Monthly Archives: September 2015

Digital Projection's E-Vision WXGA 600 Projector Review

As the original Digital Projection International E-Vision projector, the WGXA 600 was the manufacturer’s successful attempt to market more cost-effective, yet powerful commercial projectors. A lot has changed since this projector was unveiled at InfoComm 2010. Yet, the current DPI E-Vision line-up shares a lot of the same technology with this original incarnation.
The E-Vision line-up and the WXGA 600 all share a dual-lamp, single-chip DLP design. The E-Vision projectors all have impressive lumen outputs suitable for large venues. They all have an impressive range of compatible lenses. And they’re all fairly cost-effective compared to similar commercial projectors.

Digital Projection E-Vision WXGA 600 Projector
Digital Projection E-Vision WXGA 600 Projector

Yet, when compared to the current line-up, the E-Vision WXGA 600 shows signs of aging. It has limited 3D capabilities, for instance, and the lumen output was upgraded in 2012, when the 600 was replaced by the E-Vision 7000. Even so, the 600 paved the way for DPI’s E-Vision line-up, and it remains a powerful projector still in use in many large venues, including houses of worship and corporate conference spaces. So what was so great about the WXGA 600?
Brightness, Color Options, Long Lamp Life and Lens Options

  • 6,000 ASNI Lumens: The brightness – for the price – was one thing that set this projector apart from the competition in 2010. At 6,000 lumens, the output was, and still is, perfect for large venues with ambient light. Today, the competition is catching up, but the DPI WXGA 600 was one of the first to make that level of brightness affordable.
  • Long Lamp Life: Even at 6,000 lumens, the E-Vision WXGA 600 achieved a fairly long lamp life. In standard mode, the projector was rated at 2,000 hours. In single-lamp eco mode, lamp life was extended out to 6,000 hours. That’s pretty impressive. Unfortunately, due to the dual-lamp construction, the E-Vision WXGA 600’s replacement lamp isn’t as cost-effective compared to single-lamp projectors. Yet, considering the initial investment, it’s a small price to pay to extend the life of the machine. The DPI replacement for this projector – Part No. 110-284 – starts at $484.99.
  • Color Wheel Options: There were two color wheel offerings for this projector: a 4-segment and 6-segment wheel. The former was the pre-installed version, and users could quickly interchange the wheels, based on their preferences. As you would suspect, the 4-segment wheel option provided a more pared-down color palate, while the 6-segment wheel added richness and depth (with a slight drop in brightness.) Not to mention, calibration for both was extremely user-friendly. Today, most E-Vision projectors are available with two different 6-segement wheels.
  • Lots of Lens Options: Thanks to a range of zoom lens as well as a fixed lens, the WXGA 600 had a massive throw ratio range of .77:1 to 8.3:1. This allowed venues to customize their installation to fit their particular space, which is important considering the 45-pound projector isn’t all that portable. Today’s line-up has an even more expanded lens collection, with similar zoom and fixed offerings.

Comparing the WXGA 600 to DPI’s Current E-Vision Line-Up
In 2012, the WXGA 600 was replaced by the E-Vision 7000, which added a few new specs. Lumen output was boosted up to 6500, and the 7000 added 3-D capabilities. Although the E-Vision 7000 was recently replaced by 7500, which added an optional WUXGA capability, HDMI connectivity and useful picture-in-picture options, the WXGA 600 shares a lot of similarities with the 7500 – including the two color-wheel functionality, similar lamp life, and lens options. In other words, even today, the WXGA 600 is very competitive with some current E-Vision projectors and it would be a cost-effective used or refurbished purchase for larger venues.

Epson PowerLite Pro Z9900WNL Projector Review

The PowerLite Pro Z9900 boasts some incredible specs thanks to its 3LCD technology: 9,200 lumens of brightness, 3x Brighter Colors, and surprisingly, a contrast ratio of 15,000:1. Due to its image quality specs, the Z9900 is one of the most impressive WXGA resolution projectors on the market, and there are a lot of reasons it’s a favorite in university classrooms, large venues and houses of worship.

