NEC VT47 Digital Video Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)This past Thanksgiving, after much prayer, and begging to my wife I was finally able to complete my home theater. I have had the opportunity to try out many projectors through the years, always hoping one day I would find the perfect one: Good Contrast and resolution with multi-capabilities such as computer, s-video, all the way down to RCA plug-ins. Also it had to have huge "bang-for-the-buck" factors. I am not disappointed!
This Projector by NEC was surprising in many ways. They packed it with a cool, very simplified, remote. Plus, they threw in an extra computer cable so you can plug it right in. Nice.
It is very light at 7lbs and the brightness of the 1500 ansi lumens soaks the screen to display vividly sharp details. I have tried out many films so far to test its quality: Fast and the Furious, Nemo, A Bugs life plus others. None had any problems. Computer animated films sparkle on this machine.
There is a fan within the projector to keep down the temp. Most people decide on purchasing depending on the loudness of the fan alone. Gratefully, it is amazingly quiet. Once you turn it off it blows in high gear for about ten seconds then its done.
Here's the catch: You have to want a big picture. The projector does come with an easy zoom function to control picture size, but the kicker is, with it being fifteen feet away from the screen the smallest the image can get is 6ft wide / 5ft tall. Many may worry about dvd artifacting or pixelization at that size, but again, no worries. At 15 feet the image could easily be 10 feet across if I so choose. Nice, once more.
If your deciding on a projector that has vivid color detail and large picture capabilities, even with the lights on, look no further. Like I said, I have tested many through the years, some costing five to ten thousand dollars, you will find very little difference between them and this power packed machine. Hats off to NEC. ~SAOS~

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800 x 600 resolution 400:1 contrast ratioMaximum 1500 ANSI lumens of brightnessSupports PC NTSC PAL SECAM and HDTV signalsSimple color-coded connections for all sourcesRemote control; 2-year warranty

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Epson PowerLite S1 Multimedia Video Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)Looking at the S1 in respect to using it for home theatre -
* it provides a brighter picture than most Home Theatre Projectors at 1200 Lumens
* the picture is very clear
* the colours are accurate and vibrant
* the contrast is average. DLP PJ's like the Infocus X1 have better contrast but u risk seeing rainbow effects with cheap DLP PJ's
* It has a short throw lens so 10 feet gets approx 100 inch diagonal screen so it can suit small rooms down to say 9 x 9 feet
* It doesnt have a genuine zoom feature so placement in a room is limited
* It is SVGA resolution but with the .5 size pixels (instead of .7 on most SVGA PJ's) screen door/pixelation is much reduced. I have it in my 12' by 11' bedroom at a diagonal screen size of approx 95' and it looks supurb.
* Fan sound is about average. It exhausts the air out the front so can be mounted close to a wall
* It doesnt have manual individual colour adjustments. The 5 preset viewing modes will be fine for most, coupled with the ability to adjust contrast/brightness.
* Try to position the PJ at right angles to the screen in order to avoid using keystone correction. The picture looks slightly better if u dont use keystone correction with this PJ.
* The PJ itself is very inexpensive and the replacement lamps are the cheapest i have ever seen. Would be good if the lamp could go more than 2000 hours but since they are so cheap its not so much of an issue.
* Many S1's are sold/have been sold so it should be easy to get replacement items such as lamps in the future.
* Doesnt have a individual component video connection. U have to use the RGB port so if u have a pc u have to share this port. Would have been good to have a seperate component video port.
There are several entry level PJ's which are providing performance at a level previously only found on PJ's much more expensive. At similar to the EPSON S1 price point you could look at Infocus X1, Hitachi CPS210, Sanyo Z1 amongst others.
In Summary Epson S1 - Bright, very clear picture, excellent colours, short throw, cheap globes
Im very happy with the S1. The most important issue above all is the picture and this PJ's picture is crystal clear, bright and vibrant.
Regards Talisman

