This year was fairly quiet for new projectors. The majority of the major PJ brands kept new releases to a minimum, continuing to sell models that were released in 2014 and earlier. Even so, there were several new entries in the 2014-2015 projector season and many of them offered exciting new features and impressive performance.
So which home theater projectors, with Full HD or 4K resolution, were the best in 2015? It’s tough to pick from the field of those that have been released since fall 2014. But there are a few models that stick out from the pack. This year saw more affordable 4K projectors, as well as improvement on existing favorite PJ models. Here are a few of our favorites that were released in 2015:
Epson EH-LS10000
In terms of image quality and performance, the LS10000 is one of the best projectors that hit the market in 2015. The projector features a laser light engine – compared to a standard replaceable lamp – which lasts the entire life of the machine and delivers image quality that’s certainly right there at the top. Black levels are rich and saturated, and contrast provides an impressive range of detail. Of course, with this advanced technology like adaptable 4K resolution and the laser light engine, the LS10000 isn’t cheap; it starts around $8,000. But it’s certainly one of the best high-end projectors released this year. But what happens when the laser is kaput?
Optoma HD141X
The HD141X is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of price, starting just north of $1,000. But don’t let the price deceive you. The HD141X is an impressive little machine. It’s equipped with a powerful light source – a 3,000-lumen bulb – which is ideal for the living room. But in Cinema Mode, the HD141X provides 1,000 lumens of brightness and super vibrant images. Another great thing: The HD141X’s replacement lamp is cheap, which keeps cost of ownership to a minimum.
BenQ W1070+
The original BenQ 1070 has been a best-selling bargain HD projector, and its successor the 1070+ which was released in 2015 offers several improvements on the fan favorite. The Plus offers improved brightness, up to 2200 lumens, MHL capability, as well as wireless connectivity. Overall, the performance is above-par, especially for a sub-$1,000 projector. Images are crisp, clear and well-saturated. If you’re looking for an entry-level theater projector, the W1070+ — or the HD141X – are some of the best options available.
Sony VPL-HW40ES
The HW40ES was released last summer, and quickly became a favorite Sony projector. The reason: It’s the most affordable projector Sony had ever released. So what’s great about the projector? For starters, it includes Sony technology that’s only been available in more expensive models, including Reality Creation, MotionFlow, and a zoom lens capability. In effect, image quality is superb. Plus, it’s extremely low noise, offers great Cinema modes, and it’s backed by a 3-year warranty.
JVC DLA-X500R
The best feature of the X500R is the e-Shift technology, which enables the 1080p projector to shift pixels to display 4K. Overall, the image quality is right up there at the top. Black levels are ultra-dark, and the contrast 60,000:1 – which jumps to 600,000:1 when the auto iris enabled – creates a level of shadow detail that’s incredible. The system also includes a zoom lens with lens shift, delivers some of the best color performance available, and the impressive build quality.
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Monthly Archives: December 2015
Sharp XV-Z30000 Home Theater Projector Review
Although the Z30000 is billed as a 3D projector, it performs exceptionally well as in standard 2D mode. Its prowess is particularly noticeable in the impressive shadow detail and stellar black level performance it provides. In other words, the image quality is well above average for a single-chip DLP projector.
What’s more, the Z30000 offers a robust feature set, including useful lens shift capabilities, a 2:1 zoom ratio, adjustable 3D specs and long-lasting lamp performance. Compared to 3D single-chip released today, the Z30000 holds its own, and certainly offers some unique specs that many home theater enthusiasts will appreciate.
Sharp XV-Z30000: What It Does Well
The Sharp Z30000 was designed with some useful image processing features that enable the projector to deliver stellar 2D and 3D images. 3D performance for the projector isn’t best-in-class, as the images aren’t quite bright enough to counter higher ambient lighting. But it performs well in 3D, particularly in darkened theater environments. Some of its image quality specs include:
- High Contrast Ratio, Dual Irises: The Z30000’s high quality image performance is thanks to a range of technology. First, it’s built with dual irises that deliver some of the best black levels for the price. Secondly, the high contrast ratio of 50,000:1 maximizes shadow detail. In effect, the dark images are expressive, crisp and clear, and overall image sharpness, regardless of color, is very good.