Epson Powerlite Pro Z9900WNL Projector
Epson Powerlite Pro Z9900WNL Projector

For starters, the projector delivers professional-grade image quality and long-lasting reliability. Plus, the feature list goes on and one: Curved Edge Blending, an array of easy-install optical lenses, a wide range of connection options, etc. It’s one of the premier widescreen projector. As such, the price is steep. The Z9900 starts north of $14,000 MSRP. Yet, that makes sense; it’s a specialized machine that delivers unparalleled performance.
Epson PowerLite Pro Z9900WNL: Quick Specs

  • Brightness: 9,200 Lumens
  • Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
  • Lamp Life: 1,000 – 4,000 hours
  • Optics: 3-chip LCD
  • Price: $14,299.99

A Powerful WXGA Projector: The PowerLite Pro Z9900WNL
The advantages of 3LCD technology include brighter images, more vibrant colors and increased reliability, as there are no moving parts within the optics system. The Z9900 delivers on all three. It’s a very bright WXGA projector, delivering 9,200 lumens of brightness with 90 percent uniformity. That’s one reason the Z9900WNL performs well in large spaces, even when ambient light is a concern.

Epson Powerlite Pro Z9900WNL - Inputs
Epson Powerlite Pro Z9900WNL – Inputs

In addition, color performance is also superior with 3LCD projectors. The PowerLite achieves 3X Brighter Color compared to single-chip DLP-based projectors, with a color brightness of 9,200 lumens as well. The colors are vibrant and saturated, and images jump off the screen. Other great features include:

  • Versatile Connections: The PowerLite Pro Z9900 accommodates a number of devices with a range of ports. Options included: HDMI, USB A and USB B, two PC inputs, HDBase-T, and DVI, among others. Additionally, the projector is equipped for wired or wireless networking.
  • Flexible Installation: Thanks to the array of available optical lenses, the Z9900 can be adjusted to fit into just about any space. There are seven available lenses, including ultra-zoom, long-throw, and wide-throw lenses. Plus, the projector is equipped with lens shift, enabling the image to be adjusted to fit the screen.
  • Portrait Mode: Portrait mode enables the projector to be turned 90-degrees for special projection designs. This is commonly used for digital signage displays, in performance spaces, and in museums and art galleries. Another useful feature, Edge Bending, allows multiple projectors to be used to overlap images, and the brightness of the overlapping images is adjusted so there are no bright spots.
  • Long-Lasting Performance: The dual-lamp Z9900WNL achieves average lamp life – 1,000 in normal mode and up to 4,000 hours in economy mode – lamp part number ELPLP81 . Although its shorter, on average, compared to DLP-based projectors, it’s to be expected considering the lumen output. One advantage, though, is that the Z9900 is a 3LCD projector. So there are no moving parts within the optical cage. This greatly reduces wear and tear over time. Finally, the projector is backed by a 3-year warranty and a 90-day bulb warranty – adding to its overall value.

Overall, the Z9900 delivers powerful performance in WXGA widescreen. It’s ideal for large-scale venues, and it’s versatile. The projector can be used for presentations and lectures, as well as innovative digital displays. The projector’s biggest downfall is the price. 3LCD projectors remain on the higher end of the budget spectrum. But if it’s in the budget, this would be a valuable consideration for any organization.
 

Hitachi CP-A352WN Multimedia Projector Review

As a 3LCD projector, the Hitachi CP-A352WN enjoys some advantages over business DLP-based machines. First, the CP-A352’s 3LCD lamp achieves a brightness rating of 3,500 lumens. That’s substantially brighter than similarly priced DLP projectors. The reason: 3LCD projectors typically perform better in brightness tests, thanks to their light creation technology. Secondly, the CP-A352 is immune to rainbow artifacts, which is a common video problem with budget single-chip DLP machines.

