And let there be light, with a mighty portable projector.
Written: Mar 11 '03 (Updated Apr 22 '03)
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Pros: 2000 lumens, native XGA resolution, remote control, small size & weight, 200W UHP lamp.
Cons: Expensive. Even replacement lamps are $450 each. IR remote, should have been RF instead.
The Bottom Line: If you can afford it, this is the best projector in its class. Has multiple inputs to display your computer, TV, VCR, DVD player, satellite, cable or digital camera.
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| aashok's Full Review: Sony VPL-PX11 Multimedia Projector |
My Buying Decision and selection process.
During the course of my business, I often find the need to display PowerPoint slides and other files to small groups of clients and investors. I used to rely on the aging in-house Infocus projector, which was constantly in need of attention and a replacement lamp. With the excuse of being self reliant, I started comparison-shopping for my next gadget. I found a wide variety of brand names, lumen ratings, sizes and prices. It was pretty confusing at first because I only had experience with one finicky 5-year-old projector, so I decided on a top-down selection process. I started with some of the most notable brand names in electronics and projectors, and then matched their product lineups against my needs.
What are my needs?
- I needed at the least 1000-1500 lumens. Most of my presentations are done in offices, conference rooms and hotels. Most times there is a projection screen but all too often I have to make do with a blank wall or chalkboard.
- Native XGA resolution at a minimum of 1024x768.
- Adjustable throw ratios, with average throw distance from 10-20 feet but could be longer with a larger group.
- Most of the times, I can control the ambient light in a room with curtains, shades and dimmers. But on occasion I am stuck with a relatively bright room.
- Small to medium size and weight since I need to transport it along with other equipment like a notebook PC and printed handouts.
- A bright UHP lamp as opposed to a metal halide lamp. UHP lamps are designed to perform at peak brightness for most of their life. Metal halide lamps on the other hand, will gradually lose their brightness over time.
- Readily available accessories such as replacement lamps, and reliable service and support by the manufacturer.
- I narrowed the brand names to the following: Toshiba, Infocus, Mitsubishi, Epson, Sony, Canon, Viewsonic, Optoma, BenQ and HP/Compaq.
There were about 8 different models that met or exceeded my requirements. My final decision was based on three factors, the best price for the most included features, my past experience with the various brands and a reputable local retailer with a reasonable return / exchange and price match policy. I purchased the Sony VPL-PX11 from Staples for $2849.00 with a price match.
My Favorite Features.
2000 ANSI lumens. The brightness of projectors is measured in units called ANSI lumens. The requirement for brightness is directly dependent on three factors:
·Throw distance, which is the distance between the projector and the display screen.
·Ambient light in the room. Brighter rooms require a brighter projected image.
·Desired projected image size. Larger capacity rooms obviously require a larger image and hence a brighter projector.
200W UHP Lamp.(LMP-P202) The most common types of lamps used in projectors today are either Metal Halide or UHP. A UHP lamp will give consistent performance over a longer period of time. It also delivers uniform images, rich colors, and brightness over time, without hotspots. A metal Halide lamp will gradually reduce its output and brightness over time. It will also develop hotspots, which cause uneven brightness across the displayed image. The average lamp life varies with the amount and type of use. The ‘Replace Lamp’ error message will generally come on after about 1500 hours of use. Replacement of the lamp is a very straightforward and easy process. There is a built-in lamp timer, which tells you the total time of usage.
Remote Control. The projector can be connected to the PC using a standard USB connector. This allows you to use the included remote to control slides in PowerPoint presentations and as a remote mouse. It is however infrared, which means you require the remote controller to be within line of sight of either the front or rear of the projector. The projector can also be controlled from the connected PC running the Sony Projector Station software.
Air filter and cooling fan. As with any projector, you need to minimize any internal heat buildup. The included cooling fan is extremely quiet and exhausts the air forward away from the audience. The air filter prevents dust and dirt from getting into the internal components and needs to be cleaned every 300 hours.
Built-in stereo speakers. You can connect a stereo minijack (like a headphone jack) audio cable from the PC to the projector. This adds some volume to your presentations but is useless in large capacity conference rooms.
Multiple Input / Output Panel. The panel in the rear allows for the following connections:
·Input A: RGB monitor, Audio, USB.
·Input B: RGB monitor, Audio.
·Video In: S-Video, Composite Video, Audio.
·Output: RGB monitor, Audio.
·RS232C for remote.
·3 pin power socket.
This allows you to connect a multitude of video components in various configurations. For example:
·You can watch TV/Cable/Satellite by connecting a co-axial RF cable to a VCR, and then AV from VCR to the projector.
·Incorporate the projector into a home theater setup or an audio receiver.
·Connect a second monitor to the output.
·Connect a DVD player.
·Connect a PC with VGA, SVGA XGA or SXGA video. The projector supports native XGA resolution.
At a recent birthday party, I connected a digital camera and played a continuous slide show of my pictures.
Other Useful Functions.
Digital Keystone Controls. There is usually a trapezoidal distortion when the projector is placed at an angle to the display screen. Such keystone distortion, of up to 115 degrees can be digitally corrected from the On-Screen Display or the remote control. Images can be projected correctly in a rectangular format in almost every situation.
Aspect Ratio. Capable of displaying images in standard 4:3, or Widescreen 16:9 formats. This is great for viewing DVD movies in the Widescreen format.
Auto Pixel Alignment. Automatically adjusts the display for optimum viewing of PC output.
On Screen Display. This allows you to quickly access and control the various audio, video and user settings.
Digital Zoom. You can zoom in on any portion of the displayed image. Great for highlighting charts or graphics.
Floor or Ceiling Mount Capability. This along with optional converter lenses, allows for a versatile and creative installment.
Multi-System Capable. It supports the various NTSC and PAL / Secam video standards for use overseas.
Technical Specifications.
Projection System: Three 0.9” TFT LCD panels. (786,432 pixels in each panel)
Lens: 1.3x manual zoom lens.
Projected Image Size: Ranges from 40 to 300 inches diagonal.
Resolution: For a video signal: 750 horizontal lines, for PC RGB signal: 1024x768
Dimensions: 12 7/8”(W) x 4 3/8”(H) x 11 ¼”(D)
Weight: 10lb 13oz
The Layout.
Top:
Zoom ring, focus ring, and control panel, which has the following buttons: Power on/standby, vol up/dn, APA, Reset, Arrows up/down/left/right, Enter, Input and Help. There are also the following LED indicators: on/standby, power saving, temp/fan, lamp/cover.
Bottom:
Height adjuster on each corner, ventilation intake grill, air filter cover and lamp assembly cover.
Front:
Lens with lenscap, exhaust / ventilation grill, remote IR sensor, height adjuster buttons.
Rear:
Left & right speakers and rear remote IR sensor.
Left:
Carrying handle, handle release and connector panel.
Right:
Security lock for optional Kensington security cable.
The Remote Controller Layout.
On Top:
Power on/standby, APA, Pic Muting (turns the picture off), Enter, Joystick (mouse) surrounded by 4 arrow buttons up/down/right/left, Reset, Digital Zoom up/down, Menu, Input, Freeze picture, D Keystone, Right click (right mouse button).
Below the Remote
Is a single trigger button for Left click (left mouse button).
The Bottom Line.
You will not see this projector in the average living room, anytime soon. At these lofty price levels, this projector will only find a home in business / corporate applications and high end home theater systems. Without a significant price drop, there will never be mass consumer appeal for these mighty mini projectors.
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Recommended:
Yes
Purchase Price (if leased, monthly payment): 2849.00
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Epinions.com ID:
aashok
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Member: Ashok
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