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Early Adopters Pick: July 2003. The S1 from Epson is a price-busting portable projector that delivers brilliant, full-featured SVGA performance, under $1,000.
With a footprint of just 14.6 by 10.4 inches, the S1 sets up on nearly any convenient surface and weighs just 7 pounds, making transportation painless. An SVGA native resolution of 800 x 600 ensures that projected images retain their clarity even at great distances, while 24-bit color support of over 16.7 million colors results in accurate, true-to-life images. A monitor out capability lets you display images on both the projected screen and on a monitor simultaneously, while compatibility with both PC and Mac operating systems ensures that your presentations a snap to set up, no matter where you are. The 400:1 contrast ratio provides sharp detail, and 1,200 ANSI lumens of brightness results in projections that are easy to see from anywhere in the room. The 132 W UHE lamp provides over 2,000 hours of lamp life, while the internal power supply consumes 180 watts during normal operation and just 5 watts in stand-by mode.
The S1 has a variable aspect ratio of either 4:3 or 16:9 and an adjustable projection screen size of 30 to 300 inches. The digital zoom/manual focus lens has an F-number of 1.4 and an f-number range of 16.6mm, which combine with digital keystone correction of plus or minus 15 degrees to help achieve accurate, in-focus projections across the entirety of the image. The S1 supports NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL, M-PAL, N-PAL, PAL60, SECAM, and HDTV formats, the latter including 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i. Mini DIN, RCA, and mini D-sub signal inputs and an RS232C control input are provided. The internal fan emits less than 33 dB of noise during normal operation, while the internal 1-watt mono speaker provides a clear, intelligible internal audio output. The remote operates at a distance of up to 19.7 feet and provides control over a wide range of projector functions. The S1 also comes backed with a two-year limited warranty.
What's in the BoxProjector, power cable, computer cable, projector remote control with lithium battery, presentation remote control, soft carrying case, air filter, CD-ROM, Quick Setup Sheet

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Large Backyard Drive-in Outdoor Projector Screen Review

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(More customer reviews)The first time that we used the screen, we were amazed. We love the size and it is easy to put up if you follow directions. I am usually not good at following directions, but along with my husband it was so easy; and that is were the excitement began.

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Experience the ultimate in outdoor entertainmentMovies, video games, and sporting events will be larger than life in your own backyard. Its portability allows the screen to be quickly and easily constructed and taken down for any type of event. The Backyard Drive-inTM is a great addition to any evening. Watch the jaws drop at your next corporate presentation or trade show. The Backyard Drive-inTM utilizes an expandable aluminum framework fitted with a projection screen made of an engineered fabric designed to withstand wear and weather.FAQ'sWhy is this better than a inflatable outdoor screen?The Back Yard Drive-in is far more stable and durable. No air pumps or electrical cords to deal with. No noisy fans to distract you from your movie experience.What are the dimensions of your screens?Large: viewing area: 145" Diag,10' 6"w x 6'h total product area: 12'w x 6'd x 9'h Extra Large: viewing area: 186" Diag, 13' 6"w x 9'h total product area: 15'w x 8'd x 12'h How long does the Backyard Drive-inTM take to set-up?The average set-up time runs between 7'12 minutes. What is the frame of the Backyard Drive-inTM made of?Commercial grade aluminum Is the screen made of a special material?Yes, the Backyard Drive-inTM utilizes a perforated durable vinyl coated polyester which is treated for water and flame resistance and UV protection. Is the screen washable?Yes, by using a mild detergent and a soft brush, you can rinse down yourscreen with a garden house. That being said, please ensure screen is completely dry before you fold and store it. Can the Backyard Drive-inTM handle wind and rain?Yes, by following the recommended setup, the Backyard Drive-inTM has been designed to withstand all average outdoor weather conditions and winds up to20 miles an hour. Please be reminded that the Backyard Drive-inTM is notMeant to be a permanent structure, so it should not be left unattendedFor lengthy periods of time.

