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With 1080p front projectors selling for as little as three grand, 720p models are taking a backseat to the higher-resolution models. But if a 1080p projector can now be had at a truly affordable price, 720p units, some of which are currently selling for less than $1,000, amount to an even more incredible deal. At that price, the screen you buy to beam the images onto is likely to cost as much (if not more) than the projector itself!

To get a sense of the current state of the 720p market, we picked out three models: a pair of LCD front projectors from Sony and Sanyo and a DLP unit from Planar. This group ranges in price from $1,300 to around $3,000, and the models vary pretty widely in terms of features and performance. So if you've maybe had your eye on a 720p projector and are looking to seal the deal, read on.

IN THIS REVIEW: Sanyo PLV-Z5 Sony Bravia VPL-AW15 Planar PD7060