Relisys RLP2000

Better known for its computer monitors, Relisys has introduced two affordable LCD projectors for business. Here, we test the better featured of the two, the RLP2000, which supports native XGA resolution and the promise of a big picture when the circumstances demand it.

This isn't a portable projector for the travelling presenter, though. At under 4kg, it could be lugged around, but it's not as compact as a dedicated portable device, and a carry case is its only optional extra. The RLP2000 is designed to be moved between meeting rooms or installed in a boardroom.

Encased in curvy plastic, the projector features a big lens with manually adjustable zoom and focus rings. Mains power connects conveniently at the back, while all other input sockets are mounted together on a panel on the right-hand side of the unit. You get a good range of input options: VGA in and out, stereo audio in and out, S-Video, and composite video and audio. Also provided is a DVI socket for completeness, plus Y/Cb/Cr ports and a control port for theatre installations. A USB port lets you hook up your PC and take over basic mouse functions with the remote-control handset.

We couldn't persuade the handset to operate the projector, even though the laser pointer worked nicely. But a simple arrangement of buttons is provided on top of the case. Navigating the on-screen display controls is a matter of repeated selections in a sequence of little windows. This is more intuitive than the current trend of drop-down menus, which are difficult to scroll through.

We're normally wary of using control buttons on a projector for fear of getting our fingers burnt. Not so with the Relisys RLP2000, which maintains a cool top surface: the fan ejects hot air from around the bulb out of the front of the case. The fan does a good job but at the cost of noise. Although not especially noisy, the RLP2000 seems a little old fashioned in this respect next to the new wave of quiet-fan products on the market.

In use, the projector gives a bright display with a good range of image-adjustment controls, including Faroudja DCDi features for video playback - such as sharpness, hue, saturation, edge enhancement and flesh tones. Thanks to its big lens and 2000 ANSI lumens performance, the RLP2000 could be used in a breakout meeting room or in a conference hall with equal aplomb. Also in its favour is a digital keystone correction, which manages not to blur all the detail in the image. That said, there was evidence of excited pixels and moires with fine mesh detail, which we weren't able to compensate for completely.

The low price comes with limitations, though. Unless you buy a DVI-to-VGA cable, you're restricted to a single VGA input. Also, the built-in stereo speakers are awful. Not least, the two-year warranty is a return-to-base affair, which is quite measly for any product costing well over £1,000.

Author: Alistair Dabbs