Panasonic PT-DX100LK XGA Projector Review

The Panasonic PT-DX100LK is billed as a “large venue” projector, and it has a range of features that back up that claim. For starters, its dual lamp system delivers powerful brightness: 10,000 lumens. That’s ideal for large conference spaces, lecture halls and boardrooms.

Panasonic PT-DX100 Projector
Panasonic PT-DX100 Projector

But it’s more than just a super bright projector. For instance, the image quality is stellar. The projector utilizes Panasonic’s Dynamic RGB and Detail Clarity Processor 3, which helps it deliver high-quality, detailed images. Even the largest of images are crisp and clear with impressive color quality. Wait, there’s more! A range of options, including wired networking, Full HD video compatibility, and a stable of lenses make this system easy to integrate into your A/V infrastructure.
The DX100 is the top-of-line projector in Panasonic’s DZ870 Series, and it’s one of best XGA projectors available. As such, the PT-DX100 will set you back north of $7,000, but it’s a worthy investment, especially for business applications that require high-quality images in large venues. The projector is ideal for universities, houses of worship, and business conference environments. Here are some of the most impressive features:
Panasonic PT-DX100: Quick Specs

  • Brightness: 10,000 ASNI lumens; 8,000 lumens in Eco mode
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3, aligns to most computer and standard TV
  • Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 for crisp, detailed images
  • Connections: HDMI, wired networking, RS-232
  • Lamp Life: 1,000 hours in dual-lamp operating mode
  • Key Features: DIGITAL LINK, edge-bending, PC 3D Ready, High-Brightness Imaging, Single-Chip DLP-based

Panasonic PT-DX100: Key Features
The DX-100 is a powerful multimedia presentation tool. It’s built for large venues, providing substantial brightness. And with its robust networking tools, the projector can link up with several units, making it ideal for venues that have multiple projectors. Here’s a look at its most useful features:

Panasonic PT-DX100 Rear Inputs
Panasonic PT-DX100 Rear Inputs

  • Flexible Installation: The projector is available with a range of lenses, including several zoom lenses, a fixed long-throw lens, and even specialized short-throw lenses. Many projectors this size aren’t available with a dedicated short-throw lens, which is perfect for installations closer to the screen. In addition, the projector has remote-controlled lens shift capabilities, as well as the ability to be rotated 360 degrees, enabling a range of installations.
  • DIGITAL LINK and Networking: DIGITAL LINK enables more cost-effective installations with minimal cabling. Essentially, the system allows all inputs to be wired to a digital interface box, and then linked to the projector with one cable. This greatly reduces the amount of cables needed to connect with the screen. In addition, the system is equipped with a wired network connection, allowing devices and PCs to communicate with the projector via a LAN network.
  • Image Quality: With a 10,000 brightness rating with 90-percent uniformity, the images produced by the PT-DX100 are extremely bright, especially in large, moderately light venues. Additionally, a range of Panasonic image quality technologies including Dynamic RGB deliver impressive color performance and solid detail imaging.
  • Dual-Lamp System: The projector features two dual lamps that can be configured in a few different ways. For one, they can both operate simultaneously, allowing impressive brightness, but if one lamp fails, the system is still functional, with one lamp continuing to operate. Additionally, the lamps can be set to a relay system, with both lamps alternating output. This feature greatly improves lamp life. The projector lamp is also know as part number ET-LAD120PW.

Overall, the Panasonic PT-DX100 is an extremely useful and user-friendly presentation tool. With its long list of features and impressive brightness, it’s not a surprise the projector is a popular machine for large venue multimedia presentations. Compared to similarly priced XGA projectors, the DX100 is a useful projector; it’s definitely worthy of your consideration.
Need a replacement lamp for the Panasonic PT-DX100LK? MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered. We offer an unbeatable selection of replacement projector lamps, the best pricing and fast, on-time shipping to anywhere in North America.

