Toshiba TLP MT7 LCD HDTV Home Theater Projector
March 4, 2009 by admin
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Toshiba TLP MT7 LCD HDTV Home Theater Projector
For the heart of your home cinema it’s sheer power and punch that count. Whether you’ve chosen the latest all-action blockbuster or a movie classic, brightness and resolution are everything. You’ll be amazed at the 1000 lumen impact that Toshiba’s TLP-MT7 packs into its small, pearl-white box. It’s a combination of performance and portability that means you can even take your projector along for a screening to a sizeable audience. The versatility doesn’t end there, since the TLP-MT7 also brings games to life like never before and it can be simply connected to your computer for stunning presentations. Experience the big screen for yourself and you’ll be spoiled for anything less.
Panasonic PT AE3000U HD Home Cinema 1080p LCD Multimedia Projector
March 3, 2009 by admin
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Panasonic PT AE3000U HD Home Cinema 1080p LCD Multimedia Projector
While many LCD projectors suffer from a “chicken wire” effect, Panasonic’s pursuit of the highest possible image quality has successfully overcome this device limitation through the incorporation of Smooth Screen technology, which uses the double refraction property of crystals to arrange pixels on a screen with no gaps between them. Smooth Screen technology is designed specifically to match the characteristics of the PT-AE3000’s optical system, giving you the kind of smooth, vivid, and three-dimensional-like images you see in a movie theater. The PT-AE3000’s new full-HD LCD panels have a double-speed drive capability that improves the projection clarity of moving images. These high-precision panels use vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules with inorganic alignment layers. When no voltage is applied, the molecules are aligned perpendicular to the glass substrate, so there is no light leakage and the substrate remains black (called “normally black” operation), providing higher contrast. The fifth generation intelligent iris system works by analyzing histograms to determine the brightness level of each image, then adjusting the lamp power, iris and gamma curve* accordingly to create the ideal image. The adjustments are made virtually frame by frame. This helps the projector achieve a wide dynamic range with swift smoothness for added beauty in both dark and bright scenes. Brightness – 1,600 ANSI lumens Dynamic contrast ratio – 60,000 – 1 Powered zoom (2x) / Powered focus, F 1.9 – 3.2, f 22.4 mm – 44.8 mm Power supply – 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz Power consumption – 240 W (Approx. 0.08 W (up to 220v) in standby mode with fan stopped) Panasonic 1 Year Parts and Labor Ltd Warranty
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Fantastic – but huge
This is a fantastic projector: 1080p, smooth, bright, quiet… but huge, like the size of a laptop bag. I got it to replace a Panasonic AE500-U that was 4 years old, the 3000 is about three times the size of that projector. If it’s to be ceiling mounted, that won’t be a big deal, but I had my 500 mounted in a hush box with plenty of space around it. The 3000 won’t even fit in the box! (The lens on the 3000 is much bigger than the lens on the 500, making photos misleading–see my comparison pic in the customer-added photos.) The lens shift feature is great but a little clunky (it doesn’t allow adjustment in fine increments). Likewise, the electric zoom and focus have a weird lag-then-leap way of moving that makes it difficult to adjust precisely.
However, once you get these annoyances out of the way, the 3000 provides an incredibly smooth, bright picture with very quiet fan noise and great picture adjustment functions.
Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080 Home Theater Projector
March 1, 2009 by admin
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Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080 Home Theater Projector
Engineered to deliver full 1080p resolution, the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 combines five revolutionary innovations in one remarkable performer. It begins with C?Fine 3LCD technology, the core of this powerful projector, designed to faithfully reproduce every color and scene.Next, there’s a proprietary lamp that provides consistent light from corner to corner, using the least amount of power, while 1080Perfect video processing offers full HD, 1080p performance with 10-bit color processing and HDMI 1.3 compatibility.AbsoluteBlack technology delivers a 12000:1 contrast ratio and ensures the richest, deepest blacks. And the innovative OptiCinema lens delivers amazing detail and breathtaking color for spectacular results. Together, these state-of-the-art technologies, all within a single projector, present a total solution that exceeds all expectations.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Very happy with my new purchase
I bought this projector after agonizing over the decision for a month and convincing the wife to let me pull the trigger. I was replacing a very old VGA quality Sharp projector that I really disliked using because the picture quality was so bad.
I got the new projector and opened it up right away when I got it. This new projector was much smaller than the old one and was pretty light so it was easy to mount up on the ceiling. Being in Denver a mile high up MSL one of the first things I had to do was put the projector in high altitude mode which brings up the only real negative I have with this projector. In high light mode the fan can be very loud. In low mode its tolerable and still produces plenty of light in my theater room.
The picture quality of this projector feeding it a High Def signal is amazing. Discovery Channel and National Geo HD channels are my new best friends and even watching the HD versions of network shows and sports events are eye opening experiences. Even normal def signals look pretty good although obviously fuzzier on a 90″ wide screen.
Light others I agree that the blacks could be blacker but really unless you are a big video person you probably won’t notice. The color settings out of the box and although I’ve played with it a bit I’m partially color blnd so I’d probably make it worse. :< )
Very happy with the purchase.