Hitachi CP-A352WN Projector
Hitachi CP-A352WN Projector

Overall, the CP-A352WN is a solid multimedia projector. It has built-in audio, provides a robust suite of wired networking options, achieves long-lasting lamp performance, has a range of connections, and is capable of PC-less presentations. Plus, it’s an ultra-short throw projector – capable of delivering an 80-inch image from about 1.5 feet from the screen – which is super important for small spaces like classrooms and boardrooms.
Even though the Hitachi CP-A352 has been out of production since September 2014, it remains a viable option for business and classroom presentations. Fortunately, new versions are still available online, starting at around $1,399, and that makes the CP-A352 even more attractive as a replacement multimedia projector.
Specs and Features: Hitachi CP-A352WN

  • Brightness: 3,500 lumens
  • Contrast Ratio: 4,000:1
  • Connections: HDMI, USB A x 2, USB B, S-Video, 2 PC connections, LAN, RCA, and more
  • Audio Output: Built-in 16-watt speaker
  • Weight: 4 lbs
  • Native Resolution: XGA (1024×768), Max Resolution (1600×1200)

The Hitachi CP-A352 is a utilitarian business tool, and the projector’s feature set highlights this no-frills design. For instance, wired networking, PC-less presentations and even wireless presentations (with an available adapter) are all possible. While image quality is about average, more advanced image features like PC 3D capabilities, optional lenses, and lens shift, aren’t available. In other words, if you’re looking for a machine for regular video and highly defined images, this might not be the best option for you.

Hitachi CP-A352WN - Inputs
Hitachi CP-A352WN – Inputs

Here are a few other things you can expect from the CP-A352:
Powerful Networking Features. There are a range of options when it comes to networking. First, the projector can be wired into a local network, enabling the projector to be controlled remotely. When networked, the CP-A352 can pull data and presentations from other computers on the network. Plus, an available USB adapter makes it possible for presenters to do wireless presentations, essentially drawing the slides from an office computer.
Lamp Performance. LCD lamps tend to outperform standard UHP lamps, lasting longer overall. But the Hitachi CP-A352 does not have an LCD lamp, instead it uses 3 LCD panels for light creation. The projector is powered by a UHP, 215-watt bulb that delivers 2,500 lumens of brightness in standard operating mode. In the energy-saving mode, the lamp life is extended to 4,000 hours. Fortunately, the Hitachi CP-A352 replacement lamp starts at $222 – part no. DT01411 – a small investment in improved performance.
Image Quality. Overall, image performance is solid for the CP-A352. 3LCD projectors tend to have lower contrast, compared to DLP-based units, but with a contrast ratio of 4,000:1, the Hitachi performs well. The images are crisp, and the colors are saturated. Video performance is also decent, but as a 3LCD projector, a slight motion blur can be noticeable during videos. If you’ll be showing lots of videos, you might consider a DLP alternative.
Portability. At just 8 pounds, the projector can be taken just about anywhere. Its body is slightly larger than DLP based projectors (3x13x12), but remains reasonably small. In addition, the ultra-short throw lens, makes it possible to fit this projector into even the tightest of spaces.
Bottom line, the Hitachi CP-A352 is a decent 3LCD projector that provides a ton of business flexibility. As a 3LCD set-up, it has its advantages and limitations – i.e. reduced quality video, less contrast. But in all, it performs extremely well and offers a range of features. For standard business or classroom presentations, there’s a lot of value in the CP-A352.

EPSON Releases Trio of Sub-$1,000 HD HD Home Theater Projectors

As projector technology advances, the prices for Full HD set-ups continue their march downward. Here’s more evidence of the trend: Epson recently announced a trio of HD home theater projectors, and all are priced below $1,000.

