1080p Projectors:  Which 1080p projector is right for you

There is some debate over which is the best projector value, a 1080p projector or a 720p projector.  While there are some great 720p projector deals right now, those looking to take full advantage of their blu-ray players or just wanting to have the latest and greatest home hd projector models should consider one of the new 1080p projectors.

Below is a list of 7 of the most popular and well reviewed 1080p projectors on the market right now.  The list consists of 4 LCD projectors, 2 DLP projectors and 1 LCoS projector.  Each of these models are reasonably priced at around $3000 or less (some can be found for under $2000) and each will produce a great picture for the price. 

BenQ W5000 1080p projector

DLP, 1200 lumens, 10000:1 on/off contrast ratio

The BenQ W5000 1080p projector is a DLP model 1080p projector, which some prefer over LCDs in part due a smooth image without the motion blur that can sometimes be associated with LCDs.  DLP projectors generally have been known to have excellent black levels and brightness levels and the W5000 is no exception as it's black levels are very impressive.

While the W5000 produces a sharp picture with excellent detail there is a concern due to the amount of image noise that has been viewed at times.  The other drawback to the W5000 is the limited placement options due to a smaller zoom of the lens.

Epson Home Cinema 1080UB 1080p projector

LCD, 1600 lumens, 50000:1 on/off contrast ratio

The  Epson Home Cinema 1080UB 1080p projector is an extremely popular 1080p projector and for good reason.  It has excellent black levels that are revolutionary for an LCD at this price point.  One of the reason for Epson's popularity is it's excellent brightness level which makes this the perfect solution for a room with some ambient light.  Its excellent black levels are tops in it's class.  This excellent black level contributes to creating an eye popping image.  While not as filmlike as some of it's competitors, the Epson Home Cinema 1080UB is a natural choice for those using the projector for viewing HD Sports as well as for movies.

The Home Cinema 1080UB is a bit louder then some of the other projectors when in it's full power mode.  That being said, because the projector is so bright many people will be able to use the economy mode which not only lengthens the life of the bulb, it also allows the projector to run quieter to the point where it is unnoticeable to most.

Mitsubishi HC5500 1080p projector

LCD, 1200 lumens, 14000:1 on/off contrast ratio

The  Mitsubishi HC5500 1080p projector is the recent replacement of the HC4900.  It has increased it's brightness making it above average in brightness compared with the other 1080p projectors out there and it adds a sharp image and good color after a bit of callibrating.  The Mitsubishi HC5500 lamp life also has a long expected lamp life of 5000 hours in economy mode. 

The drawback to the HC5500 is the lack of flexibility due to it's 1.2 zoom lens and limited lens shift capabilities.  It is also a bit more expensive then the HC4900.

Optoma HD80 1080p projector

DLP, 1300 lumens, 10000:1 on/off contrast ratio

As is common with DLPs, the Optoma provides a better then average brightness level along with an impressive picture quality in terms of contrast, black level, color and sharpness.

Again, as is common with DLPs, the Optoma lacks placement flexibility due to a limited zoom lens and no lens shift which may eliminate it from consideration all together.  Another concern is the audible noise of the HD80 which is louder then the competition when in full power mode. 

The HD80 is similar to the Optoma HD81 1080p projector

Panasonic PT-AE2000 1080p projector

LCD, 1500 lumens, 16000:1 on/off contrast ratio

One of the areas that makes the  Panasonic PT-AE2000 1080p projector stand out from the competition is it's incredibly smooth picture that offers no visible picture structure.  In return the image is slightly softer then some of the competitors. The AE2000 is very filmlike making it a good choice for movies.  It is an excellent all around performer.

Sanyo PLV-Z2000 1080p projector

LCD, 1200 lumens, 15000:1 on/off contrast ratio

The Sanyo PLV-Z2000 1080p projector is an interesting 1080p projector.  When you figure in the rebates, it is one of the cheaper, if not cheapest 1080p projector out there, but don't think it comes at the expense of picture quality.  The Sanyo has a smooth picture that like the Panasonic is very filmlike and one of the top performers in the area of playing SD content as well as HD content.

The drawback to the Sanyo is that it lacks the brightness of some of the other competitors.  This would make it a bit more difficult for the Z2000 to produce stellar picture quality at screen sizes above 100". 

Sony VPL-VW40 1080p projector

LCoS, 900 lumens, 15000:1 on/off contrast ratio

The  Sony VPL-VW40 1080p projector offers a high quality picture with above average black levels and color after calibration.  One of the strengths of the Sony is that it doesn't have any significant drawbacks.

The Sony, like the Sanyo lacks the brightness of some of the competitors, which makes it difficult to project images in ambient light, but it does very well as a movie projector.

Conclusion

As you can see, it would be hard to be dissatisfied with any of these 7 1080p projectors.  I felt a bit like a broken record saying how they all offered a high quality, sharp image with good color.  There are a few things that differentiate one from the other, such as those with more limited placement flexibility, but again it is a great time for home theater buffs, whether it be for HDTV, HD sports or for movies.  As prices continue to drop, the choices will continue to get better and better.  You couldn't have chosen a better time to be in the market for a new home HD projector. 

To take a look at some of the most popular 720p projectors check out our 720p projectors link.