Home Theater Projector Comparison

Home Theater Projector Comparison

Panasonic PT-AE4000U Projector : Tech Session


Calculating and Conveying the True Cost of Ownership of Projection Displays

Powerful, efficient, responsible projectors through Digital Projection's CoolTek engineering

Download the True Cost of Ownership Calculator: http://www.digitalprojection.com/news/zips/DPI_CostofOwnership_Calculator.zip.

As the world's economies work their way toward recovery, the challenges of the past year have left us with valuable lessons. Now more than ever, it is vital that the True Cost of Ownership of any capital expenditure, be clearly defined and understood. Savvy end-users and purchasing agents are becoming increasingly aware that purchase decisions need to be based not just on the initial purchase price of the product, but also on the long-term cost of ownership, as the combination of the two actually defines the actual cost of owning and operating any product. This article will describe how you can calculate true cost of ownership information, in order to recognize all of the costs associated with projector ownership, as well as the compelling value offered by Digital Projection's efficient displays.

Efficient design has been a cornerstone of DP's development philosophy for more than a decade. As a result, Digital Projection's projectors possess technologies that promote efficiency and extend useful life, while limiting cost of ownership, energy consumption, heat generation and operating noise without sacrificing performance.

The formula for calculating full cost of ownership is straightforward, but first, let's define some terms:

- PPP = Projector Purchase Price - that being, the initial price the customer paid for each projection system.
- OHrY = Operational Hours per Year - that being, the number of hours the customer expects to operate each projector on an annual basis.
- AYS = Anticipated Years of Service - that being, the number of years the customer expects to operate each projection system.
- LLHr = Lamp Life in Hours - being the number of hours the manufacturer specifies each lamp to operate before reaching 50% of its original brightness.
- LRC = Lamp Replacement Cost - that being, the customer's cost for each replacement lamp.
- LPU = Lamps Per Unit - being the number of lamps installed in each projector. This is typically one, two or four lamps, depending on the manufacturer and the model.
- AMI = Additional Maintenance Items - that being, the annual cost of any additional maintenance items that need to be replaced from time to time, such as filters, fans or color wheels.
- PQ = Projector Quantity - being the total number of projectors in the customer's application.
- PwrC = Power Consumption - being the projector power consumption in Kilowatts.
- ACPwr = Average Cost of Power - being the average cost of a Kilowatt Hour.

Now that our terms are defined, here is our formula to calculate the true cost of ownership for any number of projectors:
True Cost of Ownership =
((PPP + (((((OHrY x AYS) / LLHr) - 1) x (LRC x LPU)) + (AMI x AYS))) + (OHrY x AYS x PwrC x ACPwr)) x PQ
You can download the calculator as an Excel spreadsheet by visiting http://www.digitalprojection.com/news/zips/DPI_CostofOwnership_Calculator.zip.
Included in the .zip file are Excel versions of the calculator for both Office 2003 and Office 2007.
You can also copy and paste this formula, formatted for Excel, into a spreadsheet:
+((PPP+(((((OHrY*AYS)/LLHr)-1)*(LRC*LPU))+(AMI*AYS)))+(OHrY*AYS*PwrC*CPwr))*PQ

You may note that within the formula, one set of lamps is deducted from the total lamps consumed by each projector during its operational life. This accounts for the fact that the purchase price of each new projector already includes one set of lamps, which are already installed in the unit. Those are the first lamps used.

Here is an example of how to put the formula to work in a real world application:

We will assume a high-use application - 24 hour-per-day, 7 days-per-week, that employs (4) TITAN 1080p-700 displays, which are dual lamp projectors. Being 3-chip displays, beyond lamps and filters, no additional maintenance items are required.

