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InFocus Play Big IN78 Projector Review

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by Clint DeBoer — last modified April 22, 2007 20:00
InFocus Play Big IN78 Projector Review

InFocus IN78 Review

Buy It Now!

Summary

  • Product Name: Play Big IN78
  • Manufacturer: InFocus
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStar
  • Value Rating: StarStarhalf-star
  • Review Date: April 22, 2007
  • MSRP: $3499
Specifications

Device: DarkChip3 720p 12 degree LVDS DLP panel

Color Wheel: 6-segment, 4-speed D65K color calibrated

Native Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9)
Projection Lens:  12 element 1.3:1 manual zoom & focus; F/2.4-2.8, 21-27mm focal length

Offset: 116% image offset

Throw: 1.52 – 1.92:1 (distance/width)
Lamp: 160/200W SHP (3000 hour life in whisper mode)
Digital Keystone Correction : 20 degrees (+/- vertical); horizontal not available
Brightness: 800 ANSI lumens (whisper); 1000 ANSI lumens (high power)
Contrast Ratio: 3500:1 (full on/off)
Color Temperature: Low/Mid/High, selectable

Video Processing: Pixelworks DNX PW390 10-bit; 3D comb filter

Accessories Included: Power cord, backlit remote with batteries, composite cable, DVI-D to HDMI adapter, User Guide

Video Inputs: (1) DVI (w/HDCP), (1) HDMI, (1) M1, (1) Component, (1) HD15 (VESA), (1) S-video, (1) composite
Trigger:  12VDC trigger for electric screen control
PC Support: Digital and Analogue up to 1280 x 1024 via intelligent resizing

Communication: RS-232C
Dimensions: 14.2” (W) x 4.7” (H) x 14.2” (D)
Warranty: 2 years parts & labor (6 months on lamp)
Weight: 9.3 lbs


Pros

  • Excellent color detail
  • Nicely-designed backlit remote control
  • 3 direct access source/inputs from remote
  • Sleek black enclosure
  • Handles 1080p/60 and 480i via HDMI (scaling to 720p)

Cons

  • Tough competition at this price
  • Mild rainbow effect present during high contrast action sequences
  • Didn't pass blacker-than-black
  • No lens shift and high fixed offset
  • Awkward menu navigation

Introduction

The IN78 is an incremental update to a very popular projector line that includes the IN72, IN74 and IN76. Incremental upgrades are nice in that they update hardware and make sure that a product line is kept up to date, but they rarely astound or dazzle with new revolutionary performance or hardware. Such is the fate of the IN78, a fact made even more difficult due to its retail pricing of $3,499 which seems a tad high given the recent introduction of lower cost 1080p displays into the market. Still, the IN78 positions itself as a capable projector that performs high-level video processing and requires no color calibration out of the box. We'll see if it lives up to that promise.
  1. IN78 Features, Setup and Connections
  2. IN78 Remote Control and Menu System
  3. IN78 Advanced Setup and Calibration
  4. IN78 Viewing Evaluation and Conclusion
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