June 2015 - Projector Lamp Leaders - MyProjectorLamps USA

Projector Review: Vivitek H1080FD Entertainment Projector

June 25, 2015

When Vivitek’s H1080FD was first released in 2009, it was one of the only sub-$1,000 Full HD projectors on the market. Today that’s a crowded segment in the projector market, with all the major players like Optoma and BenQ delivering powerful Full HD set-ups well below $1,000. However, what made the Vivitek H1080FD so interesting at the time was that it delivered a high-quality image and substantial brightness for a below-average price. It was a perfect entry-level projector for home theater and entertainment.

Today, the H1080FD holds its own in terms of image quality. Although image quality isn’t perfect (which should be expected from budget projectors), this model performs well. It’s been out-of-production since 2010, and it’s starting to show its age. Today’s sub-$1,000 projectors achieve enhanced image quality, they’re equipped with better feature sets, and they start at right around $500. In other words, purchasing a used H1080FD doesn’t make a lot of sense, even if you need something cheap to use alongside your higher-end set-up. Simply stated, you’re better off buying new.

Vivitek H1080FD: Features and Specs

At the time of its initial release, the HD1080FD was an incredible offer. It quickly became a favorite entry-level home projector not because of price alone, but because it performed well. Here are a few things that stand out:

Brightness: Rated at 1,800 ASNI lumens, the H1080FD is and was a bright, entry-level projector. That made it ideal for living room set-ups. It is capable of delivering vibrant images in ambient light like HD sports and gaming, yet with three available brightness levels, it can easily be adjusted for watching movies in the home theater. Today, a 1,800-lumen rating is below average. The Optoma HD141X, for example, which retails for $574, is rated at 3,000 lumens.
Contrast: With a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, the H1080 doesn’t perform as well compared to higher-end projectors. For instance, it won’t achieve those deep, dark blacks. Yet, it does hold its own, providing detail in the shadows and a quality image. The performance is comparable to similarly priced budget theater projectors released these days.
Color Accuracy: Another reason the Vivitek made a splash when it was released was its color performance. With slight calibrations, it achieves great color saturation and performance is accurate. You likely won’t achieve those out-of-the-box, but it’s possible with a few minor adjustments.

Vivitek H1080FD: Shortcomings

It’s not fair to compare the H1080FD to similarly priced projectors released today. The technology has greatly advanced in the last half-decade, and what’s possible today for less than $1,000, just wasn’t in 2009. Yet, even then, the Vivitek H1080FD had its own issues. These include:

Short Lamp Life: With full lumen output, the HD1080’s lamp achieves just a 2,000-hour lamp life, and it’s boosted up to 3,000 at lower settings. That’s about average for a DLP projector, but newer pieces of hardware tend to achieve longer lamp lives. The H1080FD’s replacement lamp – part No. 5811116206-S – is relatively affordable, but because the life is on the lower end, the projector’s overall cost of ownership does increase a bit.
Problematic Ease-of-Use: Another common complaint is the projector’s confusing remote and menu controls. Plus, for maximum color performance, you’ll need to likely calibrate your projector. For these reasons, the H1080FD can’t be described as a “plug-and-play” option and it’s not very user-friendly.
Some Rainbow Effects: The H1080FD is a 3-wheel DLP projector, and as such, a slight rainbow effect is visible in certain scenes. This problem is relatively minor, and should be expected from a budget projector. But it’s another reason to be wary of this set-up.

Overall, the Vivitek H1080FD is a powerful projector that delivers substantial brightness and above-average image quality. The biggest issues are price and feature set. The H1080FD doesn’t have 3D capabilities, it’s not wired for cloud connectivity and set-up flexibility is limited (it only has zoom functionalities). Plus, it is out-of-production, meaning it’s only available from resellers or as used or refurbished. If you can find a low-low price on this model, it might be worth the investment, whether as a beginner set-up or as a back-up to your higher-end projector. But if the cost is close to $500, you’re better off splurging on the Optoma HD141X or BenQ 1070/1075. They’re only slightly more expensive but much newer and with updated technology.

