Hitachi PJ-TX100 LCD Projector Review

Clint DeBoer · #1 10-16-2006, 09:30 AM

LCD projectors have been a favorite recommendation of mine for some time. While I love the deeper black associated with most DLP models, the lens shift functionality and lack of rainbows make LCD recommendations easy. Hitachi is not a manufacturer I have reviewed frequently on Audioholics and we’d like to remedy that in the future (after all, we want to give ALL companies’ products a chance to influence our readers, not just the usual suspects). This first pass with the PJ-TX100 projector left us wondering where we’ve been all this time. While it didn’t start out this cheap, at a $999 street price (at the time of this review) this is one projector that should be on everyone’s short list.

[Read the Review]

morkys · #2 10-16-2006, 09:14 PM

Nice review. Two newer models have since come out, so why did you test the Hitachi TX100 now? Figured it was a good place to start or was it because of the very attractive price? Anyhow, the TX 100 was a good projector when it came out, and is still a very good unit for the money (while supplies last I guess)? I loved mine. I bought mine in 2005 and used it for 6 months before upgrading to the TX200. I love the TX200 even more, as the auto iris really kicks butt in the contrast and blacks department. My first projector was a Panny AE100 which was replaced with a Panny L200. The TX300 doesn't look like a worthwhile upgrade. I think the TX200 is a really good option right now too. The TX 100 used Epsons D4 720p lcd panels. The TX200 uses the D5 panels, which are also good, but slightly noisier than the D4. I am waiting to hear more about the Mitsubishi HC 5000 1080p LCD front projector which will use the Epson C2Fine lcd panels. I hope it proves to be a worthy alternative to the Sony Pearl, and also hope the Mitsubishi drops in price. You should try to compare the TX200 and TX300 now, since the TX100 has been out for two years and the TX200 has been out for a year. The TX 300 is out and is available. I hope Hitachi brings out a 1080p lcd front projector, but there isn't anything in the rumour mill yet.

..but yeah, if somebody is looking to get into front projection now, the TX100 is a cheap entry and its very pleasing. Also, the bulb hasn't proven to be short lived and is inexpensive to replace. Another in-expensive option is the TX 200. The auto-iris makes a very noticable and much appreciated improvement in blacks and contrast. The new TX 300 doesn't seem to offer enough of an improvement over the TX 200 to be on the list for entry level buyers, especially since its the most expensive of the TX family now after its recent release.

Here is what I like about the TX 100 and TX 200:

1) Very good scaling. You don't need a scaler. As long as you have good de-interlacing, you are good to go. Ideally, an iScan feeding one of these projectors 480p via VGA is all you need.
2) Good colour uniformity with most examples. If you have poor colour uniformity, get your unit warranteed. If its ok but needs tweaking, or gets worse over time, have no fear, the service menu has a great tweak area that helps you fix colour uniformity issues.
3) Vertical banding not too bad on most units, and again, its tweakable.
4) They look cool and the lens is nice. Big clear optics allow the use of a good deal of the lens shift ability without picture degradation.
5) TX 200 auto-iris takes the TX 100 and brings out the best in contrast and blacks. The TX 200's picture is a long way from the days of using the old Panny AE100 and L200.
6) Bulb is least expensive of the bunch and should last long in econo mode, which is what many people use anyhow.
7) Very tunable for good gamma, blacks and contrast and nice colour balance.

WorldLeader · #3 10-16-2006, 10:13 PM

How does this compare to the new Optoma HD70?

Rob Babcock · #4 10-17-2006, 02:07 AM

Sadly, I quit reading about ten lines in, when I hit the cons: fan noise. It's like the princess-and-the-pea with me. Excessive noise is the ultimate kiss of death. No matter how it looks I can't tolerate a loud PJ.

And who's gonna buy or build a hushbox for a $999 pj?

morkys · #5 10-17-2006, 10:37 PM

I had my TX 100 sitting above my head just behind me and both my seating position on my Futon and the projector were right up against a wall. I honestly cannot remember the TX 100 being terribly loud. The TX 200 is even quieter. In Low mode, with the auto iris on, you really hardly hear the fan at all. Its a testament that I can actually hear the iris moving, and even that doesn't bother me. Too quiet to matter.

Rob Babcock · #6 10-17-2006, 10:54 PM

I went back and actually read the review. Unfortunately, if there was any measurement of fan noise I missed it. I wouldn't consider that PJ anyway, but if I did it would be mounted directly over my head, and somewhat low compared to many peoples rigs, so noise would be a huge concern for me.

morkys · #7 10-17-2006, 10:59 PM

What projectors are you used to and how far away will your next projector be from your head when you are in your viewing spot? If you have a chance to see and hear a TX 200 (HDP-J52) in action, try it out. Looks good and is definitely not loud in low mode, which is prefered anyhow.

Rob Babcock · #8 10-17-2006, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morkys

What projectors are you used to and how far away will your next projector be from your head when you are in your viewing spot? If you have a chance to see and hear a TX 200 (HDP-J52) in action, try it out. Looks good and is definitely not loud in low mode, which is prefered anyhow.

I've never heard of the TX 200. Unless/until I move, the PJ will be mounted pretty close to where it is now, which is to say between about 12-14 feet from the front wall, essentially right above me. I prefer to stick with a screen size of about 80" or so. Most PJs will project an image of that size in about that distance range. I don't want it much closer (ie in front of me) because I find it visually distracting. Much further back & most PJs don't have the zoom to project that small, plus I don't want to lose light. Lastly, my room isn't huge, so if I go much further back I'll be getting pretty close to the back wall, which I'd like to avoid for noise & ventilation issues.

Right now I use an Optoma H31. I've been thinking of buying an HD70, because I've been delighted with my current Optoma, and the '70 uses the same mount as the H31- that will save me time & money. But I've also been thinking of getting a Mitsubishi. And while I've never cared for LCD in the past, the reviews of the A-100X would indicate it's a serious PJ.

I'm sort of holding off for now, reading reviews and waiting to see the new gen crop of PJs. If 1080P looks feasible on my budget, I'll skip the whole 720 PJ altoghether and go with the higher def machine.

bri1270 · #9 02-13-2007, 11:54 AM

How bright is this projector? I read the review and there isn't much mention of it.

hoofdpijn · #10 04-02-2007, 11:17 PM

Projector is plenty bright for HDTV viewing with light on in the room. I have a little clamp on lamp with a 60 watt bulb in it next to the couch and I can barely tell a difference with it off or on. Picture is very nice on this proj.

The fan on this thing is ridiculous and is my only regret in purchasing. Totally unacceptable level of fan noise. Unless mine is defective...Hitachi should be ashamed. It sits about 7 feet above and 5 feet behind my head and the noise is crazy. It's easily twice as loud as my Epson Home 10 which is sitting on a shelf behind my viewing position about 15 inches from my head. I've read numerous reviews of this projector and only the Audioholics review makes any mention of fan noise being an issue. All the rest say it's one of the quietest projectors on the market which makes me think something is wrong with my brand new projector.

It's frustrating to have such a nice picture and to not be able to enjoy it.