Plus U2-1080

(also marketed as NEC Multisync LT140 and Panasonic PT-D7)

At 5.7 lbs and a slim 250 cu. in., the Plus U2-1080 is another DLP-based model which is also marketed under the NEC and Panasonic labels. It puts out a very decent 800 ANSI lumens, features a 1:1.2 zoom lens, takes up to an SXGA signal, and comes with the Plus 3-year warranty, and a One-Year overnight replacement guarantee.

Notes of concern include the short 1000-hour lamp life for those who use their projectors frequently, and the ongoing DLP product supply problems. In addition, all three vendors marketing this product have it listed with an MSRP of $8,995. This is the highest MSRP among the twenty smallest XGAs, and it is unrealistically high given current market conditions. To continue to compete, this product will need to sell on the street below $4,500, or 50% off list.

The reason is this: The Epson Powerlite 700c will begin shipping in a few weeks. At 5.8 lbs and 247 cu. in., the Epson is virtually identical in size and weight to the U2-1080. It is also identical in ANSI lumen light output at 800, and both products have a 1:1.2 manual zoom lens.

However, the Epson 700c will take up to a UXGA signal (one resolution class above SXGA), and it has a 2000-hour lamp life. But most importantly, the Epson has an MSRP of $6,999, which is $2000 lower than that of the U2-1080. When it hits the street, the Epson 700c will sell on the Internet for about $4600. In addition, the Mitsubishi X50 will come in at around this same price as well with some additional features. Therefore, unless Plus, NEC, and Panasonic can dramatically reduce the price of this projector, it is at the end of its life.