Hi-Def projector group test

Hi–def projectors are the kings of home cinema gadgets. If you’ve got a dedicated room for watching the latest Blu–Rays, then you’ll need one. We’ve pitched five of the best HD projectors in the listings against each other to see which one is the best pick for you.

As well as crisp clear pictures, with deep blacks, pure whites and decent brightness influenced by the number of lumens, we’ll be looking for value for money, ease of use and getting it playing nice right out of the box. InFocus and Optoma are two of the top players on paper here, with Sanyo, Sony and Epson all providing stiff competition with their respective efforts.

Epson EMP–TW1000

Epson has made a good stab at taking on the bigger players in the HD projector market. But the fact is the TW1000 doesn’t quite live up to the might of its competitors on test here. It’s a worthy attempt, but being priced higher than the InFocus, it has to be said that you’d be better off going for a cheaper DLP model, in spite of the bulk.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Epson EMP-TW1000 product page >>

Optoma HD800X

While the picture is as good as you could possibly imagine, the Optoma HD800X lacks some of the basic functionality which makes other bargain machines far more worth splashing your hard–earned cash on. The fact you cannot tweak the lens may not seem a big deal, but it makes setting it up and finding a good position before throwing a picture a real pain. That said it is a far more stylish piece of kit than Epson and Sanyo models, so if you’re more keen on looks, then you could do a lot worse. And let’s face it, who isn’t a sucker for a pretty face?

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Go to the Optoma HD800X product page >>

Sanyo PLV–Z700

The PLV–Z700 gives both the InFocus X10 and Optoma HD800X a real run for their money. It’s very simple to set up, with menu control buttons slapped on top just in case you can’t find the remote during a lengthy movie session. Its excellent connectivity, with two HDMI ports and two component connections, means you can hook up a console, Blu–Ray player and your freeview box if you want. As an all rounder it’s difficult to beat, but real home cinema afficionados may find themselves looking elsewhere.

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Go to the Sanyo PLV–Z700 product page >>

Sony VPL–VW100

Sony’s model is of course pricier than the other models reviewed here, which could somewhat skew our thinking. And it is true that the incredible pictures and expected Sony style got us smitten at first. However, those looking to hook up more than a couple of other gadgets will be disappointed by the single HDMI and component. That said the network connection means that streaming HD movies straight from the web is a goer, ideal for when iPlayer starts its Hi–Def service later in 2009, and when we decide that we won’t settle for an image smaller than 300 inches!

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the Sony VPL–VW100 product page >>

PriceRunner recommended
InFocus Play Big X10

The Play Big X10 is one of, if not the, best value High-Definition projectors on the market. It allows you to experience vast pictures, up to 92 inches, in your own home, although you will need to ensure the room is as dark as a well at night time to get the full effect, in spite of what manuals and official literature says. The decent contrast ratio, 2,500 hour lamp life and 1,200 lumens are enough to sate even the hardiest of home cinema buffs, but we just cannot look past the fact that this offers astonishing value for money, seeing off models that cost twice the price. It’s very hard to look past this InFocus model.

Click to read the full review >>
Go to the InFocus Play Big X10 product page >>

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