Projector Review

If you're in the market for a cost-effective digital projector that can shine during your workdays for presentations or classroom use and moonlight on weekends as part of your home theater experience, you'll want to take a close look at the InFocus X2 Multimedia DLP Projector. Featuring a 4:3 format DLP chip in 800 x 600 resolution, a four-segment, 2x speed color wheel, and a manual zoom and focus with a 1.2x magnification, this multipurpose projector can give you a bright, 100-inch diagonal 4:3 image in a range of about 12 to 15 feet.

The Infocus X2 is perfect for the classroom or workplace, as well as any home theater. View larger.

DLP Technology: Superb Imaging and Convenience
The X2 relies on DLP, or digital imaging, technology from Texas Instruments. DLP is entirely digital, which means that you'll never experience image degradation or "yellowing"--better known as color decay--that other imaging technologies experience over time. Projectors based on DLP technology are fully compatible with digital signals--with no analog conversion necessary--making them compatible with everything from digital cameras to gaming consoles. The Digital Micromirror Device that forms the heart of DLP technology is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, giving DLP the advantage of being extremely portable for a wide range of uses.

Features an intuitive keypad on the top of the project for easy navigation. View larger.

Connection panel is located at the rear of the unit. A detailed rear view or view larger.

The X2 provides a stunning 2000:1 contrast ration that offers superb imaging for home video or gaming. The projector's ANSI lumen output is rated at 1600 at full-power and 1100 in low-lamp--and, therefore, lower fan noise--mode. The projector's 200-watt lamp fills your screen brilliantly with 1700 lumens, and in low-power mode it will give you an amazing 3,000 hours of use. The X2 features a maximum projection of 32.3 feet, with at least five feet needed on the lower end. The projector's zoom lens means that images will fit the screen perfectly from wherever the projector is located.

Unlike many other digital projectors that practically require a technical degree to operate them, the InFocus X2 is designed for easy connectivity and use. The connection panel is located conveniently at the rear of the unit. Inputs include one M1-DA port that takes computer RGB, DVI, and HDTV; one S-video port; and one composite video jack. In addition there is one set of stereo RCA audio inputs. The connections are color-coded, making a laptop, PDA, DVD, cable or satellite TV system, digital camera, or game console connection as easy as it gets, no matter where you are.

Convenient, Easy-to-Use Features
The InFocus interface features intuitive keypads, remote controls, and user-friendly menus that deliver one-touch operation. The projector is compatible with DVI, HDTV 1080i, 720p, 480p, and computer resolutions up to XGA (1024x768). With it, you can project NTSC, PAL, or SECAM standard videos from the rear or front. At just 9.8 by 12.9 by 4.2 inches (W by L by H) and 6.8 pounds, the X2 is portable enough to bring home from the office whenever you're ready to kick back to some brilliant video or exciting gaming. And with a built-in 2.5 watt speaker, you won't need to drag extra speakers with you for you presentations.

In short, the InFocus X2 is a multipurpose workhorse that's designed to pull double duty, giving you low-cost, easy-to-use functionality at work, and brilliant imaging for your home theater and gaming needs.

Customer Review: Good equipment for small groups

I purchased this multimedia projector on behalf of a local non-profit organization after comparing its specifications with other projectors with similar prices. Several comparable projectors are available currently, and I chose this one because of good experience with its previous model (the X1) and slightly better specs.

