Vivitek D326WX DLP Video Projector - Product Review and Rating

With 2,600 maximum lumens output output capability, the Vivitek D326WX projects an image of exceptional brightness for its diminutive size. However, the contrast level, although acceptable, did not produce exceptional black level detail.

The Color consistency was very good throughout, which was evident on standard DVD clips from Moulin Rouge, The Cave, and Kill Bill Vol1/2 as well as Blu-ray (Iron Man) and HD-DVD (Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas) sources.

Video Performance - Deinterlacing and Upscaling of Standard Definition Material

In a further evaluation, with regards to its scaling capabilities, tests were conducted using Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD. In order to conduct an accurate projector upscaling test, I set the OPPO DV-983H to 480i output and using the Composite connections between the player and the projector. By doing this, all of the upscaling was done by the projector from the lowest possible resolution input.

The test results showed that the D326WX did a good job in some areas with regards to deinterlacing and scaling, but did not do well in others.

Jaggie elimination was average-to-good, but could definitely be improved. Video noise, Mosquito Noise reduction, also were not exceptional. On the other hand, with regards to color bars, the difficult flag waving test, moire pattern elimination, 3:2 Pulldown film cadence detection, and video titles over film elements were all good.

For more details, check out my Vivitek D326WX Video Performance Test Results.

With regards to Blu-ray Disc/HD-DVD true high definition source material, it must be noted that the D326WX cannot accept the maximum 1080p output from Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD players, but can accept up to 720p and 1080i.

What this means: If you are using an HDMI connection between the player and the D326WX, the player will automatically detect the maximum input resolution of the projector and reset the output to 1080i. The projector will accept this signal and scale the image down to the projector's native resolution (1280x800). 1280x800 is approximately 720p.

The HD-DVD disc of Batman Begins which has a lot of black level content, look acceptable, but not as good as on other projectors I have review with higher contrast ratios. HD-DVD discs that stood out in terms of color consistency were Transformers and Serenity, which showed both excellent detail and good color reproduction.

On the Blu-ray Disc side, The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian showed excellent facial detail, color, as did Across the Universe and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.

One thing to note about the video performance of this projector is that even though it cannot project a native 1080p image, the detail from both DVD and Blu-ray/HD-DVD sources was quite good. The best example of good detail reproduction was the HD-DVD of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas with the close-ups of Johnny Depp in the car at the beginning of the film.

What I Liked About The Vivitek D326WX

1. Excellent Image Quality for the price featuring 1280x768 (720p) native pixel resolution and scaling.

2. High lumen output produces bright images for large rooms and screen sizes. This is a real surprise for such a physically small video projector.

3. Very fast cool down and shut-off time. For those looking for a projector that is easy to travel with, the quick shut-off and cool down time is a real bonus. You can pack it up in the provided carrying case after just a couple of minutes of cool down time.

4. Very compact and Easy to Use Remote Control. The remote control is credit-card size, but still contains all the function buttons needed to operate the projector - just don't lose it.

5. Compact Carrying Case Included. This used to be a common accessory included with just about all, but the largest, video projectors. It is great that Vivitek includes one with the D326WX.

What I Didn't Like About The Vivitek D326WX

1. No Motorized Zoom or Focus Function - must be done manually at lens.

2. No separate Component Video inputs provided. A Component-to-VGA connection adapter cable is required if you choose the Component video input option.

3. Does not accept 1080p input signals - up to 1080i only.

4. Fan noise is noticable, but not disctracting.

5. No ceiling mount option.

6. Some may be susceptible to the DLP Color Wheel "Rainbow Effect".

Final Take

Setting up and using the D326WX was fairly easy. The input connections are clearly labeled and spaced out, and the on-unit control buttons and remote control easy to use.

The D326WX does not offer power zoom or focus controls, but its manual controls are straightforward.

Although the D326WX is not in the same class as more costly high-end projectors, it none-the-less is a good performer.

With 2,600 maximum lumens light output capability, the Vivitek D326WX projects an image of exceptional brightness for its diminutive size. However, the contrast level, although acceptable, did not produce exceptional black level detail that you find on some higher-end home theater projectors.

With regards to Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD true 1080p source material, it must be noted that the D326WX cannot accept the maximum 1080p output from Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD players, but can accept resolutions up to 1080i.

What this means is that, if you are using the HDMI connection between a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player and the projector, the player will automatically detect the maximum input resolution of the projector and reset its output to 1080i. The projector will then accept this signal and scale the image to its native pixel resolution (1280x800). Even though it doesn't project a native 1080p image, the detail from both DVD and Blu-ray/HD-DVD sources was quite good.

By the same token, the D326WX upscales lower resolution signal sources up to its native pixel resolution of 1280x800.

If you are in the market for your first home theater video projector or a business person that needs a good quality, compact, portable projector for traveling, the D326WX is definitely worth consideration. I give the Vivitek D326WX DLP Video Projector a solid 4 out of 5 Stars.

For a closer look at the features and connections of D326WX, check out my Vivitek D326WX Photo Gallery.