Projector Review: The Cloud-Connected Barco iCon H600

When the Barco iCon H600 hit the market in 2005, it was one of the first truly cloud-connected projectors. The H600, since retired, could display up to four data images, video or streaming media from any device or website connected to the network. The Barco projector offered a glimpse into the future of cloud-connected A/V, and as such, it carried an eye-popping price tag of $34,999.
Flash forward to today, Barco is continuing to expand its advanced cloud-connected projectors, but it’s clear that the iCon H600 laid a strong foundation for Barco’s current line-up. For example, the iCon H600 enabled fast data sharing across the network. Images, video and streaming media could be pushed onto the display screen from the cloud, and any number of sources could be collected and added to the network. Remember, this was in 2005, before “cloud computing” had become a common tool for businesses.

Barco iCon H600 Projector
Barco iCon H600 Projector

Plus, for a projector released more than a decade ago, the iCon H600 also boasted some impressive image stats, including a 6,000-lumen output, Full HD native resolution, and a maximum resolution of 2048×1536. In other words, the iCon H600 was a powerful piece of hardware designed for corporate presentations and collaboration. Even today, a decade later, there’s a lot to like about the H600.
Barco iCon H600: Lamp, Brightness, Image Quality, Cloud Connectivity

  • Advanced Networking: The iCon H600 was really one of Barco’s first steps into cloud computing, and it was a master at that. Essentially, the projector connects to the cloud via a device, and thus, data from millions of sources that were connected to the cloud could then be pushed to the projector. Plus, a range of devices could be connected to the network — from smartphones, to laptops, to desktops — enabling faster data visualization across organizations. For 2005, this feature was extremely advanced.
  • Impressive Picture-in-Picture: With the ability to project four images from different sources simultaneously, the H600 really pushed the envelope as a presentation tool. Plus, the four images could be a variety of media — for instance, two data images, a streaming video, and a video.
  • A Bulky Design: Barco projectors are, in general, heavier than projectors with similar specs. That’s certainly true of the iCon H600. At 11-inches, by 23-inches by 24-inches, and weighing 77 pounds, the iCon is a boulder of a projector. Therefore, this isn’t built for portability. It’s a permanent installation piece. However, this model comes with interchangeable lenses depending on your application, so it is more customizable than most projectors on the market.
  • Bright, Full HD Image, Average Lamp Life: Projecting a 6000-lumen image, the iCon H600 is powerful enough to handle mid- and large-sized venues, with moderate amounts of natural light. It also has a native resolution of 1920×1080, as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift. The only catch: At this brightness level, the iCon H600’s lamp life is average, if not slightly underwhelming. The Barco H600 bulb is a 300-watt UHP bulb otherwise known as R9841829, and as the iCon H600’s replacement lamp and housing module are on the higher end, the maintenance costs are a bit more expensive compared to more affordable projectors.
    Barco iCon H600 Projector - Interchangeable Lens
    Barco iCon H600 Projector – Interchangeable Lens

The Bottom Line: The Barco iCon Line Was Ahead of Its Time
The entire Barco iCon series, which the H600 was the last iteration of, was a powerful cloud-connected tool, delivered at a time before cloud computing was so widely available. Really, it’s a relic of a nascent technology, and it really shows the starting point for Barco’s contemporary cloud-connected projectors.
Today, used Barco iCon H600 devices are available online, sold primarily by third parties. Would a used H600 be worth it today? It might be. If the price is right. The technology is still extremely useful today, but in general, the offering prices for used projectors in the Barco line can be quite expensive. Plus, today, technology has gotten cheaper. You can find a variety of Full HD projectors with multi-window capabilities, like the Panasonic PT line, however, depending on the components you require, your application and the price, the Barco might still suit your needs.

Projector Review: ViewSonic PJD7820HD

Released two years ago, the ViewSonic PJD7820HD is a solid performer in the budget data projector class. The projector’s Full HD resolution (1920×1080) delivers crisp, detailed data images. Text, both small and large, is clear, and it’s capable of handling multimedia. Yet, it’s not the most reliable cross-over projector – it’s an excellent data projector, but just OK with home entertainment.
Initial reviews of the ViewSonic PJD7820HD revealed that the projector’s video performance was average. Color performance is decent, with some rainbow artifacts present. It can handle video, gaming and 3D content, but it’s not perfect. This is more of an entry-level home entertainment projector, which makes sense considering the price. On the other hand, as a data projector, the ViewSonic performs well, and with a starting price of $599, it’s one of the most affordable Full HD presentation projectors on the market.

