Projector Buying Guide for Your Home Theater

It's hard to match the enveloping and inspiring feeling one gets from seeing a film at the movie theaters--surrounded by sound and blanketed in colors. You may also notice just how defined the picture quality is on the big screen which really makes you think: If projectors look this good, are LCD or plasma televisions really worth it? You might be surprised. With home theater projectors making an appearance on the consumer market today it's become easier than ever to experience the theater in your own home. Over the years the prices of high quality 1080p projectors have plummeted in price making it more affordable than ever to experience what you used pay for in a movie theater.

Top 10 Home Theater Projectors

1. Panasonic PT AE2000U
Between $2,500 - $3,700

This top of the line model represents the best of the best when it comes to home entertainment projectors. The Panasonic PT comes equipped with 1080p resolution which provides for some of the sharpest clarity of any projector on the market today. If you have the extra money and want a home theater experience unmatched for years to come, the Panasonic PT model is beyond perfection.

2. NEC NP100 Projector Package
Between $850 - $900

For a fraction of the price for the Panasonic PT you can buy a projector with many of the same capabilities. Aside from great clarity and contrast, this projector also comes with a HDMI component cable. Also included is a VGA cable with 35 ft of slack for mobility around the theater room. The great thing is you can buy this projector with a screen, saving you time and money. If you're looking for an affordable alternative to a high definition television, this projector may be your best bet.

3. BenQ W500
$2,500

This LCD projector can compete, and often beat, the most expensive and state-of-the-art television on the market today. The amazing contrast, depth and color coalesce into what is a remarkable feat of projector engineering. Plus, the mid-range price makes the BenQ an affordable projector for just about anyone.

4. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080 UB
$3,000

Here's a projector you can feel free to use near an open window in broad daylight. This projector offers incredible brightness and is small enough to maneuver from place to place making it easy to change the size of the projection at any time. Because of it's brightness, this projector model is a major contender when it comes to putting together a good home theater. Also, this projector comes with a 2 year warranty which is a definite plus as far as projectors go. Many only offer 1 year warranties--if at all.

5. Panasonic PT-AE2000U Projector
Between $2,700 - $3,500

This projector may be the cutting edge of it's kind, offering a slew of capabilities hard to find in other models. The Panasonic PT comes with not one--but three HDMI ports and two video inputs for hook ups to the television, laptop or game system. Probably the coolest thing about this projector is it's 'split-screen' option which allows the viewer to essentially enjoy two programs at once. And with a user friendly remote to top it all off, you'll be more than happy with this remarkable projector.

6. Dell 1609WX DLP Projector
$750

Projectors aren't used exclusively for enjoying television or movies. They have also become very popular among gamers--both played on the computer and on game consoles. The massive screen a projector provides creates a whole new gaming experience that is hard to parallel. Just imagine playing your favorite video game in a movie theater!

Dell's DLP projector is a perfect choice for people on a budget looking to use a projector for more than reruns and action movies. This projector also touts a high lumens number (around 2500) which basically translates to a crisp image and unmatched viewing experience, especially if you're using the projector as an extension from the computer.

7. Hitachi CPX3 Projector
Between $859 - $2,000

With 2000 lumens, this 4lb LCD projector has a lot to offer at an affordable price. This projector model comes with a 3 year warranty which really says a lot about Hitachi's dependability. This middle-range projector can really perform and has a lamp life between 2,000 and 3,000 hours. For long-term, consistent performance--the Hitachi CPX3 is in a grade all it's own.

8. Canon REALiS SX80
$3,000

3000 lumens. Enough said. This projector provides a quality picture with groundbreaking brightness. This model comes with a 3 year warranty and also offers a USB plug-in for user-friendly computer connection. Great for gaming or watching your favorite action movie, the Canon REALiS is something else.

9. Mitsubishi HC5500
$5,000

This projector is expensive for a reason. Among a plethora of component capabilities the Mitsubishi HC550 comes with a two year warranty along with a sensational Reon-VX video processing chip. Expect remarkable performance and versatility with this projector. It's hard to contend with this projector--television or otherwise--but with a price tag of $5,000, you better have some extra money saved up.

10. Optoma HD80
$2,700

You can expect to find one of these projectors for a reasonable with performance worth a million bucks. This projector comes with everything you would expect including, but not limited to, HDTV capabilities and a two year warranty. This mid-range projector is a popular model and covers most of the bases when it comes to a good projector.

After doing some shopping and research you may find that a good projector can out-perform and ultimately out-last many expensive television alternatives. Before you go out and buy that new HDTV, think about one of these projectors. Imagine being able to control just how big your viewing screen is. Imagine watching your favorite Internet videos on an entire wall. With the right projector, you can go to the movies every night.