Vivitek H5080 Projector - Image Quality 2

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Art Feierman

Shadow Detail Performance

No problem with shadow detail. The Vivitek does very well. As I've pointed out many times, generally it's easier to see the darkest shadow details on projectors with less than the best blacks, because everything is a bit brighter.

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From Space Cowboys; Vivitek left, and Epson 8500UB right:

The first sequence of comparison images 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 H5080, followed by the Optoma HD8600 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.

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H5080

Optoma HD8600

Mitsubishi HC7000.

Vivitek H9080FD

Panasonic PT-AE4000

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 H5080 (top left) shows very good shadow detail in the dark areas of the satellite. Next to it on the first row, is the Optoma HD8600. 2nd row is the Epson 8500UB and the JVC RS25. The third row is the Mitsubishi HC7000 (left), and the Sony VPL-HW15.

H5080

Optoma HD8600

Epson 8500UB

JVC RS25

Mitsubishi HC7000

Sony VPL-HW15

On the left, is the H5080, the middle is the Epson 8500UB/9500UB, and on the right, the Optoma HD8600. The exposures are all a little different, but you should be able to appreciate the combination of shadow detail and dark blacks.

H5080

Epson 8500UB/9500UB

Optoma HD8600

Click on left thumbnail image for the JVC DLA-RS25, Epson Home Cinema 8500UB in the center, and the right for the PT-AE4000U.

JVC DLA-RS25

Epson Home Cinema 8500UB

PT-AE4000U

In our dark train scene, the H5080 performs extremely well. Look to the shrubs and trees on the right, especially those on the other side of the rails.

First, of course, is the Vivitek H5080, followed by the "related" Optoma HD8600. Note, please how similar the two images are in look and feel.

Next comes the Epson Home Cinema 8500UB, followed by the Mitsubishi HC7000 and the Panasonic PT-AE4000.

Bottom line: The H5080 combines very good dark shadow detail combines with pretty good (but not exceptional) black levels at its price point.

Vivitek H5080