Projector Review: Panasonic PT-AR100U Home Entertainment Set-Up

June 23, 2015

Panasonic’s PT-AR100U, one of the manufacturer’s 1080p Full HD offerings, is a versatile piece of hardware. It hugs the line between home theater and home entertainment projector, doing triple duty in the family living room. With capabilities for gaming, movies and for watching sports and TV, the PT-AR100U provides a great range of functionality. Plus, aided by Panasonic’s Light Harmonization 3 technology, the projector’s ability to auto-adjust light output to a room’s ambient light boosts the projector’s ease of use.

Overall, there’s not much missing from the PT-AR100U. Although it was initially released in 2011, it holds its own against today’s home entertainment releases. The biggest downfall is the lack of 3D video. Plus, if you’re looking for a strictly cinema projector, you’d be better off looking at home theater designated projectors, as image quality is underwhelming in those situations. Yet, for the price, the PT-AR100U’s capabilities, its color performance and brightness, it’s a solid investment and high-quality A/V tool. Let’s take a look at some of the Panasonic’s specs:

Powerful Brightness: The PT-AR100U delivers a bright, crisp image. It’s equipped with a 2,800-lumen light source that achieves a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. The bulb is capable of delivering great images in a range of lighting – from dark-room theater set-ups, to moderately lit rooms – although it’s ideally suited for the living room.
Awesome Image Quality: Overall, the image quality is great for video games, sports and TV, and it performs nicely as a movie projector. There are 3 set modes: Cinema 1, Sports and Games. Compared to similarly priced theater projectors, though, the Panasonic slightly underperforms when it comes to pure cinema performance. It’s a quality, color-saturated image, yet the black level performance isn’t perfect.
Smart Image Adaptation: The PT-AR100U is equipped with a range of automatic image enhancements, which help to provide that high-quality image. These features include Motion Effects – extremely useful when watching sporting events – as well as Dynamic Iris Pro, a Panasonic-specific feature that matches color output to the lighting. Light Harmonization is another useful adaptive feature, which auto-adjusts output to match the room’s lighting.
Flexible Installation: Backed with a 2.0:1 zoom ratio, as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift, this projector’s image can be fit to the screen easier. This provides a greater range of set-up locations, as the image can be adjusted from wherever the projector fits. The only downside is that it’s not a portable projector. At 19 pounds, the PT-AR100U is suited more for permanent installations.

Panasonic PTAR100U Rear Inputs

What Are the Downsides of the PT-AR100U?

Compared to projectors in the price-range, this Panasonic truly holds its own. There are only a few features that go missing. For example, the movie buffs will miss the Full 3D capability – which is becoming an increasingly common feature in newer projectors – and there aren’t advanced wireless networking capabilities, another useful feature. Plus, the PT-AR100U is backed by a one-year warranty; traditionally 2-3 year warranties are the norm for similar set-ups.
Finally, another point of contention is the Panasonic’s shorter lamp life. In the projector’s Eco mode, the lamp – which is a 280-watt UHM lamp – achieves just a 3,000-hour lamp life. Although a replacement bulb for the PT-AR100U is relatively affordable – part No. ET-LAA110 – most high wattage, high lumens machines get lower average lamp life expectancy since they have a higher output. The trade-off is a brighter image.
Overall, though, the Panasonic PT-AR100U does achieve a lot: It’s versatile and can handle all forms of entertainment. The image quality is on point, bright and highly contrasted. Color performance is great. And the price is competitive. When it was released in 2011, the projector retailed for about $1,800; today Panasonic offers it for $1,145. In all honesty, the PT-AR100U is deserving of the investment.

Projector Review: NEC NP-M300X Multimedia Projector

June 19, 2015

When it was first released in 2010, the NEC NP-M300X was a highly capable multimedia projector – perfect for the boardroom or classroom. Today, it remains a powerful piece of hardware, even though it’s since been replaced by the NEC NP-M322X. It’s currently out-of-production, but that doesn’t change what the projector is capable of. Plus, you can still find used and refurbished M300X’s online – which, if the price is right, would make a good investment. Here’s why:
The NP-M300X is built for vibrant, color-saturated presentation. It’s equipped with a 3,000-lumen lamp, achieving stellar image performance in standard office lighting. Plus, it can accommodate a variety of video formats, the projector is super portable, and it’s built with a wide range of ports. The only downside, really, is that the technology is a little aged. It remains a great projector, but yet, it’s missing features you’ll find in the replacement NP-M322X, like increased brightness and contrast, enhanced audio and auto keystone correction.

