A year ago, projector manufacturer ViewSonic launched a line of extremely affordable data projectors – the PJD5 series. With prices ranging from $399 to $599, the PJD5 series represented a low-cost option for bright DLP business projectors. Since then, though, the LightStream line-up has expanded. ViewSonic introduced the PJD6 series – which added advanced networking, improved sound and an HDMI port – in Q2 last year, followed by the introduction of the PJD7-HD series in Q3.
All LightStream projectors share a few commonalities: They’re priced competitively, with the top-of-line model, the PJD7835 starting at just $1049 MSRP. They’re optimized for accurate color performance, and they’re all fairly bright, ranging from about 3,000 to 4,000 lumens. Because of this, the LightStream projectors have found a niche as low-cost, high-performance options for entertainment, data and multimedia. Each series offers something a little different for operators. Here’s a quick look at the differences between the three:
PJD5 Series: Specs and Features
The entry-level PJD5 series is the most affordable in the LightStream portfolio, with a price range of $399 to $599. As such, you shouldn’t expect all the bells and whistles. But there are a number of useful features in these projectors. First, they’re equipped with ViewSonic’s SuperColor technology, helping them all earn best-in-class color performance honors. The PJD5 projectors produce vibrant, well-saturated, and a wide variety of colors.
In addition, they’re all equipped with a 2W on-board speaker, have a brightness range of 3,000 to 3,300 lumens, and the majority are equipped with a single HMDI port. Plus, there are SVGA, XGA, WXGA configurations, and all the PJD5 projectors offer great portability. Overall, the PJD5 series is well suited for data presentations that occasionally rely on video. If you’re expecting a projector for home entertainment, on the other hand, the PJD5 line-up can manage, but it’s not what they’re designed to do; you’d likely find the PJD7 as the better option.
- Options include: 5153, 5555w, 5155, 5255, 5255L, 5155L, 5350L
PJD6 Series: Specs and Features
The PJD6 Series is also built for data and multimedia, but the line offers several important upgrades. Most notably, the PJD6 Series is equipped with a robust suite of networking tools, enabling 250 machines to be controlled through the PJD6’s network management tools. The PJD6, in effect, is much more geared toward enterprise businesses and campuses that must deploy a large number of machines.
Additionally, the PJD6 projectors are equipped with better on-board sound – 10-watt speakers compared to 2-watt – and an additional HDMI port. Plus, the projectors are available in XGA and WXGA resolutions and have brightness ranges of 3,200 to 3,500 lumens. One similarity between the two series is price; the PJD6 series ranges from $599 to $999, making this a very cost-effective option for enterprise businesses and campuses.
- Options include: 6250L, 6350, 6355, 6550W, 6552W, 6352LS, 6552LWS
PJD7 Series: Specs and Features
The PJD7-HD series is the latest introduction from ViewSonic. Essentially, the PJD7 projectors are the Full HD cousins of the PJD5 series. ViewSonic says the PJD7 models are “crossover” projectors: They aren’t designed for strictly data or entertainment, but rather they handle both effectively.
Like the PJD5 series, the PJD7 projectors are equipped with SuperColor, but they also receive some significant upgrades. For example, the PJD7 projectors are equipped with a redesigned 6-segment color wheel. This advances the LightStream’s already great color performance. As a result, the PJD7 series delivers the truest colors and a larger palette. Additionally, these projectors are equipped with a 16-watt on-board speaker backed by SonicExpert, helping the speakers achieve a higher frequency range and minimal distortion. The price for the PJD7 series is also very competitive, ranging from $999 to $1049.
- Options include: 7830HDL, 7835HD
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