First, let's organize our data:
PPP = Projector Purchase cost = $67,000 (list price of a TITAN 1080p 500 and a typical lens)
OHrY = Operational Hours per Year = 8760 (24 hours per day x 365 days per year)
AYS = Anticipated Years of Service = 7
LLHr = Lamp Life in Hours = 2000
LRC = Lamp Replacement Cost =$995
LPU = Lamps Per Unit = 2
AMI = Additional Maintenance items = $0
PQ = Projector Quantity = 4
PwrC = Power Consumption= .950 Kw -= per the published specifications for the TITAN 1080p 700.
ACPwr = Average Cost of a Kilowatt Hour of Power = $.10175. This figure is per http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epm/table5_6_b.html, which identifies that in 2007, the average cost of residential and commercial electricity in the US was $0.10175 per KwHr.

Now, let's plug the data into our formula:
Total Cost of Ownership =
((PPP + (((((OHrY x AYS) / LLHr) - 1) x (LRC x LPU)) + (AMI x AYS))) + (OHrY x AYS x PwrC x ACPwr)) x PQ
(($67,000 +(((((8760 x 7) / 2000) - 1) x ($995 x 2)) + ($0 x 7))) + (8760 x 7 x .950 x $.10175)) x 4
(($67,000 + ((((61320 / 2000) - 1) x $1,990) + $0)) + $5,927) x 4
(($67,000 + (((30.66 - 1) x $1,990) + $0)) + $5,927) x 4
(($67,000 + (29.66 x $1,990)) + $5,927) x 4
($67,000 + $59,023+ $5,927) x 4
$131,950 x 4

Total Cost of ownership = $527,800 for all four units, for 7 years of 24 / 7 operation.

Total Cost of Ownership = $131,950 per unit, for 7 years of 24 / 7 operation.

The resulting true cost of ownership values include all costs - Initial purchase price, lamp replacements, scheduled maintenance, miscellaneous consumables and cost of power.

It is important to mention, power consumption, lamp life and cost of replacement lamps have a huge impact on the true cost of ownership calculation. In our example, we can see that each of the efficient TITAN 700's, which require only 950 watts to operate at full brightness, consume a total of $5927 of power during the seven year, 24 / 7 operational life.

For comparison sake, an unwary customer of our average competitor's projector that consumes 2638 watts would spend over $ 16,459, per projector, on electricity for same usage over the same time period! Across the 4 projectors in our example, that would increase the total cost of operation (and power) by more than $42,000! Beyond costing far more to operate, projectors that consume more power also place a greater power burden on facility HVAC, and they leave a much larger carbon footprint in their wake.

The same analysis can be made for lamp life and cost of replacement lamps. As a simple modification to our example, if a projector was selected with the same lamp cost as the TITAN, but with a lamp life of only 1500 hours, the total cost of operation (and lamps) would increase by nearly $20,000 per unit - $80,000 across all 4 units! In short, selecting projectors that utilize lamps with shorter operational life, or higher lamp replacement costs (or both), can have an astoundingly costly impact on the true cost of ownership.

We all know that times have changed. Corporate and home cinema customers alike are under tremendous pressure to make responsible purchase decisions that achieve their objectives in the most efficient way possible. Our job is to provide our clients with the information they need to make the right decision.

The next time you have the opportunity to specify or purchase a projector for a specific application or theater, take the time to calculate the overall cost of ownership between, for instance, your or your customer's old projector and the proposed DP projector, or the proposed DP projector and any competitive model the customer may be considering as a reasonable alternative. More than likely your analysis will demonstrate that the Digital Projection precision display delivers a more efficient solution over the long term - one that saves you or your customer money, helps preserve our natural resources and delivers the best projection experience available today.

Optoma HD20 High Definition 1080p DLP Home Theater Projector (Grey)
Optoma HD20 High Definition 1080p DLP Home Theater Projector (Grey)
List Price: $999.99
Sale Price: Too low to display
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The Optoma HD20 brings a new level of flexibility to your High-Definition home theater/multi-media experience. With true 1080p resolution, the HD20 delivers excellent color saturation and subtle details for superior image quality. With its sleek design and weight of 6.4 lbs, the Optoma HD20 is perfect for sharing big-screen movies, sporting events and concerts or for taking your video gaming to the next level by connecting the HD20 to your favorite game console.

