I've spent months reading projector reviews, and though I've been able to find a general consensus on a handful of the "best 1080p projector[s] under $3,000 dollars," I've had trouble figuring out which is actually the king.

Many people have mentioned the Sanyo PLV-Z2000 as one of the best for this price, despite the reviews I've read on it stating that it's not really up there with projectors like the Panasonic PT-AE2000 or the Sony VPL-VW60. I'm going to include in the nominees for voting just because I've noticed a lot of people on the forum expressing interest in it under the impression that it's one of the best for under $3,000. Though I can't say for sure since I've never seen it, from the reviews I've read I would say that you can actually do better for $3,000. At least, that's what the writers at projectorcentral.com and projectorreviews.com think.

You can choose to go to the bottom of this page and just pick from the list of what you think the best projector is (***please*** only vote if you've actually SEEN all the projectors mentioned in action, on the same screen -OR, vote for one, but specify in the same post if you haven't seen some of them but you've seen otherrs, so everyone knows where you're coming from.

Here's the list of "nominees" I've come up with over the last month of research, and just some notes I've on them that I have gathered through the general consensus of reviews and opinions on this forum.

Sony VPL-VW60 Projector: (It has an official street price of just above $4,000, but you can find it in the low $3,000 range, or even slightly below $3,000 if you're lucky, which is why I'm adamant in including it). GENERAL CONSENSUS: Does not raise any eyebrows straight out of the box, but once it is properly set-up by a professional who knows what he or she is doing, it provides the "best picture in its price range," despite the picture being rather soft. Despite the boasted 35,000:1 contrast ratio, consenus is that the Sony's biggest problem actually is contrast and brightness. This makes me wonder if Epson's new Home Cinema 1080UB projector isn't going to be as good as the 45,000:1 contrast it boasts would suggest. It seems that, on paper, contrast rations mean nothing if they don't have the word "native" in front of it. Anyway, general consensus is that this is the best anyone can do for less than $3,000, if you can find it for under $3,000, but not all the reviews seem to say 100% sure that this is the best in its price range because of the bad contrast and bad brightness. I'm hesitant to spend my money on this projector because, though I haven't the seen the *projector* in action, I've seen a couple of SXRD televisions on display, which (to my knowledge) is the exact same technology used in the projector, and I have to say that although the SXRD looked as good as any of the other rear projection televisions they had (five or so in total), I was not that impressed with it. I could see pixels all over the place from a few feet away, so I'm not sure this projector really is the best for under $3,000. Then again, I've heard on this forum that both the Sony VPL-VW60 and the Panasonic PT-AE2000 both have absolutely no pixelization, so maybe it was just the directv feed being split between all those television at best buy. Anyone know?
(Keep in mind also that, although the Sony VPL-VW50 will *not* be included in the nominees for this vote, it is cheaper than the VPL-VW60, and was also a very well reviewed projector. If you can't afford the VPL-VW60, and you decide that you don't think the Panasonic or Optoma projectors are good enough, the VPL-VW50 is definitely one to consider, from what I've read).

Panasonic PT-AE2000: Can be found almost everywhere at the exact same price: approx $2,700. According to reviews and opinions, this projector has better contrast and a sharper image than the Sony VPL-VW60, but although there's more contrast and the image is sharper, the Sony has better black levels, and overall reviews and people on this forum alike seem to think that the Sony VPL-VW60 has a slightly better picture, despite the contrast and brightness problems, which I don't really understand, but might if I saw the projector.

Optoma HD80: Everyone went crazy when this 1080p DLP projector came out because it was the cheapest one to come out by a long shot, and it also delivers with quality. But, because it came out 4-5 months before a lot of these newer projectors, the reviews on the Optoma HD80 mostly just talk about how great it is for the price, but don't compare it to the newer projectors that can also be bought for within $500-$700 of this projector. General consensus is that this projector gives a solid picture, though the Sony VPL-VW60's review *did* say that the VPL-VW60 delivered a better picture than the Optoma HD80 and the Optoma HD81.

One thing about the Optoma HD80 is it still seems to be the only straight up DLP 1080p projector available for less than $3,000. As far as I know it's really the only one for under $5,000 even. All these other projectors are either Lcos or 3LCD chipped.

In addition to being out pictured by the Panasonic PT-AE2000 and the Sony VPL-VW60, the Optoma HD80 also has very limited placement options due to its very limited zoom and lens shift. Overall it would seem that, according to reviews, the new Panasonic PT-AE2000 or the Sony VPL-VW60, or any of the other projectors I'm going to mention would be the way to go over the Optoma HD80, but, I can't be certain of this because I've seen many many LCD televisions, including Sony's rear projection SXRD televisions, and I wasn't happy looking at any of these LCD televisions. Even the $3,000 or $4,000 televisions by the people who invented LCD technology (I forget the brand... some asian name that started with an F I think...), even those had pixels and weren't satisfactory. Then, at Magnolia Home Theatre in Best Buy, I saw some poorly set up lower end (5k or so) DLP projectors, and even those looked better than any of the 40-60 inch LCD televisions. So, despite all the reviews saying that these lower priced LCD or Lcos projectors are better than the Optoma HD80, I'm not sure I bite, because I've seen LCD televisions, and LCDs (and Lcos I would assume as well) just don't seem to have enough processing power to keep up with fast action in movies or sports, especially if it's coming from a satellite or cable signal, as opposed to a blueray or HdDvd. I'm not sure what to believe, which is why I'm hoping for feeback. This can be the thread everyone turns to when deciding what 1080p projector to buy in the less than $3,000 price range over the next few months (or until the next batch of projectors).

Sanyo PLV-Z2000:
Like the Panasonic PE-AE2000, this apparently has better contrast and sharpness than the Sony VPL-VW60, but, again, inexplicably, not as good of a picture. Unlike the Panasonic PE-AE2000, this projector does have the pixel problem that LCD's all seem to have in my mind, whereas the Panasonic PE-AE2000 at least boasts no pixelization at all, and I've even heard that the Sony doesn't have any either. If you want a straight up LCD projector, I would definitely go with the Panasonic PE-AE2000 over this model, from what I've read.

Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080UB: This is the one I've really been waiting to hear more about before making a final decision. The 50,000:1 contrast ratio sounds nice, but after being fooled once already with the Sony VPL-VW60's boasted high contrast ration on paper, which in reality apparently is the projector's biggest problem, I'm not going to get excited too quickly. Still, it sounds like the new Epson is going to give these other projectors a run for their money, and if anyone has seen it in action, or knows of any reviews out there, please post some all the information you can regarding it (since I've yet to find a decent review. The one I'm posting at the bottom of the page isn't too informative because it doesn't compare the Epson to any of the other projectors mentioned in this post).

I've read about many other projectors as well, but unless you're absolutely certain I've omitted something that's as good as any of these, please don't try to add anything more to the list. I know some people like other companies, but of all the reviews I've read, it seems everyone agrees that these are kind of the top four out right now for under or around $3,000.

So, of the FIVE, which are all similarly priced, please vote for which one you think is best, and explain why, under the mindset that you could buy all of these projectors at the same price. In other words, if you want to vote for the Optoma HD80, vote for it because you think it's the best projector on the list, not because it's the cheapest, or "best for it's value." This thread will only be informative if everyone votes with the mindset that all these projectors are the same price, or... "if you could afford any of the four mentioned projectors, which would you buy, and why?"
People can find pricing anywhere and determine for themselves what they can afford, and how much quality they are willing to give up or have to give up in order to pay for something. The purpose of this thread is simply to answer the question of which projector is the best under $3,000. I believe I've been correct in narrowing it down to the five I mentioned, so of those five, which is best? People, like I said, can figure out what they can afford on their own. This thread is only to determine which is the best for people with $3,000 budgets for their projectors.

Alright, so, let the voting begin for the following three categories:

BEST LCD or LCOS PROJECTOR:

BEST DLP PROJECTOR: (I guess this would have to be the Optoma HD80, unless there is a better DLP projector than the Optoma HD80 available for < $3,000. This is the only scenario where it's okay to mention projectors that haven't been put on the list, because I have to admit I've been reading mostly just about "the best 1080p projectors," period, and most the reviewers only talk about the LCD or LCOS ones, so, I'm not really knowledgable about other DLP projectors in the price range aside from the Optoma HD80, though I would like to be since I prefer DLP technology to LCD, and I've never seen Lcos in a projector - only on a SXRD television (and I wasn't that pleased, as I've already said).

So, feel free to talk about other DLP projectors in the price range here.

BEST OVERALL 1080p PROJECTOR:

LET THE VOTING BEGIN!!!!!!! REMEMBER - ANSWER THE QUESTIONS "WHICH IS BEST," AND "WHY IS IT THE BEST?


I look forward to some feedback. Here is some other misc. information if you're looking to get more educated on the projectors mentioned here. I hope this thread is helpful to everyone, and I hope the more knowledgable forum members will take over from here and help me out so I can finally decide on something before the new year :)

Sony VPL-VW60 review at ProjectorReviews: http://www.projectorreviews.com/sony/vpl-vw60/proscons.php - The reviewer even goes as far as to say (in this review) that "Last year the VW50 was bested by the JVC, who does it all with their LCoS panel technology, and no dynamic iris. This year, I'm pleased to report, that the Sony VW60 is sufficiently improved that it is roughly equal to the JVC overall. In some cases (those very dark scenes with no bright areas) it may actually outperform the JVC RS1. The ultimate challenge, though is not the RS1 this time around, but JVC's RS2, which is supposed to be shipping this month. It too has improved black levels, and claims 30,000:1 contrast, and does so without a dynamic iris.

Unfortunately, we had hoped that the JVC RS2 would arrive for review before I posted this review, but it's not to be. If it does come in, in the next couple of days, I will get to run the Sony VW60 and the JVC RS2 side by side, and will report on that in the JVC review. Back to the Sony's black levels.

The most important statement is this: Not one of the other new 1080p projectors reviewed in the last few months (Sharp, Sanyo, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Optoma HD81-LV, and so on) can match the Sony in terms of black level performance. So, it would seem beating it is up to the soon expected JVC, but also, the new Epson Home Cinema 1080UB, also expected in this month. The Epson is LCD, and is claiming 50,000:1, so things should be interesting. But now, let's look at some images."