Epson 740HD Projector
Epson 740HD Projector

The projectors are all included in Epson’s line of best-selling Home Cinema projectors. The new releases include the Home Cinema 2040 (from $799), the Home Cinema 2045 (from $849) and the ultra wallet friendly Home Cinema 740HD (from $649). Each of the projectors boasts some powerful specs: They’re geared for home entertainment or pure cinema projection, have impressive contrast and brightness ratings, and they’re all 3D ready.
Home Cinema 2040 and 2045
The Home Cinema 2040 and 2045 will replace previous versions like the Epson Home Cinema 2030. Compared to the HC 2030, the 2040 and 2045 have vastly improved image specifications. They both deliver Full HD images with 2,200 lumens of color and white brightness (up from 2,000) and a contrast ratio of 35,000:1 (that’s up from 15,000:1).
For streaming content, Epson has developed the HC 2045 to handle whatever you throw at it. The 2045 is equipped with Micracast and Intel WiDi technology, which enable to projector to connect to and display content from Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast – three popular OTT streaming set-ups.
Both are also available with 1080p resolution, they’re 3D ready and include rechargeable 3D glasses, and they are equipped with two HDMI inputs.
Epson Home Cinema 2040 Projector
Epson Home Cinema 2040 Projector

Home Cinema 740HD
The 740HD delivers slight improvements over the existing PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD projector, but Epson won’t be releasing many new features in the 740. For example, the contrast ratio has been pushed up a hair – the 740HD has a contrast ratio of 15,000:1 compared to the 730HD’s 12,000:1.
Unfortunately, the native resolution hasn’t yet been improved. Both the 730HD and 740HD cast images in 720p resolution, with capabilities to display Full HD content. One great thing is that the lamp life has been vastly improved in Epson’s ECO mode. The lamp is rated at 10,000 hours with the reduced power settings, up from 6,000 hours, and overall, in standard the rating is 5,000 hours. This greatly reduces the need for a replacement projector lamp – lowering overall maintenance costs.
MyProjectorLamps is your source for low-cost original projector lamps. We carry replacement bulbs and housing modules for the entire Epson line-up, including the outgoing Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD’s replacement lamp and the Home Cinema 2030’s replacement lamp.

SIM2 Grand Cinema C3X1080 Projector Review

In 2007, at its initial release, the ultra-high-end SIM2 C3X1080 was a revolutionary home cinema projector. It was the most compact 3-chip DLP projector on the market. It delivered near perfect color performance. And it was one of the first Full HD 1920x1080p 3-chip home theater projectors available for consumers.

SIM2 Grand Cinema C3X1080 Projector
SIM2 Grand Cinema C3X1080 Projector

In other words, the C3X was, and is, a projector for the most devoted cinephiles. (Francis Ford Coppola, for example, counts himself a SIM2 customer.) The reason is the C3X was equipped with top-of-the-line technology: SIM2’s AlphaPath Light engine, a Full HD DarkChip4 DLP chipset, and 10-bit video processing. It was the Rolls Royce of 3-chip DLP projectors, and provided some of the most precise images of any projector. Of course, the C3X was price matched those premium specs. It started around $35,000 USD.
Although today the C3X is no longer in production, it remains a high-end machine, and it shares many similarities with SIM2’s current Grand Cinema LUMIS 20th Anniversary line-up. The C3X remains almost as much of a marvel today, as it did in 2007.
Looking at the State-of-the-Art Features of the C3X 1080 from SIM2
The C3X’s premium pricing reflected the innovative features and technology it was equipped with. The C3X was equipped with technology that – at the time, and even today – was on the cutting-edge. Here’s a look at some of the specs:
SIM2 Grand Cinema C3X1080 Projector in Gold - Rear View
SIM2 Grand Cinema C3X1080 Projector in Gold – Rear View