Features

  • True High Def 1080p Resolution
  • 1700 Lumens Brightness
  • 4000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Up to 300-Inch Screen size
  • Two HDMI, VGA-In, Component Video, Composite Video and +12V Trigger
Optoma HD65 720p DLP Home Theater Projector
Optoma HD65 720p DLP Home Theater Projector
Sale Price: $1,294.98
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Powered by DLP technology and featuring a multitude of connections and functionality, the HD65 delivers the vivid and the vibrant in picture performance and image quality. Featuring 1600 lumens, a 4000:1 contrast ratio (with ImageAI), native 720p High-Definition resolution, and a 16:9 aspect ratio in a sleek and diminutive form factor at 4 pounds with extensive connectivity options.

Features

  • Solid brightness with 1600 lumens and a 4000:1 contrast ratio (with ImageAI )
  • Native 720p High-Definition resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Light and color processing technologies for remarkable picture quality and contrast levels
  • Sleek and diminutive form factor at 4 pounds with extensive connectivity options
  • Display Technology: 0.62" DarkChip2 DLP Technology by Texas Instruments
  • Resolution: Native 720p (1280 x 720) Maximum Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080) Brightness: 1600 Lumens
Panasonic PT-AE4000U 1600 Lumen LCD Home Theater Projector
Panasonic PT-AE4000U 1600 Lumen LCD Home Theater Projector
List Price: $2,499.99
Sale Price: $2,269.00
You save: $230.99 (9%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The Panasonic PT-AE4000 is Panasonic's upgrade to the popular PT-AE3000U. It surpasses the Panasonic PTAE3000 in image quality, and has more features as well.The pure contrast plate in the PT-AE4000 uses an engineered crystalline material that is carefully matched to the characteristics of the LCD panels to effectively correct the passage of light exiting the panels. This enables the projector to block unwanted light leakage and successfully increases the dynamic range. It works together with the dynamic iris to achieve an astounding contrast ratio of 100,000:1.

Features

  • Panasonic; projector; widescreen
Viewsonic PRO8100 Full HD 1080p Home Theater Projector
Viewsonic PRO8100 Full HD 1080p Home Theater Projector
List Price: $1,999.99
See Reviews For This Product

Description

PROJECTOR- VIEWSONIC PRO8100 1080P

Features

  • State-of-the-art engineering provides unmatched clarity in video entertainment.
  • Full 1080p HD resolution, a C2Fine liquid crystal panel produce immaculate HD images.
  • Silicon Optix Reon-VX high-performance video processor with HQVTM Hollywood Quality Video) ensures precise HD movies, videos and sports.
  • Provides sophisticated color tuning, including 33 levels of gamma correction, 3D color management and auto contrast.
  • Includes two HDMI 1.3 and two component video inputs for full component connectivity.
Sony VPLHW15 Home Theater SXRD Projector (Black)
Sony VPLHW15 Home Theater SXRD Projector (Black)
List Price: $2,999.99
Sale Price: $2,999.00
You save: $0.99 (%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The Sony VPL-HW15 BRAVIA SXRD 1080p Home Theater Projector delivers an immersive cinematic experience and Full HD 1080p resolution at a great value. Three SXRD micro-display panels work with a specially developed ARC-F (All Range Crisp Focus) lens and BRAVIA Engine 2 digital video processor to display stunning, life-like images on a scale no flat panel HDTV can match. A 200W lamp provides startling brightness for enhanced performance in rooms with ambient light from lamps or windows, and Advanced Iris 3 technology delivers high contrast of up to 60,000:11 by automatically optimizing picture brightness on a scene-by-scene basis.

