[Greg_R]

Hi everyone. I am new to the digital area and need some help! I have a large gift certificate to the Dell website and am looking for something to spend it on. The Dell MP2100 is under $1k. I have seen an Infocus X1 and was impressed... how close does the Dell come in terms of image quality? Should I bother to get this PJ or am I better off getting something else from Dell (like an LCD panel)? The PJ will be used primarily for gaming and some TV... I have a CRT for movies. Thanks in advance for the suggestions!

 

[thaweaz]

The answer probably depends on what is more important to you. (what products you need vs. want). I have seen neither projectors, but am looking to get one for a smaller extra room. I've heard good stuff about the Infocus and it's lifetime is stated at 3000hrs. It's seams like a better value. You said you have seen it in use. What was your opinion of it?


If you find others say the dell is good, I'd get it, but there are a lot of toys on that website now.

 

[Greg_R]

I saw the Infocus X1 side by side with an NEC PG6 (Runco version) and the Infocus Screenplay line. The X1 presented a very serviceable picture... I saw no hint of rainbows or other artifacts that people complain about (maybe I'm not susceptible?). However, the X1 tended to spray light everywhere vs. the Screenplay which had very little light leakage. Colors on the X1 were visually appealing (we didn't do any measurements) and the internal scaler did impressive work.


If the Dell PJ's performance is anywhere close to the X1 I would be happy (keep in mind I will not be using it for critical viewing). However, motion artifacts are a concern since it will be used for gaming.

 

[Roto]

The Dell should be comparable to the X1 with a progressive source. The main advantages the X1 has are the zoom lens and the Faroudja DCDi chip, which would give it a distinct advantage over the Dell 2100 for anything through S-Video.


Do you have satellite or cable? I have Comcast digital cable and the new HD boxes they use (Motorola 5100) can upconvert to 480p so you wouldn't have to use the sub-par (from what I've heard) deinterlacer on the Dell.

 

[Greg_R]

Thanks Rob. I will probably drive the Dell with my HTPC.