Our initial experiences with this unit have been completely satisfactory. The controls are easy to use, the output is bright and sharp for an audience of around 40 people. I was disappointed, however, to discover that it has only one adjustable leg toward the front of the projector. That leg is used in tilting the projected image upward, but we had to use found materials to level the unit. Two legs would be better!
Find the lowest price for this projector here

Tags:
projector, Projectors, Home Theater, projector review, sony projector, dlp projector, lcd projector, multi media projector, video projector, projector screen, projector lamp, infocus projector

The PT-AE900U is a native high-definition home theater projector that produces stunning, film-like images with a dramatic 5500:1 contrast ratio.Capable of displaying ultra-sharp, ultra-clear HD pictures up to 14.5-feet wide, the PT-AE900U is equipped with advanced, digital picture-enhancing features allowing you to enjoy "Hollywood picture quality" in the comfort of your own home.The PT-AE900U offers a host of image optimizing features including a Dynamic Iris optical system that extends the iris range by 30% for a breathtaking 5000:1 contrast ratio. Dynamic Iris, with scene tracking capability, constantly adjusts the light volume and gamma curve in real time, so the picture is always optimal and transitions between scenes are amazingly smooth and natural. The PT-AE900U is also outfitted with Smooth Screen technology that effectively eliminates the "screen door effect" (visible spacing between pixels) and gives the projector a sharp, detailed HD picture that is remarkably smooth and film-like.The PT-AE900U's acclaimed Cinema Color Management (CCM) technology controls both contrast and brightness to provide faithful reproduction of even subtle hues, moving color correction closer to the process used for motion pictures.

Customer Review: excellent construction, so-so image

This is not a noisy unit, that I can tell. Ceiling-installed is completely "invisible" to the audience. The only time I hear the fan is after turning the unit off.

Outstanding out-of-the-box calibration, did the AVIA, but it required minimum variation; nevertheless I can't say I'm thrilled with its image, haven't experienced a DLP or a 480, so it isn't a fair judgement, it's only based on my expectations.

It does not look like a DLP would be much darker, this unit is dark enough for me, I only wish image was better, but again, signal is DVD 480.

I was strongly inclined to buy some 480 DLP and ended up deciding for the 720 LCD for its price after rebate and all the reviews, also because it promised a projected image larger than other DLPs and my room is relatively small.

No screendoor effect, I guess, but again, no video expert here. Image seems a little bit pixeled or blured sometimes, specially around edges and legends, mainly when I start watching a movie. After a couple of minutes, either my eyes get used to it or the movie action highlights colors and sharpness and make that impression go away. High quality movies, such as Star Wars, look remarkable.

Loved the remote, easy navigation menu, rapidly learned to handle Panasonic and non-Panasonic devices.

Customer Review: HOME THEATER NIRVANA

The bottom line with this player is that it runs circles around virtually any LCD, Plasma or DLP TV setup you'll ever see at those big-box electronics stores. AND it's cheaper than any of them! It is as good (or bad) as the quality of the signal you feed into it.

Now, I won't go into all of the technical details but I want to tell you what is the optimal setup for this projector, consistent with being budget conscious. I have spent countless hours studying this and experimenting with the various setup parameters, so I humbly offer you the benefit of my research. My pain, your gain (ha!).

My primary use for the projector is to watch my extensive DVD collection. I have also fed it a standard TV signal but, as mentioned, it is so revealing that is shows the deficiency of such a signal. I will eventually connect it to an HDTV signal, but for now it is strictly used for watching movies on DVD.

I have the Panasonic PT-AE900U connected to an OPPO OPDV971H player via a 5-meter DVI to HDMI cable. The Panasonic sits on a shelf behind my viewing area 45 inches above the floor and just about dead center relative to the center of my Model C Da-Lite 119-inch diagonal HDTV, high-contrast matte white screen. One word: OUTSTANDING.

Of course, this is just for the video end of things. I have the Oppo connected via digital optical out to my Denon Dolby Digital receiver and 5.1 speaker setup.

The Panasonic's 1280x720 panels are made to display HDTV 720p in native format. There are two ways to achieve this with the Oppo using its DVI output: Set the Oppo to feed the Panasonic a 720p signal, in which case the Oppo does the upscaling; or feed the Panasonic a 480p signal from the Oppo and let the Panasonic do the upscaling. Feeding the Panasonic an Oppo-upscaled 1080i signal is also possible, but this yields no benefit since the AE900U would then have to downscale the previously upscaled signal. In real-world tests this doesn't look good, either.