Features

  • Full HD 1080p with 3 SXRD 1920 x 1080 Panels
  • Up to 60,000:1 Contrast Ratio (Advanced Iris On)
  • Brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens
  • 200W Ultra-High-Pressure Lamp
  • BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor
Mitsubishi WD-73737 73-Inch 1080p 120Hz Home Theater DLP HDTV
Mitsubishi WD-73737 73-Inch 1080p 120Hz Home Theater DLP HDTV
List Price: $1,999.99
Sale Price: $1,599.88
You save: $400.11 (20%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

With picture perfomance that outpaces todays smaller flat panels, Mitsubishi Home Theater TVs offer a larger than life, intensely vivid viewing experience. In screen sizes ranging from 60 inches to 82 inches, Mitsubishi Home Theater TVs define the large screeen entertainment category by offering incomparable value and stronger performance than smaller flat panel televisions!

Features

  • Smooth 120Hz Film Motion eliminates motion artifacts for smooth, crisp, fast and slow action content
  • 6-Color Processor for a wider range of colors, brighter colors and whiter whites
  • Three HDMI inputs and three Component inputs
  • Displays all images at 1080p; converts lower-resolution signals with Plush 1080p 5G technology
  • Energy Star 3.0 Qualified for high energy efficiency
Mitsubishi HC1500 720p DLP Home Theater Projector
Mitsubishi HC1500 720p DLP Home Theater Projector
List Price: $1,495.00
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The HC1500 is a native 720P high definition projector. This DLP projector produces bright 1600 ANSI lumens images and includes a sharp 2500:1 contrast ratio for extraordinary crisp details. Additionally, it includes rich connectivity with support for digital HDMI signals for true high definition images and a convenient side loading lamp design. The HC1500 also operates at an ultra-quiet 25dBA (low mode) noise level ensuring entertainment enjoyment during quiet scenes.

Amazon.com Product Description .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } Forget the mere 70 inches of even large flat-panel displays, the HC1500 DLP Projector lets you project a high definition image hundreds of inches large. With its quiet operation and huge, beautiful picture, the HC1500 could make your home cinema the envy of all your neighbors. The HC1500 is just 6.5 pounds and has 1600 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 2500:1 contrast ratio. View larger. View product details. The HC1500 can project an image up to 275 inches for a true theater experience. True HD Images The HC1500 DLP projector projects video in a native 720p format so you get a highly detailed HD picture that looks crisp even at large sizes. It features Texas Instruments BrilliantColor, which utilizes a seven-segment color wheel and an algorithm that enables brighter mid-tones and more realistic color. The HC1500 also offers 1600 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 2500:1 contrast ratio. Depending on the size of your room, you can project the image from 40 inches to 275 inches diagonal. The HC1500 has a lamp life of 3000 hours in low mode and 2000 hours in bright mode. Pure Connection From Source to Screen The HC1500 has HDMI 1.2 and component cable connections to ensure a pure input signal from beginning to end. With 10-bit processing, the information is unsullied and the result is a pure image on the screen. Be advised that this projector (as with most projectors) does not include a tuner; to watch television, you need to provide a television signal, either through an external tuner or a cable box. Easy Set Up and Quiet Operation At just 6.5 pounds, the HC1500 is easy to transport and move around in your home theater room, and it has both vertical and horizontal digital keystone correction that makes it easy to mount on the ceiling or place on a table. The HC1500 operates at a quiet 25dBA that won't distract you while you're enjoying movies or television. A 12-volt Trigger jack allows the projector to control a compatible motorized screen. A remote control with backlit buttons is included. The HC1500 is backed by a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty, and a 90-days lamp warranty. What's in the Box HC1500 projector, AC power cable, RGB cable, RS-232C cable, remote unit with battery, light shade cover, quick start card, user's manual, and safety manual.

