A great choice for a cheap home theater projector
Written: Nov 29 '03
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Reliability: |
 |
|
| Ease of Use: |
|
|
| Display Quality: |
|
|
|
Pros: Price, picture quality, deinterlacer, bulb life
Cons: Lower resolution, longer throw
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a entry level projector that can give you a great image with a good choice of inputs, the X1 is definatly worth considering.
|
|
|
| ambrehm's Full Review: InFocus X1 Multimedia Projector |
Introduction
A few years ago I decided that I wanted to upgrade from my old 26” RCA TV to something bigger, a lot bigger. That decision brought me to buying the 61” Panasonic PT-61HX40. At the time I was very impressed with the picture and most importantly, the size. Surprisingly enough it only took me a couple of weeks before a 61” screen didn’t really seem all that big anymore. A few weeks ago I decided to purchase a projector that way I could get about any size screen I wanted given a large enough room. After seeing what a projector could do it would almost make me rethink a RPTV purchase, but more on that later. Also, keep in mind that I am using this projector for home theater purposes and will not be commenting on its abilities as a presentation projector. Now before I get started on the review let me preface it by saying that I am in no way a professional. This review will be aimed at those that are a bit past novice but will below expert, probably right in the middle as most people are, hopefully it will be of use.
First things first
Chances are if you are reading this you don’t have $3000 or more to spend on a projector. With that in mind, the X1 is an entry level projector for those on a budget. It’s a good idea to keep that in mind before comparing it to other more expensive projectors. Otherwise said, take it for what it is.
Settings
One of the first things that needs to be done to any piece of video equipment when you first get it is to calibrate it. Though there is a perfectly useable image out of the box, you can get so much more if you take the time to calibrate it. My personal favorite is the new Digital Video Essentials. This DVD will help you get everything set correctly to get the most out of the projector. With the exception of a progressive signal the X1 gives you good control over the picture settings. Standard controls such a color temperature, brightness, contrast, tint etc are easily found and adjusted from the projector or the supplied remote. A variety of modes (Video, Film, and Presentation) also give you greater control on the produced picture. Again, a calibration DVD will help you adjust all these settings to get the best picture possible.
Inputs
The back panel of the X1 consists of a 15 pin VGA monitor in and monitor out port, Composite Video, S Video, Audio jack, and USB port. This should be enough for any home user. I have my DVD player hooked up through the VGA port using the Component to VESA adapter available through the Infocus site, and a PS2 hooked up through the S video input. If you wanted, you could hook a VCR up to the projector through the Composite input and you should be set.
Ease of use
I have found that navigating through the menus on this projector is very simple. As a matter of fact I didn’t even consult the supplied manual before messing around with the settings. This should not be a concern for anyone.
Picture quality
This is probably the main aspect that everyone is concerned about. When looking at projectors I was a bit bummed that I couldn’t afford a nice XGA projector. Though a XGA projector will give you a better picture, the X1 can deliver a amazing picture at only 800x600 pixels. I have yet to be disappointed by what this projector can do with a limited resolution. Though all the settings can be tweaked in interlaced mode, when you send a progressive signal to the X1 settings such as tint, color, etc are no longer adjustable. This problem is easily alleviated if you have a DVD player that can adjust these settings in progressive mode. The DCDi deinterlacer in the X1 through the S video input is amazing, this is probably one of the features that makes the X1 such a deal. Rumor is though that Infocus will be producing a cheaper X1 next year without this deinterlacer in which case you will loose a great feature, so if you can afford it now, do so.
There has been a lot of talk about rainbows when speaking of DLP projectors. Though I must admit that I do see them time to time (very rare, and I have to look for them to notice) I probably wouldn’t even know they existed if I was not forewarned. From my perspective this should not be a deterrent in purchasing a DLP projector, they are not that bad and even if you do see them, you will get used to them and they will “disappear” later. The screen door effect I also found as nominal. I only see it when I am close to the screen and there is a bright picture. Otherwise I never notice it.
The X1 also allows you to switch the aspect ratio of the picture. I personally like this because you can view all 4:3 material in all its glory and get the advantages of 16:9 format when you view DVD. When I started looking at projectors I considered buying a 16:9 native, but I have come to the conclusion that unless this will be a dedicated home theater projector that will not see any 4:3 material it would be better to buy a 4:3 projector that can display 16:9 material.
Conclusion
For the price the X1 cannot be beat, period. It offers a sepurb picture at a price less than $1000. The only issue I would see would be if the room you will be installing the projector in does not have controlled lighting. The upgraded 4,000 hour bulb life on the latest 4.1 version of firmware makes the X1 an even greater deal. Too keep from rambling I don’t think that any of the projectors in this price range touch the X1. Given the great deinterlacer, good lumen output, great bulb life, and awesome picture quality the X1 should be the natural choice for someone looking for a cheap home theater projector.
Recommended:
Yes
Purchase Price (if leased, monthly payment): 950
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
ambrehm
|
|
Location: macomb, illinois
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 2 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.