The H1080FD from Vivitek is a high-definition 1080p front projector that will be available in August 2009 through several retail outlets for under $1,000. (Click to enlarge.)
[ Image courtesy of Vivtek ]

If you’ve been thinking about a “Full HD” front-projection system but have held out for lower prices, you’re about to get your wish: Next month, Vivitek will help push the opening price point for a 1080p front projector to under $1,000 when it debuts the H1080FD, a DLP-based model that will carry an everyday price tag of $999.

The H1080FD will be available through several brick-and-mortar retailers, including a major warehouse club and some specialty A/V dealers, as well as via online shops including Amazon and Tiger Direct (which now owns the Circuit City.com website). The company will also have a higher-priced ($1,499) model--with some extra features, such as ISF calibration and a lens shift, plus a longer warranty--that will be sold through custom-installation dealers.

Vivitek is looking to use the H1080FD to help build its brand in the U.S. The company first came on our radar at this past CES, when it showed a $999 720p (1024x768) model, as well as a high-priced ($15,000) model that uses LEDs instead of a traditional lamp.

The new projector is a small, lightweight (under 6 pounds) model that uses a Texas Instruments' Dark Chip 2 DLP technology. Unlike some DLP models we’ve reviewed that have the bulb-access panel on the bottom of the projector--which requires you to take the projector down to change the bulb if it’s mounted on a ceiling-- the bulb door on this model is on the top of the unit. The H1080FD has fairly standard features, including two HDMI inputs, plus one component-video input and a composite-video input, and an RS-232c control jack and a 12-volt trigger. The projector carries a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor,and a 90-day lamp warranty.

While there have been some other 1080p front projectors that have flirted with the $1,000 price point, they’ve typically gotten there with rebates. But by this fall, we expect that Vivitek’s H1080FD—-plus a few models from some of its competitors—-will help establish $999 as the new opening price for 1080p front projectors.—James K. Willcox