Infocus 2100 Series | 2102EP, 2104EP and 2106EP DLP Classroom Projectors Review

The Infocus 2100 Series of classroom projectors share an identical features platform apart from differing native resolutions;

2102EP SVGA – 800 x 600 pixels (for older PCs + DVD players),
2104EP XGA – 1024×768 pixels (current industry standard resolution) and
2106EP WXGA 1280 x 800 (newer PCs)

Infocus 2100 Series DLP Classroom Projectors

You get the best image quality when viewing a source matching the native resolution (no scaling required) however, video compatibility encompasses;

Data Compatibility – VGA (640×480), SVGA (800×600, Native), XGA (1024×768)
Video Compatibility – Full NTSC, PAL, SECAM, 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i

The 2100 series is promoted by InFocus as being a projector for those with a limited budget however, all have up to 2500 lumens of brightness which means that you will still have a bright projected image even if there is a fair amount of ambient light such as spill from fluorescent lights. The contrast ratio, which delivers more detail in darker scenes and is a major contributor to image quality, is comparatively high at 2000:1.

The Infocus 2100EP projectors are based on Texas Instruments DLP Technology (.55 inch LVDS DDP2230 /w) and have the benefits of BrilliantColor including improved brightness and a wider range of colors for more natural looking images. The color wheel has 5 segments which reduces the likelihood of those susceptible seeing a rainbow effect (a weakness of DLP projection technology).

Setting up the InFocus 2100 Series

As a classroom projector the InFocus 2100 Series projectors are most likely to be permanently installed mounted on the ceiling. For insuring no keystone distortion of the projected image there is vertical keystone correction +/- 20 degrees available. The zoom available is 1.1 – 1.0 which does not provide a lot of flexibility in distance from the screen for a given projected image size however, given the likely application it’s adequate for the job.

Input sources which can be accommodated by the 2100EP models include; input sources (2) D-sub HD15, S-Video, Composite Video, USB, (2) Audio-in, RS232. The RS232 port is standard for integrating with a classroom or meeting room control system. As well as an audio output, there is a 5V 2A output trigger and a monitor look through (HD15) so the teacher can see what is being projected behind him on a monitor while still facing their audience. The 2W onboard speaker is adequate for only a close, small group so it is expected that the audio out will be connected to a room sound system.

InFocus have made the IN2100 models dust free to make maintaining a ceiling mounted projector less burdensome. A reasonably long projection bulb life of 3000 hours is also useful. When required, the projection lamp can be replaced without removing the installed projector.

For physical security the projectors come with a Kensington lock and for data security there is a PIN code feature.

The Infocus 2100 series could not really be classed as portable at 6.9 lbs (3.1kg). If you are looking for a portable classroom projector it would be best to look at the IN1101 Series which InFocus have designed specifically to be lightweight and portable.

The projector has comparatively long warranties of 3 years for the projector itself and 1 year for the lamp (90 days is common).