Brightness. The C3X’s 250-watt lamp delivered 2,500 lumens of brightness. It was brilliantly bright for home theater, and it had five distinct lamp modes to match the room’s ambient light. Plus, as a 3-chip projector the C3X eliminated the rainbow effect and motion noise that are more common with single-chip projectors.
Connections. The C3X was released nearly a decade ago, and as such, the projector’s connections are a little dated. But at the time, the range was on par with higher-end units. Connections included 2 HDMI 1.3 ports, USB 1.1, RS-232, composite video and PC connections, among others. The dual HDMI links were a rarity at the time.
Available Lenses. The C3X and many of its Grand Cinema successors have three available lenses, which provide short-throw and long-throw functionality. These include the T1 (short-throw), T2 (long-throw standard) and the T3 (long-throw). The range of options made it easier to fit the projector to match space requirements.
Image Processing. With 10-bit image processing, the C3X was capable of displaying up to 1 billion different colors. The color performance was impeccable, providing impressive shadow detail and deep, dark blacks. Plus, the projector was capable of delivering HiDef scaling, thanks to its PixelWorks DNX scaling engine.
Lamp. The C3X was equipped with a 250-watt lamp, which had an average life of about 1,500 hours. With the projector’s five available lamp modes, though, lamp life could be extended considerably. Today, replacement lamps for the SIM2 C3X 1080 are in high demand, as early adopters look to update aging lamp systems. At about $230, replacement lamps for the C3X 1080 (Part No. Z930100703) are a bargain, considering the initial investment.
Color Calibration. The C3X was equipped with TI’s 1080p DarkChip4 DLP chipset that provided a dizzying range of colors with absolute precision. To optimize the palate, the C3X was shipped with color management software that enabled operators and installers to precisely match the color to the theater environment.
Design. With a sleek, Italian-inspired design, the C3X has the look of a futuristic sports car. It’s an impressive high-end build. Plus, it weighed just 24 pounds, which was, and still remains, on the low-end for 3-chip projectors.
As you can see, the C3X1080 was a beast of a projector. It delivered ultra-precise images that were unmatchable in quality. Lately, the high-end 3-chip market has expanded with Barco and others dropping similarly priced machines. Yet, the C3X1080 set a precedent for what users demanded from $20,000+ projectors, and it’s a tradition that SIM2 carries on today in its Grand Cinema line-up.

Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Ultra Short-Throw Projector Review

There are dozens of portable, ultra-short throw projectors available these days. Yet, there was a time when finding an ultra-short throw projector that was also portable was near impossible. The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST was one of the first available with an ultra-short throw, that was packaged in a lightweight body. It quickly became a popular, modestly priced projector for business and classroom audiences.

Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Projector
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Projector

The interest in the projector made sense too. It had an ultra-short throw. The projector is capable of displaying a 100-inch image from just 30 inches away. Plus, the projector had a feature-set that was rare for budget-friendly projectors. The Mitsubishi WD380U-EST was equipped with robust wireless connectivity, an HDMI port, a USB-A port, a capable 10-watt speaker, and PC 3D compatibility. And at 9 pounds, it was a projector you could take anywhere.
Today, not only is the WD380U out of production, Mitsubishi itself exited the projector market in 2013. Even so, the WD380U – and also the WD390U, which was released two years later – remains a highly capable ultra-short throw projector. Image quality, portability, and throw-range are ideal for uses, and the feature sets compares to what you’ll find in similarly priced UST projectors today. Through third-party resellers, the WD380U can be hard to find, but the replacement WD390U, which shares a majority of features with the earlier model, is still available. If you need a portable, UST projector, the WD-380U or WD390U should garner your attention.
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST: Features and Specifications
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Projector - Rear Inputs
Mitsubishi WD380U-EST Projector – Rear Inputs

Aside from portability and throw ratio, the WD380U was backed up with a load of premium features. It remains competitive with similar priced projectors that have been released more recently. Some of these features include:

