Editorial Review

Featuring Texas Instruments' DarkChip2 DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, the Optoma H31 home theater projector brings HDTV programming, DVDs, and streaming video to life with astounding depth and clarity. Offering a movie theater-like experience, the H31 features a Pixelworks video scaler, de-interlacer, and advanced HD scaling, significantly optimizing video processing and frame-by-frame smoothness to unleash every aspect of the video as it was intended to be viewed--with any size from 28 to 304 inches.Read more

Features

• 850 typical lumens, 3,000:1 contrast ratio
• Supports 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios
• DVI-I with HDCP, RCA component, S-video, composite inputs
• Supports RS-232 and IR remote control
• Up to 2,000-hour lamp life, 3,000 hours in low-power mode

Reviews (16)

Great entry-level projector
I have been using my H31 for a month and can honestly say that I am completely satisfiedI use it in a room with high ambient light.Out of the box the projector was less that dazzling.Calibrating with an AVIA calibration disk and then constructing my own screen (plastic wallboard painted with Behr Silverscreen paint) gives me a projected image which is very good in high ambient light and phenomenal in a darkened room.For the price ($699-Visual Apex) this 480p unit can't be beat.Those who are unsatisfied in well lit rooms need to calibrate and consider alternate screens.

A great bargain in the home theater projector maze
I did a lot of research before buying a projector and DVD player for our basement theater. I have run 16mm and 8mm films for 30 years and was leary of video projection. I finally decided on the H31 because most of what we watch are old 3:4 black and white movies on DVD. I don't like TV and have no interest in watching HD programming. I did purchase the upscaling Oppo 971 DVD player to get the film-like look.
decent price but not very impressed with picture
This is a entry level projector, not suitable for prime time cinema experience. I bought it at VisualApex but did not like the picture quality. Picture with HDMI looks better but it is not very good with component video input. We are not very satisfied with this product but could not return it due to 20% restocking fee on VisualApex.
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Editorial Review

With a footprint of just 14.6 by 10.4 inches, the S1+ sets up on nearly any convenient surface and weighs just 7 pounds, making transportation painless. An SVGA native resolution of 800 x 600 ensures that projected images retain their clarity even at great distances, while 24-bit color support of over 16.7 million shades results in accurate, true-to-life images. Read more

Features

• 800 x 600 SVGA native resolution, compatible up to 1,024 x 768
• 1,400 ANSI lumens, 500:1 contrast ratio
• Supports HDTV, NTSC, and PAL signals; S-video and component inputs
• 16:9 and 4:3 screen selectable aspect ratios
• PC compatible; 2-year warranty

Reviews (12)

Great value, Great picture!!!
I've had my Powerlite S1+ for a little over a year now, and I have virtually no complaints.Through some creative shopping, (ie. pricematching and mail in rebates) I only paid about $350 for this projector.I have it permanently mounted in the ceiling of my basement and have a screen that is about 113" diagonal.It has over 1000 hours of use now, and everybody that has been over to watch a movie on it has been totally blown away and they all want one.As far as the $100 component video cable from epson, I was worried about this too until I found a local company that makes custom data cables.I paid $13 for a 15 foot cable that works beautifully.Initially I thought maybe when my bulb wore out I would upgrade to a higher end projector, but now that I've had so much enjoyment out of this over the last year, I'm planning on sticking with it and just buying a new bulb or two.

doctor16
This is a magnificent projector, "A lot of bang for the buck" I have been using it since I bought it almost a year ago and have nothing but good comments for the machine. Every one of my neighbors have enquired about it once they see it in action.

Practical and versatile
I bought this little projector mostly to attend on-line classes with, and to have a way to play games when my brain was full (which is very often;)). I also wanted a way to watch TV without having a big & ugly TV in my home office. A projector seemed the best solution, so I gave it a go.
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Editorial Review

Want to take your presentations, movies, video games, and television programs to the next level? The Epson PowerLite S3 can take you there. Fill your home, office, or classroom with glorious, larger-than-life images using this affordable 5.6-pound projector. The projector, which features 800 x 600 (SVGA) resolution, delivers 1600 lumens so you can experience all your entertainment with oversized images that surpass even big-screen TVs.Read more

Features

• Features 800 x 600 (SVGA) resolution at 1600 lumens
• Epson "3LCD" technology ensures accurate color and remarkable saturation
• Time-saving instant off feature
• HDTV-ready; displays both traditional and wide-screen formats (4:3/16:9)
• Includes full-featured remote control

