Determining the right LCD projector

Finding the right projector need not be grueling. Factors to consider:

• Performance
• Portability
• Price
• Latest technology

Performance

If performance is a top priority, then brightness, resolution, and contrast ratio must be considered.

Brightness: The brighter the room, the higher the ANSI lumens rating will need to be. A rating of 1000 to 2000 lumens will be sufficient for most needs. Large, or exceedingly bright, rooms may need up to 3000 lumens to prevent image deterioration.

Resolution: The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality. The most common resolutions are SVGA and XGA. The complete list of classifications for LCD projector resolution is:

• SVGA (800 x 600)

• XGA (1024 x 768)

• SXGA (1280 x 1024)

• UXGA (1600 x 1200)

Contrast: Projector contrast is the ratio between the brightest and darkest areas of the image. Go with a projector with a ratio of 400:1 or higher so that images and video will be clear. If used often in a bright room, a higher contrast will be needed.

Portability

LCD projectors add tremendous advantages to speaking engagements. If transport is frequently necessary, a lightweight model would be ideal. Many LCD projectors weigh less than seven pounds and still retain durability and picture quality.

Price

LCD projectors can be found for reasonable prices. While they might be at the lower end of the resolution and lumens scale, these projectors still present high-quality images. Basically, as resolution goes up, so does the price.

Latest Technology

LCD projectors continue to rapidly advance. Here are some model-specific examples of where the technology is heading:

Panasonic’s PT-AX100U: Uses its “Light Harmonizer” to automatically recalibrate itself to the ambient light in a room.

Epson PowerLite 3LCD Wireless Projector: Eliminates the need for cables and cuts down on clutter. Great for portability at only 3.7 pounds.

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There are some significant changes but let’s get to the Z700 first. At a surprising low the Z700 comes in at a low price of 2000 dollars. Considering how all other LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors are being sold for about a couple of thousand more this is not a bad choice. It has a lot of similar qualities to other projectors out there that have 1080p. Unfortunately, the lamp life is unspecified at this point.The replacement lamp only seems to come to about a little more then 350 dollars. The warranty that comes with it is a full-on three-year warranty. So far the best warranty to date for LCD projectors. Other LCD projectors either offer a one or two-year warranty with an option to buy for further years to come.

Everybody loves consumer-friendly items and the Z700 offers a smooth film like picture.

The fan noise is very quiet. From a normal viewing range you can actually see no screen door or pixilation effects. The zoom lens is a long 2.0x with three full picture heights of vertical lens shift as well as two full picture widths of horizontal shift. This makes it accessible to mount or install anywhere within your choice of theatre space. For the price you pay; this is not a bad projector made to give off 1080p. White exterior makes it easy for the projector to just disappear when installed on your white ceiling. A shutter comes down when the projector is not in use to ward off any dust.

Features:

WXGA (1920 x 1080)  1200 ANSI Lumens  15000:1 Contrast Ratio  16:9 Aspect Ratio

Compared to other units the ANSI contrast for the Z700 is at about 277:1. This is not bad because it is still about the same amount compared to their direct competition from last year.

Unfortunately, the Z700 is a kind of step down when it comes to the Z2000 model which measured at 350:1. Now other brands do have readings that fully exceed 400:1 and can understandably be seen by the side by side viewing. Even with that said the Z700 when used in a dark room has a wonderful picture that has no flatness to it. Just try to limit your screen size and the picture will remain smooth as can be. A 100” screen would be ideal to keep the picture as perfect as can be. Any larger and then you might start to notice muddiness and flatness.

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There are five pre-set calibrations this time (seven were on last year’s model) for varying light situations. Such settings now are Creative Cinema, Brilliant Cinema, Natural, Living and Dynamic. This is okay though because the average brightness in optimized mode has been increased to a good amount.

