InFocus X9 Projector Review

Posted on November 12, 2008 by Art Feierman

Specs Preview

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InFocus X9 Specs
Price	1099
Technology	DLP
Native Resolution	1280X720
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	1800
Contrast	2,500:1
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.1:1
Lens Shift	No
Lamp Life	4000 hours low power (eco-mode), 3500 hours at full lamp power
Weight	5.8
Warranty	2 Years Parts and Labor

InFocus X9 Projector Highlights

Ease of use
Really good color right out of the box in all modes (with Brilliant Color on)
Very sharp image
Can double as a viable, entry-level widescreen projector for business
Limited zoom lens range, limits placement flexibility
Two year warranty - better than most entry level home projectors
Limited color controls - no grayscale calibration possible (lack of separate R, G, B colors) may turn off the "enthusiasts" and "tweakers"
Nice projector for the family and bonus rooms with some ambient light
Can be ceiling mounted, but is small enough to take it with you, or move from room to room

InFocus X9 Projector - Overview

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The X9 is a very interesting projector. It seems to me that InFocus has realized that in the entry level 720p projector space, there is room for a very bright home theater projector that will work well in family rooms, bonus rooms, and other less than optimal locations. InFocus has definitely put the X9's emphasis on brightness, and ease of use. Rather than being a projector designed for the hard core enthusiast (not that it's image won't impress them as well), it looks to be a very good projector for those that just want to kick back, and enjoy a good image, an image that is brighter than most of the comparable competition can produce.

We are pleased to award the X9 with our Special Interest award. We would have liked to see more comprehensive image controls for the enthusiasts out there, and perhaps a touch better black levels, but it's brightness, out of the box color, ease of use, and sharpness, definitely earn this projector an award!

That's not to say that there aren't other bright projectors, notably the Panasonic PT-AX200U, which is fairly similarly priced. At this price point, for those that prefer DLP projectors over LCD projectors, this small black under six pound projector, is the about the brightest around, unless you are willing to spend a bit more, for the slightly more upscale Optoma HD71.

Thanks to the small size, and light weight of the InFocus X9, there is even a silver lining. The X9 makes a very nice entry level widescreen projector as well, supporting WXGA in both 1280x720, and the popular laptop screen format of 1280x800 (16:10 aspect ratio).