On the outside, it looks like the multimedia projector I reviewed seven months ago, but as folks often tell me, it's what's on the inside that counts.

The new Infocus x3 ($1,199) could easily have been a clone of the Screenplay 4805 I played with in December - - - same case, same controls, even the same remote. But that's where the similarity ends.

This new offering projects a smaller, but sharper, image than its predecessor - - - 6 feet wide in contrast to the 9-foot display you get with the 4805. But don't be fooled, a 6-foot image still dwarfs the 50- or 55-inch plasma or LCD displays you get at more than twice the price at your friendly, neighborhood electronics store.

The x3 is capable of handling everything from multimedia presentations to movies, boasting a bevy of inputs ranging from VGA to HDTV. Unfortunately you need to purchase an adapter to handle the newer digital (DVI) video cards that come standard with many computers today, but that's a minor inconvenience.

I tested this new projector using a notebook computer, DVD player and a game console and it handled all of them without a hiccup. In fact, since the image was sharper than the one projected by the 4805, I was able to discover some minute details I missed back in December. This also made me wonder if I hadn't been enamored with the huge image of the older projector and reduced it to only six feet wide, if the clarity would have been the same.

Other key features include:

• A 2000:1 contrast ratio.
• Automatic de-interlacing for "smooth, true-to-life images that jump off the screen."
• Wide-screen capability (to display DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen).
• An infrared remote control or you can go wireless by attaching a LiteShow wireless receiver.
• A zoom lens with manual focus and manual zoom adjust.
• 2000 to 4000 hours of lamp life depending on temperature, altitude, etc.
• Texas Instruments DLP display technology.
• It only weighs 6.8 pounds.

For more information and a list of accessories, check out the company's Web site at www.infocus.com.

---

 

To comment on this article, contact me here.