Interoperability
Does the projector have a good range of connectors to work with a variety of different inputs?
Futureproofing
Is the projector bright and flexible enough to work in a variety of different lighting situations?
ROI
What are the upfront and running costs, and how suitable is the projector to the task?
Service
How long is the warranty for the projector and for the lamp?
How we tested
The test rig used to drive the projectors was an Intel Pentium 4 3.06GHz machine with 256MB of RAM and a 64MB Leadtek Geforce 3 graphics card.
Each of the projectors was connected to the test rig and given adequate time for the lamp to heat up and stabilise. All the projectors were placed five metres away from the screen. They all projected images on a screen that was 110in in diagonal.
We measured the relative brightness of each projector with a Topcon IM-2D digital luxmeter. The Topcon allowed us to measure the brightness of the display from 13 points around the screen and derive an average, maximum, and minimum range for each projector. Projectors tend to be brightest at the centre and considerably dimmer around the edges, so this test allowed us to judge how uniformly bright each projector’s picture was.
We also ran a series of subjective jury display quality tests using DisplayMate for Windows from Sonera Technologies. This series of images is designed to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of a range of attributes, including geometric patterns, colour scales, greyscales, uniformity, and resolution.
The jury tests consisted primarily of examining images from DisplayMate. Jurors rated the monitors first by whether they showed any of these flaws. If they did, the jurors decided whether the flaws were “barely visible”, “easily visible but not an issue for real-world use”, or “distracting in at least some circumstances”.
- Company: Wilkinson Dawson Bracken.
This legal firm wants to install a new data projector in its boardroom for presentations and videoconferencing.
Approximate budget: $15,000.
Requires: A bright, high-quality data projector for boardroom use.
Concerns: The ability to handle a wide variety of inputs is very important. The ability to use wireless networking or flash memory cards for presentations will be very highly regarded.
Best solution: The InFocus LP-820 comes in well below the budget, is the second brightest projector and offers excellent image quality as well as wireless network connectivity.
- Company: Pedro’s Printing.
This company is building a new head office and wants a top of the line boardroom projector for impressive presentations on a big screen.
Approximate budget: $15,000.
Requires: A bright, high-quality data projector for boardroom use.
Concerns: Image brightness and quality are the company’s key consideration.
Best solution: If you are primarily concerned about picture quality, the Canon is your best bet. Although slightly over budget, its bright and sharp picture is hard to beat.
InFocus LP-820, Canon LV-7555
InFocus has turned out a top projector that can connect by wired or wireless networks without breaking the bank; its versatility makes it a great addition to the boardroom. But if image quality is your thing, you can’t go past the Canon projector, even though it will cost you a little extra.
Dear Sir,
Just to clarify the review of the XL30U. Contrast ratio is actually 500:1 and the product has a RRP of $8490.
Could we please have this amended.
Mitsubishi Electric
Claudio Cardile