Steve
Personal likings?? and why??
Answer
There are three basic technologies: DLP, LVD and LCOS. The latter (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) is a variation on LCD.
When deciding on a projector (prior to much choice in true HD projectors) I spent a great deal of time reading and came to the conclusion there is no best technology or projector.
Projectors I had a chance to review all looked OK, but generally LCD ones (Sanyo Z4, Hitachi HDPJ52 and Panasonic AE700 and AE900) gave the least compelling picture. The best picture was on a much more expensive Yamaha DLP projector ... and I concluded it was because of better blacks giving a richness to the picture.
However, I eventually chose LCOS (Canon SX60) for a number of reasons important to me (but maybe not others):
- I wanted flexibility to use in a light controlled room or with some light present -- therefore 2000+ Lumens (SX60=2500)
- I wanted it to be portable (SX60 is under 10 lbs)
- Throw range and Offset allowed back wall mounting
- Hiqh quality optics
- LCOS has highest fill factor (93% of visual field is picture ... only 7% is taken up by border around each pixel) leads to essentially no "screen door effect" so the viewer can sit closer without seeing the fine lines that make up the interpixel spaces.
- No rotating colour wheel, so no chance of "rainbow effect" possible with DLP projectors.
- 4:3 screen ratio (which to me is preferable because I see wide screen material full screen and 4:3 material (like IMAX movies) the same width and taller, rather than compressed to within a 16:9 picture).
- higher resolution than competition's 1280x720 (i.e. 1400 x 1050).
- Quiet
- Reputed long lamp life
- adequate contrast ratio of 2000:1.
Was it the right choice? My wife and I love it. Colour is great, ergonomics are what I wanted, and the picture -- overall -- is an 8/10 (relative to what is possible ... but we can't justify the $$). However, I am currently projecting on a custom painted wall (I did for $30 following suggestions from the DIY screen forum at AVS Forum) and a high contrat screen (which we will probably eventually get) would probably improve this to 8.5 or 9.
That all said, the new Panasonic AX100 (successor to the AE900) is reputed to be far superior to it's highly recommended predecessor (see review at link below) ... and is the latest offering from one of the most respected LCD projector manufacturers. Sanyo are the other obvious choice and are about to release their 5th generation LCD projector.
There are three basic technologies: DLP, LVD and LCOS. The latter (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) is a variation on LCD.
When deciding on a projector (prior to much choice in true HD projectors) I spent a great deal of time reading and came to the conclusion there is no best technology or projector.
Projectors I had a chance to review all looked OK, but generally LCD ones (Sanyo Z4, Hitachi HDPJ52 and Panasonic AE700 and AE900) gave the least compelling picture. The best picture was on a much more expensive Yamaha DLP projector ... and I concluded it was because of better blacks giving a richness to the picture.
However, I eventually chose LCOS (Canon SX60) for a number of reasons important to me (but maybe not others):
- I wanted flexibility to use in a light controlled room or with some light present -- therefore 2000+ Lumens (SX60=2500)
- I wanted it to be portable (SX60 is under 10 lbs)
- Throw range and Offset allowed back wall mounting
- Hiqh quality optics
- LCOS has highest fill factor (93% of visual field is picture ... only 7% is taken up by border around each pixel) leads to essentially no "screen door effect" so the viewer can sit closer without seeing the fine lines that make up the interpixel spaces.
- No rotating colour wheel, so no chance of "rainbow effect" possible with DLP projectors.
- 4:3 screen ratio (which to me is preferable because I see wide screen material full screen and 4:3 material (like IMAX movies) the same width and taller, rather than compressed to within a 16:9 picture).
- higher resolution than competition's 1280x720 (i.e. 1400 x 1050).
- Quiet
- Reputed long lamp life
- adequate contrast ratio of 2000:1.
Was it the right choice? My wife and I love it. Colour is great, ergonomics are what I wanted, and the picture -- overall -- is an 8/10 (relative to what is possible ... but we can't justify the $$). However, I am currently projecting on a custom painted wall (I did for $30 following suggestions from the DIY screen forum at AVS Forum) and a high contrat screen (which we will probably eventually get) would probably improve this to 8.5 or 9.
