If you’ve been thinking about a “Full HD” front-projection system but have held out for lower prices, you’re about to get your wish: Next month, Vivitek will help push the opening price point for a 1080p front projector to under $1,000 when it debuts the H1080FD, a DLP-based model that will carry an everyday price tag of $999.

The H1080FD will be available through several brick-and-mortar retailers, including a major warehouse club and some specialty A/V dealers, as well as via online shops including Amazon and Tiger Direct (which now owns the Circuit City.com website). The company will also have a higher-priced ($1,499) model–with some extra features, such as ISF calibration and a lens shift, plus a longer warranty–that will be sold through custom-installation dealers.

Vivitek is looking to use the H1080FD to help build its brand in the U.S. The company first came on our radar at this past CES, when it showed a $999 720p (1024×768) model, as well as a high-priced ($15,000) model that uses LEDs instead of a traditional lamp.

The new projector is a small, lightweight (under 6 pounds) model that uses a Texas Instruments’ Dark Chip 2 DLP technology. Unlike some DLP models we’ve reviewed that have the bulb-access panel on the bottom of the projector–which requires you to take the projector down to change the bulb if it’s mounted on a ceiling– the bulb door on this model is on the top of the unit. The H1080FD has fairly standard features, including two HDMI inputs, plus one component-video input and a composite-video input, and an RS-232c control jack and a 12-volt trigger. The projector carries a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor,and a 90-day lamp warranty.

While there have been some other 1080p front projectors that have flirted with the $1,000 price point, they’ve typically gotten there with rebates. But by this fall, we expect that Vivitek’s H1080FD—-plus a few models from some of its competitors—-will help establish $999 as the new opening price for 1080p front projectors.—James K. Willcox

We have added several new models to our portable GPS Ratings, plus updated our Recommendations and buying advice. The latest tested units include the Garmin Nuvi 1200, 1260T, 1300, 1350, 1350T, and 1390T; and Nextar 43LT. As evidence that portable navigators is a fast-moving segment, this marks the second update made this summer, with units from Magellan and TomTom being posted last month.

Among the current navigators, the feature-laden (albeit pricey) Garmin Nuvi 885T ($600) and Nuvi 765T ($480), and the TomTom Go 740 Live ($400) earned high marks for ease of use and performance. All three are pre-loaded to provide real-time traffic reports. However, we are increasingly finding premium features migrate down to more affordable units.

On the lower end of the price scale, we found that Magellan RoadMate 1440 and 1220 models performed much better than previous Magellan units with notably crisp graphics and easy-to-use interfaces. These join units from sales-leaders Garmin and TomTom as appeal, budget choices.

To see the specifics of how these and more than 80 other models stacked up, be sure to check out our GPS Ratings (available to subscribers).

For more news and information on GPS systems, car makes and models, and ongoing developments in the auto industry, visit the Consumer Reports Cars Blog. They’ll soon be reporting on how new iPhone navigation application.

Things are once again cranking up in our audio testing labs, where CR’s engineering team is already testing a new series of headphones, and KEMAR—CR’s test mannequin—has been called back from summer vacation.

We’re currently reviewing nine new headphone models, ranging from portable insert-style earphones to over-the-ear headsets designed to be used at home, with designs that run the gamut from staid to stylish. When completed, the results will be published in our Headphones Ratings (available to subscribers).

Here’s a list of the models currently being tested:

• Auvio, portable insert-style earphones. Auvio is RadioShack’s new brand for cables and headphones. Comes with three pairs of foam ear cushions and a black leather case.
• Skullcandy TI, home/studio-style over-the-ear headphones with headband. Comes in several color schemes (a few of them quite striking).
• Koss MV1, home/studio style over-the-ear headphones with headband. Ear cups fold flat for storage.

• Bose Around-Ear Headphones, home/studio-style over-the-ear headphones with headband. These use the company’s TriPort ear cup structure.
• Sony MDR-V600, home/studio-style over-the-ear headphones with headband. Has a folding design and a carrying case.
• Sennheiser HD 202, home/studio-style on-ear headphones with headband. Has replaceable leatherette ear pads.
• Sennheiser CX 300-II, portable insert-style earphones with ear-adapter set and carrying case.
• Sennheiser CX 400-II, portable insert-style earphones with ear-adapter set and carrying case. Has claimed wider frequency response than less expensive sibling, plus an inline volume control.
• JBL Roxy Reference 430 portable on-ear models with headband. JBL teamed with women’s surf company Roxy for a line of boldly colored headphones and earbuds. Comes with stylish carrying case.

We’ll post a blog letting you know when the new headphone Ratings are posted. If you’d like to find out more about our headphone testing and KEMAR, watch the headphones buying-guide video on Consumer Reports Online. —James K. Willcox

The Converter Box program ends July 31, or earlier if supplies run out. I doubt there will be an extension, so if you need a $40 coupon for a converter box, this is your last chance to order them. After the program ends, you’ll have to pay full price for the boxes left in stores.

The NTIA website is www.dtv2009.gov or you can order by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009)

It appears the struggling economy is starting to affect camera manufacturers. Today, Fujifilm announced a half dozen new models, including two point-and-shoots under $100. That’s good news for if you’re looking for a new camera without breaking your budget.

The new sub-$100 models are both in Fujifilm’s A-series budget camera line: the 10-megapixel FinePix A170 and the 12-megapixel FinePix A220. Both have the basics, including  3x optical zoom lenses, 2.7-inch LCD displays and simulated image stabilization. Both also use AA batteries. (They are almost identical in appearance.)

It will be interesting to see if other camera companies follow suit. In our point-and-shoot Ratings (available to subscribers), there’s only one camera, a GE-brand compact, that’s under $100—but ranks fairly low. Will Fujifilm’s new sub-$100 cameras fare better? We’ll take a look at them when they’re available and let you know.

What features could you live without in a very cheap point-and-shoot camera? Share your preferences in the space below. —Terry Sullivan