Sim2 C3X lite projector

This high-end projector will knock you out.

Eleven grand may not seem cheap for a projector, but this one uses the ultimate in digital projection technology. To raise the cash to buy a similarly specified machine from another manufacturer you'd probably have to remortgage your house.

Inside the attractive, Italian-styled case lurks a trio of DLP chips that are the key to this machine's awesome performance. The fact it uses three chips - most use just one - means it's basically a cut-down version of the digital cinema projectors that people like George Lucas and James Cameron are championing and are only now starting to find their way into top theatres.

The pictures are helped along by the unit's Alpha Path system that stops light leaking out as it passes from the lamp to the lens. SIM2 has even used a specially designed lamp to make sure the pictures from this projector are considerably brighter than most of the competition. So it's not surprising that the images it produces are amazingly sharp and detailed and have a real cinematic feel. There's better contrast and deeper, darker blacks on show here than we've encountered on any other projector - which is particularly good for things like the space battles in Star Wars.

When it comes to sockets, there are more connections than Victoria train station. As well as the S-Video and component ports you also get the all-important HDMI socket ensuring the projector has an HD-ready badge.

Image quality this good only used to be available to the super rich, but now SIM2 has brought it within reach of mere mortals. The outstanding picture this machine offers makes it ideal for those serious about putting together a top-notch home cinema set-up.