ViewSonic PJD7820HD Projector
ViewSonic PJD7820HD Projector

Projector Specs and Features:  ViewSonic PJD7820HD

  • Extended Lamp Life: In standard mode, this single-chip DLP projector achieves 4,000 hours of lamp life – above-average in terms of performance. In smart economy mode, though, the lamp life is boosted to 7,000 hours. Plus, with the PJD7820HD replacement lamp and module – part no. RLC-079 – costing $274.99, maintenance costs for this projector remain low.
  • Image Brightness: When it was released, the PJD7820 was one of the brightest Full HD data projectors available. The lamp is rated at 3,000 lumens of brightness, which suits well to small- to mid-sized spaces and moderate levels of ambient light.
  • Native Resolution: Not only was the PJD7820 one of the first Full HD (1920×1080) data projectors, it was also one of the most affordable. With a Full HD resolution, it’s nearly double the WXGA format and nearly three times more resolute than XGA projectors. That makes it possible to draw out better contrast for small images. With XGA, smaller text becomes more difficult to read; that’s not the case with Full HD.
  • Portability: The projector weighs just about four pounds, and its dimensions (3.3×10.6×8.7) make this an extremely portable projector. Thus, it’s ideal for presentations on the go, as well as for moving between venues, i.e. office and home.
  • Color Performance: One disadvantage is the color performance. It performs about average, with some calibration, but yet, rainbow artifacts are present, particularly with video. This isn’t one of the better projectors for video, and that’s why, if you need only a home entertainment projector, you might want something that provides better color quality and saturation.

 

  • Connectivity: There are a range of ports, including an HDMI, USB Type B, S-Video, VGA monitor out, and two VGA-in ports. The HDMI, which supports HDMI 1.4a, enables the projector to connect directly to a Bluray player. One disadvantage, particularly for business presentations, is that it doesn’t have a Type A USB port, which make it possible for the projector to read data directly from the USB port. The Type B port only accommodates a wireless mouse and similar applications.
  • Audio Performance: The projector is equipped with a 2-watt speaker; that’s below average in terms of performance, with similarly priced projectors available with 10-watt speakers. Yet, the audio is capable, ideal for small rooms or if your audience will be sitting near the projector.
    ViewSonic PJD7820HD Projector - Rear Inputs
    ViewSonic PJD7820HD Projector – Rear Inputs

The Bottom Line: Is the ViewSonic PJD7820HD Worth the Investment?
As a data projector, there’s a lot to like about the PJD7820 – most importantly though is the price. When it was released it was one of the – if not the most – affordable Full HD data projector available. These days, there are similarly priced options, but yet at $599, the PJD7820 is a very good value. Plus, data image quality is crisp, it can accommodate a number of different sources, and it’s lightweight and portable.
At that price, you can’t go wrong for data projection. WXGA projectors are similarly priced, but the images aren’t as resolute. So this is a suitable piece of hardware for the office. At home, video performance is just OK, so if you’ll be using this more for home entertainment, it might be wise to invest in a projector with a more robust video feature set.

Projector Review: Vivitek D910HD

Released in 2012, the Vivitek D910HD was dubbed a “cross-over” projector. That means it’s capable of high-quality business presentations, but with a Full HD native resolution and 3D functionality, it can hold its own for entertainment.
Currently, the D910HD is still shipping, and there’s a number of reasons why this projector is worthy of interest by both business presenters and those looking for a home entertainment upgrade. The DLP projector boasts impressive image quality stats: 3,000 lumens, BrilliantColor technology and a Full HD resolution. Plus, the price is just right – it’s available in the U.S. and Europe with prices starting at $849. That price point puts the D910HD firmly in “wallet-friendly” projector category.

Vivitek D910HD Projector
Vivitek D910HD Projector

The Vivitek D910HD: Specs and Features
There’s a lot to like about the Vivitek D910. It projects a bright image with decent color saturation. There’s a range of connection options available, including HDMI, USB and RS232 ports. Yet, for the home entertainment enthusiast, it doesn’t provide that specialized performance that other projectors do.
For instance, the Optoma GT1080 is designed for home entertainment, with rapid refresh rate and specialized gaming modes. Because the 910HD is a cross-over projector, it doesn’t excel as a presentation tool or as an entertainment system.
Vivitek D910HD Projector Rear Inputs
Vivitek D910HD Projector Rear Inputs

  • Image Quality, Brightness: The D910HD delivers a 3,000-lumen image with a 5,000:1 contrast ratio. That’s bright enough to perform in moderately lit spaces, but image quality might diminish in spaces with more ambient light. Plus, the DLP and BrilliantColor technology provide excellent color saturation, with crisp detail in black and clear contrast.
  • Long-Lasting Lamp Performance: The D910HD’s 190-watt lamp achieves 3,000 hours of lamp life in standard mode, and 5,000 hours in the economy setting. The D910HD’s replacement lamp is relatively affordable – replacement part No. 5811117901-SVV – but yet, with such long-lasting performance, maintenance costs for this projector won’t break the bank.
  • Lightweight, Sleek Design: At roughly 7 pounds, the D910HD is lightweight and ultra-portable. That’s one reason Vivitek calls this a cross-over projector; it can move seamlessly from office to home. Plus, the projector features an attractive, flowing design.
  • Built-In Speaker System: The 910HD is equipped with a built-in 10-watt mono speaker, which can serve as a basic audio system at the house or office. Although in noisier environments, operators will likely prefer connecting to an external speaker system.
  • Extended Warranty: Vivitek offers a three-year parts/labor warranty for the projector, as well as a one-year warranty on the lamp. Those are favorable warranty terms, and above-average compared to similarly priced projectors.
  • A Range of Connectivity Options: With two Audio In ports, an HDMI and USB port, and an RS232 port, the D910HD can handle tons of connectivity. Yet, the majority of entertainment projectors produced these days are equipped with at least 2 HDMI ports, which may be a turnoff for some buyers.
  • Limited Installation Flexibility: The D910HD does not have lens shift or horizontal keystone correction. With just a 1.2:1 zoom ratio and vertical keystone, fitting the projector to a smaller room may be more difficult.

The verdict? As an entry-level projector, the Vivitek D910HD does a lot of things right. If you need a projector for watching TV or movies, the D910HD will meet your needs. Or if you’re after a presentation set-up that can give a boost to multimedia presentations, the D910HD is more than capable.
Unfortunately, the D910HD is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. If you have specialized entertainment needs – like powerful gaming performance – or enhanced presentation needs – like cloud connectivity – you’ll likely be better off purchasing a projector that’s designed to fit your needs. It’s not to say that the D910HD isn’t worthy of an investment. There are a lot of reasons that it is. Yet, there are options that are more recent with a similar feature set and price.
 

Projector Review: SMART UF55W Interactive Projector

SMART has an interesting line-up of projectors. These aren’t stand-alone projectors, but instead, they’re built to be integrated with a SMART Board. Along with the board, SMART projectors enable interactivity, you can draw on the board, while an image is being projected, and that’s why they’re commonly used in classrooms and for business presentations.
The SMART UF55W was originally released in the mid-2000s, along with the SMART Board 600i3. The projector delivers crisp and clear images, and it’s compatible with a range of computers and video inputs. Therefore, it’s an ideal device for transforming and enhancing classroom multimedia projectors. What’s more: The UF55 is extremely user friendly. These days, the UF55W is out-of-production, having been replaced by the UF70. Yet, still, it is a highly capable piece of A/V hardware that will enhance classroom whiteboard presentations. A used or refurbished UF55W

SMARTBOARD UF55W
SMARTBOARD UF55W

remains a great, lower cost replacement, than buying a new set-up.
SMART UF55W Specifications: Image Quality, Brightness and Compatibilities
Compared to SMART’s lineup of projector’s today, the UF55W is equipped with a similar feature-set and image output and brightness. The UF70, the UF55W’s replacement, has some updated specs like a slightly brighter image, enhanced video capabilities, and greater networking functionalities. Yet, for standard SMART Board presentations the UF55W performs well. Here are a few specs to consider:
Brightness Range: The UF55W is equipped with a 2,000-lumen bulb, which delivers a bright image even in well-lit classrooms. The bulb has a long lamp life, rated at 3,000 hours in the standard 200-watt mode or 4,000 hours in economy mode. That’s an above-average lamp life for projectors released at the same time. Fortunately, the SMART UF55’s replacement bulb – Part No: 20-01032-20 – is affordable, keeping maintenance costs low.
Image Quality: When synched with the SMART Board, the UF55W enhances presentations with stellar images. For instance, most SMART Boards measure about 80 inches, and at this size, the projector delivers a crisp image. The UF55W has a contrast ratio of 2000:1, and it’s built in the WGXA resolution (1280×800) and 16:10 aspect ratio. In other words, images are clear, with text easy-to-read for the audience. In addition, the color production is vibrant and well-saturated.
Short Throw Ratio: The UF55W is designed to be mounted to the ceiling, and features a .51 throw ratio. That means it’s installed closer to the screen, and thus, presenters in the front of the classroom won’t get in front of the light source, which creates shadows on the screen. Plus, with a range of image shift capabilities, the UF55W is easy to install and set-up.
Ease of Use: The UF55W is built for entry-level users, and thus, perfect for education environments, where there isn’t a lot of extra time for drawn-out trainings. These projectors feature a user-friendly menu screen, and it’s essentially a plug-and-play set-up. Teachers and business people can quickly plug their computers into the device and start presentations, which is ideal in educational and business situations.
Overall, the SMART UF55W maintains its own in terms of performance, compared to similar SMART projectors today. Of course, it does show its age in a few ways, but yet, the core feature-set is ideal for classrooms. Educators can write and annotate images on the board, as well as erase what they’ve written. What’s more: The UF55 provides a range of functions, from displaying text and images to showing movies in class (up to 1080i), and for presentations, the image quality is spot-on. That’s why the UF55 remains a solid investment. Even though it’s out-of-production, a used or refurbished model is an ideal replacement that will save schools and business thousands.

