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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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| What to Buy: Front Projector Midrange Picks |
Mitsubishi HC7000 LCD Projector
$3,995
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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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Sony VPL-VW60 SXRD Projector
$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 $5,000 price and incrementally improves on all aspects of its performance. Still, the standard by which many projectors priced above and below this one will be judged. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Vertical lens shift
Dynamic iris
1080p/24 at 96 Hz
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| What to Buy: Front Projector High End Picks |
JVC DLA-HD100 D-ILA Projector
$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 some incredible processing and a sleek, black casing, and you've got a highly recommended projector. |
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Specs/Features:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI inputs (2)
Component video input (1)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
Motorized zoom/focus
1080p/24 at 96 Hz
1080p/60 at 120 Hz
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Sharp XV-Z20000 DLP Projector
$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 XV-Z20000. This projector offers blacks and contrast that are among the best of the best and a sharp, defined image that the less expensive projectors just can't match. 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:
1,920 by 1,080 resolution
HDMI inputs (2)
Component video inputs (2)
Horizontal/vertical lens shift
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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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Marantz VP-15S1 DLP Projector
$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. 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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