Ah, the granddaddy of them all when you’re talking home theater. These days, there is less and less reason to go to the actual theater, now that 1080p, high-definition DVD, 2.35:1 superwide screens and other home theater accessories are available. The comforts of home are all there for you, especially bigger and brighter pictures than ever.
There are plenty of specs to consider when selecting your projector and screens. What size image? What size screen? DLP or LCD image technology? Single chip or three chip? Anamorphic lens for Cinemascope type of movie format? Fixed or motorized screen? Perforated material so speakers can hide behind it?
The plate certainly gets full in a hurry. But then, don’t you want to watch Star Wars or the Cowboys-Redskins game on a screen that will make your eyes bulge with glee? With some different price ranges in mind, we honored some projectors and screens that would make anyone want to stay in on a Saturday night for a special theater experience that you can also enjoy any day of the week.
For projectors, our Products of the Year included: JVC’s DLA-RS1 and DLA-HD1, Epson’s PowerLite Home Cinema 1080, Marantz’s VP-15S1 DLP Projector, the Domino D80 Projector Plus Home Cinema “Flex” System from Sim2, Vidikron’s Vision Model 85, Optoma’s HD81-LV DLP Projector, and Runco’s Video Xtreme VX-22d CWAS DLP Projector.
Innovative screens include Stewart Filmscreen’s StarGlas, which can also help you create your own outdoor drive-in theater, and Screen Research’s ClearPix2 Screen Fabric.
Don’t be afraid to splurge in this category. You’ll use your theater for years and years – and you can always save on moves by signing up for Netflix.
Noticed that the Vutec “Theater Art” with SilverStar and masking from 2.35:1 to 16:9 did not make it. Dealers all went wild over it at CEDIA show. Just wondered shy?
how about SONY !!!! not even on the list? tell me why and I will believe!
On the splurging part - seeing as to how the front projectors are being devalued so fast then what ever you buy will be worth nothing in no time.
Seeing as to how any front projector you buy now will look sickly horrible to any 3 years from now be ready to replace it; especially with all the competition lately.
And you left out the Panasonic AE2000. I’d be very surprised if it doesn’t beat out at least one projector in your list if not two.
Therefore I dislike your list. Its too early to tell the best of anything for ‘07.
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This did in fact win an award, and is in a different slide show within the “Displays” area. We can certainly see why the dealers went wild as it is a perfect way to hang a screen and the masking makes it all the better.
Here’s the link:
http://www.electronichouse.com/slideshow/products/1976/366
Cindy Davis
Editor-in-chief
Electronic House magazine