Barco iQ G300 vs CRPN-52B: A Decade of Difference

Barco has a storied history of producing some of the most powerful and high-impact corporate A/V projectors on the market. One of their earliest forays was the iQ series, with the iQ G300 being the first available in 2003.

Barco iQ G300 Projector
Barco iQ G300 Projector

The Barco iQ G300 was one of the first projectors with advanced picture-in-picture, allowing four scalable images to be displayed simultaneously, or two data images alongside a video image. That functionality made this an ideal collaboration tool for businesses, as a range of data sets could be shared at the same time. Barco’s commitment to projector collaboration tools has continued, even as the original iQ line has been discontinued. In 2013, Barco launched the Collaborate line, featuring the CRPN-52B, a powerful panorama projector with an even great suite of advanced multi-window capabilities.
Comparing the iQ300 to Barco’s 52B offers a wonderful example of just how far the company’s small- to mid-sized venue collaboration tools have come. Released a decade apart, the two projectors share similarities, yet, it’s easy to see the decade of difference.
Barco CPRN-52B Projector
Barco CPRN-52B Projector

Comparing the iQ G300 and CRPN-52B: Specifications and Image Quality

  • Brightness and Contrast: When initially launched, the iQ G300 featured a brilliantly bright image. The projector was rated at 3,500 lumens but delivered a contrast ratio of just 400:1. In the last decade, the power of single-chip DLP technology has moved forward. The 52B, for example, although featuring a much larger native resolution, has an output of 5,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 6,500:1, thanks in part to greater wattage lamps. The similarity is that both employ Barco’s signature dual-lamp configuration.
  • Image Quality: The iQ G300 has an XGA native resolution (1024×768) compared to the CRPN 52B’s panorama resolution of 2560×1080. Thus, the 52B boasts enables enhanced multi-window clarity compared to its predecessor. Both are capable of completely filling the screen, with sustained corner sharpness. Yet, in the lower resolution, some detail can be lost when using the advanced multi-screen modes.
  • Lamp Life: Both projectors use dual-lamp systems, which are designed to improve lamp life by switching between light sources after 100 hours of use. The iQ projector features two 200-watt UHP lamps, while the newer model uses two 300-watt UHP lamps. Yet, the 52B achieves longer lamp life due to improved efficiency. The 52B in standard mode achieves 2,000 hours, while the iQ is right at 1,500. Additionally, the 52B achieves a much longer life when using single-lamp mode: 5,000 hours compared to 3,000.
  • Collaboration Capabilities: In 2003, the iQ G300 was the first projector of its kind, allowing advanced picture-in-picture and the sharing of four pictures at the same time. With built-in source switching, the iQ was able to quickly toggle between sources. The CRPN-52B has transformed that original concept. Now it’s possible to have multiple windows open, quickly toggle between them, and display a greater range of windows on the same screen. Plus, the 52B’s panorama resolution enhances the picture quality in each window.
  • Pricing: Barco is a major player in the high-end projector market, and both of these pieces of hardware were offered with eye-popping price tags. In 2003, the iQ G300 carried an MSRP sticker price of $13,500. A decade later, the 52B started north of $24,000.

Comparing these high-end Barco projectors is a useful for seeing just how projectors have advanced in the last decade. What was possible in 2003, now seems underwhelming. At the time, the iQ G300 and the rest of the iQ series were powerful tools that set a new precedent in multi-window projection. Barco has continued to advance and innovate, and the current Collaborate line really highlights their commitment. We’ll just have to wait and see what’s next from Barco.

Projector Highlights from InfoComm 2015

The annual InfoComm Show was held last week in Orlando, Florida, and the MyProjectorLamps team was on hand. We had a great time, taking in all the demonstrations of the latest and greatest in cutting-edge A/V technology. Throughout the show, some of the most innovative, brightest and new 4K projectors were on display.

InfoComm 2015 Floor
InfoComm 2015 Floor

It seemed that the biggest news was generated by laser-based and 4K+ projectors. A number of manufacturers unveiled new 4K+ projectors, like Panasonic and DPI, and it appears that the higher resolution systems are a priority for most. We’re bound to see the cost of 4K projectors continue to decrease, as the technology becomes more affordable. In addition, extremely bright, laser projectors also made a big splash at InfoComm this year, like NEC’s 12,000-lumen PH1202HL and the DPI’s 12,000-lumen 4K setup. Here are a few highlights:

  • NEC unveiled the PH1202HL projector, which is a laser/phosphor light source, 1080p resolution projector. The most impressive spec: The PH1202HL casts a 12,000-lumen image with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Plus, the lamp-less projector has a 20,000-hour life on the laser light source.
  • Christie unveiled a small, ultra-short-throw projector, the Digital Captiva DUW350S, which utilizes a 1DLP imaging system. The projector’s output is 3,500 lumens and its ultra-short-throw ratio of .25:1 helped the project nab a “Best in Show” award, from Governmental Video. This was the first time Christie demonstrated their Captiva lens.
  • DPI released a new 4K projector, the INSIGHT 4K Laser, which earned a “Best in Show” award from AVNetwork. The projector casts a 12,000-lumen image in Full 4K resolution; both of these specs were cited as reasons for the award. During a demonstration, the INSIGHT created an incredibly color-saturated, high-def image.
    Sony VPL-GTZ270
    Sony VPL-GTZ270
  • Sony used InfoComm to announce and show off a pair of new laser-based 4K projectors. Both get incredibly long lives from their light sources: 20,000 hours in standard mode and 40,000 hours in eco mode. These are powerful, professional setups. The VPL-GTZ270 is designed for “entertainment venues,” like theme parks and planetariums. And the VPL-GT280 is designed to be used for simulations. Both produced incredible images during two different demonstrations.
  • Another 4K projector released at InfoComm, the Panasonic PT-RQ13KU creates an image beyond 4K at a resolution of 5,120 X 3,200. Panasonic says the projector is “the most compact and lightweight 4K+ 3-chip DLP laser projector in the world.” Some specs: The brightness is rated at 10,000 lumens with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio. The projector also used horizontal and vertical pixel shift at a frame rate of 240 Hz, which boosts the overall image quality and quadruples pixel density.
    MyProjectorLamps Booth at Infocomm 2015
    MyProjectorLamps Booth at Infocomm 2015

These were just a few highlights from InfoComm 2015. It was an incredible show, with tons of great A/V technology. We’re already looking forward to attending next year.
 

Projector Review: Vivitek H1080FD Entertainment Projector

When Vivitek’s H1080FD was first released in 2009, it was one of the only sub-$1,000 Full HD projectors on the market. Today that’s a crowded segment in the projector market, with all the major players like Optoma and BenQ delivering powerful Full HD set-ups well below $1,000. However, what made the Vivitek H1080FD so interesting at the time was that it delivered a high-quality image and substantial brightness for a below-average price. It was a perfect entry-level projector for home theater and entertainment.
 

Vivitek H1080HD Projector
Vivitek H1080HD Projector

 
Today, the H1080FD holds its own in terms of image quality. Although image quality isn’t perfect (which should be expected from budget projectors), this model performs well. It’s been out-of-production since 2010, and it’s starting to show its age. Today’s sub-$1,000 projectors achieve enhanced image quality, they’re equipped with better feature sets, and they start at right around $500. In other words, purchasing a used H1080FD doesn’t make a lot of sense, even if you need something cheap to use alongside your higher-end set-up. Simply stated, you’re better off buying new.
 