5 Stars Amazing projector, better than expected !!!!!
I developed a good opinion about this projector from reading the various reviews on the internet, but after I hooked it up and saw a Blu Ray movie on the big screen for the first time, I was blown away by the quality. The image size was larger than expected and playing Xbox 360 games was as lifelike as possible. I had an InFocus 4805 480p projector prior to getting this one, which was a very solid projector, but the Epson produces larger images from the same distance and does HD as well. The only possible disadvantage with this projector is that it lacks keystone correction, which makes the image as straight as possible if the unit is not level. I don’t think this is a major negative because the feet on the bottom of the unit are adjustable. This, along with the horizontal and vertical correction buttons make the image straight. They actually do a better job than the keystone correction on my 4805. I would strongly recommend this unit for anyone interested in a budget HD projector. For $[...], you can’t go wrong with the Epson 1080.
4 Stars Amazing projector for price but needs more contrast
I’ve done my fair of research and this is by far the best 1080p projector for the money. I’ve been using it with my blu-ray player and I highly recommend it. If you have any ambient light in the room and plan on watching it during the day get the “UB” version of this projector instead. It’s a little bit more pricey but completely worth it. Even with a grey screen it was hard to watch this projector in my family room during the day without blacking out all the windows.
5 Stars Great value!
Purchased to upgrade my existing home theater projector and am very happy with my choice. The picture is great for HDTV, DVD and Blu-Ray. Bottom line… EXCELLENT projector!
5 Stars worth every penny
This projector worth every penny for the picture quality you get. It is not well known by public, maybe that is why it is such a bargain.
Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 400
February 22, 2009 by admin
Filed under Electronics
Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 400
A versatile home theater projector, the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 400 ensures a true cinematic experience, with advanced video processing and maximum installation flexibility. Now you can view movies the way filmmakers intended you to see them, with incredible color and detail.In designing the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 400, Epson blended engineering ingenuity with the world of theater and art. Top-of-the-line technologies are hard at work in this projector, so you can enjoy the ultimate movie experience. Color settings are optimized for the ITU709 color standard, ensuring the most accurate HD quality available. And, with six specialized color modes, you get optimum performance, whatever the setting or situation. In addition, innovative Epson 3LCD technology offers the best possible image quality, even in dark areas of the picture. With one LCD panel each for red, green and blue, it’s truly a better way to see.The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 400 delivers a premium home theater solution. With HDMI connectors, you’ll enjoy true HD digital viewing. And, with Epson cinema filters, sharpness and gamma adjustments and many other advanced features, you’re sure to see the home theater experience in a whole new light.It’s all possible with this high performance projector, the ideal fit for any home theater setting.The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 400 is the next best choice to the top-of-the-line Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 800. Designed for professional home theater and the AV enthusiast, the PowerLite Home Cinema 400 provides maximum placement flexibility and has many of the same features as the Pro Cinema 800. With advanced video processing, the PowerLite Cinema 400 is an ideal solution for those looking for a premium HD solution with some cost savings.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars My first Projector! now in HD!
This review is probably more a complementary one to my already published HD Universe list-mainia piece. OK lets walk down the path again of what i wanted to do:
1. i made my decision on the DVD Wars format
2. I bought a high end Pioneer 24fps Bluray player
3. I am not planning on a big surround system except for a yamaha single closure system (which i wil connect directly to pioneer optical output)
4. The final piece was the actual eye candy!
I was doing allot of digging around with LCD vs Plasma vs SXRD vs LCOS from JVC and honestly when my brother in law pointed me in this direction, it was like a big slap on the face!!! when i saw this Powerlite in action i was instantly blown away.
I was made aware that in fact for me the cinematic true experience was in the size of the screen in addition to the actual Pixels being projected! i very much dumped the idea of a traditional windscreen box to watch my movies and opted for this gorgeous projector.
It was especially sweet because the store that carried this had no idea of what HD means! it was in a stock pile marked down in price too. i had no choice but to run home and grab my apple tv (loaded with some HD material) and test this puppy with HDMI hookup.
The contents were amazing and since apple TV shoots maximum at 720p, it was a match made in heaven. I didn’t really cared for 1080p vs 720p anymore. All that mattered now was 103′ diagonal view of actual 1 megapixel movie being projected on my white wall! Best part is all that eye candy from a Bluray 24fps player with digital optical for audio.
guys all i can say this piece is the ultimate in any HD mega setup.
