Projectors have always been right there in the middle between value and practicality. For one, it allows easy movie watching for crowds larger than 4-5. Toss up a screen and you're immediately set to watch a movie on screens 62-inches and up. On the other hand, it's almost impossible to recommend them for day-to-day watching, especially if your house has lots of natural light during the daytime. Still, we love them as they really bring the "movie-watching experience" right into your living room, and while they look expensive, the screen size to value ratio is pretty much the best there is out there. What are you waiting for? Click through for the roundup!
Roundup: Our Picks for Best High Definition Projectors of 2008
Samsung SP-A800B: While it looks more like an alien spacecraft than a projector, it's received one of the highest marks from Cnet and other review sites and continues to be our pick for best projector in its class ($4500).
Sony VPL-VW60: Like Sony's Bravia brand, it kicks major butt in everything from contrast radio, blacks, and features ($3500).
Panasonic PT-AE2000U: An excellent package with tons of value - you get great levels of black, tons of options, and a slew of connectivity to turn your living room into a high-definition sanctuary. ($2010).
That's all for this year folks. Come back later and we should have more roundups for this year's hottest tech items!
[images from Cnet]
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I really really really needed this post! Thanks!!!!!
view jenniejenjen's profile
Wow, how about some under $1000 for us real people. Thanks!
view Bx's profile
For under $1000, you step into the 720p market like the Panasonic AX200 and Sanyo PLV-Z60. Both are great .
If you are okay with used; cruise Craigslist. Once you find some model numbers, if it's a quality projector it's likely been reviewed in the past on projectorcentral.com. Their historical reviews are a treasure trove of data if you're looking at the used market.
The older Panasonic LCD projectors (PT-500, PT-700, PT-900) would all be well under $800 and could offer a great bargain. Older Sanyo Z projectors, and mid-range InFocus are also often great finds.
Make sure you see it running on a source that you're likely to have (VGA, Component Video, or HDMI) so you can verify how it looks.
Keep $2-300 or so set aside to buy a replacement bulb; which a used projector is far more likely to need soon.
Finally, buyer beware! If anything at all from the product to the people don't feel right...walk away from the deal.
Oh, and under new 1080p projectors I would put the Epson Home Cinema 1080UB. It's spectacular. But more than double $1000.
view RJHD3's profile