That all said, the new Panasonic AX100 (successor to the AE900) is reputed to be far superior to it's highly recommended predecessor (see review at link below) ... and is the latest offering from one of the most respected LCD projector manufacturers. Sanyo are the other obvious choice and are about to release their 5th generation LCD projector.
What is the cheapest 1080p projector available?
hockeyman5
A name brand one and where the cheapest place to buy it is.
Answer
The following are two of the least expensive 1080p home theater projectors of which I am currently aware:
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 Projector (3LCD) -- MSRP US$1,999
(Tentatively scheduled for November 2008 release)
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/powerlite-home-cinema-6100/specifications-id1788.php
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_Home_Cinema_6100.htm
Sanyo PLV-Z700 (3LCD) -- MSRP US$1,999
http://us.sanyo.com/business/projectors/home_theater/index.cfm?productID=1619
If youâre willing to spend a little more money (typically US$2500 to US$3500) you will have a much greater selection of quality 1080p home theater projectors from which to choose. Read through the reviews (and articles) on the Projector Reviews and Projector Central Websites, they will be helpful when it comes to assembling your short-list of projectors (and projection screens) that meets your needs and budget. I also highly recommend using the popular discussion forums (listed below) to complement the information you obtain from the review Websites. This should help you to further narrow your selection of prospective video projectors.
Thereâs a never-ending supply of excellent values to be had and a lot to consider so I encourage you to spend a little extra time thoroughly researching your purchase followed by thorough in-store evaluations, youâll be glad you took the time. By the way, for what itâs worth I am not a fan of dynamic iris technology, which is used to artificially enhance contrast and black level performance. I recommend purchasing video projectors that perform sufficiently well without it or with the dynamic iris featured disabled when possible.
When it comes to finding a retailer, if you value your warranty (or at least want to avoid any warranty-related hassles,) you should choose an authorized retailer from the projector manufacturerâs official list of authorized retailers. If youâre interested in a particular retailer that is not currently on the manufacturerâs official list you should contact the manufacturer in writing (e-mail or âsnail mailâ) and ask them if the retailer is authorized or not.
For what itâs worth Consumer Reports published the results of their consumer survey rating several popular online and walk-in consumer electronics retailers in their November 2007 issue. Listed in the order of overall quality the top five online retailers are:
     1. http://www.crutchfield.com
     2. http://www.amazon.com
     3. http://www.costco.com
     4. http://www.jr.com
     5. http://www.buydig.com
A couple of other popular online consumer electronics retailers that come to mind are Newegg and Vanns.
To help you weed-out potentially substandard retailers try using a resource such ResellerRatings; itâs not fool-proof but you may find it helpful.
################## RESOURCES ##################
Projector Reviews
http://www.projectorreviews.com
Projector Central
http://www.projectorcentral.com
ResellerRatings
http://www.resellerratings.com/reseller_list.pl?browse=2&sort=1
http://www.resellerratings.com/openletter.pl
############ A/V MEDIA AND PRESS ############
UltimateAV
http://www.ultimateavmag.com
http://www.guidetohometheater.com
Sound and Vision Magazine
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com
CNET Reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com
Home Theater Magazine
http://www.hometheatermag.com
AVguide - The Perfect Vision (superseded by Playback)
http://www.avguide.com
Playback
http://www.playbackmag.net
Widescreen Review
http://www.widescreenreview.com
HDTVexpert
http://www.hdtvexpert.com
HDTV Magazine
http://www.hdtvmagazine.com
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com
SoundStage! A/V
http://www.soundstageav.com
Audio Ideas Guide
http://www.audio-ideas.com
############ DISCUSSION FORUMS ############
AV Science (AVS) Forum
http://www.avsforum.com
Home Theater Forum
http://www.hometheaterforum.com
AVForums (UK)
http://www.avforums.com
High Def Forum
http://www.highdefforum.com
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity Forum
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/forum/
DTV Forum Australia
http://www.dtvforum.info
Home Theater Shack Forums
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/
Â
The following are two of the least expensive 1080p home theater projectors of which I am currently aware:
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 6100 Projector (3LCD) -- MSRP US$1,999
(Tentatively scheduled for November 2008 release)
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/powerlite-home-cinema-6100/specifications-id1788.php
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_Home_Cinema_6100.htm
Sanyo PLV-Z700 (3LCD) -- MSRP US$1,999
http://us.sanyo.com/business/projectors/home_theater/index.cfm?productID=1619
If youâre willing to spend a little more money (typically US$2500 to US$3500) you will have a much greater selection of quality 1080p home theater projectors from which to choose. Read through the reviews (and articles) on the Projector Reviews and Projector Central Websites, they will be helpful when it comes to assembling your short-list of projectors (and projection screens) that meets your needs and budget. I also highly recommend using the popular discussion forums (listed below) to complement the information you obtain from the review Websites. This should help you to further narrow your selection of prospective video projectors.