  • Brightness and Contrast: The WD380U’s lamp delivered up to 2,800 lumens of brightness with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. Plus, the brightness was adaptable. In the Whiteboard mode, the projector adjusted output to match a makeshift screen like a whiteboard or blackboard. Even in these applications, brightness remained at about 1,500 lumens. Plus, in Presentation mode, which was designed to project black-and-white images, images were crisp, clear and easy to read. The WD390U received a slight boost in output: an even 3,000 lumens of brightness.
  • Long Lamp Life: The WD-380 is equipped with a 230-watt lamp that has been optimized for maximum life. In standard operating mode, the lamp has a life of 3,000 hours – about average for similar DLP-based projectors – and it boosts up to 6,000 hours in economy mode. Fortunately, a replacement lamp for the Mitsubishi WD380U remains affordable. The replacement part (No. VLT-XD560LP) starts just north of $200.
  • Easy Setup, User Friendly Controls: One reason the WD380U is so portable is that it remains super easy to install. Essentially, it’s a plug-and-play projector. That makes this projector useful as a cart installed projector. Plus, it requires little-to-no calibration before installation, and the controls are easy enough that anyone can use them.
  • Built-In Audio: The 380U’s built-in 10-watt speaker provides decent output for classroom and business environments. Yet, even more useful is the projector’s audio mixing capabilities. The projector enables users to mix audio from two different sources. So for instance, a presenter could show a video, while using a wireless microphone to provide commentary. Even today, that remains a fairly unique option for budget- and mid-range projectors.
  • A Range of Connections: The WD380U is equipped with a variety of ports, including an HDMI link, S-Video, two VGA connections, and both a USB-A and B port. The USB A connection makes it possible to display content directly from a USB drive. Plus, the projector has great wireless networking options, including the ability to pull content from a remotely-connected desktop computer.

So what’s the bottom line? Even though Mitsubishi no longer makes projectors, the WD380U remains an intriguing option for smaller spaces. Plus, the features are extremely useful. If you can find the WD380U as a refurbished or new option from a third-party reseller, this will provide a ton of functionality at a fairly economical price.

Sharp PG-LX2000 Data Projector Review

The Sharp PG-LX2000 was released in the U.S. in 2012, and at the time, it received high marks for performance, image quality and price. It was a budget-friendly, sub-$1,000 projector that cast brilliant data images. Plus, it was equipped with an HDMI connection – which wasn’t as common then as it is today – and it was lightweight and super portable.

Sharp PG-LX2000 Projector
Sharp PG-LX2000 Projector

Currently, the PG-LX2000 is out-of-production, having been so for about a year, but yet, it remains an intriguing, no-frills set-up that’s still available used and new from resellers. As a piece of hardware for the conference room or classroom, the PG-LX2000 holds its own. Backed up by DLP-chip technology and a 2,800-lumen brightness rating, the projector delivers detailed and striking data images in the native XGA resolution, with passable video.
Bottom line: If you can find a new or lightly used PG-LX2000 at a great price, the projector is worth your consideration.
Key Features and Specs: Sharp PG-LX2000

  • Data Image Quality: The PG-LX2000 does best as a data projector, and as such, the data images it creates are crisp, clear with nearly non-existent rainbow artifacts. In other words, if you need a projector for presentations, this one delivers great images. Plus, it’s 3D ready and does accommodate HD video, although the image quality from these sources suffers a bit.
    Sharp PG-LX2000 Rear Inputs
    Sharp PG-LX2000 Rear Inputs
  • Useable Video: The Sharp PG-LX2000 displays video from a variety of sources, and the HDMI connection makes it possible to hook up a Bluray player. Yet, it is an XGA resolution (1024×768) projector, and as such, any HD video must be scaled to fit. In other words, this isn’t suitable for regular video use – a Full HD projector makes more sense – but video quality is OK for incorporating clips into presentations.
  • Long Lamp Life: In standard operating mode, the PG-LX2000’s lamp achieves 3,000 hours or life, and it jumps up to 5,000 hours in economy mode. What’s more: The PG-LX2000’s replacement lamp and module – Part No. AN-LX20P – costs about $200, keeping maintenance costs low.
  • Contrast Ratio, Brightness Rating: With a contrast ratio of 2,000:1 and 2,800 lumens of brightness, the PG-LX2000 is right in the middle of the pack for similarly priced projectors released in 2012. Yet, the image is bright enough to handle spaces with ambient light, like a boardroom or classroom, and the contrast provides great black-and-white clarity. Thus, for multimedia presentations and the occasional video, the projector is more than capable.
  • Low-Quality Audio: The projector is equipped with a 2-watt built-in mono-speaker. Unfortunately, that leaves a lot to be desired. The audio works nicely in quiet environments like the board room. But in noisier spaces, like a classroom full of kids, the audio just doesn’t cut it. Plus, the projector doesn’t have an external audio jack, so external audio must be synched with an external audio player.
  • Dated Design: The PG-LX2000 is boxy in shape. It’s a little clunky, and almost resembles an original Nintendo hardware system. Fortunately, the projector is lightweight at just 5 pounds, and is thus, extremely portable. That’s OK though, as the look of the projector isn’t often at the top of business’s and school’s list of priorities.

