Panasonic PT-AX200U Digital Projector

While more expensive 1080p projectors provide a sharper image, critics say that the 720p Panasonic PT-AX200U is one of the best home theater projectors in its class, and the 720p resolution is ideal for standard DVDs. Black levels are great for its price category and colors are good (though settings may need tweaking). Panasonic's Smooth Screen technology essentially eliminates the screen door effect -- a common issue with older LCD-based projectors. Another big plus is that the long zoom range (2x) and LCD technology make it easy to set up the Panasonic PT-AX200U in almost any viewing room. For a little less money, the Optoma HD65 (*Est. $880) delivers a picture that's nearly as good, but its DLP technology makes it a bit harder to install and sometimes causes rainbows.

ProjectorCentral.com and ProjectorReviews.com are the best review sources for home theater projectors, and both sites have weighed in on the Panasonic PT-AX200U. Audioholics.com's review is also excellent, but this site looks at far fewer projectors overall. About.com's coverage doesn't delve deep, but Robert Silva does a good job of discussing the Panasonic PT-AX200U from a sophisticated user's point of view.