Group test: HD projectors £2,000-£2,500 pt2

Overview Price: £2,000 More info: Optoma Size: 411x116x311mm Weight: 4.5kg Technology: DLP Resolution: 1920x1080 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Contrast ratio: 10,000:1 Brightness: 1,300 ANSI Lumens Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 1.3, DVI, component, S-Video, composite, RS-232 Optoma Themescene HD80 Themescene's HD80 is a Full HD DLP projector that comes at a price you would normally associate with LCD models - and there are surprisingly few compromises when it comes to performance. That said, there are a couple of cutbacks elsewhere. The smooth, sloping design is eye-catching but a closer inspection reveals only average build quality. And, without any form of vertical lens shift, it's difficult to align the image from a coffee table placement - while the adjustable feet are awkward to use. Nonetheless, the HD80 claims an impressive specification with a Full HD resolution that will accept all high-definition formats including the 1080p/24 fps standard used by some HD players. And there is no overscan involved so you get a direct pixel-for-pixel transposition of high-definition sources, which means there's no scaling-induced noise. Connectivity is equally impressive with the usual analogue alternatives accompanied by two HDMI 1.3 inputs, which will support the latest DeepColor picture enhancements if they ever become readily available on HD discs. Despite an abundance of advanced adjustments it doesn't take too much tinkering to arrive at a decent image courtesy of simple menus and an excellent remote. There's also an AI system that will automatically adjust settings according to your room's ambient light - but you'll still need a particularly dark room for the best image quality. The projector's lack of inherent brightness does limit the acceptable screen size to around 3.5m - but that will be fine for most people. However, low brightness also affords extremely deep black levels and subsequent contrast. Compared to LCD models, superior black depth (especially using the manual iris adjustment) leaves images densely defined with three-dimensional contrast and superb insight with dark scenes. There is some instability with standard-definition content but HD images are immaculately clean and cohesive while colours are beautifully balanced and rich without overwhelming natural hues like skin tones. Detail is decent, although we have seen other, agreeably more expensive, DLP projectors that can extract finer definition from high-definition content. If DLP is your projector technology of choice then Themescene's HD80 is one of the most competitively priced models on the market and it's capable of outstanding performance - great value for money.

Verdict Plus points Competitively priced, advanced features and connectivity, quiet operation, superb black levels and contrast Minus points Average build quality, fiddly set up, lacks super fine detail

Overview Price: £2,000 More info: Panasonic Size: 460x130x300mm Weight: 7.2g Technology: 3LCD Resolution: 1920x1080 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Contrast ratio: 16,000:1 Brightness: 1,500 ANSI Lumens Video Inputs: 3x HDMI, 2x component, S-Video, composite, PC in Panasonic PT-AE2000E Panasonic's latest projector is evidence of how far LCD designs have come in recent years - but can this technology compete with DLP models at the same price? The PT-AE2000E actually replaces the company's previous PT-AE1000E, deemed by many to be a class-leading projector. But, while the price and the Full HD specification haven't changed, there have been considerable enhancements elsewhere including 16-bit video processing and improved brightness and contrast ratings. There are now also three HDMI 1.3a inputs that will accept 1080p/24 fps content from high-definition players, which makes it the best connected projector in this test - especially if you own several HD sources. We're not so impressed with the dated, straight-edged design, which resembles an oversized fan heater compared to some sleek models like Epson's TW1000. But, the large dimensions offer ample cooling space so it's graciously quiet in operation without drawing attention away from the screen. It's incredibly easy to install with solid adjustable feet and a simple thumbwheel control for both vertical and horizontal lens shift - while the relatively short throw projection means you can display large sized images from only 3-4m away. The most common complaint directed at LCD projectors is that they struggle to deliver black levels as deeply as their DLP counterparts - although this projector's ability could make that a thing of the past. While black levels aren't as quite as distinct as we've seen from Themescene's HD80, they come close enough to create an almost tangible sense of solid contrast that's rarely seen in LCD models. High brightness also exposes more intricate detail than its test rivals, especially watching high-definition content. Colours appear more alive and enticing while fast-paced action is smooth and stable - although we did experience occasionally staggered movement during slow camera pans. DLP technology may still hold the upper hand when it comes to high-end projectors but LCD models have improved enough to compete at this price level - and Panasonic's PT-AE2000E is the best in its class.

Verdict Plus points Improved specification, enhanced connectivity, easy to use, bright, colourful and solidly defined images Minus points Dated design, slow movement occasionally staggers

Final verdict This test has revealed that the product itself is ultimately more important than the type of technology used by projectors at this price point. Each competing technology - DLP and LCD - produced one projector that impressed and another that didn't. The two obvious class-leaders were Themescene's HD80 DLP model and Panasonic's PT-AE2000E LCD equivalent. The Themescene offers outstanding performance featuring usual DLP hallmarks such as depth-defining contrast and cohesive movement, but build quality is average and it isn't especially user-friendly. Alternatively, Panasonic has taken LCD technology to another level with equally distinct black levels supported by typically impressive detail with bright, vivid colours. And, since it also carries more features (including three HDMI inputs) and is easier to install - it's the Panasonic that gets our vote for the best Full HD projector at this level. Of the also rans, BenQ's W9000 is competitively priced but muted black levels left images looking dull and unrealistic while Epson's TW1000 is expensively priced for an average performance that doesn't live up to its specification.

< Previous page: BenQ W9000, Epson TW1000 and intro 1 2

AVR Glossary