Projector Reviews

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 »

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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

• 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

Read the review »

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 Home Theater Package A

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 »

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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:

• 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.

Read the review »

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.

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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