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Yamaha YST-SW315 10-Inch Digital Pro Series Subwoofer (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I picked up the Sony 8" (SA-WM250 100-Watt) Active Subwoofer recently, and it's quite nice (especially the price at under $100.00). But this smaller system can't hold a candle to the Yahama. This 10" system pumps out clean, crisp base and its cut-off option allows the user to limit the higher frequency response of the sub-woofer (and let your mid-range speakers do the job). The result - a pretty massive, well defined bottom that can be as subtle or as "in your face" as you like it and which will nicely compliment just about any existing audio/visual system.
Because I use a pair of smaller AAD speakers, I keep the volume level for the subwoofer at below 50%, but the frequency cut-off a bit higher (110 hz out of max 140hz) for a nicely balanced, very full sound. Another nice feature is a bass button selection for either (i) music, or (ii) movies. The latter provides maximum bass response - suitable for achieving something similar to what you get in movie theatres - the rumbling bass that lodges in your stomach. The former, music option, is ideal and very complimentary to my existing stereo arrangement.
If you're unhappy with the response of your shelf speakers (want more oomph?), you'll love this Yamaha subwoofer. It'll add depth to your existing system, and add real luster to your audio-video setup. I recently re-watched "The Two Towers" on DVD using the Yahama - the experience was truly like a return to the theatre.


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Yamaha's YST-SW315 offers 250 high-efficiency watts--enough power to deliver shattering, movie-theater-like bass effects. Full enjoyment of Dolby Digital and DTS surround sources requires deep, clear bass. This is especially true with 5.1- and 6.1-channel sound, because the ".1" channel is dedicated to the bass frequencies. That means you not only need a subwoofer, but a high-power subwoofer capable of handling extremely low frequencies. The YST-SW315's down-firing 10-inch driver translates power into clean bass sound, and the YST-SW315 boasts a frequency response of 20 to 160 Hz (-10 dB at the extremes of the range).The YST-SW315 delivers high power at deep bass frequencies, with excellent stability and low power consumption. This is made possible by the sub's highly efficient PWM (pulse-wave modulation) digital-drive power amplifier. The amplifier achieves superior conversion efficiency by minimizing power loss from the power transistors. It delivers stable audio power while minimizing AC power consumption and heat production. As it requires no output filter coil, it's extremely quiet with low distortion.Yamaha's patented Advanced Active Servo Technology (Advanced YST) generates incredible bass from small speaker enclosures. This system uses negative-impedance feedback in the amp and a Helmholtz resonator in the speaker to provide strong and accurate bass.QD-Bass (Quatre Dispersion Bass) technology uses a down-firing driver with square, pyramid-shaped reflective plates to radiate sound efficiently in four horizontal directions. The reflective plates (not used in other brands' down-firing subwoofers) negate any effects caused by the floor surface and reduce resonance between sound waves reflected from the floor and the unit. Most other systems use circular cones, but the YST-SW315 avoids firing sound into the legs of the cabinet by radiating in four directions. Changing the height of the pyramid varies the acoustic load, permitting relatively simple high-cut adjustment and improving bandpass properties. QD-Bass also grants greater freedom of placement, since the sound radiates with equal effectiveness in all directions.The user-adjustable, continuously variable high-cut filter sets the highest frequency the subwoofer will deliver. It can be set anywhere from 40 to 140 Hz. For instance, if the filter is set at 75 Hz, only frequencies 75 Hz or below will be delivered by the subwoofer. This allows the sub's output to be matched to the lowest reproducible frequency of other speakers in the system and the room's acoustics for a seamless presentation.The rotary volume control permits the perfect matching of the sub's output to the overall volume of the system. The YST-SW315 has a signal-sensing circuit. When the subwoofer detects an audio signal, it turns its power on. When it senses no signal for several minutes, it shuts itself off.Yamaha's BASS (Bass Action Selector Switch) tailors the sub's output for video or music at the touch of a switch. Two sets of inputs let the sub accept either line- or speaker-level inputs, while a handy phase normal/reverse switch makes it easy to phase the subwoofer with the other speakers in your system.Three-way speaker terminals accept banana plug and a variety of other connectors, as well as speaker wire, and the YST-SW315's thick, rigid MDF cabinet reduces vibrations and resonance. The speaker's handsome black-ash finish blends in with room decor and complements many furnishing styles, and it's magnetically shielded so you can place it near a TV or computer monitor without degrading the picture.What's in the Box Subwoofer, user's manual, and warranty information.

