How Do New $999 DLP Home Projectors Compare to $2000+ LCD Projectors?
At Projector People, we hear this question daily. Both from buyers who have previously invested in a sub-$3000 unit, and from those who have never purchased a 1080p projector before. 

Our current best sellers - the Epson Home Cinema 6500 UB, Panasonic PT-AE3000U, and the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 - all come with advanced features the new $999 projectors don’t have (lens shift and zoom lensing to name two). There are also some serious spec advantages like significantly higher contrast ratio and 120hz frame rates in particular. So, here is a quick look at what we currently have to go on for our head-to-head comparison based on the published manufacturer specifications.

 

Epson Home Cinema 6500 UB

 

See a Video Comparison
Though we typically don’t do head-to-head comparisons for various reasons, the questions prompted us to do a quick video comparing two popular projectors. In our comparison we used one of the higher priced ($2599) and best selling home theater projectors, the other the first of our 1080p $999 projectors we had in stock for a comparison.  Our video is here on our blog and includes more information and some visuals to help illustrate some of the differences between the models.

 

So Which Is Better?
As you might expect, there are some distinct feature advantages to the $2000+ projectors.  There are also visible differences in image quality between the two, including 120hz*. But, new $999 units are still very good quality, and some of the best we have seen at this price point – and the first of their kind in 1080p True HD resolution. Think of the new $999 as a new breed of product that will open the door to allow many more users to get big screen HD at around half the price of higher end home HD projectors.
But which is better? For features and functionality, most would prefer $2000+ units – particlarly during installation. For a low-priced entry into 1080p, most users should be very satisfied with the image preformance of the new $999 projectors.

 

Vivitek H1080FD

 

When Will the New $999 Projectors Be Available?

The Optoma HD20 we used to compare in our video was the first to reach the shelves. But options from BenQ and Vivitek will not be far behind. These dates may change, but here’s the latest on when we expect to receive our first/next shipment* of three new sub-$1000 1080ps at ProjectorPeople.com.

• Vivitek H1080FD - Early September 2009
• BenQ W1000 - Mid-Late September 2009
• Optoma HD20 – Next shipment late September 2009

 

*Quick Note About 120hz: About the 120hz. It should be noted that some viewers are not fans of 120hz because it creates an ‘artificial’ looking image. I recall watching “Pirates of the Caribean” on a 120hz flat panel TV and thinking that it looked particularly ‘stage like’ – like a very good taping of a PBS Great Performances rather than a motion picture. There is value to the purists desire to keep the image looking more ‘filmlike,’ but it does appear that this more super-real image is the direction video will be taking. Epson, for example, went to some expense to improve the performance of the 120hz in their 6500 UB unit to satisfy customer issues. But, for now, those who prefer a more traditional image can turn off 120hz on their home theater projector.

What’s New in LCD Home Theater Projection?
The new $999 projectors have created a lot of buzz in the home theater world, but what of the reigning kings of home theater, LCD? The majority of the current best selling projectors all utilize LCD technology, and are currently priced a few hundred dollars higher than the new $999 DLP models. So will LCD manufacturers match this price point? Or have they thrown in the towel on entry level low-priced projectors while they focus on their high end units? It’s not clear just yet, but as the dust from CEDIA settles, we have a few more answers. Here’s what we DO know about LCD home theater this Fall:

• Epson releasing two new projectors (Home Cinema 8100 and Home Cinema 8500 UB) to replace the Home Cinema 6100 and Home Cinema 6500 UB respectively.
• The new Epson Home Cinema 8500 UB specifies a 200,000:1 contrast (highest in category)
• Expect price drops or aggressive rebates on the Epson 6500 UB and 6100 as the new models arrive
• Epson Home Cinema 8100 specifies a 50,000:1 contrast (up from 10,000:1 in the 6100) and a MSRP of $1599.
• Panasonic has released a PT-AE4000 in Europe, but has not announced intentions to release it in the U.S. (as of the time this article was written)

 

While the 200,000:1 contrast is an exciting prospect, there are still some unanswered questions.

Here’s what we don’t know:

• What will the price point be on the new Epson Home Cinema 8500 UB units?
• Will Panasonic release the new PT-AE4000 in the U.S.? Or will it be an exclusively European product?
• Will Sanyo announce a successor to their PLV-Z3000, or other home theater units?

 

Other Home Theater Projection Notes
Also of note, the new Mistubishi HC3800 DLP home theater projector has been very well reviewed by the folks at Projector Central and Projector Reviews alike. The MSRP on that unit is around $1499, and it is reported to offer some fantastic images.

 

More Projector News
You can expect more reviews from us here at ProjectorPeople.com on new home theater products as the new models come into stock. Stay current by subscribing to our blog, or our YouTube videos.

Blog Link: http://articles.projectorpeople.com
YouTube Videos:  http://www.youtube.com/projectorpeople