Mitsubishi XD50U XGA Projector Review

For a projector launched all the way back in 2003, the Mitsubishi XD50U did a lot of things well.  Originally designed as a relatively high end home theater projector that was ultral light and portable, the XD50U came equipped with high components and it is the main reason why buyers have held on to them so long. The lightweight (just 3.4 pounds) projector delivered sharp, bright images, useful long-life from its 150-watt lamp, and it had a decent set of features. Of course, more than a decade later, the technology is certainly dated: like its lack of USB input or HDMI, boxy housing and in-efficient cooling system.

Mitsubishi XD50U Projector
Mitsubishi XD50U Projector

The XD50U has been out-of-production for nearly a decade, but many still use the projector as a secondary set-up. That makes sense: it’s a lightweight, useful piece of A/V hardware that delivers crisp, clear images. Plus, a used XD50U – which is a bit of a rarity to find – starts in the sub-$400 range. In other words, this is a useful projector that would certainly complement your existing hardware.
Mitsubishi XD50U: Quick Specs

  • Lumens: 1,500 ASNI lumens
  • Native Resolution: XGA (1024×768)
  • Maximum Resolution: SXGA (1280×1024)
  • Contrast Ratio: 1,500:1
  • Connections: RGB, Stereo, S-Video and Composite RCA

Mitsubishi XD50U: Pros
For a projector released in 2003, the XD50U performs well in terms of image and video production. Colors are vibrant and crisp, and the video motion is smooth. Here are some of the finer details:

  • Portability and Install Flexibility: For starters, the projector weighs just about 4 pounds. This was designed to be used for mobile presentations, making it an ideal business projector. Plus, the projectors dimensions are just about the size of a dictionary. Plus, it has a decent digital zoom and vertical keystone correction, making it easier to fit the image to the screen.
  • Superior Image Quality: The XD50U’s best quality: It produced detailed, high-quality images. It did have issues with color accuracy, with was a common complaint of early-2000s DLP-based projectors. Yet, the projector also delivered smooth moving pictures and the color temperatures were right on the mark.
    Mitsubishi XD50U Projector Inputs
    Mitsubishi XD50U Projector Inputs

Mitsubishi XD50U: Cons
It’s a challenge to look at the specs of a projector that’s more than a decade old. At the time, the technology was useful and innovative. Today, though, many of the features look dated. Here are a few of the projectors shortcomings:

  • Weak Audio Output: The projector was equipped with just a half-watt mono-speaker that delivered weak audio. That output wouldn’t compete in a noisy environment.
  • Average Lamp Output: The XD50U’s 1,500-lumen output was decent, providing bright images that would ideal for rooms with even average ambient light. Yet, the projector’s output, today, would be considered below average. The lamp part number is known as VLT-XD50LP.
  • Limited Connections: In 2003, HMDI was still to be developed; it wasn’t sold until late 2003. USB wasn’t as ubiquitous either. Yet, even so, the XD50U features a fairly weak line of connections. One feature that was innovative at the time was its CompactFlash card reader, which today sounds a little dated.

Looking for a replacement lamp for the Mitsubishi XD50U? MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered. We offer the best prices on XD50U replacement lamps, guarantee fast shipping throughout North America, and we offer only OEM-quality original lamps.

InFocus IN116X WXGA Projector Review

Looking for a budget-friendly home entertainment projector? Well, the InFocus IN116X might just be an ideal fit for you. Starting at $399, the IN116X is priced competitively. Plus, it’s equipped with a range of features that make it ideal for a number of different applications, including home entertainment.

Infocus IN116X Projector
Infocus IN116X Projector

As a budget projector, the IN116X does have some limitations; it doesn’t have a built-in audio speaker, for example. But that’s to be expected from a sub-$500 projector. Yet, there’s a lot to like. The DLP-based projector is ultra-low maintenance, with an average lamp life of 4,500 hours. Plus, the image quality is perfect for watching TV or Blu-Ray content in the 1280×800 widescreen resolution. This isn’t a Full HD projector; but it works nicely in the living room for home video at a fraction of the price of Full HD set-ups.
InFocus IN116X Rear Inputs
InFocus IN116X Rear Inputs

InFocus IN116X: Pros
There are a number of applications that the IN116X does particularly well. The projector is 3D ready, has an HDMI input to connect with a Blu-Ray player and other digital devices, and the image quality is impressive. Here are a few highlights:

