Optoma HD20: A 1080p front projector for $999

Optoma’s new HD20 joins the $999 1080p front-projector club. (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Optoma]

With its new $999 HD20 front projector, Optoma is the latest manufacturer to offer a 1080p front projector for less than $1,000, the new entry-level price for a "Full HD" projector. Like Vivetek’s new H1080FD model, the HD20 is a DLP model, and based on its specs, is likely using the same DarkChip2 DLP chipset used by that company.

The HD20 will be available at a mix of online and storefront retailers, including Amazon.com, Best Buy, B&H Photo Video, CDW, Fry's Electronics, J&R, Micro Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, PC Richard, ProjectorPeople.com, and Staples.com, among others.

The HD20 is a small, lightweight projector—at 6.4 pounds, a few ounces heavier than Vivitek's H1080FD model—that has two HDMI inputs, component and composite inputs, plus a VGA port for connecting a computer. The HD20 comes with a backlit remote control and a one-year parts and labor warranty; the lamp is covered for 90 days. —James K. Willcox

Vivitek to sell sub-$1,000 1080p front projector

The H1080FD from Vivitek is a high-definition 1080p front projector that will be available in August 2009 through several retail outlets for under $1,000. (Click to enlarge.)
[ Image courtesy of Vivtek ]

If you’ve been thinking about a “Full HD” front-projection system but have held out for lower prices, you’re about to get your wish: Next month, Vivitek will help push the opening price point for a 1080p front projector to under $1,000 when it debuts the H1080FD, a DLP-based model that will carry an everyday price tag of $999.

The H1080FD will be available through several brick-and-mortar retailers, including a major warehouse club and some specialty A/V dealers, as well as via online shops including Amazon and Tiger Direct (which now owns the Circuit City.com website). The company will also have a higher-priced ($1,499) model--with some extra features, such as ISF calibration and a lens shift, plus a longer warranty--that will be sold through custom-installation dealers.

Vivitek is looking to use the H1080FD to help build its brand in the U.S. The company first came on our radar at this past CES, when it showed a $999 720p (1024x768) model, as well as a high-priced ($15,000) model that uses LEDs instead of a traditional lamp.

The new projector is a small, lightweight (under 6 pounds) model that uses a Texas Instruments' Dark Chip 2 DLP technology. Unlike some DLP models we’ve reviewed that have the bulb-access panel on the bottom of the projector--which requires you to take the projector down to change the bulb if it’s mounted on a ceiling-- the bulb door on this model is on the top of the unit. The H1080FD has fairly standard features, including two HDMI inputs, plus one component-video input and a composite-video input, and an RS-232c control jack and a 12-volt trigger. The projector carries a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor,and a 90-day lamp warranty.

While there have been some other 1080p front projectors that have flirted with the $1,000 price point, they’ve typically gotten there with rebates. But by this fall, we expect that Vivitek’s H1080FD—-plus a few models from some of its competitors—-will help establish $999 as the new opening price for 1080p front projectors.—James K. Willcox

LED LCD TVs: Toshiba says yes, Mitsubishi says no

Mitsubishi says it has no plans for LED LCD's.

Taking different approaches to LCD backlighting this week at the CEA’s Digital Downtown trade event were Toshiba, which launched its first LED backlit LCDs, and Mitsubishi, which said it had no plans for LED LCDs in the foreseeable future.

Toshiba is offering two new LED-lit sets, 46- and 52-inch models in the Regza SV670 series. These models, priced at $2,300 and $3,000 respectively, use full-array backlights that can be locally dimmed.

At the event, Toshiba also showed 42-, 47- and 55-inch Regza ZV650-series sets, which include the company’s ClearScan 240Hz technology, which uses 120Hz refresh rates in conjunction with a scanning backlight to create a 240Hz effect. Prices range from $1,300 to $2,400. The company also became the first company to roll out models with Dolby Volume, which keeps volume levels consistent when you change programs or inputs.

At Mitsubishi’s press conference, the company said that no LED-lit LCDs were in its product plans, as it will continue to use Wide Color Gamut Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (WCG-CCFL) backlights. The company is adding 240Hz technology—like Toshiba, a 120Hz refresh rate combined with a scanning backlight) and Ethernet connectivity to its 249 Diamond Series line. The company said it would be announce Internet content partners in the near future.

Mitsubishi also said it had added two full-range drivers to improve the 5.1-channel, 16-speaker sound system—called Integrated Sound Projector—that’s included in the company’s new Unisen Diamond 46- and 52-inch 249-series LCD TVs. The sets also have energy-saving music-only operation, so music can play while the display itself is turned off. The company said it would offer a 40-inch model with the sound projector sound system this year.

