InFocus IN1 DLP Gaming Projector Review

All gamers desire that feeling of immersion when playing their favorite game. A projector and a home theater sound system are one way to achieve it but, it’s too costly an option for many. Recognizing a market need, InFocus have produced the Play Big IN1 Gaming projector. The IN1 is an all-in-one solution delivering projection, audio, connectivity and portability for the gaming enthusiast. The projector comes with all the connectivity options required for the latest gaming consoles (Playstation, Wii and X-Box) and entertainment devices (DVD player or cable box).

InFocus IN1 DLP Gaming Projector

Projection

The Infocus IN1 projection engine is based on DLP technology from Texas instruments. The IN1 has a VGA (640 x 480 pixels) native resolution. The contrast ratio is a respectable 1500:1 – especially as it is for Full On/Full Off testing which delivers lower contrast ratio figures. With a brightness of 500 ANSI lumens (max), a low ambient light environment is required for a bright on-screen projected image.

The rainbow effect is a susceptibility for single chip (DMD) projectors however, InFocus have countered it by using a 6 segment color wheel at a higher 6x speed. Susceptibility to seeing rainbow blur varies with individuals so it would be best to try the projector in-store.

Interestingly, the InFocus IN1 has a flip up mirror for projecting the image on the ceiling rather than a screen.

InFocus mention an 8 foot image however, given a more conservative projector to screen distance of 10 feet, a 5.6 feet wide image could be expected (lens throw ratio = 1.8:1). As there is no digital keystone or lens shift available for correcting image skewing or zoom for image size adjustment, the projector needs to be positioned just right.

The video compatibility range is respectably wide including: full NTSC, PAL, SECAM, 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p and 1080i.

Connectivity

Connectivity is obviously important given the projectors portability and the likelihood of being connected to numerous different audio visual sources. The Infocus IN1 has multiple S-video, component and composite inputs for seamless connectivity to DVD players, cable and satellite boxes. The projector comes with a gold-plated Wii component connectivity cable for the best signal transmission possible.

Audio

The IN1 comes with its own sound system with a built-in amplifier combined with a two speaker stereo system. Infocus has based the design of the audio system upon high-performance car audio technology. The 7 Watt stereo speakers match the sort of power rating one would expect of HDTV television speakers.

Portability

At 9.9lbs (4.49kg) the IN1 is reasonably portable. A padded backpack is included to assist. The form factor is compact at 8.5 x 10.39 x 13.35 inches (21.59 x 26.39 x 33.91 cm) for easy handling.

The projection bulb is rated at 1000 hours. At this time the bulbs brightness will be half what is initially was. So, factor in the lifetime costs of replacements when considering a purchase. Often replacements will be cheaper if purchased with the projector.

The Play Big IN1 comes with a 90-day warranty on the projector and lamp. The warranty term for the lamp is standard for the market but, for the projector it is shorter than the fairly common one year.

Although the InFocus Play Big IN1 misses out on some of the features of more expensive home theatre projectors, it is a well priced and well featured for its intended duty as gaming projector.

Specification for InFocus IN1 DLP Gaming Projector

Display
Native Aspect Ratio:	4×3
Supported Aspect Ratio:	4:3, 16:9
Brightness: (Video Optimized Lumens)	Whisper: Not Available High Bright: 500 max ANSI lumens max ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio:	1500 : 1 Full On/Full Off
Display Technology:	DLP™ by Texas Instruments®
Video Compatibility:	Full NTSC, PAL, SECAM, 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i
Color Wheel	6-segment, 6x
Native Resolution:	VGA
Projector Placement:	Front Projection, Ceiling Projection
SMPTE Brightness:	Not Available
Lamp Wattage:	Whisper: Not Available High Bright:132 Watts
Lamp Life:	Whisper: Not Available High Bright: 1000 Hours
Minimum Image Size:	3.33 ft (1.01 m)
Maximum Image Size:	17.5 ft (5.33 m)
Standard Lens Zoom:	1 : 1
Standard Lens Throw Ratio:	1.8:1 (Distance/Width)
Standard Lens Image Offset Ratio:	112% (+/- 5%)
Standard Lens Projection Distance:	5 - 26.25 ft (1.52 - 8 m)
Digital Keystone Correction (Vertical):	Not Available
Digital Keystone Correction (Horizontal):	Not Available
Lens Shift:	Not Available
Inputs and Outputs
DVI:	Not Available
M1:	Not Available
HDMI:	Not Available
BNC:	Not Available
Component (RCA):	Number of Inputs: 1 Must use component RCA inputs on Gamer Dock
VESA (HD15):	Not Available
S-Video:	Number of Inputs: 1 seven pin mini-din - accepts 4-pin svideo cables and 7-pin component video adapter cable (SP-VIDEO-ADPT)
Composite (RCA):	Number of Inputs: 1
Standard Definition TV:	Composite RCA, S-Video, Component RCA
Enhanced Definition TV:	Component RCA
High Definition TV:	Component RCA
HDCP Support:	No
Stereo RCA Jacks Inputs:	Yes
Stereo 3.5 mm Mini-jack Inputs:	Yes
12v trigger for motorized screens (3.5 mm mini-jack):	No
Projector Control:	Projector Keypad
Speakers:	7-Watt stereo speakers
Monitor Output:	No
Audio Output:	Headphone output: 3.5mm stereo minijack
Compatibility
H-Sync Range:	31 - 69kHz
V-Sync Range:	43.5 - 130Hz
Video Compatibility:	Full NTSC, PAL, SECAM, 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i
General
Audible Noise:	Not Available
Actual Dimensions:	Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm) Length: 10.39 in (26.39 cm) Width: 13.35 in (33.91 cm)
Actual Weight:	9.9 lbs (4.49 kg)
Projector Warranty:	90 days
Lamp Warranty:	90 days
Accessories Warranty:	90 days
Operating temperature:	(at sea level) 50 - 104° F (10 - 40° C)
Maximum Altitude Supported:	10000 ft (3048 m)
Typical Power Consumption:	240 Watts
Maximum Power Consumption:	260 Watts
Power Supply:	100 - 240 Volts at 50 - 60 Hz
Approvals:	FCC B (US/Canada), CCC (China), IRAM (Argentina), GOST (Russia), UL & cUL (US/Canada), TUV GS (Germany), NOM (Mexico), EK & MIC (Korea), C-Tick (Australia), ICES-003 Class B, EN 55022 Class B, IEC and EN 60950-1, WEE