As well, you can make any adjustments you want with seven user programmable memories. The range for the lumen potential can go from just above 200 to almost 1200 ANSI. It is recommended that for the most satisfying calibration in optimal video to use Creative Cinema. When used this way the lumen generated about 411. For more light and less contrast you can use the Brilliant Cinema mode which will produce about 685 lumens. Now remember that low-lamp modes must often reduce your lumen output. LCD projectors like the AE3000 and HC7000 are only reduced by 22 percent. The Z700 reduces by almost 37 percent. That said it is perfectly okay to keep your lamp in full mode. Little fan noise will come from it as well.

The Z700 also has five programmed color temperature options. They range from warmest to coldest and go from a Low2 to a High2. For film it would be best to utilize Low1 and then make any adjustments you want from there. Remember the color accuracy on the Z700 is pretty excellent, so just adjust to your preferred setting and go from there. Visual pixilation has been reduced to almost nothing because of the 1080p resolution LCD panels. The inter-pixel gap is very small. Even the screen door effect is very subtle when up close. Just step back a little bit; you can’t even notice any inter-pixel gap at all.z2000

• Widescreen LCD Projector
• 14-Bit Gamma Correction
• 1,200 ANSI Lumens (Vivid Mode) 
• 15000:1 Contrast Ratio
• Full HD Resolution at 1080p offering a full 1920x1080
• Exclusive Topaz Real HD Technology
• 3D Color Management System
• Lens Maximization of Image Detail
• New Optical System for Reliability and Performance (D.I.O.S.)
• Advanced Lens Shift for Various Room Environments
• Virtually Silent Fan Design
• Illuminated Infrared Remote Control Included
• AC Power Cord Included
• Net Weight 16.1 lbs.

 

Installation in a small room is okay because of the low fan noise and 165W lamp. As everybody knows high wattage lamps can raise room temperatures sometimes up to 10 degrees (especially in small theatre rooms). The 165W lamp is perfect for any room setting and will not affect the room temperature to any record highs. The fan exhaust is on the right side of the projector. Make sure you at least leave some available room for heat to escape. Air and heat exhaust can cause dust particles to gather. That is why it is recommended to clean the filters out periodically. If you want a nice clear image you may want to clean the filter on a semi-regular basis. The Z700 actually comes with a manual squeeze blower that can remove such dust particles from staying. Actually Sanyo is the only vendor to have such a feature for its home theatre projector.

The Z700 is a wonderful LCD projector to have if you really don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. It comes with a three-year warranty. It has excellent color accuracy and is very consumer friendly. If you want a 1080p LCD projector at a price that is very reasonable then I would suggest the Sanyo PLV-Z700.

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When it comes down to the final straw the HC7000 is really meant for those who are so serious about home private theatre that they don’t give a care what they have to spend. They don’t care how to get it they will do what they can. This really is meant for someone who is a videophile. Someone that already has a darkened room and a pre determined mounting area. Sure there are many advantages to having this projector in your home; but if you do, make sure you can utilize it as best you can. Now the Panasonic AE3000 may be a little bit more of your style. It too is preferred for a dark room experience, and can handle little ambient light, but also has other features that would be more involved. The HC7000 can be used to right out of the box. That is a great advantage. The AE3000 can as well but has other feature like split screen functions and lens memory that can always calibrate your settings.

The best thing to do is go to your local LCD projector expert and describe the setting you have and let them guide you. For all you know the HC7000 might be perfect for you.

Product Data Sheet

Display
Imaging Technology	0.74 3-LCD (with Micro Lens)
Brightness/Lumens	1000 ANSI Lumens
Native Resolution	1920 x 1080
Maximum Resolution	1600 x 1200
Viewable Size	50-300 inches
Contrast Ratio	72000 : 1 (on/off)
Color Wheel	N/A

Lens
Lens Throw Ratio	1.4 - 2.26
Zoom & Focus Adjustment	Powered Focus & Zoom

Compatibility
PC, MAC Compatibility	Yes

Operation
Scanning Frequency	[H] 15 - 100 kHz, [V] 50 - 120 Hz, [Dot clock] max. 162 Mhz