Thereâs a never-ending supply of excellent values to be had and a lot to consider so I encourage you to spend a little extra time thoroughly researching your purchase followed by thorough in-store evaluations, youâll be glad you took the time. By the way, for what itâs worth I am not a fan of dynamic iris technology, which is used to artificially enhance contrast and black level performance. I recommend purchasing video projectors that perform sufficiently well without it or with the dynamic iris featured disabled when possible.
When it comes to finding a retailer, if you value your warranty (or at least want to avoid any warranty-related hassles,) you should choose an authorized retailer from the projector manufacturerâs official list of authorized retailers. If youâre interested in a particular retailer that is not currently on the manufacturerâs official list you should contact the manufacturer in writing (e-mail or âsnail mailâ) and ask them if the retailer is authorized or not.
For what itâs worth Consumer Reports published the results of their consumer survey rating several popular online and walk-in consumer electronics retailers in their November 2007 issue. Listed in the order of overall quality the top five online retailers are:
     1. http://www.crutchfield.com
     2. http://www.amazon.com
     3. http://www.costco.com
     4. http://www.jr.com
     5. http://www.buydig.com
A couple of other popular online consumer electronics retailers that come to mind are Newegg and Vanns.
To help you weed-out potentially substandard retailers try using a resource such ResellerRatings; itâs not fool-proof but you may find it helpful.
################## RESOURCES ##################
Projector Reviews
http://www.projectorreviews.com
Projector Central
http://www.projectorcentral.com
ResellerRatings
http://www.resellerratings.com/reseller_list.pl?browse=2&sort=1
http://www.resellerratings.com/openletter.pl
############ A/V MEDIA AND PRESS ############
UltimateAV
http://www.ultimateavmag.com
http://www.guidetohometheater.com
Sound and Vision Magazine
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com
CNET Reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com
Home Theater Magazine
http://www.hometheatermag.com
AVguide - The Perfect Vision (superseded by Playback)
http://www.avguide.com
Playback
http://www.playbackmag.net
Widescreen Review
http://www.widescreenreview.com
HDTVexpert
http://www.hdtvexpert.com
HDTV Magazine
http://www.hdtvmagazine.com
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com
SoundStage! A/V
http://www.soundstageav.com
Audio Ideas Guide
http://www.audio-ideas.com
############ DISCUSSION FORUMS ############
AV Science (AVS) Forum
http://www.avsforum.com
Home Theater Forum
http://www.hometheaterforum.com
AVForums (UK)
http://www.avforums.com
High Def Forum
http://www.highdefforum.com
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity Forum
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/forum/
DTV Forum Australia
http://www.dtvforum.info
Home Theater Shack Forums
http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/
Â
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Title Post: Whats is the best brand of LCD projectors?
Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thank FOr Coming TO My Blog
Rating: 100% based on 99998 ratings. 5 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thank FOr Coming TO My Blog
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