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

Projector technology can be simply divided into two groups - DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) models. Until recently, LCD was reserved for less expensive designs while DLP models held the performance edge for high-end designs. However, recent advances have seen LCD technology improve immensely while DLP models are more competitively priced than ever before - including the latest high-definition models that are compatible with 1080p signals used by next generation HD players. We've brought together four of the latest Full HD projectors from both schools of technology to see which one does it best… Overview Price: £2,000 More info: BenQ Size: 492x195x393mm Weight: 9.5kg Technology: DLP Resolution: 1920x1080 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Contrast ratio: 8,500:1 Brightness: 1200 ANSI lumens Video Inputs: HDMI, 2x component, S-Video, composite BenQ W9000 BenQ's W9000 is an attempt at releasing an affordable 1080p DLP projector to compete with the likes of Themescene and Infocus - but its decent specification is compromised by average performance. The industrial design is physically imposing and reassuringly heavy with a centre-mounted lens that eases installation, although it's not the most stylish projector on the market. Connectivity is comparably limited with only a single HDMI input and, although you can use the accompanying analogue component connections to receive high-definition images, we would prefer to find more digital alternatives at this price. Still, it is extremely easy to install with electronic adjustments for zoom, focus and even vertical shift - all of which can be controlled from the remote. We did find that the 1.15 zoom was slightly restrictive, which means you might struggle if you want to use the projector in different sized rooms. On paper, the specification appears impressive - with Full HD compatibility including the 1080p/24 fps signals that are output from the latest high-definition video players. There are also a variety of picture-enhancing technologies including 3D Colour Management, Noise Reduction and a Dynamic Iris system - while BenQ's own Senseye system automatically adjusts the bright and dark areas on screen according to your room's ambient light. However, despite all of this technology at hand, picture performance is distinctly average. The main culprit is a lack of brightness, which leaves images appearing dull and muted while making it difficult to watch in a room with any ambient light - even if you use the higher 250-watt lamp output option. Normally you would expect a dark image to encourage deeper black levels but that isn't the case here, especially compared to the models from Themescene and Panasonic. Nonetheless, high-definition images do appear pristinely clean and detailed while movement is impressive with virtually no colour smearing or stuttering - and there's no sign of the distracting 'rainbow effect' that can disturb DLP images. But, ultimately BenQ's W9000 fails to deliver the performance that the specification suggests. Verdict Plus points Robust design, easy to install, decent specification Minus points Imposing design, limited connectivity, low brightness leaves images looking lacklustre

Overview Price: £2,500 More info: Epson Size: 406x124x310mm Weight: 5.6kg Technology: 3LCD Resolution: 1920x1080 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Contrast ratio: 12,000:1 Brightness: 1,200 ANSI Lumens Video Inputs: HDMI 1.3, D-Scart, component, S-Video, composite, PC input Epson TW1000 Epson is a name that you might associate more with office printers than home cinema projectors and the TW1000 is its first Full HD (1920x1080) model - although the company's inexperience in this market shows. In its favour, the TW1000 features an attractive, contoured design finished in two-tone black. And, it's one of the most versatile and easiest projectors to set up using simple manual lens shifts for both vertical and horizontal control with useful test patterns that mean it can accommodate odd shaped rooms without being overly restricted by placement. Connectivity is equally flexible with an HDMI 1.3 input that will support future-proof high-definition content using 48-bit colour - even if it's not actually available yet. Analogue alternatives include a D-sub Scart connection that can be used as a typical Scart input with the supplied adapter. There are several proprietary processing systems including Crystal Clear Fine (C2Fine) technology, which claims to produce greater control over brightness, and a specialised motion detection circuit that offers smoother movement, especially with sports programmes. However, despite numerous advanced adjustments including several presets aimed at improving black levels, it's black depth again that stifles the performance. Even using the best Theatre Black 2 mode, blacks appear comparably dull with a blue/purple tinge that struggles to expose decent contrast and loses detail during dark scenes. Also, the colours seem subdued against more vibrant LCD models like Panasonic's PT-AE2000E. What the 3LCD technology does offer is an extremely clean and detailed picture with virtually no picture noise or digital artifacts, especially when viewing high-definition content. Movement is exceptionally smooth with both fast paced and slow-panned motion - although standard-definition images do occasionally stutter across the screen. Epson's TW1000 may be graciously user-friendly but there's an obvious difference in image quality compared to the class leaders, which can be afforded for the same price or even less.

Verdict Plus points Attractive design, easy to set up, clean and detailed images Minus points Comparably expensive, poor black levels and contrast

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