| What to Buy: Front Projectors |
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080p
$2,500
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Why We Like It:
We know that 1080p front projection has gotten cheaper, but seriously, $2,500? And this Epson is no stripped-down blue light special either. It boasts the latest three-chip LCD technology, a dynamic iris system that operates in essentially invisible fashion to deepen blacks and expand contrast, and it also processes 1080i HD video with precision. The image is a little soft, and the color points a bit off, but this is a combination of features and performance that was unheard of even a year ago. This is a wall full of good-looking 1080p for surprisingly few dollars! Full review in HT's July issue. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 three-chip LCD
One HDMI 1.3 input
One component input
Dynamic iris for deep blacks
Horizontal and vertical lens shift
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JVC DLA-HD1
$5,500
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Why We Like It:
This JVC is an over achiever in every way. It delivers wicked, category-leading blacks and contrast without using a dynamic iris, and it's missing nary an important feature. Like so many PJs we see the colors could be more accurate here, but the rest is a love story. It's incredibly sharp and detailed, and has that three-chip dimensionality in spades. Not only does it do deep blacks, it also has excellent light output for a punchy dynamic image. This is high-end performance at an upper midrange price! |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 three-chip D-ILA
Two HDMI inputs
One component input
Horizontal and vertical lens shift
Accepts 1080p/24 signals and displays them at 96hz
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JVC DLA-HD100
$8,000
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Why We Like It:
The DLA-HD100 offers some of the best blacks and detail you can find in a front projector – all without an auto-iris. Even some of the alignment and sharpness shortcomings of three-chip designs are not apparent. Add to it some incredible processing and a sleek, black casing and you’ve got a highly recommended projector. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 three-chip D-ILA
Two HDMI inputs
One component input
Horizontal and vertical lens shift
Motorized zoom and focus
Accepts 1080p/24 signals and displays them at 96 Hz
Accepts 1080p/60 signals and displays them at 120 Hz
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Marantz VP-15S1
$9,000
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Why We Like It:
The Marantz is top-notch in many regards. It has outstanding resolution, natural colors, incredible blacks and contrast, all the while being amazingly easy to use. Though it’s less than half the price of its big brother – the VP-11S1 – it still sits a thousand dollars or more above its competition. Even so, the VP-15S1 has our hearts and deserves a strong look from anyone in the market for a superior projector. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 single-chip DLP
Two HDMI 1.3 inputs
Two component inputs
Vertical lens shift
Accepts 1080p/24 signals and displays them at 48 Hz
Accepts 1080p/60 signals and displays them at 60 Hz
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Panasonic PT-AE2000U
$3,500
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Why We Like It:
It might be only $3,500, but the PT-AE2000U is in no way a “budget” projector. The black level performance is good with the dynamic iris while giving natural color and crisp detail. It’s a great step up for Panasonic from the PT-AE1000U released last year and at almost half the price. If you want to enter into the front projection world without a second mortgage, this might be for you. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 LCD
Three HDMI inputs
Two component inputs
Horizontal and vertical lens shift
Motorized zoom and focus
Accepts 1080p/24 signals and displays them at 96 Hz
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Sharp XV-Z20000
$7,000
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Why We Like It:
Sharp has always made its bones by offering high-end performance at mid-line prices. So it is with the Z20000. This projector offers black sand contrast that are among the best of the best, and sharp, defined image that the less expensive projectors just can't quite match. In addition, the multiplicity of iris and lamps settings lets it adapt to a wide variety of screen sizes and viewing environments. There's an explosion of lower-priced 1080p projectors that perform very well, but this Sharp has a lot to offer for the extra ducats. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 single-chip DLP
Two HDMI inputs
Two component inputs
One RGB/PC on 15-pin D-Sub
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Sony VPL-VW60 "Black Pearl"
$5,000
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Why We Like It:
Sony's VPL-VW50 started an avalanche of price drops in 1080p front projection. But what has Sony done for us lately? It has followed up with the VPL-VW60, the so-called Black Pearl. This projector maintains its predecessor's $5K price, and incrementally improves on all aspects of its performance. Still the standard by which many projectors priced above and below will be judged. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 three-chip SXRD
Two HDMI inputs
One component input
Dynamic iris for deep blacks
Vertical lens shift
Accepts 1080p/24 signals and displays them at 96hz
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Sony VPL-VW200
$15,000
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Why We Like It:
There is so much about the VPL-VW200 that is exceptional. It has accurate flesh tones, vivid color, and incredible detail. While its blacks are not uniform over the whole screen – getting a gray tinge towards the edges – it’s hardly noticeable and delivers some deeply textured blacks. Also hardly noticeable is any noise coming from the Sony. This is by far one of the quietest projectors we’ve seen. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920x1,080 three-chip SXRD
Two HDMI inputs
One component inputs
400-Watt Xenon lamp
Accepts 1080p/24 and displays them at 96 Hz
Accepts 1080p/60 and displays them at 120 Hz
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Buyer's Guide: Front Projectors
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