Buying Guide: 10 Video Projectors Between $1,000 and $4,000

Between $1,000 and $4,000 there are many LCD, LCoS, and DLP projectors available. In this price range you will find models with both horizontal and vertical lens shift, making placement of the projector much easier than placing a lower-priced projector that has no lens shift. DLP models will still be single-chip versions, but will use better DLP chips with better blacks than cheaper models can muster. You still have the same great 3D and brightness levels, but these machines run quieter than their less expensive counterparts.

LCD models will boast 1080p resolution, and there are both lifestyle and home theater versions available. Lifestyle projectors are bright and designed for multi-purpose rooms, like a living room that doubles as a home theater. This type of projector usually has integrated speakers and lacks some high-end features, like support for a CinemaScope screen, which a home theater-type of LCD projector will have. Most LCD models fall into this price range and will offer darker blacks than a DLP projector, but will not be as sharp or handle motion scenes as well as other more expensive projectors.

LCoS projectors start at around $2,000 and usually offer the best black levels and quietest operation of projectors in this price range. They don’t usually have the high brightness levels that DLP or LCD projectors offer in this price range, but are bright enough for most screen sizes in dedicated home theater rooms.

In this price category you also start to see models with motorized zoom and focus controls to support CinemaScope screens, as well as THX and ISF certification for improved picture quality.

Here is a list of 10 solid performers for $1,000 to $4,000:

Epson 6030UB
LCD, 1080p, 2400 Lumens, Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 600,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 2x HDMI Inputs, THX and ISFccc Certified, Included Mount and Bulb
$3,500

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Sony VPL-HW40ES
LCoS, 1080p, 1700 Lumens, Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 2x HDMI Inputs
$2,000

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Sony VPL-HW55ES
LCoS, 1080p, 1700 Lumens, Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 120,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 2x HDMI Inputs
$4,000

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Epson 3600e
LCD, 1080p, 2500 Lumens, Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 10-Watt Speakers, Wireless HDMI, 70,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 5x HDMI Inputs
$1,900

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JVC DLA-X35
LCoS, 1080p, 1300 Lumens, Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 50,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio, 2x HDMI Inputs
$3,500

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Panasonic PT-AE8000U
LCD, 1080p, 2400 Lumens, Motorized Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, Lens Memory, 3D, 500,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 3x HDMI Inputs
$3,500

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Optoma HD50
DLP, 1080p, 2200 Lumens, Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 2x HDMI Inputs
$1,600

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Optoma HD91+
DLP, 1080p, 1500 Lumens, LED Light Source, Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 600,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 2x HDMI Inputs
$4,000

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Epson 5030Ube
LCD, 1080p, 2400 Lumens, Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift, 3D, 600,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 5x Wireless HDMI Inputs
$2,600

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Sim2 Cube 20th
DLP, 1080p, 2300 Lumens, No Lens Shift, 3D, 2x HDMI 1.4 Inputs
$3,500

Types of Video Projectors
Important Video Projector Specs
10 Things You May Not Know (But Should) About Video Projectors
10 Video Projectors for $1,000 or less
10 Video Projectors For $4,000 and Up