5 Stars Epson Powerlight Projector
Great Product. It’s hi-def picture is incredible. It’s a little bulky, but its projected picture is wll worth it. It’s so bright, no screen is needed. Just a painted wall works fine. And it was delivered a week AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
Sony SXRD VPL VW40 1080p Home Theater Projector
February 20, 2009 by admin
Filed under Electronics
Sony SXRD VPL VW40 1080p Home Theater Projector
The VPLVW40 BRAVIA home cinema projector uses Sony’s BRAVIA Engine & trade full digital video processor for crisp and clear images. A digital contrast enhancer circuit improves contrast by enhancing all areas from dark to bright in parallel with texture control providing a three dimensional picture. Details in dark areas of the picture are there, just like they are supposed to be. Sony’s Advanced Iris function uses algorithms designed to analyze the histogram of each picture along with nonlinear amplification to dynamically adjust the iris for its optimum opening. The result is a stunningly high contrast ratio of up to 15,000:1. A Sony-designed fan efficiently removes heat at a barely noticeable noise spec of 22dB. Advanced Sony technologies ensure a clean picture, while the ultra quiet fan means noise won’t distract you from the beautiful projections. A specially designed crisp focus lens was developed to take full advantage of the full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution that the SXRD panel device offers. SXRD is a display technology developed by the legendary television engineers at Sony to meet and exceed the demands of a high definition image at its full 1080-line resolution. It is a 1920 x 1080p panel characterized by several key benefits, including full HD resolution, smooth film-like image with minimal screen door effects, high response times (2.5ms rise and fall), high contrast ratios, and accurate color rendition. PC video input, remote network connections (RS-232C), 12V trigger input Acceptable signals – 480/60i, 480/60p, 575/50i, 575/50p, 720/50p, 720/60p, 1080/50i, 1080/50p, 1080/60i, and 1080/60p Ultra high-pressure lamp (200W) for natural color 900 lumens brightness 3DY comb filter DRC palette presets (mode 1, mode 2) Color system – Auto, NTSC, PAL, and SECAM Wide mode – Wide zoom/normal/full/zoom Dimensions – Width 15.55 x Height 6.83 x Depth 18.56 Weight – 24.25 pounds
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars 1080p front projection finally at an affordable price
I picked up the Sony VPL-VW40 to replace an aging 720p VPL-HS51 that has worked pretty well for over 3 years. One warranty repair was needed on the HS51 for a problem with the blue filter about a year and a half in, and it’s now out of warranty and was also about due for another lamp replacement so it seemed like a good time to upgrade.
I was a little worried that the VW40 might not be bright enough since it reportedly has a little lower maximum light output than the Epson 1080UB (which I also looked at), but I shouldn’t have been worried since I only project an about 85″ image (small room). To me the VW40 actually looks slightly brighter than the HS51 if anything. The big difference, though, is in resolution and black level. The image is much sharper and more detailed, especially with a 1080p source. I think it even looks somewhat better on upconverted content. It’s also quieter and I can’t even hear the fan noise unless I listen carefully for it. One thing I struggled with a bit is the sheer size and weight of the VW40. It’s a significant increase in both size and weight from the HS51 and I had to modify my home built ceiling mount to ensure it could handle it. It’s over 24lbs while the HS51 was less than 13lbs.
My reasons for choosing this model over the 1080UB include a couple of main factors. First, I’ve become accustomed to Sony projectors and I liked the similar features/connections/menus/etc. Secondly, the Sony is an SXRD (LCOS) projector vs the 3-LCD Epson. It has a sealed light path, so the need for a frequently replaced fine particle air filter is largely eliminated as is the danger of getting “dust blobs” in the picture. I’ve also heard some reports of convergence problems on the Epson. Otherwise, the performance of the projectors is very similar, with the Epson having a slight edge in maximum light output as well as black level, however both are so much better than the previous generation that the difference between them seems minor.
So far I’m very pleased with the projector’s performance, however, since it only comes with a 1-year warranty and my HS51 needed a warranty repair after more than 1 year I went ahead and got the extended warranty on this one, and would probably recommend that others do the same. As such you may want to factor that in to the total cost when comparing this unit with other models that may come with longer standard warranties (I believe the Epson has 2 years). I think you can even add the warranty to a refurbished unit if you want to make up for some of the extra cost, and Sony sometimes has an extra 10% off coupon for refurbished products.
4 Stars I’m in Heaven
I just hooked up my Sony vpl-vw40 projector and I’m very happy with it. I must admit that I have little experience and don’t have an extensive comparison backround, but it is more that I had hoped for. Nice blacks, vibrant colors. Also a very simple remote with intuitive functions. I just had over 20 people over- we watched “Night at the Museum” on Blue ray with a superb full 1080 res and then “Crouching Tiger” on traditional DVD. Upscaling to 1080p was great. Not quite as good as the BlueRay but pretty dang good for making up info. Everyone was amazed at the clarity. I hooked it to a Denon AVR-2308CI Home theater A/V Receiver and Fluance(tm) 5 Speaker SXHTB+ Surround Sound Home Theater System SX-HTB+. The speakers just boggle me. So much for so little. Anyways- there’s not any reviews I can see so far on this new projector, so hopefully this will be of use.
Jim
5 Stars A+
Phenomenal. Compared to a 52XBR5, it bests it in just about everything minus that 120hz motionflow the xbr5 has. Great price, much quieter than my PS3 and/or my xbox 360, for it is just about inaudible. Colors do need some tweaking out of the box. I would recommend a calibration dvd. No screendoor effect allows me to sit 8 feet close to a 103″ screen. Great flexibility as well.
5 Stars VPL-VW40
Only one word…..AMAZING…..The picture quality, the blacks, the contrast….all excelent. Thanks to Sony for make another great product.
