PROJECTORS
At the heart of most home cinema installations is a great projector. Some still think of projectors as those nasty little headache inducing ones you might find in a corporate training room. A home cinema projector is something quite different. They offer beautiful large images and depending on the model and screen chosen need not necessarily be used in complete darkness. A projector can be ceiling or table mounted and for the ultimate installation can be installed in a ceiling drop. Projectors use either one chip and a colour wheel or three chips to produce the image. The colour wheel can be detected by a small number of people so it is worth auditioning a projector before you purchase. We will advise on the best projector for your needs but some of our favourites are as follows:
JVC
JVCs uses its proprietary DILA projection technology in a range of projectors with some of the best blacks and contrasts on the market. With a full 1080p HD resolution and a three chip design the images are pin sharp.
Currently there are two models available. The HD100 offers the deeper blacks and more vibrant colours but the HD1 is incredibly good value for money. The projectors are very quiet in use and this is in part due to their size which deadens the sound. In a dedicated cinema room we highly recommend these projectors.
In Focus
One of the the best known names in projectors In Focus make a wide range of projectors to suit all budgets. In Focus use DLP technology. This consists of an array of microscopic mirrors which tilt to reflect the light onto the projector screen. The different models range from entry level 720p models up to full 1080p high definition projectors. The other major differences between them are the size and version of the DLP chip. Basically the larger the chip size the better the image quality will be. There are also variations in the brightness of the lamp which determines how dark the room needs to be in order to see the image clearly.
Planar
Although it might appear that Planar are a relative new comer to home cinema projectors they are in fact one of the most established image delivery companies in the world. A few years ago a number of the development team from In Focus jumped ship to establish the brand.
With very close ties to Ti the manufacturers of the DLP chips Planar have quickly built a range of exceptional projectors. Having established their own brand they then quickly acquired Runco - one of the oldest and most respected brands in the industry.
Sim 2
Italian styling coupled in some cases with Ferrari paint colours there is no mistaking a Sim 2 projector. Sim 2 offer a full range of DLP projectors. Most notable amongst these is the C3X1080 the worlds smallest full 1080p 3 chip DLP projector. It is bright too allowing it to be used in rooms that are not completely dark.
Sim 2 also make a range of full widescreen lenses to suit a number of their projectors. This provides a full widescreen cinema experience.
Runco & Vidikron
These brands really are the Rolls Royce and Bentley's of the projector world. Both brands offer projectors which can deliver the most stunning bright images in full widescreen if required. Exceptional video processing means they can make the most of standard and high definition images.
These brands provide a projector just about every scenario.
