InFocus X1

With the majority of current notebooks possessing native screen resolutions of 1,024 x 768 (XGA) and most desktop users viewing at this resolution too, why would you want to project your images at 800 x 600? Spending less money is one argument, and at just over a grand including VAT the InFocus X1 could prove very tempting.

Unlike most DLP projectors we see that feature a native XGA resolution, the DMD chip in the X1 is limited to just 800 x 600 (SVGA). Sending an image to the projector with any more pixels will require an element of interpolation as the projector attempts to squeeze a greater amount of information into less space. And this is difficult to get away with when you're projecting a large image.

To see how the X1 fared against the competition, we ran the projector-specific tests in DisplayMate. First, we tried it at 1,024 x 768 to see how it coped compared with a native XGA projector, but the X1 failed all sharpness and focus tests. This means you'll have to work with the native SVGA resolution, and this is where the results are more interesting.

At SVGA, all DisplayMate tests dependent on resolution this time passed with flying colours. More importantly, tests that examine other factors such as colour purity, brightness uniformity and contrast were also remarkably good. Overall measured brightness was spot on at 1,000 ANSI lumens, although in a well-lit room you'll still need to project from five metres or less to get a bright image.

However, the X1 isn't only good for meeting rooms. Based on research carried out by IDC, InFocus states that, given the choice, 35 per cent of business IT professionals would take home their company projector for personal use. As a home-cinema projector, the SVGA resolution is perfect. And the X1's credentials for this type of application are good too, with a claimed contrast ratio of 2,000:1 promising deep black.

This said, the claimed contrast ratio is a measure of the bulb from full on to full off, which gives no indication of contrast levels in real use. Using ANSI's test methodology for contrast ratio measurement, we obtained a score of 580:1, which is still excellent. Combined with the subtle effects from the Faroudja chip, viewing DVDs proved exceptionally good, with no visible artefacts or image shredding. Even the average noise levels weren't too distracting.

There are caveats to this budget offering, though, such as the minimal connectivity options and a decidedly cheap look and feel. That said, attention to detail in other areas is to be applauded. For example, the remote has illuminated icons on every button and there's a short-range, but useful, 1.2x optical zoom. The cost of replacing a bulb is also in line with the budget pricing and, with its claimed 3,000 hours' lamp life, the cost of ownership is phenomenally cheap when compared with any XGA offering we've looked at previously.

If you can live with the SVGA resolution and want to save a tidy sum of money, this is definitely a projector worth considering, especially with good DVD quality thrown in.

Author: Ian Robson