InFocus Play Big IN76 DLP Projector First Look

[Audioholics]

<A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/InFocusIN76DLPprojector.php"><IMG style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 61px" alt=[IN76angled] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/IN76angled_th.jpg" align=left border=0></A>When Ole Dame from InFocus approached us a few weeks ago and asked if we’d like to get a sneak preview of the new IN76 HD DLP Projector, we were only too happy to take him up on his offer. Not only is the IN76 one of the new generation of projectors that breaks the $3000 price barrier for true HD resolution with TI’s DLP technology (list price on the IN76 is $2999, with a resolution of 720p, or 1280 x 720), it also represents the culmination of an intensive effort by the InFocus engineers to improve the quietness and design aesthetics of their front projection line. In those two design goals we’ve got to say that InFocus has succeeded admirably – not only is the new IN76 extremely quiet, it’s also one very sexy looking projector, with smooth, rounded lines and a rich black and silver finish.

[Read the First Look Article]

 

[BMXTRIX]

The new DLP projectors are very cool for the money. Between the HD72 and the IN76 it should really give the AE900 and the Z4 a run for the money.

I've gotta say that I disagree with the reviewers conclusion that lens shift is wasted on projectors. I find that the reality is that lens shift is not enough on many projectors, but units like the AE900 and (especially) Z4 give you far more versatility with placement, while the fixed lens on the IN76, and moreso the HD72 (Optoma) can be a deal killer.

With the height of the projector included, you would have to place a 100" diagonal screen about 1 foot below the ceiling for the IN76 - another half foot or so with the HD72. This isn't horrible with an 8 foot ceiling... But, these projectors are targeted towards lower end buyers. Not basements with 10 foot cut ins, but 8 foot ceilings with duct work and, if you are lucky, 7.5 or more often 7 foot ceilings. That puts most of these screens about 2 feet off the floor. Which is really really low for most people. The Z4 and AE900 allow the screen to pretty much go wherever it needs to go, which is killer for those in the less versatile setup. Especially with their 2.0 zoom lenses.

Still - if that projector or the HD72 fits - the value is very hard to deny.