Here is a review on this new PLV Z4 LCD projector from Sanyo, from Projector Reviews.

This unit receives the “Hot Product” award, and generates a favorable review.

The summary findings are:
Pros
* Sharp image
* Good color accuracy, that can be improved with calibration
* 2:1 zoom lens for placement flexibility
* More range in the vertical lens shift, than in competing models
* Very quiet
* Extensive control of colors, image handling, and other settings
* Wide choice of preset modes work well from fully darkened rooms to those with significant ambient light
* Long warranty
* Two component video inputs in addition to 1 HDMI
* User saveable settings

Cons

* Poorer than average performance on low resolution signals (regular TV, VCR…)
* Remote control - cramped buttons, limited range
* Ability to resolve dark scenes, not quite as good as some competing projectors and more expensive DLP models
* Lamp life, at least Sanyo does not publish typical lamp life. Historically, older models seemed to have shorter lamp life than their competing products

Other

* Manual - good, actually better than average, but does not fully explain many of the adjustments and capabilities.
* Menus - easy to navigate, although engaging some features is slightly awkward (no big deal)
* Price Performance

“The Sanyo PLV-Z4 projector is an excellent choice, and should be one to consider if your budget is $2000+. Since its overall performance is extremely close to one or two other projectors, you may find that certain features, rather than image quality itself might be the reason to select the Z4 or another model.

In fairness, if you budget allows, there are projectors a cut above, starting at under $4000, but in its price range, the Z4 truly impresses.”

Full Review
Another PLV-Z4 Review
This projector is comparable to the Panasonic PT-AE900U

Both plasma and front projection HDTV sales have hit record highs for the third quarter of 2005. The hd movement is picking up even more steam. I knew the rest of the world would start to come around.

Plasma display panels - 1.9 million units shipped in Q3:

Traditional seasonal strength — along with plasma TV street pricing below sweet spot levels — has boosted plasma panel shipments to a record 1.9M units in Q3′05, reports DisplaySearch. That’s an increase of 37 percent over the previous quarter, and a 118 percent increase year on year.

Source

Front Projectors - 1.1 million units shipped in Q3:

Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the global leader in value-added demand-side market information on large-screen displays, announced that combined professional and consumer front projector sell-in shipments during Q3 ‘05 reached 1,069,000, representing 20% year/year growth and besting the previous quarterly high set in Q4 ‘04.

Source

No, it’s not a spacecraft. No, it’s not an infrared heat sensitive camera.

It’s the flagship projector from InFocus!

Man, that thing just looks awesome doesn’t it? I wish I had one, maybe I’ll just run out and buy one right no…. mustt… resist…whew.
Ok, for 15 grand, we might have to skimp on something else in life. (hhmmm… let’s see kids, mortgage, college, new roof) Bah! Priorities!

Anyway, if you are in the market for a top-of-the-line DLP projector, and won’t have to sell your children to do so, this bad mamma-jamma should be at the top of your list.

Ok, on to the review:

Features
Type: DLP
Native Resolution / Aspect Ratio: 1280 by 720 / 16:9
Lamp Life : 2,000 hours
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches) 8.5 x 23.7 x 28.4
Weight (pounds) 44.4
Price: $14,999 (with standard throw lens)
Connections : DVI (1), D5 (1), RGB D-Sub 15-pin (1), component (2, RCA and BNC), S-video (2), composite (1)

Overall Rating: 93
If you have the means, there should be little to dissuade you from getting a 777. Its light output is extraordinary, the color points are nearly perfect, and everything else is damn-near excellent. This is how you make a projector.

InFocus 777 full review
Also noted at HDBlog

I came across 2 reviews today of this popular LCD projector from Sanyo. Here are the main parts of the reviews:

Cnet:
The good: Solid video processing with 2:3 pull-down; strong feature package with numerous setup options; excellent setup flexibility with both horizontal and vertical lens shift; runs quietly.

The bad: Disappointing black-level performance; visible screen-door effect; HDMI input rolls off resolution.

The bottom line: While its image quality can’t compete with that of entry-level 720p DLP projectors, the inexpensive Sanyo PLV-Z3 LCD is a good choice for people on a tight budget.

NST.com:
“… the Z3 offers a performance level that is difficult to imagine possible just a decade ago.

The level of performance of the LCD format in projectors has taken a huge leap recently and is today rivalling the DLP system. Everything being equal, the latter is likely to cost more.

If you are a big picture fan for whom every ringgit counts, you would want to check out the affordable capabilities of this little gem from Sanyo.”

Sanyo PLV-Z3 Review - CNET
NST.com Sanyo Z3 review

I ran across a site today that mentioned the MovieTime DV10 by Optoma was on sale for $1099.

I don’t remember and can’t find where I saw it, or I’d link (think it was lockergome?), but anyway, it’s going on.

Just go to amazon and search for movietime. Sold through CompUSA without the free screen and subwoofer.

I don’t think I’ve seen this model that cheap anywhere else.

I came across a preliminary review of this awesome Darkchip 3 DLP home theater projector that should be available very soon.

