Optoma HD20 projector cracks the $1,000 barrier
By Steven Kim 
posted Aug 6th 2009 2:51PM
posted Aug 6th 2009 2:51PM
It looks like sub-$1,000 pricing is shaping up to be the new 1080p as the headline spec for projectors tempting you to reach for your wallet. Don't get us wrong -- $999 isn't exactly in the "impulse buy" category, but it opens up projectors appeal tremendously. Optoma's HD20 has joined Vivitek's H1080FD in the $999, 1080p, DLP-powered beamer segment. Competition is always good, and the HD20 is happy to oblige by bringing 1,700 lumens, a 4000:1 contrast ratio, two HDMI inputs, and a bulb life of 4,000 or 3,000 hours depending on whether you take in the movies in "standard" or "bright" mode. Oh yeah, and the Optoma name might be a little more familiar to consumers than Vivitek, too. Competition is good, indeed.
Im really happy with my hd70..... I would be all over this but Im holding out for led based light sources.
My HD70 works great, but it needs a lot of lateral distance to throw a decent size image. If the newer ones are shorter throw with true 1080p then I may upgrade.
seconded. LOVE my HD70. did you guys sharpie/nailpolish mod your wheel? or just adjust around it? i did the latter...
either way, i wish i had the money for this.
Yea i have a HD80. Love the nice contrast and cringe at the look of 4000:1 contrast. Then again i paid $3000 for mine 2 years ago.
don't waste your money! i'm an a/v & IT professional and after months of doing my homework, i bought the nec vt800. for the money [paid $829, now $729], it can't be beat! see my review on projectorcentral.com here -
http://www.projectorcentral.com/part_opinions_details.cfm?opinion_id=11866
You do installations and you recommend and purchase a XGA (1024x768) Projector?!?!?
My hd65 is awesome except except for darks, I wonder how this one is. My hd65 was only half the price, but more resolution is always better and $999 is not bad at all.
if this is an article about a 1080p projector, why would we want anything less? not even considering that it's LCD and not DLP.
Any word on when this is coming out?
It's out. See Visual Apex's site. I ordered mine and will get it tomorrow to replace my beloved Optoma HD73.