TX 200 is a good alternative
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.
