Projectors

Optoma unleashes bigscreen 3D The sub-£1,400 HD33 offers a tempting mix of dramatic 3D and sweet design. Home cinema frugalists have never had it so good, argues Steve May

Don’t be surprised if you’re told you’ll have to go on a waiting list to get an Optoma HD33. According to a little birdie in the trade, demand for this model is outstripping supply across Europe – and having now lived with one for a few weeks, I’m not surprised. Typically selling for less than £1,400, they represent ridiculously good value for bigscreen aficionados – particularly when you consider that a year ago you couldn’t get a Full HD 3D PJ for less than £3K.

Welcome to the extra dimension In striving to produce a good 3D projector, Panasonic has actually delivered a brilliant 2D one, reckons John Archer

From the moment I first saw Panasonic’s new PT-AT5000 3D projector running alongside its AE4000 predecessor at a swanky launch event in Los Angeles, I knew it was going to be something special. Though not necessarily because of its headlining 3D talents.

Jack of all trades This single-chip DLP projector can be converted to 3D with off-board hardware. But it’s trying to please too many different users, says Martin Pipe

The Viewsonic Pro8450 is a 720p single-chip DLP projector with a variety of applications.

Darkchip diva Can £800 really buy you a quality hi-def home cinema projector? According to bigscreen behemoth John Archer, indeed it can

Usually projectors that cost less than £800 are either aimed at the business/education markets or absolutely rubbish. And there can be no hiding place for shoddiness when you’re watching a picture that’s 100in wide or more.

If you still aren't convinced about 3D, John Archer has no doubt at all that JVC’s latest projector will change your mind

Not everyone ‘gets’ 3D. Indeed, there are days when I’m not sure I totally need it myself. But not so today.

Import duty Martin Pipe gives his verdict on Sharp’s first DLP 3D projector and makes a case for its appearance on these shores

When asked by Sharp if we wanted to audition its 3D projector, we weren’t about to say no, even though the machine hasn’t yet been confirmed for a UK release. Oddly, Sharp is prevaricating about whether there’s a market for a 3D PJ with a retail price of around £4,000. But AV retailers’ shelves aren’t exactly heaving with such items. There’s only Sony’s VPL-VW90ES (£5,400) and a trio of JVC models, ranging in price from £3,500 to £9,500. And that’s currently it.

Bright young thing Kevin Gallucci auditions an affordable projector that loves living rooms

Epson is one of the leading projector manufacturers in the world today and offers a five-strong home cinema lineup. The EH-TW3600 is its newest entry-level model, and some way off the flagship RH4000 in terms of specs. For instance, the brand’s Reflective LCD technology is missing here. Still, at only £1,300, this PJ will certainly attract a few buyers.