Key Features: NP-M300X’s Image and Brightness Specs

For a projector that went out of the production in 2013, the NP-M300X offers quite a bit of useful features and specs. The most impressive, though, are the NP-M300X’s image quality and brightness. Here’s what you can expect:

Suitable Brightness for Presentations: The 3,000-lumen rated NP-M300X provides substantial brightness and a wide brightness range. In the standard mode, the projector is powerful, and if you were to project a 100-inch image in normal ambient light, you’d achieve a crisp, clear image. There are two addition eco settings, Eco 1 and Eco 2, which are reserved for lower ambient light and for displaying smaller images. Depending on the mode you use, the NP-M300X has a range of about 1,300 to 3,000 lumens. Plus, it’s consistent brightness, with no dim or brighter areas, even in zoomed settings.
Extended Lamp Life: Equipped with a 180-watt VIP lamp (Replacement Part No: NP15LP), the projector’s lamp has an average life of 5,000 hours in standard mode. In eco settings, lamp life is extended up to 6,000 hours. That keeps maintenance costs low, which is another reason this is such a useful piece of A/V equipment for schools and businesses.
Quality Image and Video Performance: NEC’s 3LCD technology is designed to provide powerful image, and when it was first released, reviewers raved about data image performance. It has a native XGA resolution (1024×768), a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, and delivers vibrant colors with excellent saturation. For presentations, that’s exactly what you’re after. Plus, the M300X can accommodate a variety of video formats, from 480i to 1080p Full HD, and performance is consistent, especially for a projector that’s not designed for video. In other words, for the occasional classroom movie, the M300X is a viable option.
Available Connections and Set-Up Flexibility: Compared to today’s projectors, the M300X is a little behind the times, but yet, it features a decent range of connection options and a few useful image correction features. For instance, it has 1 HDMI port, both USB A & B connections, and 2 VGA ports. Plus, it has a zoom ratio of 1.7:1 and vertical keystone correction. Newer models have a bit more selection, as well as features like auto keystone.

NEC NP-M300X Rear Inputs

Is the M300X still a reliable choice these day?

Yes, the M300X remains a capable projector, but only if the price is right. Currently, its replacement the M322X, which is actually two generations removed from the original, sells for about $650 in North America. Thus, that should be your benchmark. If you can find a quality, used M300X in the range of $300, that’s an incredible deal. Plus, with M300X replacement lamps costing around $200, you can have a near-new set-up for less than today’s version.
In reality, there aren’t too many features that separate the M300X and the M322X. The newer version has improved brightness at 3,200 lumens and a much greater contrast ratio. Plus, it has improved audio – 10W compared to 20W speaker – as well as auto keystone and useful networking features. But for basic classroom or business presentations, those features wouldn’t be missed. Thus, if you’re on the market for a used or refurbished projector, the M300X might suit you well.

Projector Review: Epson EB-440W – An Ideal Education Projector

June 16, 2015

Released exclusively in the United Kingdom and Europe in 2010, the Epson EB-440W was designed with the classroom in mind. The projector features plenty of plug-and-play features that are useful for teachers like an ultra short-throw range, built-in audio, 2-in-1 USB connectivity, and a lamp that’s bright enough for moderately lit classrooms. That list alone makes it ideal for the classroom.
Yet, the biggest drawback is that, as a now five-year-old projector, the EB-440W doesn’t feature the most cutting-edge tools like wireless networking and cloud connectivity. Plus, the EB-440W is a WGXA resolution projector (1280×800) and displays images in the 16:10 format, which is a wider screen than standard XGA or SXGA resolutions. This can add a bit more on to the price, and it’s often not a necessary classroom feature. But bottom line, the projector is built for education settings, and these days, through resellers, you can find a great deal on the now out-of-production Epson EB-440W.

