Vivitek H1080FD Projector - Image Quality 2

Shadow Detail Performance

As is the case with most projectors that don't have really dark black levels, the Vivitek H1080FD has very good shadow detail, as you can see in the assorted images below. You may not get the pop of those great blacks that more expensive ultra high contrast projectors offer, but you won't go lacking for the subtle details in those darker areas.

Below our usual sequence of images of Clint Eastwood in a very dark room/scene. Look to the blinds and, in general, the upper right, for shadow detail differences between these many projectors. The first image, of course, is the Vivitek H1080FD projector. It is followed, in order by: Optoma HD20, Epson Home Cinema 8100, Mitsubishi HC3800, Sanyo PLV-Z700, Sharp XV-Z15000, Optoma HD8200, Sanyo PLV-Z3000, BenQ W6000, and Panasonic PT-AE4000.

Again, from Space Cowboys, this is a cropped image. The right side is very bright (so dynamic irises will not be effective). The H1080FD (top left) has good shadow detail in the dark areas of the satellite, note though, that those areas look darker than on some others. Next to it on the first row, is the Epson Home Cinema 8100, Those images are followed by the Sharp XV-Z15000 and the PT-AE4000U (second row). The third row is the Mitsubishi HC3800 (left), and the Optoma HD20on the right.

The following images are both the same frame, from Space Cowboys. The first one is slightly overexposed, and the second one, dramatically so. Look in the brown area of the satellite on the left (and elsewhere). The H1080FD does a very good job in terms of the detail, even if the blacks are a bit weak. The H1080FD's shadow detail is very good.

Our last comparison uses the night train scene (again) from Casino Royale. Look to the trees and shrubs on the right, especially just above the tracks. The first image is the Vivitek H1080FD, second is the Optoma HD20, the third is the Mitsubishi HC3800, the fourth one is from the Epson Home Cinema 8500UB. Compare the Epson to the Vivitek. Here you'll get a good idea of the difference between an entry level projector on a really dark scene, compared to one of the better ultra-high contrast projectors.

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A few more images for looking at black levels and shadow details: