Latest Projector Reviews

Resolution Paradise: The Hitachi CP-SX5600

I recently bought the Hitachi CP-SX5600 for one reason and one reason only – I wanted to have a projector that could function in a 1365x1024 native resolution capacity. I work for a large manufacturing company in the US and was given a budget of about $12000 to purchase a new projector for our primary boardroom. We have all our top clients into the boardroom for important meetings and feel it is necessary to present a company image of success, professionalism and comfort at all times. So, when I first was inspecting the Hitachi CP-SX5600, I was a little skeptical because of its low price point – it was on sale for about $6000.

As I researched further however, I started to realize why this projector was so much cheaper than its competitors (most of its competitors were priced around $12-14 grand). Hitachi utilizes a technology called LCOS, a silicon technology that allows more light to pass through the DLP liquid crystal panel, which in turn makes 1365x1024 resolution possible for much cheaper. Other companies, such as JVC, do not know how to use this technology and do not have an exclusive patent and therefore are forced to use more expensive means to accomplish their 1365x1024 goals.

The LCOS does not just allow Hitachi to pump up their resolution in an inexpensive manner. The silicon technology also allows them to manufacture a DLP panel that is about half as thin as most DLP panels. The narrow chip cuts down reaction time from the CP-SX5600’s control signals, reducing “image smudging” and allowing for a higher quality picture to be displayed consistently.

Once I understood the in’s and out’s behind Hitachi’s LCOS technology, it wasn’t a matter of if I would buy a Hitachi, but which one. I eventually decided on the CP-SX5600. It has almost every component input possible and then a few added extras. For example, I can plug a wireless USB mouse into the projector, and it has all the usuals, S-Video, component, RGB output for monitor hookup and several others

All in all, I couldn’t be more please with this projector. It does everything we need it to do, looks fantastic and was able to save our company $6000, which in turn made me look responsible in the eyes of my boss. I would highly recommend this projector for any boardroom and I would caution against buying any projector that has 1365x1024 resolution in the $10000 plus range.