Projectors: Reviews

This Optoma 720p DLP projector is the best option if price matters more to you than performance and you plan to watch mainly standard-definition DVDs and television. Black levels are not as rich as those of more expensive… projectors, but are still fine for non-picky viewers. Color accuracy is very good, and brightness is excellent. The lack of lens shift and a small zoom can make installation tricky and a slow color wheel makes DLP rainbows a little more common for those few who are susceptible to that effect. Spending more gets you better installation flexibility and more cinematic images.

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This Panasonic projector is said to deliver black levels that are good not just for LCD, but for any projector technology. With 720p resolution, the Panasonic is ideal for standard-definition DVDs, but not as rich as a… display for high-def movies or television. Light output is excellent. Panasonic's Smooth Screen technology eliminates any sign of screen-door effect (a common LCD complaint). Despite the lower resolution, performance is still very good with 1080p HDTV. Easy installation is another plus. However, some reviews report that the image is slightly softer than more expensive competitors.

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Critics say that the Panasonic PT-AE2000U strikes a great balance between performance and value. It delivers the highest 1080p resolution -- so it's a good choice for high-def movies and TV. Its picture quality is noted… for excellent black levels, brightness, color saturation, shadow detail and sharpness. Colors are good right out of the box. A long zoom range and lots of lens shift means that installation is flexible.

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This Sony LCoS projector is widely hailed for its top shelf image quality, helped by what are considered to be the best blacks of any projector in its price class -- making a great pick for a home screening room. Black… levels are further enhanced by a dynamic iris that responds to what's on the screen to get them inkier still. Image processing with both high definition and standard definition is excellent. Brightness is a shortcoming, so this projector is happiest in a very dark room or with a moderately small screen. Fan noise is practically non-existent.

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Although expensive, critics say the JVC projector delivers the very best picture quality -- perfect for a custom home-theater or screening room. Black levels and shadow details are unsurpassed by any projector near its… price. Color performance is also top shelf, and there are lots of user controls. Some other projectors are slightly sharper, but the modest softness contributes to the projector's film-like picture quality.

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