Reviews (20)

Great Projector for a Low Price
I recently purchased this projector for my room and it is AWESOME!
A good home theater projector
I bought the S3 a month or so ago after a lengthy search process.My goal was to get a projector for watching DVDs.The image is bright and clear.1,600 lumens gives you a good picture even with substantial ambient light.I use a 92" high-gain screen, and a projection distance of around 13'.At that distance, 92" is about as small as the image can get.
Better than expected
I have used the S3 FOR 70 HRS. AND FOUND IT WORKS FINE. I have played many DVD with no problems. I play 14 local stations thru a digital receiver and then thru the S3. which makes bad news more acceptable. I recommend this projector. ... Read more

Features

• 0.55-inch DMD DDR projection technology
• 800 x 600 SVGA native resolution
• High 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,100 lumens of brightness
• 4:3 aspect ratio, supports 16:9; 2.5-watt speaker
• Supports NTSC, PAL, SECAM, EDTV, and HDTV signals

Reviews (7)

Wow!
For $500, you can get a 7 foot wide high quality image onto a DIY blackout screen.
bang for the money
I bought the X1a after much researching during thanks giving weekend (...)and I alsobought the 3 year protection plan for $129.99 . I am satisfied with the quality of video i am watching through the projector. I live in an apartment complex and its bright during the day when i have to make the room dark but evenings and night excellent quality. it doesnt start up right away sometimes and i have to turn it off and on few times but that doesnt bother me much. I know its not great projector but for the cost its awesome. also if i get any of the problems the other reviewers have stated then i will be covered by warranty for 1 year by infocus and the following 3 years by officemax.

X1A is not an X1!
In December 2002 I purchased an x1 (see my review under infocus x1) and this projector is still going strong and I love it. If you can find a used one, I would still definitely rcommend it. Note that if you are using it in a dusty area, you must clean the bulb filter about every six months (I blew the first bulb at a year by not doing this). However, I had a very different experience with the X1A.The composite video was never as good as the X1 which would seem to be because it has a different, inferior decoder. After a little more than a year it started making a loud buzzing noise and then it quit.Since I only had a 1 year warranty, I decided to just forget about it.I have since replaced it with a refurbished infocus 4805 which so far is working great and is reasonably quiet.
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Editorial Review

At about the same size and weight as a carton of cigarettes, the InFocus LP120 Mobile DLP Video Projector is working to redefine what it means to be a portable digital projector. Weighing less than two pounds, this ultrahip, ultrapowerful projector packs a full punch into its space-age magnesium frame, so you'll never have to sacrifice features for mobility. And since the LP120 is designed to tuck into your briefcase alongside your laptop, taking your show on the road has never been so easy.Read more

Features

• Measures 2.05 x 3.69 x 9.75-inches (HxLxW) -- one of the smallest digital projectors on the market
• Produces 1100 ANSI lumens of brightness at a contrast ratio of 2000:1; can project at a range of 4.5 to 14 feet
• Color-coded inputs allow for easy connectivity and set-up
• Includes handy remote control with red laser feature
• Top-panel controls are back-lit for ease of use during presentations

Reviews (5)

Worst projector our company has ever bought
They're small... They're beautiful... but they're totally unreliable. Of the 30 LP120 we own, only 3 of them have not yet required service( i said not yet...). I have 7 broken ones now. LAMP DID NOT STRIKE... LAMP SHUT OFF.....are usually the welcome message with the LP120.....BUYERS BEWARE..Turn around time for a repair 2 months....

Great Projector No Problems So Far!
I have to admit that I was a bit scared after reading the reviews, but I found a good deal (a small business going out of business)!! I take this to friends' houses and hook it up to my laptop I take this all kinds of places! I haven't had a problem yet, but I will have to write another review if I do. This isn't the brightest ever, but for the size, it is better than I thought it would be. I am not sure what has gone wrong for other people with their units, but I have had mine for about 8 months now and I use it all the time! I will keep this updated if anything goes wrong.