Feeding the Panasonic an Oppo-upscaled 720p signal looks terrific - even better than feeding the Panasonic a 480p signal from the Oppo and letting the Panasonic do the upscaling. The difference, though slight, is noticeable. I have A/B'd the images and the Oppo 720p feed has better contrast and more detail. However, such a signal input then limits the zoom options available to you from the Panasonic. Certain widescreen/letterboxed non-anamorphic movies were distorted, unless you played them exactly as projected by the Oppo (at about 66% the screen size) with no zoom. Using the Oppo's zoom feature to fill the screen produced terrible results.

For such movies I fed the Panasonic a 480p signal from the Oppo and let the Panasonic do the upscaling. Voila! Scaling in the Panasonic is accomplished with proprietary Panasonic video processing electronics. The end result is superb. Additionally, feeding the Panasonic a 480p signal from the Oppo allows you greater flexibility with the Panasonic's zoom feature. This allows me to fill my 119-inch diagonal screen. With the Panasonic, zooming -- when desired -- still produces an outstanding image.

There are numerous, almost endless, ways to setup the video to your own taste insofar as fiddling with the brightness, contrast, etc., on both the Panasonic and the Oppo. My experiments show that the optimal, most accurate picture was achieved by leaving the Oppo set to its default settings and setting the Panasonic to 'Natural' which, according to the AE900 manual, is 'To reproduce the color of the image faithfully from the image source.' Assuming the DVD was properly mastered, this is exactly what I want to see. I was watching movies as diverse as 'Finding Nemo', 'Out Of Africa', 'Jeremiah Johnson', 'Spartacus', 'Father Goose', 'The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (B&W) and some classic 'Star Trek' episodes, and ALL looked absolutely gorgeous! It is clear that, when being fed a direct digital signal from the Oppo DVD player as outlined above, the 'Natural' setting is the one to use. Whatever is on the film is exactly what is reproduced - period. All other modes are useful only if you are feeding it some other type of signal.

The Panasonic PT-AE900U, when setup as I have outlined, produces a stunning 119-inch diagonal picture in my very small (12' x 12') apartment living room. It is hard to imagine that it could be improved upon. For the price -- especially with the current rebate -- this is a NO-BRAINER! Watch your friends, who spent 2-3x as much on a screen half to one-fourth the size, drool with envy when you blow them out of the water with a crystal-clear 119-inch image!

ENJOY!
Find the lowest price for this projector here

Tags:
projector, Projectors, Home Theater, projector review, sony projector, dlp projector, lcd projector, multi media projector, video projector, projector screen, projector lamp, infocus projector

The 3M 2000 portable overhead projector is light and easy to carry, perfect for when you have to make presentations out of the office. The wide-angle single-element lens is great for close-to-the-screen settings, like small meetings, trade show booths, and sales calls. The built-in carrying case ensures you'll never lose it. 3M backs this projector with a one-year warranty.

Customer Review: good design, weak bulb

The compact design and portability of this overhead is excellent. I move it around every week and I love how quickly and easily it folds up. What you sacrifice is brightness. I wish the bulb were stronger.
Find the lowest price for this product here

Tags:
projector, Projectors, Home Theater, projector review, sony projector, dlp projector, lcd projector, multi media projector, video projector, projector screen, projector lamp, infocus projector

HP-L1102 Overhead Projector, 11"

Elmo 11" Overhead Projector - Foldable arm makes storing easy for Schools / Rentals - 2,000 ANSI Lumens Output - 285mm (11.2") lens - 250 x 250mm (10" x 10") aperture - Rack and pinion focussing - Quick lamp change device - Efficient open head with 360° rotation - Stage interlock switch - Thermal safety protection - Forced air fan cooling - Metal and ABS body construction - Writing roll attachment (optional) easily mounted - UL / cUL approved