EB-440W Features and Specs

One thing that sets the projector apart is its ultra-short throw ratio. The EB-440W can cast a 70-inch image from just 16 cm away from the screen. Thus, the projector can be positioned behind the presenter to prevent obstructions and shadows from being cast. Projectors with long throw ratios must be mounted in the rear of the room, which can cause shadow casting, and can become a distraction in classrooms. Other useful classroom features include:

Bright Image and Average Lamp Life: The EB-440W achieves a 2,200-lumen output, which is decently bright in small-to-midsized classrooms. Because of its brightness, the projector can maintain a bright, contrasted image, even when competing with ambient light. The projector is equipped with a durable bulb – Part No. V13H010L57 – with a 2,500-hour lamp life. In eco-mode, lamp longevity jumps to 3,500 hours. Today, that’s about average for 3LCD projectors.
Built-In Sound, USB Connectivity: The EB440W is equipped with a 2-in-1 USB port, which is capable of displaying a laptop’s mouse and image data at the same time. It’s by far the most user-friendly way to plug-and-play a laptop, rather than having to use multiple in-put cables. That’s important in education settings, where presenters need fast on/off functionality. Plus, the system is built with a 10-watt speaker; that’s loud enough to overpower classroom noise, and it contributes to the EB-440W’s plug-and-play ease of use.
Great Portability, Easy Set-Up: Another great feature: The EB-440W is super light, just 7.5 kilograms, and there is a bunch of installation flexibility. Since it’s an UST projector, it can be placed near the screen with a ceiling or wall mount, and it’s equipped with vertical and horizontal keystone correction to adjust the image to fit.

EpsonEB-440W Inputs

Is the Epson EB-440W Worth Purchasing?

These days, projectors are equipped with a laundry list of 2.0 features: 3D capabilities, HD Video in-put, wireless networking and interactivity. With the EB-440W, which is now out of production, you don’t get those features, primarily because it’s an older model. Fortunately, those features aren’t regularly needed for fast classroom presentations, and it does display a range of video up to 1080i. That might be good enough. So the bottom line, if you can find the EB-440W from a reputable reseller at an unbeatable price – go for it. Even if it’s used, the replacement lamp cost is reasonable, and it won’t set you back too much. But if some of the updated technology features and warranty coverage are what you want, then a newer model will be better suited for you.

Projector Review: Christie LX500 Multimedia Projector

June 12, 2015

When it was released in 2008, the 3-chip LCD Christie LX500 was a fairly impressive piece of hardware. It featured significant brightness, something Christie has built a reputation on, and it was Christie’s “portable” model, at roughly 19 pounds. At the time, those features commanded a $6,495 asking price. My, how times have changed. These days, the Christie LX500 shows its age, which is probably true for most seven-year-old pieces of technology. Although the LX500 casts a relatively bright image, it’s bulky and light on features that are commonplace in today’s projectors, like 3D, WiFi connectivity, and HDMI ports.
You can find the Christie LX500 online, through sites like Ebay, and they are at a fraction of the original price. But yet, a recent review of online resellers, showed most of the used models available were in the $1,000 ballpark. For that price, you’re better off purchasing a new projector with similar specs. These newer comparable models can be purchased for roughly that price. One thing to note of course, is that Christie always used the finest components when putting together any model, and this is where you might find some differences between new low priced projectors (they cut costs by cutting out the expensive components) and the older Christie models.

Useful Features in the Christie LX500:

When it was first released, the LX500 did feature some impressive specs, which are fairly common today. These features include:

A Brilliantly Bright Lamp: One of the selling points when the LX500 was released was its brightness. Equipped with a 5,000-lumen bulb – No. POA-LMP116 – the LX500 made for a great presentation tool, capable of displaying crisp images in large, well-lit rooms. At the time that was substantial, but the competition has caught up: the NEC NP-P501X features a similar brightness, with a range of added options, and the machine is sub-$2,000 in price. However, the Christie LX500 does come equipped with a high end lens, something low priced projectors do not have. This high end lens combined with the powerful lamp allow for the LX500 to be a great choice for large venues and outdoor events.
Broad Range of Input Capabilities: The LX500 features a native XGA resolution in the 4:3 aspect ratio and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. But it is compatible with a range of formats, including the ability to scale to VGA and UXGA and display video up to 1080i. That contrast ratio is a definitely below-average these days, but the video compatibilities are certainly still useful.
Installation Flexibility: With horizontal and vertical lens shift and a long list of compatible lenses, users have options when it comes to installation. Christie labeled the LX500 a “portable” projector when it was released, but at nearly 20 pounds, that label just doesn’t fit these days. This might be a portable for Christie, as they’re known for larger, bulkier set-ups, but today, 20 pounds is far too heavy to be labeled portable.