Delightful unless you care about colour
A gem of a machine spoilt by lousy colour rendition even by the low standards of projectors generally. The closest it can get to yellow is a mucky olive green.
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Features

• 1,024 x 768 XGA native resolution, compatible up to 1,400 x 1,050
• 2,500 ANSI lumens, 2,000:1 contrast ratio
• Selectable 16:9, 4:3, and 5:4 screen aspect ratios
• Supports HDTV, NTSC, and PAL video signals; 3-watt internal speaker
• PC and Mac compatible; 2-year warranty

Reviews (3)

great projector
very bright and like the other reviewers have yet to see any rainbows after months of use. a ten foot screen is hard to beat and you really cannot go back to a regular TV after going this route. i am using a "goo" screen (painted on the wall) with very good results.

Glued to my lazyboy...........
Excellent piece of kit. Great picture and when linked to a sound sytem plus a HUGE 7'X 5' screen then this is better than the movies. Rainbows......... not yet, only problem seems to be finding a replacement bulb when present one goes POP.

Great Picture -Great Value
Great 2000+ lumen projector for the cost. Great color/picture quality-HDTV even better. I use it as a home theater projector with a screen size of 96" (diagonal). Bright enough for a sunny day (may washed out if you have direct sunlight coming in the room).Great contrast. Some reviewers have mentioned rainbow effects -I have yet to see. I have being using projectors in my home theater for over 4 years and this is the best (bargain) projector I have used. ... Read more

Features

• 0.7-inch DMD DDR projection technology
• 1,024 x 768 XGA native resolution
• High 1,100:1 contrast ratio, 1,400 lumens of brightness
• Switchable 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios; manual zoom and focus
• 1-watt speaker, remote control, 2-year warranty

Reviews (6)

InFocus LP70+ a huge MINUS
I work in the AV department of a large company. We no longer allow our employees to purchase InFocus projectors. We had a 17% failure rate. We purchased approximately 850 LP70+ projectors in the last 14 months. I still receive at least 5 a week that need to be sent in for repair to InFocus. Most are dead on arrival. InFocus claims they got a bad shipment of power supplies which affects SN range ANEN511XXXXX to ANEN535XXXXX. We have found this range to be false. Once past 30 days InFocus will not refund and will issue a like new unit, unless you are willing to wait 4-6 for repair. Spend your money on a Panasonic projector, We have over 3000 in service. I've had only 2 go down. They are brighter and more durable than comparable models from different manufacturers. DON'T BUY InFocus.

Great mobile projector.
This is a great little projects if you travel. I use it teaching classes at my university as a backup when the room projector doesn't work. It's so portable you don't mind throwing it in your case with your laptop. On the road I take it even when there is supposed to be a projector, for those cases when the site projector is old or on the fritz.

LP70+
I bought this projector for business presentations. It is very small and light weight. The first one I had failed immediately. The power supply was bad. I sent it to the repair facility in Louisville, KY. After a month they were still waiting for parts so they replaced it. The second time I used the new one it went dark midway through a presentation. It worked fine after I let it cool off. I really like the small size and power of the unit. I just hope that mine is an isolated case. ... Read more

Features

• 1,024 x 768 XGA native resolution
• 2,500 ANSI lumens, 1000:1 contrast ratio
• HDTV, NTSC, and PAL signals; PC/Mac
• Composite, component, and S-video inputs
• 3-watt mono speaker; 2-year warranty

Reviews (1)

Great Projector
Does everything I need.Infocus makes good projectors at a good price. ... Read more

Features

• 1,024 x 768 native resolution, 1,200 ANSI lumens, Carl Zeiss optics
• DDR DLP technology for superior picture, 1,500:1 contrast ratio
• NTSC, PAL, SECAM, HDTV signals; sRGB color management
• Soft-sided pouch, ultra-portable design, weighs only 3.2 pounds
• PC and Mac compatible; 2-year warranty

Reviews (2)

Stunning performance in micro-sized package.
When I bought this I had no idea how good it is, especially when I compare it to other models out there now.DLP, auto-imaging, Carl-Zeis lens, mouse-remote for USB presentations, and the list goes on with it's remarkable resolution and quality build.Sometimes you buy something and have buyer's regret, but not with this one.Oh boy, when I look around and compare with what's around locally, I can't believe how much I got in this tiny package.Since I move around a lot, this is my TV to have.I use it for PS2, Web surfing, and DVD & Dvr watching.I simply project with a screen, yep you heard it, directly on the wall, making a 20ft+ sized super wall of video.It's so large with such great detail thanks to the resolution, that I often have 1 window surfing the web, while in the adjacent window my wife and I recline watching our DVR recordings together.Much better than slouching over my laptop, you bet!