Features

  • Hign Definition 720P Home Theater Projector
  • TI DDP3020 Dark Chip 2 with Brilliant Color
  • 1600 ANSI lumens, 2500:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Upto 3000 hour lamp life, filter free operation
  • 1-year parts and lable warranty, 90 days lamp
Denon AVR890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity
Denon AVR890 7.1-Channel Multi-Zone Home Theater Receiver with 1080p HDMI Connectivity
List Price: $799.00
Sale Price: $479.90
You save: $319.10 (40%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The new AVR-890 was designed for consumers wanting exceptional audio and video performance. Its 7-channel amplifier produces 735-watts of total power (105 per channel), delivering detail and dynamics to music and movie soundtracks. The amplifiers can be configured for 7.1 channel surround sound, or a 5.1 channel system in the “main” room and power a pair of speakers in a second “zone”. It’s equipped with 1080p compatible HDMI 1.3a Repeating technology, delivering both audio and video to your HDTV with single HDMI cable. This HDMI connectivity supports the latest generation surround sound formats available on Blu-ray disc, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR. Also included is Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels that expands front soundstage. The AVR890 boasts a number of Audyssey technologies. Advanced Audyssey MultEQ analyzes a speaker systems interaction with room acoustics, and then delivers custom tailored correction processing to optimize clarity and tonal balance throughout the listening space. Audyssey Dynamic Volume is an automatic volume-leveling system that tracks audio dynamics to eliminate the irritating volume swings between TV shows and commercials. Audyssey Dynamic EQ is also on board to ensure rich bass and smooth tonal balance at low volume listening levels. In addition to enhanced HDMI 1.3a repeating (5 in, 1 out), the AVR890 features 1080p i/p conversion, analog to HDMI upscaling and HDMI to HDMI scaling. Video conversion is accomplished using a premium Anchor Bay Technologies 2010 chip set featuring 10-bit multi-cadence processing. This chip set also provides video noise reduction, picture enhancement, and adjustment capabilities not available on lower priced models. The AVR890 also features component video switching (2 in, 1 out), seven analog inputs, and multi-zone (2) / multi-source (2) capability.

Features

  • All 7 channels of equal 105-watt power @ 0.08 % THD, 20 - 20kHz
  • HDMI 1.3a Repeating (5 input, 1 output) provides one cable connection between the receiver and TV
  • 1080p HDMI connectivity supports Blu-ray disc surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DD+, dts-HD and dts-HR
  • Dolby Laboratories new Pro Logic IIz Matrix decoding featuring front height effects channels
  • Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ
Mitsubishi PK20 PocketProjector
Mitsubishi PK20 PocketProjector
List Price: $599.99
Sale Price: $399.00
See Reviews For This Product

Description

Ultra portable LED DLP projector

Users are finding new applications daily for the new PK20 LED DLP® PocketProjector™. This is the second generation of Mitsubishi's award-winning, micro-sized portable projector. With an ultra-wide lens, the PK20 has one of the shortest image throw distances of mobile projectors on the market today. Powerful enough to project a 60-inch image, you can easily create a 20-inch diagonal screen with just over a foot of projection distance. If you’re a sales executive, trainer, gamer, traveler, or camper, you can take the "big screen" right along with you. Or use it at home for digital photo or video shows. Here’s What’s New in this Ultimate Portable Projector This class of projectors is so new that Mitsubishi has made a special effort to listen to how you’re using this unique presentation product, and then respond with new features. First, the PK20 expands its portability by adding an SD card flash memory reader for on-the-fly photo sharing or presentations. Next, the projector uses a combination of Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing® and LED technology to increase brightness by 150 percent compared to the original PocketProjector (PK10). You’ll see greater detail and increased clarity too, with a boost in contrast ratio to 1000:1. And they added audio in and out, as well as a tripod attachment. Battery Operated to Go With All Your Mobile Devices Even where there’s nowhere to plug in, the battery-powered PocketProjector™ offers SVGA (800x600) resolution. This projector also includes RCA video, S-video and VGA inputs, plus stereo mini-jack audio in/out to connect to your PDA*, portable DVD player, laptop computer, digital camera* or video game console*. Like their first PocketProjector™, the new PK20 offers instant on/off control, virtually noiseless operation, and no bulb replacement. Feature List Small, lightweight, and battery operated Small and light enough to fit in the palm of your hand. With its convenience in size, weight and optional battery operation, you can have the ability to instantly project a big screen image anytime and anywhere. LED light source Convenience of having a cooler operating projector with a long light lifespan – helping to save on cost and time due to projector maintenance. Optional battery No dependencies on electrical outlets, or have to deal with cable or room limitations. Can use it anywhere. Instant projection Experience no warm up delays, so you can spend more time enjoying your images rather than waiting for your images. Flexible connectivity Includes multiple connectivity options so you don't have to be limited to typical tiny displays (i.e. digital cameras, gaming consoles, dvd players, notebooks, etc). SD card reader and audio For convenient on the fly photo sharing or presentations.

