All High definition (HD) products from hd projectors to HDTV’s can be categorized based on the number of lines and type of scan technology used in the projector. The major formats available and also used by projector manufacturers are:

1. 720p / 720x1280 – 720 lines with progressive scan technology
2. 1080i / 1080x1920 – 1080 lines with interlaced scan technology
3. 1080p / 1080x1920 – 1080 lines with progressive scan technology

A combination of more lines with a faster scan technology (like progressive scanning) leads to a better quality image. Therefore, the image resolution from a 720p hd projector is equivalent to that of 1080i hd projector. However image resolution of a 1080p hd projector is the best.

Apart from resolution and scanning type, other important factors to consider before buying a hd Projector are contrast ratio, de-interlacing, lumen output, black level, zoom lens and lens shift, connectivity and compatibility, fan noise and quite obviously the price. In this article I am going to review 6 popular hd projectors, three with 720p image resolution and other with 1080p resolution.

Sanyo PLV-1080 HD is a high quality projector with 1080p format. It is easy to install and affordable at around $1600. This projector has two HDMI and two component inputs which can connect to most of the available high definition video sources. It has a contrast ratio of 10000:1, producing enhanced rich images with the help of a 14-bit signal processor. The projector can produce 100 feet image from a distance of around 9 feet. Additionally, the image can be adjusted on the screen with the help of adjustable lens and available 2x zoom. It does excel in another evaluation parameter, that is, the fan noise. The projector fan just produces a noise of around 23dB, making it one of the least noise producing projector.

It is a compact LCD projector with 16:9 LCD panels producing a 720p format image. The projector has a brightness of 1000 lumens and can produce enhanced images even in a lightly lit room. The projector produces good quality images and the transition between scenes is very smooth. This projector comes at a price of about $300 and provides a real value for the amount of money invested.

The projector has a 2x zoom and can produce 100 inch image from a distance of 10 feet or 19 feet. The projector is quite light, weighing just under 8 pounds and can be installed on the ceiling. The joystick controlled optics allows flexible adjustment of images without shifting the projector. The projector has an HDMI input for HD video source, a component video input for analog video inputs, a multimedia interface for input from computers and a standard S-video interface.

The fan produces noise at about 26dB, which is little louder than more expensive projectors like that from Sanyo.

This Infocus hd projector uses the DarkChip2 DLP chipset from Texas Instruments providing excellent full high definition images with 1080p format. The projector has a contrast ratio of 3000:1, which can be further enhanced to 10000:1. Moreover, it has a brightness of 1400 lumens which improves the black level performance of the image even in ambient light conditions. The HDMI 1.3 input provided with this projector helps to connect to any HD video source out there. Additional inputs include DVI, PC and RS323 interfaces. The hd dlp projector has a high price tag of around $3600 and uses 10-bit video processing technology to provide professional level video output. The projector has a brightness which is sufficient to deliver a film standard D6500K color accuracy in nearly any theater.

This is very light 6.4 pound HD projector, which produces excellent quality images at 1080p resolution. The projector provides good value for the money as it provides high definition experience at around $1000. The brightness rating for this excellent projector stands at 1700 lumens and can produce an image of size up to 300 inch (diagonal), making it suitable for both large and small gatherings. The contrast ratio is 4000:1. Since this projector operates on DLP technology, it does not use filters, thereby reducing the maintenance cost.  (Filters require regular cleaning and replacement due to dust formation which degrades the image quality). Optoma hd projector can be connected to most commonly available digital and analog video sources like HDTV, NTSC, PAL etc.

This Mitsubishi high definition front-projection projector supports 720p resolution, with a 16:9 format. It produces bright and clear images with 1500 lumens and uses advanced picture technology to enhance viewing experience. 2500:1 is the contrast ratio value. The projector is a DLP hd projector based on BrilliantColor technology, which uses 6-colors instead of traditional 3 colors to capture images. This makes the image more uniform and better illuminated making it ideal for dark room viewing. The projector can accept HDMI input or standard component input. The cost of this Mitsubishi hd projector is around $1300.

It is an affordable 720p resolution high definition projector. Since this projector has a brightness of 2500 lumens, ambient light would not degrade the image quality. It is easy to setup and is perfect for home entertainment. This hd lcd projector can be used to watch high definition movies by connecting to high definition video source through a HDMI interface and can also be used to project photographs using inbuilt USB interface. Moreover, the projector can connect to Wii, Xbox 360 and Sony PS3 to create an enhanced gaming experience. The projector provides high quality multimedia experience at an affordable price of $750.