PLUS UP-800

As for overall consistency, the UP-800 performs well. When using various test patterns, the image was consistent from left to right but revealed slightly darker patches in the bottom corners. Lighter screens tended to develop a slight flicker but this was by no means as noticeable as in the first DLP projector reviewed in PC Pro, the Davis PowerBeam V (reviewed issue 39, p193).

With any projector, running costs shouldn't be underestimated. Replacing the 270W metal halide bulb will cost you £245 a time. Each lasts for a claimed 2,000 hours, although the manual recommends replacement after 1,000 because the bulbs tend to develop inconsistencies or so-called 'hotspots' after this period. This is identical to the bulb life of the InFocus LP420 and makes for reasonable running costs of 26p per hour. To keep track of the bulb's age, the UP-800 keeps count for you and this information is accessible through the on-screen menu system.

Ultimately, the Plus UP-800 is not outstanding. It is well built and compact, but not quite as light as the InFocus LP420. The price is nothing out of the ordinary either. To put it quite simply, at £3,995, the UP-800 doesn't even offer a price advantage over the InFocus LP420, which has recently come down in price to £4,000.

Author: Martin Cooper