UltimateAVmag.com recently got their hands on one of the Optoma HD8000 projectors. This model features HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 1300 ANSI lumens. Its best feature is the 10000:1 contrast ratio. Some of the good points the magazine thought was that the HD8000 had a sharp images and good processing. They were also impressed by the low price. Some of the unfavorable things about this projector was the poor black levels. They also didn’t like the fact that there was no lens shift. For $3200 this is of the best projectors you can get. However, if you’re looking for something better, expect to pay more.

[via UltimateAVmag.com]

‘Tis the season for new projectors, and Acer is releasing three models that can be a good for either the office or home. These projectors are all being released for the first time in the middle east. The P5270 and P1265 both feature an XGA (1024 x 768) resolution as well as a 2000:1 contrast ratio. The P5270 features a stunning 3000 ANSI lumens, whereas the P1265 only has 2400 ANSI lumens. The P1165 is the baby of the group with only an SVGA (800 x 600) resolution and 2400 ANSI lumens, However is does have the same 2000:1 contrast ratio that the other two have. All three projectors come with a wide variety of connections including RGB, Component, S-Video, DVI, and a Stereo mini jack connection. The prices for these three are also very modest with the P5270 costing the most at just under $1200. The P1265 will be available for $640 and the P1165 for $500.

[via AME Info]

The Festival of Lights is one of France’s biggest celebrations. This year Xavier De Richemont decided to combine three Christie Roadie 25K projectors to light up the front of the Chartres Cathedral. Every night for a week straight the projectors would synchronize with one another and a sound track and turn the front of the cathedral into a giant stained glass statue. Through out the show the pieces of the stain glass fly off or fall off revealing the actual front of the church. In order to get the three Christie projectors to work together De Richemont used a new software program called OnlyView 3D. This program maps the screen’s surface and makes sure that the projectors images fit neatly together.

[via AV international]

For the longest time DLP projectors were the preferred choice over LCD projectors. They performed better, had less problems and didn’t have the “screen door effect” that came with LCDs of that time. Now 3LCD projectors are starting to show themselves and might be shifting the popularity in favor for the LCD projectors. The 3 panel LCD projectors are considerably cheaper than DLP projectors and they also present an increased contrast ratio. The race is to close to call between the two and it’s too early to tell who will take over the lead.

[via Audioholics]

Optoma is finally releasing several new projectors providing a wide variety of business to home theater projectors. The EP721, EP727, EP728, EP7155, and the EP1691 provide quality images for any presentation. All of these projectors feature an XGA (1024 x 768) native resolution with the exception of the EP1691 that has a WXGA (1280 x 768) resolution. They also come in a range of brightness ranging from 2000 to 2600 ANSI lumens. They are also all relatively inexpensive costing around $1000. Also being released are the home theater projectors. The HD71 and HD65 both have HD (1280 x 720) resolution and a 4000:1 contrast ratio. The HD71 features 2400 lumens and the HD65 features 1600 lumens. Lastly Optoma announced a new projector soon to come into market. The HD803 features a 8000:1 contrast ratio and an HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. There isn’t much more information about the HD803 yet.

[via Dealscope]

If you were thinking about taking the cheap road this holiday season and get your children the Torpedo Entertainment Projector, you might want to read the review that Gizmodo.com recently released. they put this little thing through all the tests they would normally put any other projector through and it was simply the worst performer they have ever seen. The brightness stunk, the resolution was not up to par, and they describe the image as “being behind the bars of a jail cell”. They remind me of the comic book guy from the Simpsons when he says, “Worst Projector Ever!”

[via Gizmodo]

SIM2 Multimedia is known for nothing but high quality projectors. They recently released four new projectors are SIM2 at their finest. First up is the Domino D10 DLP projector. With WXGA (1280 x 768) resolution and a 2000:1 contrast ratio this projector is ideal for anyone wanting an easy to setup projector. This projector isn’t that expensive either, selling for only $3999. Next is the Domino D80 DLP projector. This model features 900 ANSI lumens, a 4000:1 contrast ratio and HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This projector will cost you a little more selling for $10000. There is also the HT380 DLP projector. This one is definitely more for your money. For only $13000 you get HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, a 5000:1 contrast ratio, and a 40000 hr lamp life. All rolled up in a 12 lb package. Last but not least is the most expensive C3X-E DLP projector. It features an impressive 6800:1 contrast ratio and 2500 ANSI lumens. It only has a lesser HD (1280 x 720) but it’s still an impressive projector. The C3X-E one will cost you over $18000.

[via SMARTHOUSE]

Epson is making their EMP-TW2000 a little more affordable for everyone who’s interested in Full HD 1080P. Originally the EMP-TW2000 sold for just under $6000, but now you can have this little wonder for $3999. Along with the HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, this projector features 1600 ANSI lumens and a whopping 50000:1 contrast ratio. There is no word yet as to if this price cut is permanent or temporary.

[via PC World]

Projectiondesign is getting read to show off three new projectors. The F80, F10, and Cineo80 projectors will have HD (1920 x 1080) and will also be the first 3-chip DLP projectors ever made by Projectiondesign. All other specs are being kept under lock and key until their unveiling at the Integrated Systems Europe convention in Amsterdam, January 29-31. Also on display will be the F30 DLP projector. This will be the first time the F30 will be in Europe. All of these projectors include an electronic platform that will enhance the quality as well as improve the already long range of these projectors.  Projectiondesign will be Booth J45.

[via Hiddenwires]

Sony has come out with a pair of powerful projectors. The VPL-FW300L and the VPL-FH300L are made for large venues such as meeting rooms, museums, ballrooms, and movie theaters. The VPL-FW300L features 7000 ANSI lumens and a WXGA+ (1366 x 800) resolution, whereas the VPL-FH300L has only 6000 ANSI lumens but comes with a very impressive HD (2048 x 1080) resolution. Both projectors sport the same round chassis that is suppose to help with ventilation, keeping these models nice and cool. They also have dual 275W lamps that can be used both at once or one at a time. When the Auto Lamp Mode is on, the projector decides for you which lamp to use if you’re not using both. When you purchase one of these models Sony will let you choose between 5 different lenses that can come with these projectors. With all this the VPL-FW300L will be sold for about $27000 and the VPL-FH300L for $40000. Both projectors are expected to be released in January.

[via Sony]