Christie LX500 Rear Inputs

The Christie LX500 Shows Its Age

Like any technology that’s seven years old, the Christie LX500 is aging, and compared to today’s state-of-the-art options from Christie, it’s just doesn’t stack up. For that reason, it’s difficult to justify purchasing an older model Christie like the LX500, especially over a more-budget friendly option that’s available today. One reason is that there are a range of features that the Christie is missing: HDMI, 3D and cloud-connectivity to name a few. Plus, the set-up lacks an audio system. If you can find a used Christie LX500 for a low used price, it might be worth it, especially if you are working in a large venue where a powerful lamp and high end lens is critical. But if not, you’re probably better off finding a newer, similarly priced projector.
MyProjectorLamps.com is your source for replacement projector lamps. Looking for a replacement lamp for the Christie LX500? We’ve got you covered.

Projector Review: EIKI LC-XB250A 3LCD Multimedia Projector

June 10, 2015

What do you look for in a multimedia projector? A bright, high-contrast image? A range of video inputs? Networking capabilities? With the EIKI LC-XB250A, you’ll find most of those options and more. This low- to mid-range projector, starting at just north of $1,000, was released in 2013, and it’s a highly capable unit: It can handle most HDTV resolutions. Image quality is above-average, bright and with native XGA resolution. And it’s available with a three-year warranty.
Overall, there’s not much missing from the LC-XB250A. The biggest downsides are that it isn’t 3D ready, and installation is a bit limited due to its having no horizontal lens shift. Yet, those features might not deter those looking for a no-frills projector that can handle a variety of inputs, that displays a bright image up to 300 inches, and that is relatively affordable.

EIKI LC-XB250A: Most Useful Features

For the price, the LC-XB250A packs in a ton of useful features covered by a long extended warranty. Plus, the machine benefits from EIKI’s 3LCD technology, which results in effective color performance and high image contrast. Here’s a look at the best specs:

Bright Lamp Setting: The LC-XB250A is equipped with a 4,000-lumen rated lamp and displays images with a 2,000:1 contrast ratio. That means users can cast a bright image in modestly lit settings, and since it’s a 3LCD display, images are well-defined and highly contrasted. In other words, if you’ll be using the LC-XB250A to display mostly data images, the LC-XB250A will perform nicely. Additionally, in eco-mode the LC-XB250A’s lamp – which is a 245-watt UHP lamp – has an extended life up to 5,000 hours.
Extended Warranty: In general, projectors are available with warranties in the range of 2 to 3 years. The LC-XB250A’s 3-year or 6,000-hour warranty ranks on the higher end. Plus, the lamp is protected by a 6-month, 500-hour warranty. Users benefit from these extended terms, and this helps businesses, schools, and presenters receive some additional protections for their investment.
Options in Video Input and Aspect Ratio: The LC-XB250A’s native XGA resolution is in the 4:3 aspect ratio, but the XB is capable of displaying 16:9 images as well. Plus, the projector handles almost all HDTV resolutions, up to 1080i. Therefore, for multimedia presentations that incorporate a lot of video, the LC-XB250A is a useful tool. Finally, the max data mode is 1920×1200 – so there is flexibility in the images the LC-XB250A can display.

These are just a few highlights. The EIKI is also very quiet for the price range, just 29 dB in its lowest setting, and the projector is equipped with a 10W audio system, which is extremely useful for small- to mid-sized spaces.

