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 Buyer's Guide: Front Projectors
| What to Buy: Front Projectors Entry Level Picks |
Optoma HD80 DLP Projector
$2,699
(Replaced with HD8000-LV, $3,199)
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Why We Like It:
At $2,699, the HD80 is one of the least expensive 1080p projectors on the market. Despite its lower price point, the HD80 is stylish, with an attractively curvaceous, pearlescent white cabinet and shiny silver lens. While it can be somewhat noisy through the component video inputs, the HD80's HDMI image is very clean. When paired with a good 1080i or 1080p player, its pleasing color, solid blacks, and great detail make for an enjoyable big-screen movie experience. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
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Sanyo PLV-Z3000 LCD Projector
$2,795
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Why We Like It:
Despite a color gamut that should be more accurate and a color management system unable to correct for this, 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. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video inputs (2)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
Dynamic iris
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Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 6500 UB LCD Projector
$2,999
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Why We Like It:
The Epson's performance is truly remarkable for the price. It's not as bright as the more expensive JVC projectors, which, together with their somewhat better blacks, have a bit more life and pop. But this isn't a night-and-day difference. No projector we've yet tested - and few displays of any other type - can exceed the Epson's color quality and accuracy. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Manual horizontal/vertical lens shift
Dynamic iris
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| What to Buy: Front Projector Midrange Picks |
Mitsubishi HC7000 LCD Projector
$3,495
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Why We Like It:
Mitsubishi really impressed us with the HC7000. Its design delivered a razor-sharp image with exceptional video processing capabilities. The ultra-quiet design and great creature features make it one to add to your short list in this price range. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Powered horizontal/vertical lens shift
Dynamic iris
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Panasonic PT-AE3000U LCD Projector
$3,499
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Why We Like It:
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 HC7000, 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. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (3)
Component video inputs (2)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
Dynamic iris
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Sony BRAVIA VPL-HW10 SXRD Projector
$3,500
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Why We Like It:
Sony delivers an amazing image for an incredibly low price with the VPL-HW10. Its contrast performance is excellent, and the SXRD panels deliver a very nice, film-like image. While the VPL-HW10 doesn't have quite the list of features that other projectors bring to the table, it delivers where it really counts: in image quality. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video inputs (1)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
Dynamic iris
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JVC DLA-HD350 D-ILA Projector
$4,500
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Why We Like It:
We're not surprised that the JVC is a value champ. Out of the gate, it was priced at $5,500, but at its current price of $4,500, it's a knockout. Things are getting very interesting in the projector market, and JVC is in the thick of it. Highly recommended. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Vertical lens shift
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| What to Buy: Front Projector High End Picks |
JVC DLA-HD750 D-ILA Projector
$7,500
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Why We Like It:
The JVC DLA-HD750 is equipped like a flagship ought to be. The little touches add up to a significantly refined experience in every way. You'll be digging through your catalog of new and old favorites to watch on this rig, enjoying movies more for being able to watch them on the DLA-HD750. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
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Planar PD8150 DLP Projector
$8,000
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Why We Like It:
The PD8150 is one of the best front projectors we've had the chance to use in our theater. It has one of the best contrast ratios of any DLP we've used to date and has image accuracy that you rarely see in the front-projector market. This is also one of the only DLP projectors that lets you have both high light output and dark blacks for high contrast. This is a mix we rarely ever see from this segment of the market. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI inputs (2)
Component video inputs (2)
Manual horizontal/vertical lens shift
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Sony BRAVIA VPL-VW85 SXRD Projector
$8,000
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Why We Like It:
No video display is perfect. The important point is that Sony has continued to refine its SXRD projectors while holding the line on the price. The result is a great projector that, while not inexpensive, should be on your shopping list even if you're willing and able to pay much, much more. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video inputs (1)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
Dynamic Iris
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Sony BRAVIA VPL-VW70 SXRD Projector
$8,000
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Why We Like It:
While it has some significant competition, the Sony more than holds its own. With its gorgeous color, superb blacks, and excellent resolution, there's no question that it deserves a Top Pick recommendation - and your serious consideration if it fits your budget. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI 1.3 inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
Dynamic iris
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Marantz VP-15S1 DLP Projector
$9,000
(Available through the end of 2009)
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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. Plus, it's amazingly easy to use. Although it's less than half the price of its big brother - the VP-11S1 - it still sits $1,000 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:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI inputs (2)
Component video inputs (2)
Vertical lens shift
1080p/24 at 96 Hz
1080p/60 at 120 Hz
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| What To Buy: Tips For Choosing |
| There are a variety of front projector technologies and installation can be complicated. Which products are right for you and your room? HT's Editors help find the perfect projector and screen for you.
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| How to Buy: Shopping Tips & Strategies |
| Even if you know which features are the best fit for you, the salesroom floor can be unforgiving terrain. We'll help you become a smart shopper.
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| How to Use: Connections & Calibration |
| Now that you've got that shiny new front projector, how do you hook it up and get all the performance you've paid for? Want to know how to dial in your new HDTV for the best picture? Start Here.
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