Ask Engadget HD: A good & cheap 1080p projector?
"Can anyone recommend a decent 1080p projector that won't break the bank? Mainly for movies at night."
Not a whole lot to go one, with no particular desired technology or info on room size, but for someone trying to pick up a 1080p projector nowadays while spending something less than a million dollars, or perhaps something more resembling a couple grand at most, what's your pick?
Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
slarity @ Jun 10th 2009 12:21PM
Well there are quiet a few "cheap" ones now.
Epson Home Cinema 6100
Sanyo PLV-Z700
Sanyo PLV-Z3000
I'm sure Optoma, Infocus and Benq all have compareable models.
I personally have made the decision to spend a little more and go with the Panasonic AE-3000, the ability to watch 2.35:1 AND 16:9 in native just sounds too good to pass up. Plus its a solid performer anyways.
steve @ Jun 10th 2009 12:30PM
the Mitsubishi HC5500. Right now, it can be had for about $1300 after rebate which includes a spare 5000 hour lamp, which will give you 10,000 hours of viewing before you need to buy a lamp. Most projectors will only go 3,000 hours before needing a new lamp. I have the HC5500 and am very happy. Not quite as good as the Panasonic AE3000U, but better than last years model, the AE2000U.
NorthCranky @ Jun 10th 2009 3:00PM
+1
HC5500 is GREAT for the price. Without a side-by-side comparison you won't tell the difference between it and one that costs you 1k more.
PAUL @ Jun 10th 2009 4:06PM
Where did you find this deal? Got a link?
steedums @ Jun 10th 2009 4:09PM
I second the mitsu hc5500
steve @ Jun 10th 2009 4:33PM
6ave.com is having a name your own price special going on. I've heard that people have named a price of $1495 and that 6ave.com has accepted it. You may be able to go even lower. I believe the $300 rebate with free lamp is going on until the end of the month.
Best Value & Perfomance @ Jun 10th 2009 12:38PM
I recommend the Epson line of Home Theater Projectors.
Epson Home Cinema 6500UB 1080P
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-6500ub/index.php
Epson Home Cinema 6100 (An affordable 1080P Projector)
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/home-cinema-6100/index.php
Both these projectors are really bright and produce outstanding video. However if you want great black level performance I would go with the 6500UB. If value is the main reason for buying a projector I would go with the 6100, while it doesn't have the black level performance of the 6500UB it is a good performer and you will be pleased.
If you can find one, last years model the Epson 1080UB was last years product of the year and was highly rated and should be able to get a great deal.
http://www.projectorreviews.com/epson/powerlite-home-cinema-1080-ub/index.php
Good Luck and let us know what happens!
Lowrider @ Jun 10th 2009 12:54PM
Go for the Sony VPL-HW10, amazing price/quality ratio.
lakersin2025 @ Jun 10th 2009 2:10PM
Sweet! I already started looking on Amazon and eBay from the suggestions yesterday. Thanks for your input guys!
lakersin2025 @ Jun 10th 2009 2:16PM
My living room has huge walls up to 13ft on one side and 8ft on the other. I can paint or hang a screen on either wall. My house is a big open floor plan with no hallways, kind of like a big box. I am most concerned with black levels so I don't mind blackout curtains for day time use if need be.
badweasel @ Jun 10th 2009 2:13PM
I agree. It's not necessarily CHEAP at 4 grand but def amazing and reasonable (like lowrider said) from a price to quality ratio.
I did a review of it a while back but if you're in the market you should check it out...
http://www.tomorrowland.com/2008/12/26/sony-vpl-hw10-part2/
DudeGuyMan @ Jun 10th 2009 2:53PM
I absolutely love my BenQ W5000 and bought it for $1999 after $500 MIR.
zeeke @ Jun 10th 2009 6:37PM
I'd say go with the Mitsubishi HC5500, or is you can afford it have a look at the HC6500. Both look amazing, even with DVDs
Guy @ Jun 11th 2009 2:03PM
The Infocus X10 is just fine for me and can generally be found online at +/- $1200 with the simplest search. I did even better on eBay with persistence.
BarkingGhost @ Jun 13th 2009 7:40AM
Who exactly would 'aks' engadget anything? They are nothing more than a marketing conduit and clearly promote the lies within the manufactures. They conduct no serious evaluations, but I'd imagine that is because they do not have the skills to. This is NOT the forum to be seeking advice from in terms of the host. Its a marketing news site only.
Ruinzifra @ Jun 13th 2009 2:59PM
Wow, got a grudge do we? Engadget is a great site, with pretty good acticles and reporting on stuff I like to read about. Your post on the other hand, was more or less what I would expect from a five year old who just had their new toy taken from them by daddy Engadget.
Anywho, about the projectors... I dont have much experience with them, but it appears there are some people here who do. Are they any good for gaming systems? Example, PS3? I have read a little about color levels and brightness and I am wondering if a TV wouldn't just be all around better, or can these projectors look just as good, but larger?
David Weekly @ Jun 20th 2009 10:32PM
+1 on the Epson 6500UB. I did a bunch of research before buying and found that reviewers pretty universally loved this one. I set it up in my living room with only moderate light control and was worried about the image getting washed out -- and then I discovered the 'Dynamic' brightness setting. Holy Toledo, it is bright and crisp and beautiful even in the daytime! Currently $2600 ($3k with $400 rebate plus a free spare lamp [worth $400]).