Vivitek H1080FD: Features and Specs

At the time of its initial release, the HD1080FD was an incredible offer. It quickly became a favorite entry-level home projector not because of price alone, but because it performed well. Here are a few things that stand out:

  • Brightness: Rated at 1,800 ASNI lumens, the H1080FD is and was a bright, entry-level projector. That made it ideal for living room set-ups. It is capable of delivering vibrant images in ambient light like HD sports and gaming, yet with three available brightness levels, it can easily be adjusted for watching movies in the home theater. Today, a 1,800-lumen rating is below average. The Optoma HD141X, for example, which retails for $574, is rated at 3,000 lumens.
  • Contrast: With a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, the H1080 doesn’t perform as well compared to higher-end projectors. For instance, it won’t achieve those deep, dark blacks. Yet, it does hold its own, providing detail in the shadows and a quality image. The performance is comparable to similarly priced budget theater projectors released these days.
  • Color Accuracy: Another reason the Vivitek made a splash when it was released was its color performance. With slight calibrations, it achieves great color saturation and performance is accurate. You likely won’t achieve those out-of-the-box, but it’s possible with a few minor adjustments.

 

Vivitek H1080HD Projector
Vivitek H1080HD Rear Inputs

 

Vivitek H1080FD: Shortcomings

It’s not fair to compare the H1080FD to similarly priced projectors released today. The technology has greatly advanced in the last half-decade, and what’s possible today for less than $1,000, just wasn’t in 2009. Yet, even then, the Vivitek H1080FD had its own issues. These include:

  • Short Lamp Life: With full lumen output, the HD1080’s lamp achieves just a 2,000-hour lamp life, and it’s boosted up to 3,000 at lower settings. That’s about average for a DLP projector, but newer pieces of hardware tend to achieve longer lamp lives. The H1080FD’s replacement lamp – part No. 5811116206-S – is relatively affordable, but because the life is on the lower end, the projector’s overall cost of ownership does increase a bit.
  • Problematic Ease-of-Use: Another common complaint is the projector’s confusing remote and menu controls. Plus, for maximum color performance, you’ll need to likely calibrate your projector. For these reasons, the H1080FD can’t be described as a “plug-and-play” option and it’s not very user-friendly.
  • Some Rainbow Effects: The H1080FD is a 3-wheel DLP projector, and as such, a slight rainbow effect is visible in certain scenes. This problem is relatively minor, and should be expected from a budget projector. But it’s another reason to be wary of this set-up.

Overall, the Vivitek H1080FD is a powerful projector that delivers substantial brightness and above-average image quality. The biggest issues are price and feature set. The H1080FD doesn’t have 3D capabilities, it’s not wired for cloud connectivity and set-up flexibility is limited (it only has zoom functionalities). Plus, it is out-of-production, meaning it’s only available from resellers or as used or refurbished. If you can find a low-low price on this model, it might be worth the investment, whether as a beginner set-up or as a back-up to your higher-end projector. But if the cost is close to $500, you’re better off splurging on the Optoma HD141X or BenQ 1070/1075. They’re only slightly more expensive but much newer and with updated technology.

Projector Review: Panasonic PT-AR100U Home Entertainment Set-Up

Panasonic’s PT-AR100U, one of the manufacturer’s 1080p Full HD offerings, is a versatile piece of hardware. It hugs the line between home theater and home entertainment projector, doing triple duty in the family living room. With capabilities for gaming, movies and for watching sports and TV, the PT-AR100U provides a great range of functionality. Plus, aided by Panasonic’s Light Harmonization 3 technology, the projector’s ability to auto-adjust light output to a room’s ambient light boosts the projector’s ease of use.

Panasonic PT-AR100U Projector
Panasonic PT-AR100U Projector

Overall, there’s not much missing from the PT-AR100U. Although it was initially released in 2011, it holds its own against today’s home entertainment releases. The biggest downfall is the lack of 3D video. Plus, if you’re looking for a strictly cinema projector, you’d be better off looking at home theater designated projectors, as image quality is underwhelming in those situations. Yet, for the price, the PT-AR100U’s capabilities, its color performance and brightness, it’s a solid investment and high-quality A/V tool. Let’s take a look at some of the Panasonic’s specs:

  • Powerful Brightness: The PT-AR100U delivers a bright, crisp image. It’s equipped with a 2,800-lumen light source that achieves a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. The bulb is capable of delivering great images in a range of lighting – from dark-room theater set-ups, to moderately lit rooms – although it’s ideally suited for the living room.
  • Awesome Image Quality: Overall, the image quality is great for video games, sports and TV, and it performs nicely as a movie projector. There are 3 set modes: Cinema 1, Sports and Games. Compared to similarly priced theater projectors, though, the Panasonic slightly underperforms when it comes to pure cinema performance. It’s a quality, color-saturated image, yet the black level performance isn’t perfect.
  • Smart Image Adaptation: The PT-AR100U is equipped with a range of automatic image enhancements, which help to provide that high-quality image. These features include Motion Effects – extremely useful when watching sporting events – as well as Dynamic Iris Pro, a Panasonic-specific feature that matches color output to the lighting. Light Harmonization is another useful adaptive feature, which auto-adjusts output to match the room’s lighting.
  • Flexible Installation: Backed with a 2.0:1 zoom ratio, as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift, this projector’s image can be fit to the screen easier. This provides a greater range of set-up locations, as the image can be adjusted from wherever the projector fits. The only downside is that it’s not a portable projector. At 19 pounds, the PT-AR100U is suited more for permanent installations.
    Panasonic PTAR100U Rear Inputs
    Panasonic PTAR100U Rear Inputs