Interface
NTSC, PAL, SECAM	NTSC / NTSC 4.43 / PAL (including PAL-M, N) / SECAM / PAL-60, Component Video; 480i/p(525i/p), 576i/p(625i/p), 720p(750p 50/60Hz), 1080i(1125i 50/60Hz), 1080p(1125p 24/50/60Hz) SCART (RGB + 1V sync)
Computer/Video Input Support	PC: Mini D-Sub 15pin x 1, PC Audio: N/A, Video: HDMI(Ver 1.3) x 2, RCA x 1, S-VIDEO x 1, RCA (Y,PB/CB,PR/CR) x 1, Video Audio: N/A
Computer Monitor Loop-Out	No
RS-232 Communication Support	RS-232C: D-Sub 9pin x 1
Audio Speaker	N/A
Audio Out
USB Mouse Support	N/A

Lamp
Estimated Lamp Life Rating	5000 hours (low mode)
Usage Replacement Lamp	Replacement Lamp Bulb (VLT-HC7000LP)

Physical
Weight	16.5 lbs.
Dimensions (W x H x D)	16.9" x 6.4" x 17.3"
Power Consumption	250W/2.5A
Power Requirements	AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz

Service and Support

2-Years Limited Parts and Labor Warranty, 1-Yr or 500-Hours lamp warranty (whichever comes first)

Included Accessories

AC Power cable, RGB cable, RS-232C cable, Remote Unit (incl. battery), User Manual, User Manual CD, Safety Manual, Lamp Replacment tray

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The HC6500 is the newest projector released from Mitsubishi this end of the year.

One may wonder why do I want the HC6500 and not the HC7000? Easy: environment. Everybody has a different environment surrounding them when they watch their specific theatre choice (film, game, etc). Some people have small theatre rooms in their basements that absolutely let no light escape into the room maximizing what you are watching on the screen. Other people may have an above-ground theatre; sometimes in their living rooms, where the only light escaping may be from windows. Either way, every environment and theatre has their own distinct specifications; just like the projectors themselves. That is why it is good to always judge what you are buying by process of elimination. The HC6500 has its qualities and some of them may or may not be suitable for your home theatre.

• Extra low dispersion glass lens with 17-lens optics and 1.6x powered zoom focuses light uniformly for true colors across your entire screen
• Advanced inorganic LCD panels provide longer projector life
• Re-engineered fan is smaller, but with a larger air vent that hushes fan noise to an amazing 17 dBA noise level (low mode)
• Digital video output gives you seamless performance with the Blu-ray 24P next generation optical disk
• Two HDMI interfaces for clean, all-digital flow from source to screen
• Anamorphic lens compatibility for a true widescreen experienc

The lamp life of the HC6500 is about 2000-5000 hours depending if you have it set in Eco-mode or not. This can be regulated by the different settings with the high lumen output. The HC6500 is measured at 1200 ANSI. There are some settings that can be made to take advantage of the environment around you. High brightness can give a kind of ethereal light. The light is given off with a greenish coat but does not take away from the picture itself. Now, use this in medium, and the lumen count goes down to the low 500’s. When talking about differing environments this is where the HC6500 comes in handy. It has a 1.6:1 zoom lens that when combined with the low lamp-mode can accommodate smaller screen sizes. The picture will still be visually stimulating and vibrant. Just remember to use the telephoto lens on the end of the zoom lens.

Razor sharp picture and good shadow detail are two wonderful things about this product. Previously the HC5000 was said to have had nice, sharp picture quality when compared to the other projectors out there. The same can be said for the HC6500. The shadow detail is very good; even though it lacks the inky blacks of other projectors. Like what was said before; every environment is different. Of course fan noise once again comes into question. No one wants their theatre experience interrupted by loud air being pushed around. The HC6500 comes as close to quiet as can be. Some would even say that standing close to the projector one would not be able to tell if it was even operating. Little heat exhaust would suggest that this projector is perfect for small spaces and areas with little or no ventilation.