Mitsubishi also renewed its commitment to its rear-projection DLP business, including LaserVue models that use a laser backlight.  Sizes range from 60 to 82 inches, and all sets are 3D-ready.--James K. Willcox

Mitsubishi's 2009 TV lineup: A new LCD TV series, and even new rear projection sets

If rear-projection TV is dead, someone forgot to tell Mitsubishi. Its just-unveiled 2009 TV lineup features a new premium series of LCD TV models and four new rear-projection microdisplay DLP TV sets, including an 82-inch behemoth.

The most notable feature of the new Unisen LCD TVs (Click on the image at right for a closer look) is an integrated 16-speaker Dolby Digital 5.1-channel sound system. The sets use sound–processing circuitry and digital delays to create "sound beams" that can produce an immersive surround-sound experience without additional components or speakers.

Three new series bearing the Unisen name will be available next month. All are 1080p sets with 120 Hz technology to reduce motion blur, and ultra-thin (1-inch) frames. The Unisen 151 sets come in 40- ($1,800), 46- ($2,200), and 52-inch ($2,600) screen sizes. Step-up Unisen 153 models add a more stylish finish, different anti-judder technology, and a calibration microphone for optimizing sound. These come in 40- ($2,000), 46- ($2,400), and 52-inch ($2,900) screen sizes. At the top of the LCD lineup is the Unisen Diamond 249 Series, which consists of 46- ($2,800) and 52-inch ($3,300) sets. These sets have all the 153-series features, can be professionally calibrated, a more powerful amplifier, and a different finish. These sets are also Internet-ready.

For reviews of previous Mitsubishi LCD sets, check out our LCD Ratings (available to subscribers). For more detailed info on the new models, visit Engadget to see the Mitsubishi press release.

Class-action settlement reached for owners of Toshiba rear-projection DLP TV owners

If you own a Toshiba rear-projection DLP TV that's had a problem with short bulb life, you may be getting some relief. Last week, a court approved a class-action settlement that requires Toshiba to reimburse the cost of replacing the bulbs used in the lamps, and to extend the warranty for replacement bulbs from six to 12 months.

The settlement applies to 2004 and 2005 Toshiba rear-projection DLP sets purchased between January 1, 2004 and September 18, 2008. The lawsuit alleged that the bulbs used in the lamps were defective, and that Toshiba knowingly misrepresented the life span of the bulbs, breaching express and implied warranties. The suit claimed that while Toshiba estimated the life of the bulbs to be about 8,000 hours, many customers found they were burning out after 300 hours, or about two months of regular use. Replacement bulbs cost about $300 each if installed by the user.

Toshiba, which is no longer in the rear-projection TV business, denied any wrongdoing, but agreed to the terms of the settlement, which was approved by a federal district court on Feb. 24, 2009.

If you own one of these TVs and believe you are eligible to make a claim, visit the settlement's website (http://www.dlplampsettlement.com) for more information. While the warranty extension applies to all TVs covered by the deal, regardless of whether you file a claim, you will have to apply to get a new bulb or receive a reimbursement for one you've already purchased.

—James K. Willcox

3D TV: Finally Ready for Prime Time?

3D technology, which had moments in the 1950s and '70s, is once again in the spotlight here at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Companies including Dolby, Nvidia, Panasonic, Samsung, and Texas Instruments are all expected to make 3D announcements.

3D-capable sets from Samsung (DLP and plasma) and Mitsubishi (DLP) are already on the market. But consumer interest has been dampened by the fact that most 3D content has been PC-based and requires both conversion software and pricey, shutter-style polarized glasses for viewing on a TV. The lack of a single 3D standard is another drawback.

A resurgence of 3D in theaters could spark more interest in the technology. Two dozen 3D releases are planned for the next two years, and the number of 3D-ready movie screens is expected to triple. Both Disney's Pixar unit and DreamWorks Animation are among the studios with 3D movies in the works, and directors such as Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, George Lucas, and James Cameron have a 3D iron in the fire as well.

Our best guess is that even if 3D is successful in theaters, it will take several more years for it to become a meaningful experience in the home. Several companies are currently pitching their 3D approaches as a standard for the industry. Dolby, for example, is here at CES touting its 3D technology for use in Blu-ray movies and videogames. We expect Texas Instruments to do the same on behalf of its polarizing technology. Panasonic is rumored to be showing a 3D-ready plasma set, and is reportedly pitching a 3D technology to the Blu-ray Disc Association.

Setting a standard should help fuel the adoption of 3D technology in the home. In addition to the Blu-ray Disc Association, organizations including the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the 3-D@Home Consortium are looking to establish standards and promote 3D technology to consumers.

But as I've discovered in the 20 years I've been covering the CE industry, these things take time. Still, it may well be that the stars are finally aligning for 3D technology to take hold. We'll be discussing 3D technology with TV manufacturers while we're here, so stay tuned for further developments from CES.