The Cadillac of Projectors!!
I have just ordered one of these from Amazon the night before I wrote this review, so I haven't received it yet. But just looking at the description make me drool in anticipation!
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Features

• 1024 x 768 resolution, 1,600 ANSI lumens, 2,000:1 contrast ratio
• Zoom lens with manual focus and manual zoom adjust
• Computer, S-Video, and composite RCA inputs
• NTSC, PAL, SECAM, ED/HDTV 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i compatibility
• 2-year projector warranty, 90-day lamp warranty

Reviews (1)

A Good Projector, but Watchout for Amazon Rebates
I bought this projector in December and am very pleased with the quality of the product. It does everything it is advertised to do, including a decent job of projecting DVD movies. It has been a real asset to my teaching.
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Editorial Review

If you're in the market for a cost-effective digital projector that can shine during your workdays for presentations or classroom use and moonlight on weekends as part of your home theater experience, you'll want to take a close look at the InFocus X2 Multimedia DLP Projector. Featuring a 4:3 format DLP chip in 800 x 600 resolution, a four-segment, 2x speed color wheel, and a manual zoom and focus with a 1.2x magnification, this multipurpose projector can give you a bright, 100-inch diagonal 4:3 image in a range of about 12 to 15 feet.Read more

Features

• Cost-effective multi-use digital projector for home and business applications
• Features a 4:3 format DLP chip in 800 x 600 resolution; a four-segment, 2x speed color wheel; and a manual zoom and focus with a 1.2x magnification
• Color-coded inputs allow for easy connectivity and set-up
• Provides ultra-bright, 100-inch diagonal, 4:3 image at 12 to 15 feet
• Can project NTSC, PAL, or SECAM standard videos

Reviews (11)

DON'T BUY INFOCUS!!!!!!1 STAR MINUS!!
I have to rate this product and this company as horrible!!
all good except can't connect to laptop
Very good image quality from DVD player, lots of good functions.
Good equipment for small groups
I purchased this multimedia projector on behalf of a local non-profit organization after comparing its specifications with other projectors with similar prices. Several comparable projectors are available currently, and I chose this one because of good experience with its previous model (the X1) and slightly better specs.
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Features

• 0.55-inch DMD DLP display technology
• 800 x 600 SVGA native resolution
• 1,400 ANSI lumens of brightness
• Crisp 2,000:1 contrast ratio
• PC and Mac compatible; 2-year warranty

Reviews (3)

Correction...
Don't pay attention to the review suggesting that the bulbs are a hassle. This IS a good product, and I think I know what happened with his. The first bulb probably had a problem, and that's why Toshiba replaced it at no cost. But if he installed the next bulb incorrectly, the lifespan is shortened exponentially, so be sure to do it right. And as for the price of the bulbs, they ARE expensive, but he's exaggerating just a bit. I just bought one on the Internet a week ago for $260 (tax free) and it's already here. As for me, I use my projector extensively, probably 5-7 hours a day. It lasted about a year and a half for me, which is more than I thought it would. All in all, this is much better than a big screen t.v., and cheaper...Good buy.

Not Worth The Bulb Hassle
Okay, digital projection on a budget? I bought this item a few years back. The first $400.00+ bulb blew out in less than 300 hours. I contacted Toshiba and they replaced it, since it didn't get anywhere near the 2,000 hour "lifespan" they claim. The next bulb blew out at 460 hours. I called again. Nothing. No replacement. No service. I was on the phone with them for 4.5 hours and all I could get was 2 promises to "get a call back from one of our supervisors". None of my messages were ever returned. No one ever "called back". No replacement, or offer to replace, or even service sans the attitude. If the bulbs lasted 1400 hours, or even 1,000, I wouldn't be nearly as upset about this hunk'o'junk, but at $400.00+ per bulb, I'm paying an extra $60 dollars for every hour I watch it! Also, I've been typing $400.00+, because the bulb cost has risen every time I've checked into it. The current SRP is $453.00 for one bulb. If you get over 400 hours on a bulb, you're lucky! Avoid this unit, and after my experiences with their "customer service"-less calls, avoid this company's products like the plauge.