What Are the Downsides of the PT-AR100U?

Compared to projectors in the price-range, this Panasonic truly holds its own. There are only a few features that go missing. For example, the movie buffs will miss the Full 3D capability – which is becoming an increasingly common feature in newer projectors – and there aren’t advanced wireless networking capabilities, another useful feature. Plus, the PT-AR100U is backed by a one-year warranty; traditionally 2-3 year warranties are the norm for similar set-ups.
Finally, another point of contention is the Panasonic’s shorter lamp life. In the projector’s Eco mode, the lamp – which is a 280-watt UHM lamp – achieves just a 3,000-hour lamp life. Although a replacement bulb for the PT-AR100U is relatively affordable – part No. ET-LAA110 – most high wattage, high lumens machines get lower average lamp life expectancy since they have a higher output. The trade-off is a brighter image.
Overall, though, the Panasonic PT-AR100U does achieve a lot: It’s versatile and can handle all forms of entertainment. The image quality is on point, bright and highly contrasted. Color performance is great. And the price is competitive. When it was released in 2011, the projector retailed for about $1,800; today Panasonic offers it for $1,145. In all honesty, the PT-AR100U is deserving of the investment.

Projector Review: NEC NP-M300X Multimedia Projector

When it was first released in 2010, the NEC NP-M300X was a highly capable multimedia projector – perfect for the boardroom or classroom. Today, it remains a powerful piece of hardware, even though it’s since been replaced by the NEC NP-M322X. It’s currently out-of-production, but that doesn’t change what the projector is capable of. Plus, you can still find used and refurbished M300X’s online – which, if the price is right, would make a good investment. Here’s why:
The NP-M300X is built for vibrant, color-saturated presentation. It’s equipped with a 3,000-lumen lamp, achieving stellar image performance in standard office lighting. Plus, it can accommodate a variety of video formats, the projector is super portable, and it’s built with a wide range of ports. The only downside, really, is that the technology is a little aged. It remains a great projector, but yet, it’s missing features you’ll find in the replacement NP-M322X, like increased brightness and contrast, enhanced audio and auto keystone correction.

NEC NP-M300X Projector
NEC NP-M300X Projector

Key Features: NP-M300X’s Image and Brightness Specs

For a projector that went out of the production in 2013, the NP-M300X offers quite a bit of useful features and specs. The most impressive, though, are the NP-M300X’s image quality and brightness. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Suitable Brightness for Presentations: The 3,000-lumen rated NP-M300X provides substantial brightness and a wide brightness range. In the standard mode, the projector is powerful, and if you were to project a 100-inch image in normal ambient light, you’d achieve a crisp, clear image. There are two addition eco settings, Eco 1 and Eco 2, which are reserved for lower ambient light and for displaying smaller images. Depending on the mode you use, the NP-M300X has a range of about 1,300 to 3,000 lumens. Plus, it’s consistent brightness, with no dim or brighter areas, even in zoomed settings.
  • Extended Lamp Life: Equipped with a 180-watt VIP lamp (Replacement Part No: NP15LP), the projector’s lamp has an average life of 5,000 hours in standard mode. In eco settings, lamp life is extended up to 6,000 hours. That keeps maintenance costs low, which is another reason this is such a useful piece of A/V equipment for schools and businesses.
  • Quality Image and Video Performance: NEC’s 3LCD technology is designed to provide powerful image, and when it was first released, reviewers raved about data image performance. It has a native XGA resolution (1024×768), a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, and delivers vibrant colors with excellent saturation. For presentations, that’s exactly what you’re after. Plus, the M300X can accommodate a variety of video formats, from 480i to 1080p Full HD, and performance is consistent, especially for a projector that’s not designed for video. In other words, for the occasional classroom movie, the M300X is a viable option.
  • Available Connections and Set-Up Flexibility: Compared to today’s projectors, the M300X is a little behind the times, but yet, it features a decent range of connection options and a few useful image correction features. For instance, it has 1 HDMI port, both USB A & B connections, and 2 VGA ports. Plus, it has a zoom ratio of 1.7:1 and vertical keystone correction. Newer models have a bit more selection, as well as features like auto keystone.
    NEC NP-M300X Rear Inputs
    NEC NP-M300X Rear Inputs

Is the M300X still a reliable choice these day?

