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InFocus LP550 by Captain Sniffy - Nov 24, 2003
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| VGA (640x480), 130 ANSI Lumens, 20.0 lbs, $5,399 (MSRP) |
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| Personal Experience |
| Review of the BoxLight 2101 Projector The Boxlight 2101 falls in between the Infocus LitePro 540 and the LitePro 550 LCD projectors. Infocus 540 - Two VGA inputs, no sound features Boxlight 2001 - Two VGA inputs, with sound inputs, sound output Infocus 550 - Two VGA inputs, 1 composite video input, 1 SVideo input, 4 sound inputs. This first-generation line of projectors was introduced in 1992, as an alternative to the overhead projector LCD-panels that preceded them. I use this projector with the marvelous ViewSonic VB50HRTV TV tuner. This tuner generates a splendid VGA output, and also accepts an Svideo input that can be used for other video sources like VCRs or game consoles. These projectors use inexpensive EVD bulbs. EVD bulbs can be purchased on-line for as little as $7 for a 50-hour version, or $13 for a lower intensity 300-hour version. Support documentation for these projectors can be found at the Infocus Technical support site. I bought one of these projectors to use for Xbox LAN parties. Performance The colors are washed out, and hard to calibrate. This is possibly due to the low color resolution (1.4 million). Occasionally, a frame may get skipped, but this does not affect the usefulness. The low-intensity (130 lumens) is inadequate unless the room is very dark. The sound produced by these projectors is actually quite respectable, but won't replace a real sound system. Utility These projectors are very heavy, hot and loud. This is not a good projector to be schlepping around. However, it is built like a tank, and will stand up to a lot of abuse. I have used hotter and louder projectors, but I have yet to see one that is bigger. Summary Despite the many obvious weaknesses of these projectors, they do have their charm. They're first generation, so they have a certain collectable appeal. They're also virtually indestructible, so the chances of finding one in good working order are high. And at less than $200, they are very cheap to own and operate. It's hard for me to imagine a use-case to recommend them for, but still, I wouldn't consider selling the one I have. |