Keep in mind, this review was done an an evaluation, pre-production PE8720 unit. However, it should be pretty close to the final product.

Basic stats:
-1000 lumens
-Powered by a single Darkchip3 DLP chip
-Maximum contrast: 6200:1
-Lamp life: 2000 hours at ful-l power, 3000 in economy mode
-Noise: less than -26db full power, less than -23db, economy mode
-Faroudja video processing, (DCDi, etc.)
-Sealed light path

Looks like this one is going to be a winner.
(Possibly the best yet, under $10k)

Excellent image quality. (After tweaking)
2000 hour lamp life
No discernable light leakage.
100″ picture from 13 to 17.8 feet.

Expected street price is 7-8000.

Kudos to BenQ for an excellent overall projector, whos most notable issues should be corrected with new gamma, IRE, color tables in the upcoming production models. (And if they don’t get it all fixed, there shouldn’t be anything that a professional calibration won’t cure!)

If you are torn between those under $5000 projectors available online, and the $10,000+ models available only through local dealers, this new home theater projector from BenQ appears to deliver that $10K+ performance at a somewhat more affordable price.

Full Review

Our Home Theater brethren over at AA, I mean Audioholics, have taken the Panasonic PT-AE900U for a thorough test drive. Here is what they found:

“Pros
* ZERO screen door effect from real viewing distances
* Excellent contrast
* Deep, rich colors
* Consumer adjustment of RGB gain, cut and gamma
* Backlit LEARNING remote
* Finely adjustable color temperature
* 3000 hour lamp life
* Can move OSD position

Cons
* Requires calibration out of the box
* IR sensor on front only
* Overscan enabled by default
* More optical zoom would be welcome
* Friends may show up unexpectedly to watch movies
* No 12 V trigger

Conclusion

Settling back in and enjoying the Panasonic PT-AE900U I realized that this just might be one of the best price-for-performance projectors I’ve seen in a long time. By far, the best attribute of this product is the Smooth Screen technology that puts the nail in the coffin for screen door effect. Add to those decent blacks, exceptional color reproduction and a slew of features like lens shift and user-calibration of RGB brightness/contrast/gamma levels and you’ve got a winner for its $2200 street price. I would have no problem recommending this projector to anyone in the < $2500 budget range looking for an excellent front projection system."

Looks like a winner, these guys can be trusted.

Panasonic PT-AE900U 3LCD Projector Review

And another review by ultimateAV here :PT-AE900U Review

Via HDBlog

Htguys take the Radio Shack Cinego D-1000 for a spin. Though they had some trouble with their demo unit, but they give it good marks overall.

Overall the Cinego was a great piece of equipment. It rendered an excellent DVD image, and the external subwoofer really added to the audio to give it that extra punch it needed. As a portable home-theater-in-a-box system, it was a lot of fun.

It would work great for outdoor movies, or as an impromptu movie player anywhere, anytime. For $1300, you really can’t beat it’s ease and simplicity. There’s virtually no setup required, just plug it in, plug in the subwoofer, connect one cable between them and you’re ready for action.

There are more advanced features, such as component video inputs and digital audio outputs, but they really aren’t necessary.

If you try one of these, be sure to buy it at your local RatShack and keep your receipt. They usually have easy returns, but be ready in case you need to send Guido in.

Full Review

I’ve seen a couple more news clips about Sony’s upcoming projector, the VPL-VW100. This thing should be the cat’s pajamas with 3, yes count ‘em - 3 SXRD chips producing a whopping 1920×1020 resolution.

This 1080p bad boy should be nothing but bling! on your screen.

This is the latest and greatest in front projection from Sony, and is expected by end of the year. (Maybe in time to put it on Santa’s list?) Let’s see, if I’m a good boy from here on out, maybe the rest of the year will be forgotten…

Sony VPL-VW100 spec sheet (PDF)

A great full review is up over at Ultimate AV. Here are a few specs of the PE7700:

6 Color Wheel Segments
5x Color Wheel Speed
1280×720 Pixels Native (16:9 aspect- WXGA)
HDMI, component

Their final thoughts:
“Conclusion
As I was wrapping up, I took one last look at the BenQ vs. the Yamaha. An unfair comparison to be sure, given the nearly 4:1 price spread between the two projectors. But when we want to know what advantages an expensive projector has over a more popularly-priced one it’s not unjustified. When I switched back to the Yamaha I immediately noticed how much sharper it looked—even on the relatively ordinary-looking National Treasure DVD. The deeper blacks of the Yamaha were also evident, though to be fair the PE770 is a significantly brighter projector (unless you open the iris on the Yamaha all the way, which seriously compromises its black level).

But that’s judging the BenQ against a very high standard. The fact that more money will buy you more projector is hardly a surprise; even BenQ has its own, more upscale PE8720 to tempt you with. (We just received our review sample, so stay tuned). What’s important here is just how much video projector you can buy today for relatively little money. That alone makes the PE7700 an exciting addition to the video market. The fact that it’s also a fine performer makes it a must-see before finalizing any purchase decision. I definitely recommend it. ”

Full Review

Found Via HDBlog