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Sharper Image Wonderwall Entertainment Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)As I chose to pick up this unit at Kohl's, I did so confident that no matter how low my expectations, this would probably disappoint me. Upon reading the limited reviews and board comments, I was convinced it would be bad. Therefore, I started testing the projector as soon as I brought it home. To my pleasant surprise, this device was actually really good.
First off, sound. The sound is actually pretty good. It does a mono sound, but at full volume, it was ok in a quite room. The sound could be heard clearly from another room. I could see it failing in a loud or crowded room, however it comes with a headphone jack. You can also plug certain external powered speakers into this jack to supplement the sound if you feel the need to.
Now more importantly, the video. I tested the video with two movies on my standard DVD player. In order to see the projector at it's best, I tested it on the simpsons, a high bright picture with low detail. It functioned splendidly. I shot the picture at close range (about three feet) to produce a 27'' TV equivalent. Then I shot it across the room, about 10 feet, and received about a 130 inch TV equivalent. The image was shot on a white wall for the three foot, and white drawn curtains for the 10 foot. I also ran it both with and without the lights on in the room. At three feet, the light on did very little to effect the image. At 10 feet, the image suffered substantially(grew paler), but seeing as how this is 4 feet and 60 inches bigger than even they recommend, I am still impressed. I have not tested this product during the day as of yet.
The simpsons was clear and crisp at both distances. It did have some blurring, which seemed to appear and go away, and was mot prevalent at the center of the screen. As another reviewer mentioned, the screen has crisscrosses on it, which is unavoidable. Anyone who has dealt with a slight amount of snow when watching TV has faced worse. The "crisscross" is simply dark lines that appear in a crisscross pattern across the image, which is a result of the low resolution of the screen. The larger the image, the larger the dark lines. I can't say it bothers me, it is solidly there and unchanging, and doesn't effect the picture (except perhaps making the image appear darker). And depending on the angle and distance you watch from, you can't even see the crisscrosses
The second movie I tested was Final Fantasy, spirit within, a detail orientated dark movie. I could say it was watchable at the 10 foot distance. The darks and lights didn't show very well, and significant detail is lost. At three feet, their was still a lot of lost detail, but the dark scenes show up a lot more clearly.
All in all, the projector works great. It has a moderately loud fan, but the sound more than makes up for it. It is a $100 projector, and everyone who gets it needs to keep that in mind. The bottom line is that if you are looking for an HDTV or hi res experience, this is not for you. If you are looking for a replacement living room TV, this is probably not for you. If you are looking for some portable tv replacement, or something that lets you watch tv on the ceiling or some other wierd area of your house at the drop of a dime. This would be great. This is great for snuggling up at night with some popcorn in a movie theater experience, or even outdoors in the backyard watching your favorite romantic comedy or something like that.
Simply put, know what you are getting, it works, as a toy. Like it says on its box, it is typically for video games (high contrast, low detail, bright colors), and thus works well for them. It is more than I expected, and in my opinion, well worth the money. And when the next level of projector is 6 times the price of this one, this is the closest any of us low income guys are going to get to owning our own projector to play with.
Update:
Please note that I did NOT review a sharper image wonderwall projector. It shows the same picture... It is NOT worth the price tag of $300 some dollars I see, I got it for less than $100, which is why my review was geared as such. I am not sure if amazon has messed up, or if the product got bought out by sharper image, but you could buy a high quality "real" projector for that price.