Specifications

Power Source:120V AC 60Hz Aperture Size: 250 x 250mm ( 10 x 10 inches) Projection Lens:280mm (11 inches) single 320mm (12.6 inches) Triplet Lens Head: Opens and Rotates 360° Projection Distance:1.5 ~ 3m ( 5 ~ 10 feet ) Image Size: 1.2 ~ 2.7m ( 4~ 9 feet ) 1.0 ~ 2.0m ( 3~6 feet) Projection Material:Transparency and writing roll Writing roll attachment: Useable ELMO sku # 4557 Projection lamp:ANSI EYB 82V-360W(EYB-5 86V-360W lamp also usable) Quick lamp change device: Built-in Tilting angle adjustment:Up to 25° Forced air cooling: Forced-air cooling by motor fan Safety interlock switch:Built-in safety interlock switch cuts off power when stage frame is opened. Safety thermal cut-off: Built-in safety interlock cut-off switch automatically switch cuts off power to lamp if projector overheats. Dimensions:Folded 415mm (L) x 495mm (W) x 285mm (H) (16.3 x 19.5 x 11.2 inches) - Assembled 415mm (L) x 322mm (W) x 575mm (H) (16.3 x 12.7 x 22.6 inches) Weight 6.6kg ( 14.5 lbs.)

Find the lowest price for this projector here

Tags:
projector, Projectors, Home Theater, projector review, sony projector, dlp projector, lcd projector, multi media projector, video projector, projector screen, projector lamp, infocus projector

Want to take your presentations, movies, video games, and television programs to the next level? The Epson PowerLite S3 can take you there. Fill your home, office, or classroom with glorious, larger-than-life images using this affordable 5.6-pound projector. The projector, which features 800 x 600 (SVGA) resolution, delivers 1600 lumens so you can experience all your entertainment with oversized images that surpass even big-screen TVs.

Take a closer look at the PowerLite S3's functions.

Epson 3LCD technology ensures accurate color and remarkable saturation, even in well-lit rooms. Plus, specialized color modes mean you get the most vibrant images, whatever the situation, and smooth video playback means that onscreen action sequences come alive. And best of all, the PowerLite S3 makes setup a breeze. The projector also features a time-saving instant off feature.

Great for Presentations
Because the S3 is so light, you can take it anywhere, making it ideal for presenters on the go. The instant off feature lets you turn off the projector and unplug it immediately--then you're off to your next presentation. Epson 3LCD technology consistently delivers vibrant images and rich color saturation, plus a deep, extensive gray scale for precision detail--even subtle gradations are visible. There's also a USB port for mouse and keyboard connectivity, as well as an included soft carry case.

Video Magic
Not just for presenters, the S3 shines in the living room, too. Just switch the projector from presentation mode to theater mode, and suddenly, you've got an amazing home theater. The S3's smooth video playback makes onscreen action come alive. It offers a big-screen performance that makes it easy to enjoy DVDs or video games with amazing color and detail. It's even HDTV-ready, and you can select both traditional and widescreen formats (4:3/16:9). Plus, you can choose the photo mode for viewing digital slideshows. This mode offers black-and-white enhancement levels to view more detail, even in over- and under-exposed images. Finally, game mode enhances darker images, giving you a better gaming experience. The S3's analog connections include video-RGB, composite video, S-video, component video (via video-RGB), and audio RCA.

Easy Setup and Maintenance
With the included full-featured remote control you can easily switch sources, control presentation functions, and more. Plus, the projector has a five-second startup time to avoid presentation delays and reduce pre-presentation jitters. Color-coded cables make connectivity easy for first-time users. Lastly, 30-degree keystone correction offers greater positioning flexibility without any distortion.

Maintaining the S3 is a breeze, too. Conveniently placed lamp and air filters are designed for easy, affordable changes, even when the projector is ceiling-mounted. A built-in high-speed fan quickly cools the projector, especially in high-altitude locations. The S3 ships with a two-year limited warranty, plus a 90-day lamp warranty for added dependability. During the duration of the two-year limited warranty, the Epson Road Service program provides a replacement projector, typically within 24 hours. The warranty is good in over 45 countries and Epson supplies a toll-free support line.