Every single function of the lens’ are motorized to make it a little easier on the individual. Before, manually fixing the focus on a projector would be a bother. You would have to go up to the screen and check the focus. Then you would go to the projector and change the focus. Walk back to the screen and check it once again. This would be a little easier if two or more people were present, but by yourself it can be a pain. The powered focus on the HC6500 makes it as simple as going up to the screen and pointing and clicking to the best setting. As said before the zoom lens is 1.6:1 which can display a 100” diagonal 16:9 image for 10’ to a little bit over 16’. The lens shift has about a vertical range of two and a half picture heights. The horizontal range is about five percent in either direction. This leaves open many options like rear shelf mounting or ceiling mounting (ceiling mounts may not even need a drop tube).

The HC6500 runs about in the mid 3,000 dollar range. This is not as bad compared to other projectors. All of it really depends on the style and kind of area you are trying to fit into. The sharpness and detail are crystal clear. If you have a large screen it can adjust within a light controlled room. These are all factors that have to be taken into consideration when buying a projector. The HC6500 is in restricted/limited release to retailers but can be found most likely at major stores that do specialize in such a product. The price may sound a little bit high but people forget that most restricted/limited products like LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors cost even more then the listed price of the HC6500. Actually the price itself is worth it. The lamp light if ever needed to be replaced would cost a nice penny but is already included. The replacement lamp light would cost you along the lines of up to almost 500 dollars. The warranty is an automatic two-year warranty. Most other competitors only offer a year-old warranty with an option to buy a two-year warranty for more money.

All said and done, Mitsubishi’s HC6500 has been compared to Panasonic’s AE3000 in many different ways. They both came out at the same time and both have similar qualities. You could argue that the AE3000 has a one-year warranty and that the HC6500 has a two-year warranty. You could argue that the HC6500 has a higher price. These are all factors that can bring a decision to make; but, it all comes down to what really accommodates you more easily and readily. Look at your theatre space. Is your air quality in your theatre space more freeing? How much light actually comes into your room? How big is your screen? How would you like to mount your projector? Find all the answers to these questions and inquiries and you can make a judgment on your own.

Mitsubishi HC6500 Product Sheet

Display
Imaging Technology	0.74 3-LCD (with Micro Lens)
Brightness/Lumens	1200 ANSI Lumens
Native Resolution	1920 x 1080
Maximum Resolution	1600 x 1200
Viewable Size	50-300 inches
Contrast Ratio	15000 : 1 (on/off)
Color Wheel	N/A

Lens
Lens Throw Ratio	1.4 - 2.26
Zoom & Focus Adjustment	Powered Focus & Zoom

Compatibility
PC, MAC Compatibility	Yes

Operation
Scanning Frequency	[H] 15 - 100 kHz, [V] 50 - 120 Hz, [Dot clock] max. 162 Mhz

Interface
NTSC, PAL, SECAM	NTSC / NTSC 4.43 / PAL (including PAL-M, N) / SECAM / PAL-60, Component Video: 480i/p(525i/p), 576i/p(625i/p), 720p(750p 50/60Hz), 1080i(1125i 50/60Hz), 1080p(1125p 24/50/60Hz), SCART (RGB + 1V sync)
Computer/Video Input Support	PC: Mini D-Sub 15pin x 1, PC Audio: N/A, Video: HDMI(Ver 1.3) x 2, RCA x 1 , S-VIDEO x 1, RCA (Y,PB/CB,PR/CR) x 1, Video Audio: N/A
Computer Monitor Loop-Out	No
RS-232 Communication Support	RS-232C: D-Sub 9pin x 1 (Direct command is available.)
Audio Speaker	N/A
Audio Out
USB Mouse Support	N/A

Lamp
Estimated Lamp Life Rating	5000 hours (low mode)
Usage Replacement Lamp	Replacement Lamp Bulb (VLT-HC7000LP)

Physical
Weight	16.5 lbs.
Dimensions (W x H x D)	16.8" x 17.3" x 6.3"
Power Consumption	250W/2.5A
Power Requirements	AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz

Service and Support

2-Years Limited Parts and Labor Warranty, 1-Year or 500-Hours lamp warranty (whichever comes first)

Included Accessories

AC Power cable, RGB cable, RS-232C cable, Remote Unit (incl. battery), User Manual, User Manual CD, Safety Manual, Lens Cap, Lamp replacment tray

 

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