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Infocus LP500 DLP Video Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)Our office needed a second InFocus machine and I lobbied for this unit. We currently use an LP280 but that was purchased for road use-which is why we need a second unit, the other's always out of the office.
I wanted this unit as this is the only product I have found in this price range that uses DCDi by Faroudja. Considering this technology used "to cost alot of money" this is an incredible bargain. Basically, it smoothes the jiggles of still AND moving images. We do a lot of process control work and use a lot of animation. This solves a common problem in many LCD and DLP projectors, and seems to make non-native resolution use much better (the LP500 is SVGA native resolution). It appears this model was a carryover from Boxlight before they were bought out by InFocus, and used an exclusive contract with Faroudja, who has also been bought out twice, but the model retains this critical technology that still leads the industry. The "money" more we spent on this vs. the LP280 was worth it for this feature alone.
This unit has a dual voltage/lumen feature that increases bulb life and reduces heat. (A big plus as changing bulbs on these puppies is a royal-and time consuming-pain.) This lower setting also increases contrast for blacks, which is helpful for theater use.
The unit comes with GOOD MANUALS! A lot of the time you have to sort of read the manual and intuit what the heck they are trying to say. That's not the case here. The manuals are clear, concise and complete!
This is a far superior unit stylistically-very modern and attractive, unlike the LP280 which, though a modern device, nevertheless always seems to project a 1950's feel sitting there in the middle of a meeting.
On the downside, the input are basic but adequate. The remote is just OK-it's small and clumsy to use in dark room situations, but once you get acclimated to it it's passable. The bulb's difficult to replace and-as usual with these things-relatively expensive. However, the aforementioned dual voltage/lumen feature should reduce the frequency changes overall.
I can't attest to this unit's traveling characteristics since it hasn't moved from the center of our conference table since it was unpacked. However, the case and accessories seems sturdy and well designed. Our LP280 does well and I'd imagine this one would as well.
The accessory package is fairly complete. There are some adaptors for more varied inputs available as well as other accessories, but we see no real need for them. My experience has been these things cost more than the value they add.
An excellent unit, especially if your presentation requirement border on "theatre" type conditions. A lot of value for the money with this puppy!

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The InFocus LP500 offers an unbeatable 2,000 ansi lumens of brightness that guarantees images are sharply bright under any lighting conditions and nearly any size conference room. Its small size--just 10 by 11 by 3.4 inches--and 5-pound weight make it easily portable, and a soft-sided carrying case is included to get you on the road instantly. The full-feature remote allows you to smoothly run your presentations with style. Digital keystone corrections keep graphics clear while the manual zoom provides you with plenty of attention-getting possibilities. Data compatibilities are offered through VGA, SVGA, XGA, Macintosh, and 1080i/720p HDTV formats, while the built-in 1-watt speakers supply you with the multimedia tools you need. The manufacturer includes a two-year warranty that covers parts and service.

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EyeClops Mini Projector Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been delighted with the Eyeclops mini projector. It was purchased to watch movies and play video games on my ceiling at night and it serves this purpose in a satisfactory manner. The poor contrast and low quality resolution can make dark video games more challenging, but overall, it produces a fairly impressive image for the price. This is not meant to compete with high-end projectors, but then again, you do find it in the toy department for a reason.
Pros: Portable, reasonably sturdy, great price.
Cons: Low resolution, poor contrast, LED lamp requires near total darkness, patches of image are tinted red or green.


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Imagine...your favorite movies, TV shows and video games, super-sized and on the go! With the EyeClops Mini Projector, you can experience all of your media anywhere - indoors, outdoors and everywhere in between - with a screen size up to 60". Works with DVD players, mp3 & multimedia players like iPod and iPhone, video games and more! Power with the included DC adaptor or the portable battery pack (requires 4 'D' Batteries, not included). Get the big picture! Ages 8+. Works with included DC adaptor or 4 'D' Batteries (not included).

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