Panasonic PT-AE2000 review: http://www.projectorcentral.com/panasonic_ae2000_home_theater_projector.htm

Optoma HD80 review: http://www.projectorreviews.com/optoma/hd80/index.php

Epson Home Cinema 1080UB review: http://www.visualapex.com/Visual-Apex-testimonials/Projector-Reviews.asp (third one down on the page)

this can only be voted on 6 months from now, we will see if any of these projectors start to malfunction by then, dimming bulbs etc, that review by audioholics sounds more like a press release too for the Epson 1080ub, I have noticed audioholics has become somewhat a cheerleader for Epson, maybe its all the ads on their site.

Rear projection sets are going to have a different "look" to them partly because of the sheen/glare of the screen, and the fact that if you saw these in retail stores they will likely be uncalibrated or setup with oversaturated colors, excessive contrast, etc, to grab the eye. Front projection produces a different picture so trying to draw conclusions of a panel technology based on a rear projection set just won't work.

I am hoping this thread gets a lot of positive respones. I am in the process of searching for my first projector and all of these (except the HD80 and the Sanyo) have been on my list. The RS1 is #1 on my list, but it is quite a bit more $$. The Sony is #2 and the Panny is #3 now. I am hoping the new Epson will outdo all of these whenever it finally gets to the states.

I have not seen any of these so actually cannot give any input, but am waiting for any input that comes from this thread. My choices are from reading all of the AVS threads.

May be You can add BenQ w5000 for DLP.
..Anyway I had no chance to see it in action.

The BenQ 9000 can be had for under 3k. Might be worth throwing into the mix especially with the 5000 coming out. Definitely cheaper than the VW60.

Dino

Good thread and summary. I will be watching from the sidelines though. Since I paid $2500 for my 2.5 year old Panasonic AE700 and have only 750 hours on the bulb(got original replaced after 14 months for free!) I have a while before I have to upgrade.

After two Panasonic PJ's, the Sony one sounds impressive.

Im also looking for a new projector in this pricerange so get voting! :D

I am a little puzzled why you think the Sony suffers in the area of contrast. I have read reviews of most of the projectors on your list, and the Sony is far and away the leader in on/off contrast. This is why it has the best black level of all the projectors test. I would think it would be equal or better than the lcds for ansi contrast and slightly behind the optoma in this regard. I have gleaned that when all of these pjs are D65 calibrated the Sony is actually at the top in brightness, but doesn't gain as much brightness in it's uncalibrated modes compared to the lcd's. Of the projectors you have listed I have only seen the Sony and I was thoroughly impressed with its picture. I have yet to see any of the others.

I know people are probably already tired of me mentioning this tonight, but at $1328 after rebate from projectorusa.com, shouldn't the Mitsubishi HC4900 be included on this list for the price alone?

The HC4900 defintely blows away anything under $2k for 1080p :D

Most of the not-so-good reviews I've seen of the PLV-Z2000 are because the reviewer took no time to properly calibrate/tweak the projector. This is one picky PJ to get properly tuned, but once you do it right, it looks fantastic, and quite bright with proper iris settings.

I have not tested any of the other PJs, so I won't vote. But just wanted to clarify that!

No offense, but I would not wait for much feedback on this. This topic is so subjective, you could debate/argue each issue ad nauseum.

The new D7 lcd projectors (Panasonic, Epson, Sanyo) all match or have higher ansi contrast than the Sony (by a little though, not a lot). Also, these new lcds if properly calibrated will match the Sony's native contrast. The Sony may still have a slight lead in Dynamic contrast, but it's close enough among these four that quality control variations in each unit will make them all about equal (except for the Sanyo, which appears to have a less dynamic iris...but this may be a setup issue).

The sony does have adjustable convergence, which should guarantee good convergence on every unit.

The panasonic has it's smoothscreen which eliminates screendoor. Otherwise, all of these projectors are going to be similar.

The Optoma HD80 is going to give you a little better ansi contrast, but native & dyanmic contrast aren't quite as good as the lcd and lcos units above. The optoma is the brightest projector of this group. It has a 6x speed color wheel which will eliminate rainbows for most people, but at that speed may introduce some dithering.

The only other factors are placement flexibility, fan noise, onboard scaling/deinterlacing, etc.

thanks for the info guys. im still looking for opinions regarding which is the best dlp for under 3k, and what's the best ***overall* of the ones I've listed, regardless of price?

I would add the Mitsubishi but even if it's a great deal at it's price, this thread is focusing on maximum quality for 3k or lower. meaning, if the panasonic pt-ae2000 is > than the mitsubishi projector, it doesn't matter (for purposes of this thread) if the mitsubishi is a better deal for the money.

But, for the people who want to spend no more than $1,400 on a projector, apparently the Mitsubishi HC4900 is the best way to go for a < $1,500 projector :)

Okay. back on topic. What's the best from the list?

Also I may add the BenQ projector to the list once I read up on it. thanks for the suggestion :)