Sharp XV-Z30000 Rear Inputs - Adjustable 3D Specs: The Z30000 entered the market when 3D was still nascent in 2012. As a 3D projector, it offers a robust list of 3D features, including 2 sets of 3D glasses, a 3D emitter and adjustable settings. For example, operators can turn off 3D for those who don’t want to watch in 3D, while leaving it on for others. Overall, the high frequency rates create powerful 3D images, but unfortunately, the images become too dim when the screen is above about 100 feet or in higher ambient lighting.
- High-Speed Color Wheel: The Z30000 is equipped with a 6-segment, 5X color wheel. In general, home theater projectors tend to range from 4X to 6X speed color wheels. At 5X, the Z30000 projector greatly eliminates the rainbow effect, and it’s rarely visible. It’s certainly performs better in this regard compared to 4X projectors.
The year the Z30000 was released it was included on a number of Best Of lists, and it’s certainly a premium projector. But with a price of $3,199, it’s not cheap and might not deliver the image and 3D quality that demand that price point. Even so, the projector does offer a range of specs and features, including:
- Lens Shift
- 1,600 Lumens
- 2,000 to 5,000 Hours Lamp Life
- 1080p Full HD Native Resolution
- 2 HDMI Inputs
- 2:1 Zoom Ratio
Overall, the Z30000 is ideal for home theater environments. Image quality is excellent, 3D images are rich in most environments, and the feature set is robust. Yet, it is three years old, and the specs aren’t as cutting-edge as they were when the projector was first released. With that said, it’s a powerful projector, but there are other options in the price range that might make sense for some buyers.
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Optoma EH341 Data Projector Review
This year, a range of data projectors have been released, but one of the best has to be the Optoma EH341. Whereas many data projectors are built in WXGA or XGA resolution, the EH341 delivers 1080p Full HD images. Compared to other similarly priced multimedia projectors, the EH341’s images are far superior, crisper and clearer.
But that’s not the only thing the EH341 gets right. It’s also extremely portable, weighing just 5.7 pounds and offers 3,500 lumens of brightness. That makes this a fierce portable projector, capable of delivering a brightness suited for small to mid-sized venues. A projector this lightweight and that delivers Full HD images and impressive brightness is certainly a step forward, and that’s precisely why this projector might be called the best budget friendly multimedia projector of the year.
A Quick Look at the EH341’s Specs
Brightness, image quality and portability: That’s what sets this projector apart from the competition. For example, comparatively priced machines released in 2015 like the BenQ MH630 doesn’t quite match the image quality or brightness of the EH341.
- Image Quality: Compared to Full HD data projectors, the EH341 is one of the premier machines. Using BrilliantColor technology and high contrast, the projector delivers some of the most vibrant, razor sharp images in the class. The contrast ratio of 20,000:1 is double that of the MH630. In effect, the EH341 is one of the best projectors for data images that feature high levels of detail and crispness, like complex diagrams and long lists of data. Plus, because of its imaging, it’s probably one of the best – if not the best – for displaying 3D images.
- Brightness and Portability: It’s nothing new for a projector to weigh about 5 pounds and measure about the size of a dictionary. In fact, many similarly priced data projectors have about the same size and weight. But thanks to its 3,500 lumen output and superior imaging capabilities, the EH341 is certainly one of the best for handling mid-sized venues, something lessor data projectors just can’t handle.
Optoma EH341 Rear Inputs
Of course, the projector packs in a range of other useful features that you’ll find from many 2015 releases. For example, the projector is equipped with 2 HDMI outlets, including one with MHL compatibility, and one VGA outlet. That enables a range of input devices to be connected, including tablets and smartphones.
Plus, the Eco+ technology increases standard lamp life up to 8,000 hours. That’s impressive, helping to reduce the overall cost of ownership. Additionally a built-in 10W speaker system delivers crisp audio for small to mid-sized venues.
Optoma EH341: The Final Verdict
Starting at just about $899, the EH341 is one of the best budget-friendly data projectors released in 2015. Its images are well above average and may just be the best-in-class. Plus, it carries all the capabilities that business presenters and educators need, including audio, useful connectivity, wireless options and manual zoom and focus. If you need a data projector capable for delivering finely detailed images, this is certainly the best option for you.
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