—James K. Willcox

Rear-projection TV test results

Although sales of rear-projection microdisplays have dropped off sharply as flat-panel models have gotten both bigger and cheaper, they're still the least-expensive route to truly big screens 60 inches and larger. We recently tested several 1080p models, ranging in size from 65 to 73 inches. Here's how they fared:

Mitsubishi LaserVue L65-A90, $7,000
This high-priced 65-inch set from Mitsubishi, dubbed LaserVue (click on image at right for a closer look), is among the first TVs to use a laser backlight instead of a bulb (or LED). As part of the purchase, the company sends a customer-service rep to the home to make sure it's set up properly.

• Highs: The set has bright images and impressive contrast, with deep black-levels and rich colors. Overall picture resolution was good. The cabinet is very thin (10.5 inches) for a rear-projection set, and it has four HDMI inputs, including one on the front panel.
• Lows: Some images were noticeably soft, sometime looking almost out of focus, and there was a subtle moving graininess, or video noise, in images, which could be speckles from its laser light source. Images had a pink cast to them, which we were able to reduce via the picture controls, and a "hot spot" was evident in the lower-center of the screen when a darker full-screen image was displayed. The TV seems to have an internal "floating" screen that bobbles around slightly if the TV is bumped, which was distracting.
• Bottom line: Though this laser-lit set did some things well—most notable good detail, deep blacks and vibrant colors—overall performance was a bit disappointing, as noted, especially considering its high price.

Jumbo HDTVs with budget price tags

If you're hankering for a 60-inch or larger HDTV but want to spend less than $2,000, forget about buying a plasma or LCD set. But don't give up hope—a value-priced rear-projection TV (RPTV) might be just the ticket, as we noted in an earlier post, "Bigger screens for less bucks." The new microdisplay sets are much thinner than the bulky projection TVs of old, so you don't have to sacrifice floor space in the interests of frugality.

Mitsubishi, one of only two TV makers still offering RPTVs, recently introduced its new 735 Series of DLP TVs (click on the image for a closer look). The 60-inch WD-60735 ($1,500) and the 65-inch WD-65735 ($1,700) offer true 1920x1080 resolution as well as the ability to produce "3D video." Both sets use a proprietary "six-color light processor" designed to boost on-screen color fidelity.

In preliminary tests, our engineers found that both sets offered fine picture and sound. Here are some of their findings. For more on the pros and cons of rear-projection TVs, check out our free online HDTV Buying Guide.

Rear-projection TVs: Bigger-screens for less bucks?

In the December issue of Consumer Reports, you’ll find our latest LCD and plasma TV report with complete HDTV Ratings for over 100 new models. (Ratings are available to subscribers.)

But you won't find any test results for new rear-projection HDTVs. Why? In a nutshell, there are very few new sets of this type. Of the countless TV models introduced to the U.S. market this year, only 14 were RPTVs, and only two companies—Samsung and Mitsubishi—continue to make and sell rear-projection sets.

Consumer demand has also tanked. U.S. sales of rear-projection sets this year are expected to total about half a million units, compared to 30 million LCD TVs and 4 million plasma TVs.

That sales comparison tells the tale: One big reason for the overall decline in rear-projection TVs is that sleek flat-panel LCD and plasma TVs have gotten bigger and cheaper, pushing the bulkier sets out of the picture.

Still, you might want to consider a rear-projection TV if you want the most screen for the money. We've seen 60- to 65-inch RPTVs selling for about $1,500, and 72-inchers in the $2,000 range. A plasma or LCD TV of that size would easily run $5,000 or more. And the best of these sets are capable of excellent picture quality that gives flat panels a run for the money.

Epson, Panasonic add new 1080p front projectors

Epson has joined Sanyo in offering a 1080p front projector for less than $2,000, clearly the new entry-level price point for these models. 

Epson's PowerLite Home Cinema 6100, a 3LCD model with a price tag of $1,999, has a manual lens shift, six color modes, and a 2.1x optical zoom. Sanyo's new projector is the PLV-Z700, mentioned in an earlier blog.

Epson also introduced two other 1080p LCD-based projectors the step-up PowerLite Pro Cinema 7100, a sub-$3,000 projector with ISF certification, and the PowerLite Pro Cinema 7500 UB, a $4,500 LCD model with improved contrast and additional features, plus a spare bulb and ceiling mount. The 6100 has a 2-year parts and labor warranty; the 7100 and 7500 UB come with 3-year warranties.

Meanwhile Panasonic announced the LCD-based PT-AE3000, a 1080p model with a unique feature—called Lens Memory—that lets you lets you project a 2.35:1 aspect ratio (increasingly common in movies) without the use of an anamorphic lens. It will be available in October at a price of $3,500. This projector also has 120Hz "frame creation" technology, which analyzes adjacent frames to interpolate new ones, essentially doubling the frame rate to help reduce motion blur. For 24p signals, the frame rate is quadrupled to to 96 frames per second.

—James K. Willcox