t3

JVC DLA-X3

The DLA-X3's headline
feature is its 3D
compatibility and it is
startling to be able to
watch 3D images at up
to 250 inches across at
home, but the slight
ghosting - double vision
- experienced when
using this early sample
means that 2D
performance is the star.
JVC has boosted the
X3's brightness and
contrast to a native
50,000:1 to improve its
3D pictures, but that
also helps it to produce
amazingly dynamic,
punchy and natural looking
2D pictures that
almost manage to justify
that £3,600 price tag.

Panasonic PT-AE4000

This LCD projector
provides high-end
picture calibration,
including a colour
management system,
multiple iris settings,
vertical image shifting, a
2x optical zoom and the
ability to store different
lens settings for
different aspect ratios,
but remains affordable.
The PT-AE4000 also
has three HDMIs. It may
have a selection of
manual features that
would rival more
expensive devices and
a 100,000:1 quoted
contrast ratio, but no
amount of tweaking
could prevent some
grey-looking blacks.

Sony VPL-HW20

With fast response times
and ultra-fine pixel
spacing, Sony's SXRD
projectors have always
impressed. But thanks
to a refined chip design,
new optics and a
80,000:1 contrast ratio
the full-HD HW20 takes
this to a new level.
Well designed, with
dual HDMI ports, a PC
input, impressive 1.6x
optical zoom and
vertical image shifting
the HW20 scores highly.
The levels of contrast,
brightness and punchy
colour provides the
image quality to match.
A fantastic all-rounder.

Epson EH-TW3600

Boasting 2,000 lumens
of brightness and a
50,000:1 dynamic
contrast ratio, the
LCD TW3600's pictures
are as watchable in
ambient light as they
are in blacked-out
rooms. This makes it
a good choice for casual
users. The TW3600's
helpful image shifting,
dual HDMI ports and 2x
optical zoom further
support its status as an
easy-to-use device.
A slight blue-ish tinge
to black colours might
upset serious movie
buffs and the TW3600
feels rather similar to its
predecessor, but this is
still a fine HD projector.

Benq W1000+

With performance boosting
tricks such as
a new, faster colour
wheel and a higher
contrast ratio of 3,500:1,
the full-HD W1000+
offers improved picture
quality over last year's
Benq W1000, for £250
less. With two HDMIs and
a PC connection it's a
bona fide bargain.
Not surprisingly at
this price point there's
no optical image shifting,
only a limited optical
zoom, and some slight
flickering and image
noise. Despite that the
DLP W1000+ is
considerably better than
the sub-£1,000 price tag
would lead you to expect.