Infocus X1 DLP PJ review by Extreme Tech

[Kevin P]

Infocus X1 review

Pros: Includes Faroudja DCDi deinterlacer in a sub-$1700 projector
Cons: 800x600 resolution, no component (YPrPb) video input--RGB would be possible via the VGA inputs though. 3 segment color wheel could lead to rainbow effect for those who are sensitive.
Other interesting stats: 2000:1 contrast ratio, up to 1000 ANSI lumens, 3000 hour lamp life. Throw distances of 5 to 32.8 feet, giving an image size from 2.7 feet to 6.6 feet diagonal (4:3 AR).

Looks like a nice unit for the price, especially with DCDi! :T




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[JonMarsh]

I think it would be a great entry level projector for many folks for DVD and NTSC sources, a simple way for someone to get their feet wet. Getting started the way I did with CRT in the 80's takes a little more commitment....

However, I find I am very susceptible to the dreaded "rainbow" effect (not enough persistance in vision? I'm sensitive to flicker in flouresent lighting, too), so even the six segment single chip DLP's are problematic for me.

OTOH, for a litttle extra money, I'd go with a Sony HS10, having seen that recently. The jump in resolution and reduction in screen door, plus supporting DVI are big pluses. Of course, it's comes with a price tag, but for ~$2700 street, it may be a real "sweet spot" on the curve. It should be set up with the enhancing color filter to optimize the contrast ratio, which is the weak point for many LCD's. Even a 10HT with a K&R Enhancing filter and Smart calibration looks surprisingly good for an LCD setup.

Regards,

Jon




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[George Bellefontaine]

I have read many reviews by owners of the X1 and they love it. The 800 x 600 res is low, but definitely okay for dvd viewing. But the 2x color wheel is not for everyone, especially those like Jon. And as Jon says, if rainbows don't bother you, then this would make a great little entry level PJ.




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[AndrewM]

I was actually looking at this projector and the Sanyo Z1, I'm still a little undecided, but I'm now leaning heavily towards the InFocus right now. They just had another price drop and the average street price is $1175-1199 plus you get a $100 rebate from InFocus plus a warranty extension. So the HS10 is obviously going to be a better unit all around, it's still more than double the money. Luckily I'm not bothered by Rainbows (I can see them sometimes on some projectors).

Andrew

[Andrew Pratt]

I'll likely end up with an X1 by the end of the summer. With the price now at $1199 MRSP its hard to beat. This unit does have component inputs via an adapter that plugs into its s-video input. Its only 480i that way but it works....to get progressive scan into it you need another adapter that you plug into the VGA port but its under $20 so its not that big an issue.

Here's a very long review of the X1

[sfdoddsy]

If it helps, I have my X1 now set up with a DIY grey screen and prefer the image to that of my previous InFocus LT150, although I only use it for DVD and standard cable.

Steve




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