What's in the Box
PowerLite S3 multimedia Projector, power cable, remote control with batteries, computer cable (mini-D-sub 15pin), user's manual on CD-ROM, quick setup poster, and soft carrying case.

Customer Review: A good home theater projector

I bought the S3 a month or so ago after a lengthy search process. My goal was to get a projector for watching DVDs. The image is bright and clear. 1,600 lumens gives you a good picture even with substantial ambient light. I use a 92" high-gain screen, and a projection distance of around 13'. At that distance, 92" is about as small as the image can get.



I would prefer that the zoom was manual rather than digital, but image quality does not suffer much at all with the DVDs.



Overall, our family is very pleased with this projector.

Customer Review: Better than expected

I have used the S3 FOR 70 HRS. AND FOUND IT WORKS FINE. I have played many DVD with no problems. I play 14 local stations thru a digital receiver and then thru the S3. which makes bad news more acceptable. I recommend this projector.
Find the lowest price for this projector here

Tags:
projector, Projectors, Home Theater, projector review, sony projector, dlp projector, lcd projector, multi media projector, video projector, projector screen, projector lamp, infocus projector

Want to take your presentations, movies, video games, and television programs to the next level? The Epson PowerLite 76C can take you there. Fill your home, office, or classroom with glorious, larger-than-life images using this affordable 5.7-pound projector. The projector, which features 1024 x 768 (XGA) resolution, delivers 2000 lumens so you can experience all your entertainment with oversized images that surpass even big-screen TVs. On top all that, the small, unobtrusive 76C is designed for whisper-quiet operation, making your experience all the more enjoyable.

Take a closer look at the PowerLite S3's functions.

Epson 3LCD technology ensures accurate color and remarkable saturation, even in well-lit rooms. Plus, specialized color modes mean you get the most vibrant images, whatever the situation, and solid state technology allows the unit to operate without a moving color wheel. Accurate color registration makes your images rainbow-free for crisp, detailed video and still images. Smooth video playback means that onscreen action sequences come alive. And best of all, the 76C makes setup a breeze. The projector also features a time-saving instant off feature--no cooldown is required.

Great for Presentations
Because the S3 is so light, you can take it anywhere, making it ideal for presenters on the go. The instant off feature lets you turn off the projector and unplug it immediately--then you're off to your next presentation. Epson 3LCD technology consistently delivers vibrant images and rich color saturation, plus a deep, extensive gray scale for precision detail--even subtle gradations are visible. There's a USB port for mouse and keyboard connectivity, and a brightness control function is provided for various settings to extend lamp life and provide more cost effective operation. There's even an included soft carry case.

Video Magic
Not just for presenters, the 76C shines in the living room, too. The projector's smooth video playback makes onscreen action come alive. It offers a big-screen performance in 4:3 or 16:9 modes, making it easy to enjoy DVDs or video games with amazing color and detail. It's even HDTV-ready, and it supports supports 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i formats. The S3's analog connections include video-RGB, composite video, S-video, component video (via video-RGB), and audio RCA.

Easy Setup and Maintenance
To make setup easier, a source search function automatically displays the connected input source(s) and switches instantly between various sources. With the included full-featured remote control you can easily switch sources, control presentation functions, and more. Plus, the projector has a four-second startup time to avoid presentation delays and reduce pre-presentation jitters. Color-coded cables make connectivity easy for first-time users. Lastly, 30-degree keystone correction offers greater positioning flexibility without any distortion.

Maintaining the 76C is a breeze, too. Conveniently placed lamp and air filters are designed for easy, affordable changes, even when the projector is ceiling-mounted. A front-mounted fan quickly cools the projector, especially in high-altitude locations. The 76C ships with a two-year limited warranty, plus a 90-day lamp warranty for added dependability. During the duration of the two-year limited warranty, the Epson Road Service program provides a replacement projector, typically within 24 hours. The warranty is good in over 45 countries and Epson supplies a toll-free support line.

