Next-Gen Projectors

With gaming features and 3D functionality, these new projectors shine way beyond the boardroom.
Gaming projectors, instant home theater, pico and 3D projectors—a slew of niche projector models and ones featuring new technologies have been introduced lately. Many were announced at CES in January and are just coming to market. We've had the opportunity to review several of these projectors, including Casio Green Slim XJ-A145U, AAXA L1 Laser Pico Projector, Epson MovieMate 60, Optoma GT720, and in general we've very much liked what we've seen.
The Casio Green Slim XJ-A145U is a DLP data projector that provides high luminosity even with a long-lasting (and eco-friendly) light source. Casio does this with a hybrid technology that combines LED and laser light, which it's incorporated into several Green Slim projector models.
Though not the first laser pico projector we've looked at (that distinction went to the Microvision ShowWX ($500 street, 2.5 stars) back in January), the AAXA L1 Laser Pico Projector is the first to combine red, green, and blue lasers with an LCOS chip.
The Optoma GT720 is one of the first projectors designed for gaming enthusiasts. Vibrant sound, a short throw, 3D imaging, multiple connection options, and a backpack a are among its gaming-friendly features.
We've seen instant home theaters—combining a projector, DVD player, and stereo sound system into one compact unit—before, but there are still relatively few of them. The Epson MovieMate 60 is the latest we've reviewed. It was in testing the MovieMate that our reviewer M. David Stone had the realization that his next TV will be a projector.