What new widescreen projectors are coming soon ?

[Tempest]

I've sort of lost touch a bit recently with the current state of play regards from projection for Widescreen DVD movie use.

I've heard there are a couple of new models coming out very soon which are supposed to be very good value for money (can someone remind me what they are and specs please)

These would have to be LCD or DPL ones, though I have heard colour wheel probs with DPL so perhaps that means LCD only.

An actual tube is too big, I have seen a friends, and it's a new respected one, and I'm still not impressed with it. Just too blurry and colours not right (colour may be setup)
Mainly it does not produce a large enough image unless way way back.

I'd be after a large bright image from only about 9 feet away.

Thoughts please

[nigel_williams]

Check out this thread:

http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45254

I'm looking to buy soon. In a nutshell:
Had a demo of the Sony HS-1 £1,500 - not bad as a budget player but pales in comparison to it's big brother the VW10 (and now the VW11 replaces it).

Sony seems to be the best true widescreen projector at the moment but there are others in the wings. I've read in magazines that Hitachi, Toshiba and Panasonic (I think) are all bringing out new projectors both budget and high-end.

Personally, I think the Sony pedigree will show here. The VW10 was recognised as being one of the best short throw LCD projectors. Not sure about DLP, the SIM2 needs a longer throw.

Best price I have is £4,100

[MartinC]

Tempest... DPL is dolby prologic.... DLP (projection method) is Digital Light Processing or similar.

really depends what you mean by widescreen projector?

if you mean a true widescreen pj rather than a 4:3 with a 16:9 mode then there's not much apart from the very new Panasonic mentioned in WV&T that is going to be around £1800.

The spec certainly sounds good, proper 16:9, cheap long life bulbs, and a 4:3 mode plus a "Just" stretch mode if you like it.

Even if it is naff, the Panasonic should make a few other manufacturers put a true 16:9 projectors out sub £2500 which is good news for all.

apart from that there's the usual Sony, new Yamaha & Toshibas, plus the usual lot above £5,000.


if you mean 4:3 but with a 16:9 mode then there's a couple of Philips including one DLP, the Sony HS-1 mentioned by Nigel, & a Hitachi.... all between £1600-£2500. The current Sanyo pj (6-9 months old model) is still holding up well against these newer models.

though all seem to have some flaw or are not 100% perfect... though the Philips ones aren't properly out so they may be okay.

personally I like the sound of the proper w/s Panasonic for £1800.. can post the info if you want me to.

[Tempest]

Originally posted by MartinC
Tempest... DPL is dolby prologic.... DLP (projection method) is Digital Light Processing or similar.

really depends what you mean by widescreen projector?

if you mean a true widescreen pj rather than a 4:3 with a 16:9 mode then there's not much apart from the very new Panasonic mentioned in WV&T that is going to be around £1800.

The spec certainly sounds good, proper 16:9, cheap long life bulbs, and a 4:3 mode plus a "Just" stretch mode if you like it.

Even if it is naff, the Panasonic should make a few other manufacturers put a true 16:9 projectors out sub £2500 which is good news for all.

apart from that there's the usual Sony, new Yamaha & Toshibas, plus the usual lot above £5,000.


if you mean 4:3 but with a 16:9 mode then there's a couple of Philips including one DLP, the Sony HS-1 mentioned by Nigel, & a Hitachi.... all between £1600-£2500. The current Sanyo pj (6-9 months old model) is still holding up well against these newer models.

though all seem to have some flaw or are not 100% perfect... though the Philips ones aren't properly out so they may be okay.

personally I like the sound of the proper w/s Panasonic for £1800.. can post the info if you want me to.

Thanks for this, Yes, sorry I mispelt DLP :(
I know all about the flippy mirrors etc, but never seen one in the flesh to experience the shimmer colour effect that some have talked about with a DLP

Yes, can you please post up anything you have about the new Panasonic. It does sound interesting. I would much prefer true wide screen if poss, as it would have to do me for some time.

My complaints I have about projectors I've seen have been mainly that they are really blurry, compaired to a crisp CRT. thought o be fair I've not seen a Good LCD model so perhaps they are better in this respect.
I'm only worried about the dead pixel scenario esp as it seems to be the case that the manufacturors wont accept dead pixels mean a faulty product. but for two thousand quid I would not accept 1 dead pixel.

[MartinC]

okay... summarised details but I certainly like the sound of it...

[Panasonic premieres first 16:9 lcd projector
model th-ae100
£1800 designed for home cinema
2.7kg
short throw, capable of 80" at 2.5m
854x480 resolution 16:9 aspect
4:3 mode can be either black border or full screen stretched ("Just" mode like on panasonic TVs).
inputs for component (inc progressive), s-video, composite, vga upto 1024 res
500:1 contrast & 700 lumens.
5000 hrs bulb life @ £140 ea.
quiet run mode
]


whether its good in reality we hopefully will see soon.


more info at
http://www.musicalimage.com.my/General.asp?whichfile=Projectors&Layout=2&ProductID=68&CatID=

and a more "technical" thread going at the homecinemachoice forum.