If you need a workhorse data projector for in-class or business presentations, the PG-LX2000 is a useful piece of hardware. What it lacks in advanced features, the projector makes up for in data image quality, lamp life and price. Compared to similarly priced projectors, the PG-LX2000 offers just a bit more in way of features – and even today, it’s worthy of consideration.

ProjectionDesign F80 WUXGA Projector Review

Since ProjectionDesign released the F80 WUXGA projector in 2009, quite a bit has changed. For starters, Barco acquired ProjectionDesign in 2013. Plus, the projector has since been replaced by the Barco F85. So not only is the company no more, so is the projector.
Even so, in 2009, ProjectionDesign’s WUXGA large-venue projector was an intriguing, and very expensive, piece of hardware. The projector was equipped with 3-chip DLP technology that delivered 8,500 lumens of brightness combined with an unprecedented contrast ratio of 15,000:1. It was a powerful, top-of-line projector widely used for simulations and industrial design, and one of the most state-of-the-art 3-chip projectors available.

Projection Design F80 WUXGA
Projection Design F80 WUXGA

And it was costly. Today, even, a used, B-stock version costs nearly $20,000. But it was well worth the investment. The projector delivered unparalleled performance, exceptional image quality, and powerful optical calibration, thanks to ProjectionDesign’s Advanced Color Optical Processing. Looking back at the F80 is useful for providing insight into Barco’s current line-up of projectors.
Looking at the ProjectionDesign F80 specs and features

  • 8500 ASNI lumens
  • WUXGA (1920×1200) Native Resolution
  • Advanced Color Optical Processing
  • 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • 2xHDMI, DVI-D, VGA, S-Video Connections

Color Accuracy. This wasn’t just a large-venue projector with a high brightness output. The color accuracy it provided was off-the-charts. The ACOP technology combined a series of independent filters for each color channel, which delivered enhanced optical calibration. Plus, brightness and color output could be tailored to the application, whether for HD video or live performances.
Precise Optional Lens Selection. The F80 WUXGA was available with a range of optical lens, providing installation flexibility and impressive performance. The lens selection included a full range of options from an ultra-wide-angle to telescopic zoom, and each lens allowed users to adjust aperture, iris, focus and zoom for the specific application.
Low-Maintenance, Long-Lasting Performance. The F80 was constructed to require little maintenance while in use. For instance, it was equipped with a dual 330-watt lamp system, part number 400-0700-00, to increase brightness and lamp life. The F80’s lamp module achieved 1,700 hours of life in standard mode, 2,000 hours in eco mode and 4,000 hours in the relay mode, alternating between the two lamps. Plus, the filters didn’t require regular replacements and there were no serviceable parts.

Projection Design F80 WUXGA - Imputs
Projection Design F80 WUXGA – Imputs

Looking at the ProjectionDesign F80 Today
At the time, the ProjectionDesign F80 WUXGA was one of the best, but even today, its performance is still excellent. The F80 is still widely used in industry, including the full HD version in large venues that require video, and the WUXGA version for simulation and research applications. Considering its power, it’s easy to understand why there’s still a used and rental market for this projector.
Looking for a ProjectionDesign F80 WUXGA replacement lamp? MyProjectorLamps is your source. We deliver OEM replacement lamps throughout North America, at the best prices, on-time and with an unbeatable customer experience. Start shopping for replacement projector lamps today.
 
