Epson EH-TW5500 projector offers manual control, oik-free cinema

If you want a properly cinematic experience without the unpleasant underclass -- chewing loudly and innit'ing on their phones -- you'll be needing a top-notch video projector such as the Epson EH-TW5500.

The TW5500 uses three LCDs to create a 1080p image. Epson claims this technology creates a sharp, bright picture, which is viewable in daylight. It also claims a contrast ratio of some 200,000:1, giving some truly profound blacks. You can have it ISF calibrated, and although that will add to the price, it's worth it when you're spending £4,000 on a projector.

The Epson can accept an anamorphic lens, which enables you to increase the resolution of 2.35:1 movies, on a 2.35:1 projector screen. This is pretty advanced stuff, and it doesn't come cheap. It does, however, mean that Epson is taking home cinema enthusiasts seriously, and giving them plenty of high-quality options.

The downsides to projectors are many though, and this one is no exception. Besides being incredibly expensive, it's pretty large, which means you've got to find somewhere to hide it, or mount it on the ceiling. You need a vast great room too, especially if you want to take advantage of this brilliant projector's full abilities. You'll also need a proper screen -- and don't cheap-out on this, as it can be the difference between a good experience and a great one.

But by far the biggest problem is lamps. In this beast, you'll need to replace the light source every 4,000 hours or so. It costs £300 each time, and if you watch a good deal of movies, that could get expensive. Most people save their projector for special occasions, which reduces running costs, but means you need a TV too -- for those times when you can't face a 100ft Jeremy Kyle.

The Epson EH-TW5500 is out now -- click through our photo gallery for more info.