Posted on November 11, 2012 By Art Feierman
WATCH THE VIDEOS HERE: Epson HC3020 “Projector Reviews TV” Video Summary
This Epson Home Cinema 3020 is one of two versions. Although this review says Home Cinema 3020 – or HC3020, throughout, we actually worked with the more expensive HC3020e. Other than a single feature and the price, these two projectors are identical.
The Home Cinema 3020 – or HC3020, is a $1599 3D capable projector that uses 3LCD technology. I would definitely say that this is a projector designed for the family room, the bonus room, or take it out in the backyard for a movie. The thing is, you can put it in your theater too, as it is competent competition for the few projectors around its price, that are more designed for a home theater than a family room.
Officially these new Home Cinema 3020 projectors are 100 lumens brighter than last year’s versions. They now claim 2300 lumens, which by my reckoning makes it the brightest 3D capable projector around it’s price. There is one 2D only projector that’s a bit brighter, for a few hundred less.
The more expensive Home Cinema 3020e is identical, but for the addition of WirelessHD, allowing you to only have to find AC power for the 3020e, and not have to run HDMI wires, which can save you bucks, especially if you would have to open walls to put in the wiring.. The HC3020e has a MAP – a street price – of $1899.
The Home Cinema 3020 is very well equipped for a home entertainment projector, although it lacks having lens shift, which is found on the more expensive Home Cinema 5020, and the lower cost 2D only HC8350, which is still in the lineup, for a 3rd year. You’ll find a long, and detailed overview of many of those features, including 3D abilities, split screen, and USB slideshows, further down this page.
If you are really into 3D – as I am, the Home Cinema 3020 is by far the brightest 3D projector you will find on the market, without spending another $1000 or more. None of the three major 3D capable 3D projectors near the price can match the brightness. I’m talking about the Acer H9500BD, the BenQ W7000, and the Optoma HD33.
The Home Cinema 3020, and the Home Cinema 3020e both receive our Hot Product award. It was sort of obivious as the HC3010 was one of our two favorite projector last year, in the under $2000 price range. Last year the 3010 was tied for our top award in the price range, our Best In Class award for 2D/3D projectors under $2000.
No doubt this Home Cinema 3020 projector, with its notable improvements, will be again doing battle for that award, come February.
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