  • Quality Brightness: The IN116X is rated at 3,200 ASNI lumens, which drops to 2,900 in eco-mode. That’s perfect for living rooms, which can be fairly dark but still let in some ambient light.
  • Impressive Lamp Life: Cost of ownership is low for the IN116X, thanks in a large part to the long lamp life of 4,500 in standard mode and up to 10,000 in its best power-saving mode. That’s far above average. The good news: The IN116X’s replacement lamp is a low-cost investment starting at $248. The part number is known as SP-LAMP-093.
  • Awesome Color Performance: Aided by InFocus’s BrilliantColor technology and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, the IN116X delivers supreme color performance. The blacks are dark, the whites are brilliant white, and there’s substantial detail in the shadows.
  • Useful Connection Options: The projector is equipped with a range of connections including HDMI, S-Video, Composite, and VGA. Plus, there’s a 3.5 mm audio-out jack for easy connection to external audio.

InFocus IN116X: Cons
Although there’s a lot to like, the projector does have its limitations. It’s not equipped with the feature set you’re likely to see from a more expensive home theater projector, but fortunately, the limitations are few.

  • Occasional Rainbow Effect: As with many DLP-based projectors, the rainbow effect is occasionally present. Yet, it’s kept to a minimum, and the majority of users aren’t likely to notice.
  • Limited Set-Up Flexibility: The IN116X weighs just about 5 pounds, which is great for portability. But it doesn’t have lens shift capabilities, and it’s a long-throw projector. So in very tight spaces, this might not be the best piece of hardware.
  • No Built-In Audio: Many projectors these days are equipped with built-in audio, but that’s not the case with the IN116X. Fortunately, the projector has easy connections to external sound; but if you’re looking for a plug-and-play option, this might not be what you’re after.

Bottom line, at just about $400 new, the InFocus IN116X delivers quality performance, at a microscopic price. It might not have the most robust features, but if you’ll just be using this for home entertainment, it might just be an ideal set-up.

Vivitek D554 SVGA Multimedia Projector Review

Launched nearly two years ago, the Vivitek D554 is one of the latest iterations in the manfacturers’ D5 series. It’s a powerful SVGA projector that shares similarities with other D5 projectors like the D548, D551 and the D557. For example, it’s a DLP-based machine that delivers 3,000 lumens of brightness. That’s similar to other D5 projectors.

Vivitek D554 Projector
Vivitek D554 Projector

Additionally, the D554 can broadcast 3D images, it’s equipped with BrilliantColor technology, and can accommodate input from a range of connections including HDMI sources. In other words, the D554 is a powerful multimedia projection tool that’s well-suited for business and classroom presentations. Plus, it’s super portable, weighing just five pounds and with average zoom and image correction specifications.
If you’re on the market for an SVGA projector, the Vivitek D554 is a viable option that combines a range of functionality and an unbeatable price. From third-party sellers, the D554 starts at about $400, and used machines can be got for half of that. Pricing for new, capable projectors doesn’t get much more attractive than that.
Vivitek D554 Projector - Rear Inputs
Vivitek D554 Projector – Rear Inputs

Vivitek D554: Specifications and Features
There are a number of points that stand out, when looking at the D554’s spec sheet. First, is the brightness and contrast ratio. Images delivered by the D554 are bright, crisp and clear. Plus, additional features like its weight, lamp life and speaker add to the appeal. Here’s a look at some D554 specifications:

  • Long Lamp Life: For a DLP-based projector, the D554 – and more broadly, the entire D5 Series – achieves long-lasting performance from its lamp. The D554’s lamp is rated at 5,000 hours in standard operating mode, which is boosted up to 6,000 hours in economy mode. That keeps maintenance costs at a minimum. Fortunately, the D554 – which shares a replacement bulb and lamp module with the D548, D551, D552, D553, D555, D557 – has a low-cost replacement lamp. The Vivitek D554’s replacement lamp (part number 5811118154-SVV) can still be purchased at a great price.
  • Brightness and Contrast: Vivitek continues to produce powerful DLP projectors, and the D554 is a prime example. It delivers a 3,000-lumen image in the standard operating mode, which is ideal for spaces that don’t have control over ambient light. Fortunately, the brightness is matched with a 15,000:1 contrast ratio and BrilliantColor technology. The result is images that are precise, clear and color saturated, which is especially important in the lower resolution SVGA.
  • Additional Features: Image quality and lamp performance are amazing with the D554, but there are a range of great features that back it up. These include a 2W mono speaker. The audio isn’t powerful enough for noisy classrooms and small conference spaces. In these cases, you’d likely need an external audio set-up. But for small classrooms and boardrooms, the speaker is an ideal plug-and-play option. Additionally, the projector is equipped with wired networking, HDMI input, and Full 3D.
  • Super Lightweight: The D554 is ideal for on-the-go presentations due to its size. The projector weighs just 5 pounds, and it measures 3.7×10.8×8.4 inches. Plus, the projector has a 1.1:1 zoom ratio – not great, but useful – and digital keystone correction, which makes it easy to adapt the image to the screen.

Overall, the D554 – and other projectors in the D5 Series like the D548 – is a great SVGA projector. It delivers amazing images, a suite of useful features, and the price is right. For $400, the projector is budget friendly, but you won’t be sacrificing functionality for price. This is an ideal option for businesses or classrooms that need a SVGA machine.

Optoma H111 WXGA Multimedia Projector Projector Review

The Optoma H111 WXGA was released a little over a year ago, primarily in European and UK markets. It’s a powerful multimedia projector, which plenty of useful features and image specifications. Overall, it delivers bright images – rated at 3,200 ANSI lumens with 85 percent brightness uniformity – in WXGA widescreen resolution (1280×800).

Optoma H111 WXGA Projector
Optoma H111 WXGA Projector

Yet, it remains a budget-friendly business/classroom piece of hardware, and as such, the projector is limited in a few areas. For portability – one of the most important factors for business and classroom projectors – the H111 offers limited options for zoom and vertical and horizontal image correction. Fortunately, though, it weighs just 5.5 pounds, making it lightweight enough to port around from classroom to classroom. Another limitation: Advanced features like Full HD projection and WiFi connectivity are not offered with the H111.
Overall, though, the Optoma H111 delivers a large enough suite of features to make this an extremely useful multimedia projector. Images are bright, it is 3D compatible and the range of connections supports source material from just about any device. It might be a bit limited in some areas, but for the most part, the H111 delivers exactly what you’ll need for basic to intermediate presentations.
Optoma H111 WXGA Projector - Inputs
Optoma H111 WXGA Projector – Inputs

A Closer Look at the Optoma H111
From image quality to maintenance costs, the H111 looks great on paper. And with a fairly reasonable price starting north of £500, users get a lot of bang for their buck. Here are a few of the most impressive features and specs:

  • Brightness and Contrast: At 3,200 lumens of brightness in standard mode, the H111 is certainly a bright and capable projector. That’s bright enough to counteract ambient light. Additionally, the projector has a dynamic contrast ratio of 25,000:1, providing crisp, clear images with fine details.
  • Lamp Life: In standard mode, the Optoma H111 lamp achieves 3,000+ hours of operation. The maximum in economy mode is 7,000 hours, which is much higher than average. Fortunately, the H111 has a low cost of ownership; replacement lamps for the Optoma H111 start at $254.  The lamp part number is also known as PAW84-2400.
  • Built-In Speakers: The H111 is equipped with dual speakers, which provide crisp and useable audio in small to mid-sized environments. Louder spaces, like noisy classrooms or conference halls, will likely need to connect to an external audio source.
  • Useful Connections: With two USB connections and an HDMI input, the Optoma H111 can handle input video and audio from a variety of devices. There are a series of PC cable inputs, as well as S-Video and RGA connections.
  • 3D Video Ready: In small business presentations, 3D video and imaging is possible with the HD111. The biggest caveat: 3D glasses are not included with the shipped H111.

One of the biggest downfalls of the H111, though, is its inability to display Full HD content. The H111 provides video up to 1080i, which is one level below Full HD. 1080i video, though, can show motion blur. In addition, the projector has limited installation flexibility, thanks to average zoom and lens shift capabilities, as well a bare-bones suite of networking tools.