EIKI LC-XB250A: Pitfalls and Missing Features

Overall, the EIKI carries many of the same features that you’ll find in other $1,000 multimedia projectors. Yet, there are a few limitations. For starters, the biggest disadvantage is some missing image shift features. For example, lens shift isn’t available and the EIKI is equipped with just vertical keystone correction. That means that installation will need to be more precise, and that it’s not the best projector for portability. One upside is that the LC-XB250A features a 1.6:1 zoom ratio, which is about normal for projectors in the price range.
Additionally, most projectors these days are 3D ready. The EIKI is not, which won’t be a problem if you’re not planning on doing 3D projections. Yet, there are other projectors at around the same price that are available with this feature.
In all, there’s not much to dislike about this EIKI. Image quality is excellent; it’s capable of handling a variety of video inputs, and the LC-XB250A is covered by an extended warranty. Those specs make this a solid investment for schools and businesses, and although it’s not 3D ready and flexibility is limited, the LC-XB250A competes fiercely with similarly priced set-ups.
MyProjectorLamps.com is your source for lowest-cost replacement lamps for the EIKI LC-XB250A, as well as replacement projector bulbs for a variety of projectors.

Optoma Releases the EH320UST Ultra Short Throw Projector in Europe

June 5, 2015

The throw ratios of today’s short-throw projectors continue to shrink. In fact, a new category had to be created for these projectors. They’re now called ultra-short throw projectors, and they can be placed extremely close to the screen, while still achieving a massive image. Now, it looks like Optoma might have one of the shortest throw ratio – and brightest – projectors on the market.
Optoma recently introduced the EH320 Ultra Short Throw projector, and it features some impressive specs. Here’s just what that machine is capable of: The EH320UST has a throw ratio of 0.25:1. That means the projector can cast a 100-inch screen from just 55 centimeters away. That’s less than two feet away from the screen, which makes this a great projector for businesses, schools and presenters. Essentially, the projector can be placed behind the presenter, completely eliminating the risk for shadows and obstructions.

What’s more: Optoma says at 1080p Full HD resolution and 4,000 lumens of brightness, the EH320UST is one of the brightest ultra-short-throw projectors available, and it’s one of just a few UST 1080p models on the market. That’s why it’s bound to be a favorite in the space.

The EH320UST’s Great Feature List

Originally, the EH320 was introduced at the ISE 2015, and it was a hit at the conference, thanks to the machine’s useful features. That ultra-short throw ratio is just one of many reasons why the EH320 caused a splash at ISE. Here’s a look at some other useful features:

Bright Image, 1080p Resolution: Image quality is incredible for the EH320UST. For one, in spite of the 0.25:1 throw ratio, the projector is still rated at 4,000 lumens of brightness. That’s no small feat, and Optoma claims it’s one of the brightest UST projectors. Plus, it’s one of the only UST projectors that can handle Full HD content. In addition, the Optoma has a high contrast ratio 20,000:1 for added image depth, and the machine benefits from Optoma’s advanced color production. In other words, the EH320UST casts a beautiful image from just a few feet from the screen.
Powerful Built-In Audio: The EH320UST has a 16W built-in audio system. That’s powerful enough to handle mid-sized to large spaces, and the EH320 is above average in terms of built-in audio. Other similarly priced projects fall short in this respect. This is one reason why the Optoma is a great plug-and-play option; presenters don’t have to plug in to external audio to get started.

Optoma EH320UST Rear Inputs
Built-In USB Power: USB is becoming a must-have feature, and the EH320UST has a range of USB options. One is a USB-Power port. That enables the projector to play content from an HDMI dongle, like Google Chromecast, and thus, this is a great option for watching HD video. Plus, the projector is equipped with a range of ports, making connecting to a variety of devices easier.
Long Lamp Life: In the Optoma’s energy-saving mode, the EH320 is able to achieve a lamp life of up to 6,500 hours. That’s impressive for such a bright projector, and it keeps maintenance costs low for the EH320.
TouchBeam Interactivity: The Optoma is equipped with next-generation TouchBeam tools, which enables presenters to touch the screen and draw, annotate and zoom. It’s a perfect presentation tool, and makes it easy for multiple presenters to work off the same screen at the same time. This also eliminates the need for a smart pen. The Interactive model is available as an add-on and is billed as the EH320USTi.

Where Can You Buy the Optoma EH320UST

The Optoma EH320UST will be released exclusively in Europe, and it’s will be available soon from retailers. Currently, Optoma says that it is coming soon, so you can expect to own one this fall. Pricing information hasn’t been released, but early predictions suggest it won’t be cheap. As for a North American version, Optoma hasn’t released details about availability, but it’s likely a version for the U.S. and Canada will be on the way shortly.

