This high-end projector proves that 1080p LCD has a bright future.

The 12-bit processing in the LPFWSD1 does a fine job upconverting DVDs. Its deinterlacing algorithms nailed the most unforgiving film torture tests from test DVDs and program material alike, albeit with a little static or fuzz from dither.

Speaking of which, the most distracting thing about this projector’s picture is the excessive use of dither. All solid surfaces and sky shots dissolved into annoying static snow, something I’ve seen previously with DLPs. If only this were an adjustable parameter in the Fujitsu’s menu system, I would lower this distortion in order to establish solidity in surfaces and sky. I cannot state enough how annoying this dithering is—adding a layer of digital gauze that keeps the viewer from ever being totally convinced that the image is real.
 

Conclusion

Fujitsu showed me why someone would buy a video projector as expensive as my last car. This revelation came during the tough Game 7 of the NBA finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons as my theater filled with up to sixteen people from the neighborhood. They were all astonished at the images shot from high up in the stands at mid-court—easily the closest to “live” that anyone had ever seen in a home television. They say that Hollywood is having a down year because of our home-theater craze; this unit may help make a dent in concert and sports attendance as well. I’ll be checking the HD broadcast schedule to see what crowds I can avoid this year.

The Fujitsu LPF-D711/LPF-QSD1 combination is a very good debut for a new player in this league. But considering that JVC and Sony make projectors that compete in this range with 1080p resolution, and that the TI camp has a strong showing of lower resolution but very refined three-chip DLPs, I would highly recommend viewing them all on similar screens before making your purchase decision. (One thing in the Fujitsu’s favor: Replacement bulbs cost $500, where bulbs for Sony’s Qualia 004—which does come with one replacement lamp—are $3000.) I saw enough performance limitations in the Fujitsu package to warn against a hasty purchase, even if it is five grand less than the Sony and JVC 1080p projectors. I’m not ready to say Fujitsu needs to go back to the minor leagues, but it has to polish up the performance of this slugger in order for it to play well against the others. Recommended, with reservation.