12/1/2004
Industry expert Peter Putman reviews the Sanyo PLV-Z3 for hdtvexpert.com. 'In fact, this projector looks great with 720p live sports, which I confirmed with other D-VHS recordings of hickey, basketball, and Monday Night Football from ABC. If you are a sports addict and can provide that HDMI or DVI connection from your cable, satellite, or terrestrial set-top box to the PLV-Z3, you will be in hog heaven.' Read the review »
Toshiba TDP-SW20U
Laptop Magazine - 12/1/2004
Rich Malloy reviews the Toshiba TDP-SW20 for Laptop Magazine online. 'If you want a good, affordable projector that also happens to support wireless connections, the Toshiba TDP-SW20 wont let you or your audience down.' Read the review »
BenQ PE5120
Pocket-lint GizmoGirl - 1/1/2005
The Pocket-lint.co.uk website reviews the BenQ PE5120 in their GizmoGirl (girls who like gadgets) area, giving it a 7 out of 10 stars. 'The PE5120 was easy to set up and operate and having a choice of component, S-video and DVI (DVI-D and DVI-A) turned it into an all round home entertainment device.' Read the review »
Sony Cineza VPL-HS51
Ultimate AV - 1/1/2005
Thomas J. Norton reviews the Sony Cineza VPL-HS51 for Ultimate AV. 'Sony might want to consider ramping up production on the Cineza, because once word gets around about how good it really is, demand could skyrocket. (On the other hand, the Cineza setups I saw at the recent CES didn't even hint at the projector's true capabilities).' Read the review »
