Looking to get into the front projection game this holiday season? The prices might not be dropping like flat-panel TV stones, but you can get high-def projection at good prices these days.

Epson, which introduced a sub-$2K 1080p projector recently, has taken its PowerLite Home Cinema line under $800 with the PowerLite Home Cinema 700 3LCD projector.

No, it’s not 1080p, but this 720p HD model still packs a projection punch—for $799.

Here’s some of the nitty-gritty:

• The aforementioned 3LCD for richer color, detail and no rainbow effect
• 2,000 lumens brightness
• Seven pre-set color modes
• Instant On, Instant Off for no waiting during start/shutdown
• Epson Universal Mount
• 1.2x optical zoom
• HDMI, component video, S-video, USB connections

Because even your projector is built with some aesthetics in mind today, Epson’s comes in a compact form factor and white color to better blend with traditional ceilings. The E-TORL lamp has a lifespan up to 4,000 hours too, so get used to seeing that Home Cinema 700 perched up there for a while.

Arlen Schweiger - Editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen writes about home technology installations and product news and reviews for electronichouse.com and Electronic House magazine.