Optoma HD20

The Optoma HD20 is among the least expensive 1080p projectors available, and reviews thus far say it is the most capable of a small group of similarly priced projectors, such as the Vivitek H1080FD (*Est. $1,000). Picture quality is good, with terrific colors right out of the box. Brightness is high enough that the Optoma HD20 will work in most viewing settings, including living rooms and family rooms. Black levels are good, but are bested by higher-end -- and more expensive -- projectors. Finding a good spot in your viewing room can be a challenge, however, because of the limited zoom range and lack of any lens shift adjustment. Additionally, this is a DLP projector, and those few people who can see that technology's rainbow-effect artifact will likely be happier with another choice. Best blacks and contrast levels are achieved using the projector's auto-iris feature, but reviewers say the way that works is so distracting that most recommend skipping it. If you have a bigger budget, the Epson Home Cinema 8100 (*Est. $1,600) delivers great colors, deeper blacks, and is easier to place in a room. That projector uses LCD technology, so it's a better fit for rainbow-effect sufferers.

Despite being relatively new, the Optoma HD20 has already been extensively reviewed. The best reports can be found at ProjectorCentral.com and ProjectorReviews.com, two enthusiast sites that do a great job of testing and evaluating projectors. PCMag.com and Britain's TrustedReviews.com also weigh in with competent and testing-based reports. A small handful of user reviews can be read at Amazon.com.