 

Dell 1610HD WXGA Projector Projector Review

Although it was launched five years ago, the 1610HD remains a staple in Dell’s line-up of projectors. There is a lot to love about the 1610HD. It delivers substantial brightness, 3,500 lumens; it’s light and portable; image quality and color performance is accurate and without minimal distortion. And it’s priced just right: The projector starts at $749 from Dell.

Dell 1610HD Projector
Dell 1610HD Projector

One thing to consider: the Dell 1610HD is a WXGA resolution (1280×800) projector. That’s an improvement from many data projectors in the XGA resolution, but it leaves something to be desired when projecting Full HD (1920×1080) content like video and images. In other words, as a data projector the Dell 1610HD is an incredible data projection tool – for classrooms, churches, and businesses. But it’s not the best replacement for the home theater: The lower resolution just doesn’t hold up when running movies, video games or 3-D content.
So if you need a presentation tool – with occasional video – this projector will help you accomplish that. But if you use video frequently, you’d be better served upgrading to a Full HD projector.
A Quick Look at the 1610HD’s Specs and Features
Dell 1610HD Projector - Rear
Dell 1610HD Projector – Rear

The 1610HD is a clear step up from the 1510HD, Dell’s previous XGA projector that’s now out-of-production. The 1610HD has a higher resolution for starters WXGA vs XGA. But the 1610HD also features:

  • Great Image Quality, Color Performance: Backed up by the 3,500-lumen output and a 2,100:1 contrast ratio, the DLP-based 1610 creates crisp and vibrant images. Plus, the projector is equipped with BrilliantColor technology to enhance the colors. In some cases, the output can be somewhat muted, but for presentations, black-on-white text has great clarity with mild rainbow artifacts present. Performance, in other words, is above average when it comes to data images.
  • Long Lamp Life: Compared to similarly priced DLP projectors, the Dell 1610HD gets long life from its lamp. In standard operating mode, the lamp is rated at 3,000 hours of life, and in economy mode, the projector can run for up to 4,000 hours. If buying used, the Dell 1610HD replacement lamp and module, also known as 330-6581, is affordable – at just north of $205 for the lamp and module.
  • Useful Portability: In terms of size and weight, the 1610 is super portable. It measures 3.5×11.7×8 inches and weighs about 5 pounds. This projector can go wherever you want to take it, and it comes with a standard carrying case. Unfortunately, the zoom ratio is below average, at 1.2:1, and there is no lens shift. So you operators are a little limited in terms of fitting the image to the screen.
  • A Variety of Connections: For a projector released in 2010, the 1610 has all the connections you can expect from similarly priced projectors – even those released today. The 1610 has an HDMI port, 2 VGA input ports, S-Video, 3 RCA connections, and a USB-B port, which makes it possible to hook up a wireless remote. The one useful connection its missing is the USB-A, which enables operators to plug-and-play content from a USB drive.
  • Competent Audio Output: The 1610HD is equipped with an 8-watt speaker that provides enough volume to fill small- to medium-sized spaces. Yet, in the noisiest locations, operators may opt for external audio, as at higher volumes, some have noted there’s noticeable distortion.
  • Average Video, 3D Performance: The biggest pitfall of the Dell 1610HD is its video and 3D performance. Video can slightly lag, and although it’s capable of displaying Full HD content, it has to be scaled. 3D performance, on the other hand, is a bit below average for a $749 projector. If you rely on video or 3D content, you might opt for a Full HD projector.

Bottom Line: the Dell 1610HD Is a Useful Presentation Projector
For the price, the 1610HD provides what presenters are looking for: contrast and brightness, a range of connections, and lightweight portability. The Dell 1610HD holds its own these days, compared to projectors released in the last 6 months. Unfortunately, the video performance seems a little dated. But if you use video only occasionally, you won’t likely notice. If you’re looking for a budget projector for the classroom or a conference space, you can get a lot of useful hours out of the 1610HD.