Why You Must Match HBO’s True Detective with a Quality Projector

June 4, 2015

HBO’s chilling crime drama True Detective has been a darling among TV critics. The show packs in the suspense, and it’s an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride. But True Detective is much more than a well-told crime drama set. It’s stunning to watch, each shot composed with a brilliant cinematic touch.

HBO's True Detective — HBO’s True Detective

The 8-episode first season, which premiered in early 2014, featured impressively beautiful cinematography. And it’s no surprise cinematographer Adam Arkapaw nabbed a slew of awards for his work. Shot almost entirely on Kodak 35mm film, True Detective captures a true Southern Gothic aesthetic, which accompanies the New Orleans steamy setting. The show’s color palette is subdued, dark, gritty, and masterfully captures the dimly lit, flashbacked tone of the show. This isn’t a bright, colorful network sitcoms ala Big Bang Theory. Instead, cinematographer Adam Arkapaw has created a stark, blue-hued “nostalgic aesthetic,” he recently said, that sets the stage for the story’s underlying dread.
True Detective is a perfect show to display in your home theater. Each image has been thoughtfully composed with a rich color palate. These are dark, soft, dreamy pictures, and for true precision, a high-contrast projector is necessary. Here’s one example: The series starts with a fire at dusk. The image is dimly lit and quiet but there’s loads of detail in those shadows. That detail is lost on lessor projectors. High-contrast projectors, on the other hand, are better suited to highlight those shadowy details, and in True Detective, imagery lurks in the darkness. For display these true cinematic images, you need a high-contrast cinema projector.
The Best Projectors for True Detective’s Dark Imagery
Today, there are three main types of projectors on the market: DLP-, LCD- and LCoS-based machines. There are versions for each type of technology that are well-suited for a darkly hued show like True Detective, but lately LCD and LCoS technology has led the field in terms of contrast. One key is to look at each projector’s contrast specs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXwCoNwBSkQ
Contrast is an important factor for cinematic images. Projectors with higher contrast ratios display more vibrant blacks, and they’re better suited to provide that stunning detail within the shadows. But which type of technology is best? For a long time, DLP-based projectors had the clear advantage in terms of contrast ratio and black levels, but today LCD and LCoS projectors often have better contrast and improved image quality. Really, it depends on the taste of the viewer, but a high-contrast cinema-ready projector is often your best choice. Here are some options:

JVC X35BE – JVC is a leader in the LCoS projector category, and their machines feature some of the highest contrast ratios on the market. In all, they provide detailed images and vibrant colors. The X35BE features a 50,000:1 contrast ratio, and starts at about $3,500.
Epson 5030UB – Epson claims their UltraBlack technology provides some of the greatest image depth available. With the 5030’s best-in-class contrast ratio of 600,000:1, that claim might just be true. The 5030UB is a powerful LCD-based home cinema projector, and the image quality it delivers is definitely well worth the money, starting at $2,299. The Epson PowerLite 8350 is another great option.
Panasonic AE8000 – This model might be a few years old, but with a 500,000:1 contrast ratio, the AE8000 is a highly capable projector. One of the biggest advantages is its dynamic color range. For a show like True Detective, with such a dark, cool color palette, this would be a suitable option.
Sony VPL-HW40ES – An LCoS projector, this Sony features a well-defined contrast ratio – although Sony hasn’t published exact specs. This creates vibrant darker images, with vivid detail picked up in the shadows. Sony SXRD projectors have long been praised for their saturated image quality, and their contrast.
BenQ W1075 – Even though the BenQ features a contrast ratio of just 10,000:1, it’s one of the better DLP-based projectors, for the price and for the image quality it delivers. The projector is aided by DarkChip Technology, which is similar to Epson’s UltraBlack. With this feature, the projector picks up loads of detail in dark images, which is ideal for cinematic films and TV shows.

What set-up are you using to watch True Detective? There are some really great options available, but for such a well-crafted show, it pays to select the right projector. Of course, other specs like brightness also factor into image quality. But for that truly detailed look, choose a projector with substantial contrast ratio and enhanced black level performance.

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Monthly Archives: June 2015