Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary of Test Results

Perfect Score is 130
Hitachi PJ-TX100 Benchmark Score: 63 (room for improvement, but this is still an excellent performer)

* "Film" Progressive mode was utilized for all HQV tests since it best handled 2:3 pulldown artifacts.
** All tests were done via Component inputs at 480i (480i via the DVI-D inputs resulted in a half-resolution 240p signal with poor detail results)

Comments on HQV Testing

We did all tests at 480i resolution using the component inputs of the Hitachi PJ-TX100 with an Oppo DV970HD as the source. Jaggie reduction was acceptable, but not stellar and we'd say that this is a unit you want to feed progressive scan to if possible. We also tested 1080p into this projector, which is passed as a (surprisingly) supported format. The scaler on the PJ-TX100 did a very good job of allowing the 1080p/60 to fit into its native display and we noticed only a slight softening of the image overall. Whenever possible, you'll want to give the PJ-TX100 a 720p native source.

Viewing Evaluation

This is a very clean projector. The presence of screen door effect is more pronounced than some units, but the Hitachi makes up for it with a stunningly clear picture. The optics on this unit are simply above-par. Remember, when this unit first came out it was priced at $2,999. Now, for a ~$999 street price, you're looking at a first-class bargain product that is sure to impress.

HDTV: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
I've shot screen captures of CSI before in my viewing evaluations and the Hitachi provided some of the best pictures I've seen (though my camera certainly isn't the best visual descriptor you'll find). Skin looked natural - not oversaturated or washed out - and texture was abundant. Shadow detail was present provided you were in a light-controlled room. Brighten the lights and, like with any projection system, your black resolution will be lost in the shuffle. Note the vibrant, but realistic colors available from this system - it was stunning to watch - and indeed we viewed a ton of prime time shows, quickly losing track of time.

HDTV: Shark
Shark is a new show on network TV and stars one of my favorite actors: James Woods. Aside from lending his voice to numerous animated movie villains, Woods does an incredible job on-screen as well. Of course, having Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager, Boston Public, The O.C.) as a co-star certainly doesn't hurt the show one bit, either. This show had some pretty poor HD shots (blurry, poor lens choices, etc) but occasionally they'd get a shot right and you could really read the detail in the scene or spy some of the actors - natural facial definition (something that would more than likely bring horror to their publicists' faces if they knew). This is a great show, and don't get me wrong - it looks fine in HD, but it was one of the more difficult screen capture sessions I've had due to there not being a ton of clear footage to select from.

Though the color here appears a bit muted (Woods) and accentuated (Ryan) this is a result of the camera. Overall everything appeared well-saturated, but not overly so, with excellent black level detail (for LCD) and smooth color gradients.

Thursday Night NFL Kickoff Game
This was it - the day we were all waiting for - the opening game of the NFL's regular season. With the Superbowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers going up against the Miami Dolphins it was sure to be a good game. We weren't disappointed - with the game that is. As for NBC, I am now declaring them an official "HD-laughingstock" as the problems they experienced throughout pre-season now made their way into the regular season. Consistent throughout the entire game was an apparent resolution/focusing problem that would suddenly, and without explanation, blur the picture nearly every time the camera went to instant replay or showed the teams set for a snap. How no one noticed this is beyond me, but I surveyed enough people to know that it is at least present throughout multiple affiliates here in Florida. The problem was so bad that even "non-videophiles" like my father-in-law questioned what was going on (it's hard to miss the effect sitting 13 feet away from a 100-inch screen). Nevertheless, we grabbed some screen shots of non-blurry moments, which appeared exceptionally detailed and colorful (but without the artificial green push you might see in many uncalibrated "sports mode" settings).

Check out the shot of Charlie Batch. Close-ups like this were outstanding, and watching the tried and true commentary by none other than Al Michaels and John Madden was great. Now, if Joe Theismann would just retire from his tired "overstating-the-obvious-and-getting-his-facts-wrong" Monday Night commentary, all would be well. I swear, the idiot who put Theismann on Monday Night Football should be forced to actually listen to him provide commentary on a game - just once they should do it.

Conclusion

For $2999 this projector would have a TON of competition and would be difficult to recommend - but with a street price of $999 it's a no-brainer. The Hitachi provides lots of features and an incredibly detailed lens system that delivers precise resolution and clarity. This is a projector I think can fit into any entry-level system and provide years of enjoyment. The remote gets our "kudos" award for hitting all of the basic requirements and basic 2:3 pull-down features means that even standard definition video will be passable on this system. The PJ-TX100 is a solid performer, so be sure to put it on your "short list" when shopping for a sub-$1000 projector that works well in the home theater environment.

About Hitachi
Hitachi America, Ltd. markets and manufactures a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, IT services and industrial equipment and services throughout North America. Hitachi America, Ltd., the administrator of this web site, was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. on October 28, 1959. Today, Hitachi America and its 10 subsidiary companies in North America have approximately 4,400 employees.