What's in the Box
PowerLite 76c multimedia projector, power cable, remote control with batteries, computer cable, user's manual on CD-ROM, quick setup poster, and soft carrying case.

Customer Review: Excellent!!

I've been using it for 3 weeks now (12-13 movies), and I am very happy with my choice. Good quality, extremely clear picture and I've been projecting it straight to an off-white wall. Low brightness level has been enough for me.

It's not very light though, but it is portable.

I would highly recommend it.

Customer Review: Excellent Projector

I recently purchased the Epson 76c. I use it for watching DVD's and television. I havent't used it with a computer. The DVD player is connected with an S-video cable and the television (cable box) is connected with RCA cable. I can't give the unit 5 stars because I don't really have any way to compare it with other projectors. The stores around here that sell projectors don't have them on display like the big screen TV's. The advantages of a projector are obvious; small size, large picture, cost ($1,000 vs. $2,000 or more for big screen TV). The projector bulb does need to be replaced every 2000 to 3000 hours at cost of around $300. I have the projector down the basement where it is fairly dark. I originally projected the image on a wall. I experimented with different types of paint and found that flat white is about the best. DO NOT use gloss white paint!

Later I purchased an inexpensive screen that is slightly better than a white wall. The controls on the 76c are very easy to use. Several features that I like on the unit include the two different light settings; the low setting is for dark rooms(like my basement) and the high setting is for well lit rooms. Also, the low setting will extend bulb life. There are two rings on the projector, one for focus and one for image size. If you go with a projector, make sure you get one with XGA resolution(1024 x 768) (like the 76c) which has almost twice the pixels as SVGA (800 x 600).
Find the lowest price for this projector here

Tags:
projector, Projectors, Home Theater, projector review, sony projector, dlp projector, lcd projector, multi media projector, video projector, projector screen, projector lamp, infocus projector

Project your ideas in a big way with the InFocus Meeting Room Projector. It has a sleek design and features a 12-language, 3-51/64" polysilicon TFT LCD interactive display; XGA 1024x768 native resolution; zoom lens with manual focus and manual zoom adjust; 2200 max. ANSI lumens for outstanding brightness; front, rear and ceiling projection methods; 40" to 300" diagonal image size; menu, keypad, ProjectorManager, and RS 232 projector controls; 2-watt speaker; wireless connectivity with LiteShow module (sold separately); and much more. Includes navigator remote control; power cord; M1-A computer cable with USB mouse; 3.5mm computer audio cable; RCA audio/video cable; color-coded cable straps; soft carrying case; user's guide and CD. 4-1/8Hx11-3/5Wx10-2/7L".

Customer Review: Solid Projector

Our company has used InFocus, including two of this particular projector, for years without problems. Of the four projector that we currently use (3 InFocus, 1 Sony), only the Sony has had problems (but I wouldn't use one experience to say that Sony is a bad company).



More importantly, this projector has good projection and lumens/light, and is very easy to use. We have done very little modification to the factory defaults (nor have we needed to) and have been very happy with the performance.

Customer Review: wouldn't buy another infocus!

I had a horrible time with this product. I paid $1800 for the LP640, fired it up and it went straight back down citing a fan failure. I generated an RMA with InFocus , sent it back , and they sent it right back to me UNTOUCHED! UGGGHH!! I generated another RMA and they replaced the unit with another but this one also had a fan failure. On the eve of an important company presentation they wanted to charge my credit card $3700 to guarantee delivery of a THIRD unit to get here in time for the presentation. I'm getting my money back on this piece of junk and getting a different, cheaper model. I wonder if they had a bad batch or something.......
Find the lowest price for this projector here

Tags:
projector, Projectors, Home Theater, projector review, sony projector, dlp projector, lcd projector, multi media projector, video projector, projector screen, projector lamp, infocus projector