This is sooo cool!!!
My husband has wanted to get a video projector for a while, but just never took the plunge. (...).I convinced him to get this for himself for a late Christmas present.
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Features

• 0.79-inch XGA LCD panel technology
• Up to 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, 350:1 contrast ratio
• 40 to 300-inch diagonal projected image size
• 1-watt mono speaker; auto-setup feature
• NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC, and HDTV signals; PC/Mac

Reviews (1)

Excellent for a Home Theater
Purchased this for a home theater system, creating a 120" display.
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Features

• 2,000 ANSI lumens, 400:1 contrast ratio, 1,024 x 768 XGA resolution
• Composite, component, RGB, and S-video inputs; automatic selection
• NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and HDTV signals; USB interface, cable included
• 5-watt audio system, remote, soft carry case
• PC compatible; 2-year warranty

Features

• 1,024 x 768 XGA native resolution, compatible up to 1,600 x 1,200
• Selectable 16:9, 4:3, and 5:4 screen aspect ratios
• 2,600 ANSI lumens, 500:1 contrast ratio; 5-watt speaker
• HDTV, NTSC, and PAL signals; composite, S-video, and component inputs
• PC compatible; 2-year warranty with PrivateLine technical support

Editorial Review

Create your own home movie theater with the VPL-HS20 Cineza HD-ready digital LCD projector, which mounts on the ceiling or sits on a table while projecting onto screens from 40 to 300 inches in size. The Cineza is designed for longevity, with a lamp that lasts up to 3,000 hours and an ultra-quiet fan (28 dB) that runs unobtrusively in the background. The projector's high-resolution picture stems from its single lens projection system, which transfers a 1,386 x 788 picture across its three WXGA LCD panels for a total of 3.276,504 pixels (3.27 megapixels). Read more

Features

• Multimedia HD-ready LCD projector for 40- to 300-inch screens; 13.62 x 5.88 x 14.62 inches (W x H x D)
• CineMotion 3:2 pulldown delivers more accurate images; Memory Stick slot for JPEG and MPEG digital images
• 3.2-megapixel resolution; broadcasts 1080i, 720p, 480i, and 480p images
• Component, S-video, composite, HD-HDMI, mini-USB, and audio inputs
• 4-watt speaker system (2 watts x 2)

Reviews (5)

wow factor still exist after 2 years...
Personal Experience
High definition
I had this projector for over a year. Use of DVD9 format video input will provide awesome detail on my 104" wide screen. It is highly recommended.

Better Choice than DLP / Plasma TVs
Ecellent Picture quality. Light in weight. Extremely high quality images with HDTV input(IO Digital cable). DVI inputs from DVDs give better-than-theatre picture quality. Component input is equally awesome. Compare it to the size, space and weight of DLP, Projection or Plasma TVs, this is and extremlely good and a great buy. I got a it for $2.8K in Dec'03. Also works great with the PC input. Overall one heck of a display. Hats off to Sony Corp. ... Read more

Features

• 1,024 x 768 native resolution, SXGA compatible
• Sharp 2,000:1 contrast ratio, 2,300 ANSI lumens
• Dual data input and monitor loop-through
• DDR DLP technology; remote control included
• PC and Mac compatible; 3-year warranty

Features

• 3x 0.55-inch TFT LCD projection technology
• 800 x 600 native resolution, 1,200 ANSI lumens, 350:1 contrast ratio
• Exclusive Image Alignment Control; NTSC, PAL, SECAM, HDTV signals
• 1-watt integrated speaker, remote control, carry case
• PC and Mac compatible; 3-year warranty

Features

• XGA 1,024 x 768 native resolution
• 1,700 ANSI lumens, 400:1 contrast ratio
• Zoom lens with flexible manual focus
• Full NTSC, PAL, SECAM, and HDTV signal compatibility
• Two 2-watt speakers; 2-year projector warranty

Reviews (2)

An amazing and versatile projector for around $1100.
Pros:
The best relation price quality!!!!
I feel great!!!
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Editorial Review

A whisper-quiet performer, the PowerLite 835p provides convenient automatic setup, which intuitively sets the focus and image size at the touch of a button--all in just seconds. And, with four input connections, and dedicated audio for each, it's easily adaptable to sophisticated presentations. Use the wired LAN connection to attach the projector to a network. Or, should you choose to go wireless, the PowerLite 835p offers the ideal solution with 802.11g Wi-Fi support.Read more

Features

• Up to 3,000 ANSI lumens, 1,024 x 768 native resolution
• High 600:1 contrast ratio, 24-bit color
• Wired and wireless local networking capabilities
• Integrated 5-watt speaker
• 2-year warranty with toll-free support