Optoma’s new HD20 joins the $999 1080p front-projector club. (Click to enlarge.)
[PHOTO: Optoma]

With its new $999 HD20 front projector, Optoma is the latest manufacturer to offer a 1080p front projector for less than $1,000, the new entry-level price for a "Full HD" projector. Like Vivetek’s new H1080FD model, the HD20 is a DLP model, and based on its specs, is likely using the same DarkChip2 DLP chipset used by that company.

The HD20 will be available at a mix of online and storefront retailers, including Amazon.com, Best Buy, B&H Photo Video, CDW, Fry's Electronics, J&R, Micro Center, Nebraska Furniture Mart, PC Richard, ProjectorPeople.com, and Staples.com, among others.

The HD20 is a small, lightweight projector—at 6.4 pounds, a few ounces heavier than Vivitek's H1080FD model—that has two HDMI inputs, component and composite inputs, plus a VGA port for connecting a computer. The HD20 comes with a backlit remote control and a one-year parts and labor warranty; the lamp is covered for 90 days. —James K. Willcox