InFocus X3 DLP General Purpose Video Projector - Product Review

Video projectors are gaining increased favor with consumers as prices go down and quality goes up. The InFocus X3 DLP video projector is an entry-level general purpose unit, priced at less than $1,200, that offers good performance and flexibility. The X3 is suitable for video game play, home theater, and business or classroom presentation.

The features of the InFocus X3 include:

1. DLP equipped with Texas Instruments .55" XGA DDR DMD Chip.

2. Native pixel resolution of 1024x768 with 4x3 aspect ratio - Can be set for 16x9 display.

3. Inputs include composite and S-Video inputs, Component input via cable adapter, PC monitor connection. Stereo audio inputs also included.

4. PC and MacIntosh compatible.

5. NTSC and PAL compatible.

6. 1,600 lumens (1,100 lumens in low power mode).

7. 2,000:1 contrast ratio.

8. High definition sources scaled to 1024x768 for display.

9. Wireless remote control.

10. Manual zoom and focus control on projector.

11. 200 watt lamp - 4,000 hour maximum life (low power mode).

12. Built-in 2.5 Watt mono amplifier with speaker.

13. Monitor output allows simultaneous viewing of projector image on a computer monitor or other compatible video display device.

The X3 is easy to set up, even if you have never had experience with a video projector.

After setting up a screen (size of your choosing), position the unit at the optimal distance from the screen (your choosing). I chose to place the unit on a mobile cart to make this easier, but the X3 can be ceiling mounted with an accessory mount.

Starting up the projector is easy. First, plug in your source (such as a DVD player) to the proper video input. Then, plug in the power. All you have to do is turn on the single power button on the projector or the remote control. When you see the InFocus logo projected on your screen, you are set.

At this point, you can raise or lower the front of the projector, use the Keystone Correction function (this adjusts the "squareness" of the image), and/or Zoom the lens to get the image to fill the screen properly. After this is done, use the manual focus to sharpen your image.

When you turn on your source, such as a DVD player, the X3 will automatically search for it and project the image on to the screen. However, you can manually do this on the remote or the projectors buttons.

TIP: If you turn on your source before you turn on the X3, it will make it easier for the projector to find it.

1. 10-foot (120-inches) diagonal (16x9) custom-made theatrical screen that I used to project images sizes ranging from full screen down to 40-inches for the purpose of this review.

2.JVC XV-NP10S DVD Player - Code Free Version with S-Video and Progressive Scan Component outputs.

3. Kiss Technology DP470 DVD Receiver with Progressive Scan Component outputs.

4. Technics DVD-A10 DVD-Video/DVD-Audio Player using S-Video output connections.

5. Panasonic PV-GS35 miniDV Camcorder using S-Video playback output.

6. Optoma H56 and Mitsubishi XD-350U 4x3 DLP projectors for comparison.

7. Video connections were made using Accell and Cobalt Interconnect cables..

DVD software used included scenes from the following:

Kill Bill - Vol1/Vol2, Master and Commander, Chicago, Valley Of Gwangi, Lord Of the Rings Trilogy, Passionada, Alien Vs Predator, Moulin Rouge, The Mummy, When Worlds Collide, The Ninth Gate, Ed Wood (Region 3 - NTSC), and Crying Freeman (Region 2 - PAL).

Video Performance

With its decent lumens output capability (1,100 at low power - 1,600 in standard mode), I found that the brightness of the X3 held up very well, in relation to my comparison projectors.

I also found that the Color consistency and contrast was very good throughout, which was evident on clips from Moulin Rouge, Lord Of the Rings: Two Towers, Master And Commander, and Chicago. In addition, the X3 had no trouble with motion tracking fast action in films such as The Mummy and Alien Vs Predator.

I found the projection of both interlaced and progressive scan sources to be very good. I found that both 16x9 and 4x3 material held up well, in terms of consistent detail. However, I did experience prominent DLP rainbow effects on some source material - most notably on The Ninth Gate.

MiniDV playback from the Panasonic PV-GS35 with S-video connection faired well in smaller image sizes, up to about 50-inches. However, as the size of the image increases beyond that point, deficiencies in the source material, such as lighting, color consistency, contrast, white balance, and edge integrity became more definitely pronounced. This performance is in line with the comparison projectors used in this review. As more video projectors are purchased, users will be showing camcorder footage on them, in addition to DVD and other sources. This is particularly important for general purpose projectors.

Proceed To Page Two - The Bottom Line