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On August 26, CNET launched a substantial redesign of its Web sites. As part of the changes, we've altered the rating system to include numerals (1 through 10 with decimals) and a five-star system, with half stars. Nothing changed regarding how we test products or calculate their ratings. (Read more about this process below.) You can send feedback by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
- Reviewed by:
- Kevin Miller
- Edited by:
- David Katzmaier
- Reviewed on:
- 05/04/06
- Updated on:
- 05/04/06
- Released on:
- 02/15/06
- Click here to see CNET editors' review for Optoma HD72
- Design:
- 7.0
- Features:
- 7.0
- Performance:
- 7.0
- Overall score:
- 7.0
Editors' rating: projectors
CNET Electronics editors rate projectors on a scale of 1 through 10. Any product achieving an overall score of 8 or better can be considered for an Editors' Choice award. To calculate the rating, different criteria are scored on our 10-point scale. These scores are then weighted as detailed below, added, and converted to conform to our rating system. On the product review page and elsewhere on the Web site, the overall rating is displayed as a series of stars,based on a five-star scale with half stars (see conversion details below).
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
Design
(20 percent of the total rating)
We look at not only the overall aesthetics of the product but also its interface and included remote. An uninspiring but functional design will rate a 5. Higher scores will be given for a well-designed remote with backlit buttons, a clear onscreen navigation system, and particularly sleek cosmetics. The weighting in this category is relatively low because design is a less weighty consideration in most people's projector purchases.
Features
(30 percent of the total rating)
The range of features is considered in determining this portion of the rating. From lens shift and 2:3 pull-down to the appropriate number of A/V inputs, we consider everything this product delivers to the consumer. A set that comes armed with a suitable number of inputs and basic features will earn a 5. Products with more inputs, extensive picture settings, or other extras will earn a better rating.
Performance
(50 percent of the total rating)
We consider picture quality to be the most important criteria for home-theater projectors, so we give it the most weight. A score of 5 represents a projector that can produce a serviceable picture with a reasonable amount of adjustment. Sets with a particularly sharp picture; rich, accurate color; and good video processing will earn a higher score.
What the numbers mean
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 8 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 8 user reviewsSee all 8 user reviews
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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Where to buy
Optoma HD72:
$783.74 - $1,998.35
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$783.74 | Yes |
|
|
$890.00 | No |
|
|
$889.00 | No |
|
|
Techronics
|
$1,998.35 | No |
|
