LG CF181D Shadow Detail Performance

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Art Feierman

Shadow Detail Performance

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The LG CF181D definitely performs when it comes to black levels. I won't conjecture if any others reveal more, but I can say, that it definitely outperforms those projectors that I find come up a little short (like the Epson UB projectors).

Second, Epson on the right, LG CF181D on the left. For shadow detail, look into the brown area in the lower left of the satellite, also some of the dark areas top center. I consider the Epson to be a little below average, but then, the LG does best it.

The first set of individual images for comparison is from Space Cowboys. This is a very dark scene with Clint Eastwood on Blu-ray disc. The photos are intentionally way overexposed. Look for the blacks in the shades, and the details in those shades in the form of the white trim. (At this level of overexposure, don't even worry about the skin tones, as in these types of overexposed photos they always look terrible).

First image is the CF181D, followed by the JVC RS25 and the Mitsubishi HC7000. Next is the the Vivitek H9080FD, and extremely expensive LED light source DLP projector. The last two in the sequence are the Panasonic PT-AE4000 and the Epson Home Cinema 8500UB.

CF181D

The JVC RS25

The Mitsubishi HC7000

the Vivitek H9080FD

The Panasonic PT-AE4000

The Epson Home Cinema 8500UB

Again, from Space Cowboys, this is a cropped image. The right side is very bright (so dynamic irises will not be effective). The CF181D (top left) shows very good shadow detail in the dark areas of the satellite. Next to it on the first row, is the Epson 8500UB/9500UB. Then come the JVC DLA-RS25 and the PT-AE4000 (second row). The third row is the Mitsubishi HC7000 (left), and the Sony VPL-HW15.

The CF181D

Epson 8500UB/9500UB

The JVC DLA-RS25

The PT-AE4000

Mitsubishi HC7000

Sony VPL-HW15

Next is a frame from the last Indiana Jones movie. You'll see this one in other recent reviews. The details still found as the walls and fixtures darken toward the top, are a good way to compare shadow detail.

The exposures are all a little different, but you should be able to appreciate the combination of shadow detail and dark blacks