Users are finding new applications daily for the new PK20 LED DLP® PocketProjector™. This is the second generation of our award-winning, micro-sized portable projector. With an ultra-wide lens, the PK20 has one of the shortest image throw distances of mobile projectors on the market today. Powerful enough to project a 60-inch image, you can easily create a 20-inch diagonal screen with just over a foot of projection distance. If you’re a sales executive, trainer, gamer, traveler, or camper, you can take the "big screen" right along with you. Or use it at home for digital photo or video shows. Here’s What’s New in this Ultimate Portable Projector This class of projectors is so new we’ve made a special effort to listen to how you’re using this unique presentation product, and then respond with new features. First, the PK20 expands its portability by adding an SD card flash memory reader for on-the-fly photo sharing or presentations. Next, the projector uses a combination of Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing® and LED technology to increase brightness by 150 percent compared to the original PocketProjector (PK10). You’ll see greater detail and increased clarity too, with a boost in contrast ratio to 1000:1. And we added audio in and out, as well as a tripod attachment. Battery Operated to Go With All Your Mobile Devices Even where there’s nowhere to plug in, the battery-powered PocketProjector™ offers SVGA (800x600) resolution. This projector also includes RCA video, S-video and VGA inputs, plus stereo mini-jack audio in/out to connect to your PDA*, portable DVD player, laptop computer, digital camera* or video game console*. Like our first PocketProjector™, the new PK20 offers instant on/off control, virtually noiseless operation, and no bulb replacement. Main Features Small, Lightweight and Battery Operated: Small and light enough to fit in the palm of your hand. With its convenience in size, weight and optional battery operation, you can have the ability to instantly project a big screen image anytime and anywhere. LED Light Source: Convenience of having a cooler operating projector with a long light lifespan – helping to save on cost and time due to projector maintenance. Optional Battery: No dependencies on electrical outlets, or have to deal with cable or room limitations. Can use it anywhere. Instant Projection: Experience no warm up delays, so you can spend more time enjoying your images rather than waiting for your images. Flexible Connectivity: Includes multiple connectivity options so you don't have to be limited to typical tiny displays (i.e. digital cameras, gaming consoles, dvd players, notebooks, etc). SD Card Reader and Audio: For convenient on the fly photo sharing or presentations.

Features

  • Small, lightweight and battery operated
  • LED light source
  • Optional battery
  • Instant projection
  • Flexible connectivity
Hitachi CP-A100 XGA 2500 Lumens 12.8Lbs Ultra Short Throw 3LCD Projector
Hitachi CP-A100 XGA 2500 Lumens 12.8Lbs Ultra Short Throw 3LCD Projector
Sale Price: $1,270.98
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
See Reviews For This Product

Description

The revolutionary CP-A100 3LCD projector features a very short throw distance, eliminating the problem of presenters obstructing the projected image by standing in front of the screen.

Features

  • PROJECTOR, HITACHI, XGA, 2500 LUMEN
Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogplay