InFocus Play Big IN76 DLP Projector

Reviews: Multimedia

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Mark Korff
Kurtis
InFocus
Nov. 6, 2006

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Conclusion

Overall I was very impressed with the IN76. The image quality is right up there with any of the best 720p projectors in the sub $3,000 market segment and it can be found online for under $2,000 so I think it would be hard for anyone to be disappointed with the IN76 for the money. The fact that InFocus combines this level of image quality in a very attractive enclosure, while requiring hardly any image calibration by the end-user, and has reduced the fan noise to a level where it's effectively a non-issue proves just how polished of a product the IN76 really is.

I do have to find fault with the lack of optical lens shift however, because I've found this to be a very welcome feature on competing projectors. While the unique swivel base on the IN76 is indeed nice, it's still impossible to aim the projector low enough from a high upright position to get the image low enough on the screen. This isn't the fault of the base, and yes, you'll likely want to mount the IN76 upside down from the ceiling anyway, but the fact that you're still only able to make geometry adjustments via digital keystone correction which will degrade your image quality (however slightly) is a bit disappointing.

If you've been holding off on an HDTV purchase and aren't sure if a HD projector like the IN76 is right for you, there are a few things to consider first. Most importantly, to get the most out of a projector you simply have to have a room that can be made sufficiently dark even during the day. For me this required the purchase of some blackout curtains to put over my living room windows. While that wasn't a huge cost for me, depending on the number of windows and how fancy you want to get, it's definitely something you should figure into your purchase price.

You'll also want to have a proper screen for your projector or you'll be missing out on all that it has to offer in terms of image quality. You can spend a lot of money on a pre-made screen, and by "a lot" I mean even more than the price of the projector for some larger high quality screens. The solution that worked for me was to purchase a highly reflective paint called Screen Goo, which is made specifically for home theater use. It cost me about $200 combined for enough base coat and top coat in order to create the 130" screen I painted directly on my wall. If you really don't want to paint your own screen, you'll have to pay a lot more for the same results, and you'll also be much more limited in terms of the size of your screen.

Finally, the fact that all projectors will eventually need to have their lamps replaced is something to consider. In the case of the IN76, InFocus rates the lamp as having a life of 3,000 hours. Typically the lifetime rating on a lamp means that the lamp will only be half as bright after the given number of hours. Replacement lamps for the IN76 cost about $400, which is about what you can expect from competing manufacturers as well.

I know that a front projection solution won't be right for everyone but you simply can't beat front projection systems in terms of image size and quality for the money. If you're in the market for a new HDTV and have about $2,000 to spend, I'd highly suggest taking a look at projectors, and keeping the InFocus Play Big IN76 on your short list of possible solutions.

Pros

Bright, accurate colors
Good contrast between dark grays and black
Unique and convenient swivel base
Sexy modern design
Good image quality & size to price ratio
Great image calibration right out of the box

Cons

Lack of optical lens shift is disappointing
Can't be mounted upright on a high shelf

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Testing
Page 4: Conclusion

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