The InFocus IN72 Play Big has the same eye catching, futuristic, black and silver, highly curved body as it’s higher specification family member the IN76 which won the European Projector of the Year 2006-2007 awarded by the European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA). It only “under the hood” that the differences become obvious.

The IN72 has a native 480p (854×480) high definition output with other formats being scaled to fit the native resolution. In comparison, two other projectors in the Play Big range the IN74EX and the IN76 have resolutions of (1024×576) and the IN76 (1280×720) respectively.

An interesting feature of the IN72 is the swivel and tilt pedestal. Functionally the base is far easier to use for setup than multiple extendible support legs. The pedestal can be removed if the unit is to be ceiling mounted. Lens shift is not included so digital keystone correction needs to be used to correct any projected image distortion.

Digital Light Processing Projector

The InFocus IN72 Texas Instruments high definition (720p) .55” 480p DarkChip 2 DMD chip is an excellent microdisplay chip but does have a higher specification sibling, the DarkChip3. The DarkChip3 has flatter mirrors with superior reflective properties and reduced inter-pixel spacings (better “fill factor”). Although the DarkChip 2 is a “budget” projector choice it does support Texas Instruments Brilliant Color technology. Brilliant Color was designed to compensate for loss of color saturation when a white segment is added to the color wheel which in not the situation with the IN76. InFocus is targeting the home entertainment market where deeper blacks are more important than extra brightness is in the business world.

Pixelworks DNX Video Processing/Enhancement Chip.

The Pixelworks DNX video processor included by InFocus will be appreciated by kids who like to use a video projector for their games console. The DNX technology uses the following enhancement techniques to deliver a clearer, more natural-looking standard and high-definition video images:

• DNX Motion-Adaptive De-Interlacing
• DNX PixelBoost
• DNX Rich Color Processing
• DNX Video Enhancement Processing
• DNX Noise Reduction
• Digital Deflection Control

The DNX chip also provides the digital keystone correction.

Quick Facts

• Light engine: 16:9 format native 480p (854×480) resolution DLP DarkChip2, and a six-segment (RGBRGB) 4x speed color wheel. ANSI lumens: 900 (bright mode) – suitable for a home entertainment situation
• Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 – a very reasonable value for contrast ratio
• Lamp Life: 3000 hours (normal operating mode)
• Compatibility: DVI/HDMI (HDCP), HDTV 1080p50/60 1080p/24, 1080i, 1035i, 720p, 576p, 576i, 480p, 480i, and computer resolutions up to XGA (1024×768). NTSC, PAL, SECAM.
• Digital Keystone Correction (vertical only): +/- 20 degrees
• Lens Shift: not included
• Throw Ratio: 1.76:1 – 2.12:1 (distance/width)

Connectors

• HDMI
• USB
• RCA component video
• S-video 4-pin mini-DIN
• RCA composite video
• DVI-D 24-pin
• mini-phone 3.5mm jack

The HDMI (high definition multimedia interface), connector is a good inclusion providing a convenient, high quality interface with high definition video sources.

The USB port allows firmware updates to be downloaded from InFocus’ web site.

Warranty

InFocus provides a one year warranty with 90 days on the lamp.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Infocus Play Big IN72 480p DLP Home Theater Projector

Replacement Lamp 3000 Hours IN72 IN74 IN76

Projector-Gear Projector Ceiling Mount fits INFOCUS IN72 Projectors

RPLMNT LAMP 3000HR-IN72 IN74 IN76 IN78

Infocus InFocus Play Big IN72 IN72

InFocus IN72 DLP Home Theater Projector

InFocus SP-LAMP-025 Projector Lamp for IN72, IN74, IN76

Further Reading

Presentation Technology Reviews has reviewed the higher specification, award winning home theatre projector the InFocus IN76.

A previous review covered InFocus’s projectors aimed for the education market the InFocus Learn Big IN24 and IN26 projectors.

You may like to read our review of an excellent higher specification projector, the Optoma HD81.

Projection Screen Selection Guide

Tips for Extending Projector Lamp Life

Guide to Replacement Projector Lamps and Bulbs

Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems (2007 Edition)

Home Theaters and Electronic Houses

Infocus Play Big IN72 480p DLP Home Theater Projector