Yes, the M300X remains a capable projector, but only if the price is right. Currently, its replacement the M322X, which is actually two generations removed from the original, sells for about $650 in North America. Thus, that should be your benchmark. If you can find a quality, used M300X in the range of $300, that’s an incredible deal. Plus, with M300X replacement lamps costing around $200, you can have a near-new set-up for less than today’s version.
In reality, there aren’t too many features that separate the M300X and the M322X. The newer version has improved brightness at 3,200 lumens and a much greater contrast ratio. Plus, it has improved audio – 10W compared to 20W speaker – as well as auto keystone and useful networking features. But for basic classroom or business presentations, those features wouldn’t be missed. Thus, if you’re on the market for a used or refurbished projector, the M300X might suit you well.
 

Projector Review: Epson EB-440W – An Ideal Education Projector

Released exclusively in the United Kingdom and Europe in 2010, the Epson EB-440W was designed with the classroom in mind. The projector features plenty of plug-and-play features that are useful for teachers like an ultra short-throw range, built-in audio, 2-in-1 USB connectivity, and a lamp that’s bright enough for moderately lit classrooms. That list alone makes it ideal for the classroom.
Yet, the biggest drawback is that, as a now five-year-old projector, the EB-440W doesn’t feature the most cutting-edge tools like wireless networking and cloud connectivity. Plus, the EB-440W is a WGXA resolution projector (1280×800) and displays images in the 16:10 format, which is a wider screen than standard XGA or SXGA resolutions. This can add a bit more on to the price, and it’s often not a necessary classroom feature. But bottom line, the projector is built for education settings, and these days, through resellers, you can find a great deal on the now out-of-production Epson EB-440W.

Epson EB-440W Projector
Epson EB-440W Projector

EB-440W Features and Specs

One thing that sets the projector apart is its ultra-short throw ratio. The EB-440W can cast a 70-inch image from just 16 cm away from the screen. Thus, the projector can be positioned behind the presenter to prevent obstructions and shadows from being cast. Projectors with long throw ratios must be mounted in the rear of the room, which can cause shadow casting, and can become a distraction in classrooms. Other useful classroom features include:

  • Bright Image and Average Lamp Life: The EB-440W achieves a 2,200-lumen output, which is decently bright in small-to-midsized classrooms. Because of its brightness, the projector can maintain a bright, contrasted image, even when competing with ambient light. The projector is equipped with a durable bulb – Part No. V13H010L57 – with a 2,500-hour lamp life. In eco-mode, lamp longevity jumps to 3,500 hours. Today, that’s about average for 3LCD projectors.
  • Built-In Sound, USB Connectivity: The EB440W is equipped with a 2-in-1 USB port, which is capable of displaying a laptop’s mouse and image data at the same time. It’s by far the most user-friendly way to plug-and-play a laptop, rather than having to use multiple in-put cables. That’s important in education settings, where presenters need fast on/off functionality. Plus, the system is built with a 10-watt speaker; that’s loud enough to overpower classroom noise, and it contributes to the EB-440W’s plug-and-play ease of use.
  • Great Portability, Easy Set-Up: Another great feature: The EB-440W is super light, just 7.5 kilograms, and there is a bunch of installation flexibility. Since it’s an UST projector, it can be placed near the screen with a ceiling or wall mount, and it’s equipped with vertical and horizontal keystone correction to adjust the image to fit.
    EpsonEB-440W Inputs
    EpsonEB-440W Inputs

Is the Epson EB-440W Worth Purchasing?

These days, projectors are equipped with a laundry list of 2.0 features: 3D capabilities, HD Video in-put, wireless networking and interactivity. With the EB-440W, which is now out of production, you don’t get those features, primarily because it’s an older model. Fortunately, those features aren’t regularly needed for fast classroom presentations, and it does display a range of video up to 1080i. That might be good enough. So the bottom line, if you can find the EB-440W from a reputable reseller at an unbeatable price – go for it. Even if it’s used, the replacement lamp cost is reasonable, and it won’t set you back too much. But if some of the updated technology features and warranty coverage are what you want, then a newer model will be better suited for you.