Classroom Projector Report: Best School Projectors for K-12 Education
April 2011 -Art Feierman, Editor
May 23, 2011 UPDATE: All projectors considered in this report have been reviewed and posted!
16 Projectors we've recently reviewed, plus sixty additional projectors are considered in this report. Reviews were done by Tony, Mike, and myself. Awards are based on feedback from all reviewers. -art
This year's Guide to the Report, Special Features, Projector Guide, Physical Tour, Image Quality and Performance pages are completed. The Summary page, is not yet completed , so that page still discusses the projectors from last year's report. We also still need to choose the 2011 Outstanding Product and the Award Winners as well. The second section of the report - (60+ projectors) is now in process, and will post within the week.
Check out last year's report here.
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Classroom and Education Projectors - Overview
This is our second annual report focusing on projectors for schools. While our attention is primarily on use in K-12 classrooms and multi-purpose rooms, a few of the projectors are bright enough for small auditorium work. This year, we've got a few small portables, a number of classic small fixed install projectors (mostly large portable sized, but well designed for mounting in classroom or conference room), some 3D capable projectors, and a few interactive projectors for your consideration. In our opinion, several of these projectors really aren't education focused in design, but either the manufacturer felt it was able to compete, or simply, the closest thing they had that was available for review. In fairness several manufacturers passed this year, because they didn't want to go against the competition with their last year's models, and the new models weren't available by the deadline.
The goal of this report, is not to attempt to identify the absolute best classroom projector out of some 600 active projectors on the market. Perhaps 1/2 of those 600 are at least somewhat suitable for school use. Rather, our goal is to sample a wide range of projectors with varying capabilities and prices, so that teachers, business people, IT, AV managers, and, tech coordinators, etc., have a good basis for deciding what types of feature/benefits, what price points, what networking (if any) is needed. Still, you will find similarities between groups of projectors. There are several interactive projectors, even more total short and ultra-short throw projectors, and even a few more generic portables. Finally, we offer up several higher power projectors for your consideration, that can tackle larger rooms, even small auditoriums.
There are far too many projectors available for there to be a single best projector that's best for most school environments, but our hope is that between the fifteen reviews, and the specs and comments on another five dozen education oriented projectors, we will help you quickly narrow the choices, and make better decisions.
Our annual Best In Classroom awards will be given out to the best (and most interesting) of the reviewed projectors.
Again, this year, we offer additional comment on some 60 projectors that we did not review. We asked manufacturers to recommend one, or two series of projectors they felt best worked in school environments. From those we picked series we felt best, to add to our big sortable spreadsheet. We add comments on these series, although those will be the last part of the report finished. We do not give out awards to projectors we haven't actually reviewed.
A browser mage above projected using the Sharp PG-D45X3D projector
We'd tried to pack a lot of information and guidance in here. Many of you are experts in your own right, but not all of our readers of this report. Forgive our repetitiveness of some basic points.
We recommend that our visitors read (or scan) the Guide to the Report. Also helpful is the Special Features page. That Special Features page provides our take on more than a dozen features and benefits found in various of these projectors, and try to put them all in perspective. Finally if you click (or use the outline), it will launch our Features and Specs Chart for this year's reviewed projectors. It will launch in a separate window so you can quickly reference it when you want. You can sort the specs and features by any column, and for that matter, can sort two or more columns. Have fun with that!
Our goal was never to identify a single absolute best projector out there. First of all, it would be a herculean task. There's no publisher in the industry that could begin to pull that off. There are at least 500 projectors sold (in the US) for business or education use, by some 50 brands. Of those, perhaps 10 or 15 percent are extremely high power, or specialty projectors, that K-12 can live without, but most of the rest are likely very useable in schools. For perhaps half of those, the K-12 market was a definite focus in the design of the projector. All that math suggests there's at least three hundred projectors currently available for K-12 school use and 2/3rds of them were likely designed with education use as the primary goal (it is the largest single projector market).
Use our awards as guides to the projectors that impressed us the most, and therefore help you understand, at least, what (we think) a best projector looks like. Ultimately you want to find the one that best meets your needs. Often our biggest benefit is to occasionally point out something that you may not have considered.
The second section of the Classroom Projector Report: Best School Projectors for K-12 Education, is our attempt to let you expand your range, by letting you apply what you learned from the individual classroom projector reviews and awards. Then apply that to a larger selection of projectors. To do that we've looked at a number of "series" of projectors from major manufacturers.
We realize that it is common for a manufacturer to have 4 or 5 or even 7 similar projectors - say all with the same brightness, same box, same lens, but the one we reviewed might XGA, but among the others in the seriees might be an SVGA resolution projector, and Widescreen 1280x800, and perhaps versions of the XGA and Widescreen models, that have networking.
Last year when we looked at Casio, as they had what was probably the largest single series of projectors that was relevant. They have eight similar projectors in one series. I'm talking the same series as last year's reviewed XJ-A140. In Casio's case, it broke out like this:
Four lower power projectors - 2000 lumens, and four that are otherwise the same, but 2500 lumens
Four projectors are widescreen, four XGA (yes, two of each are 2000 lumen, two are 2500 lumen)
Four projectors have USB and wireless presenting, four do not.
And that, folks, creates a total of 8 projectors all slightly different from each other. Last year you could buy a Casio that's 2000 or 2500 lumens, with or without USB and wireless presenting, and with those combinations you then only have to choose between XGA and widescreen WXGA resolution. This year they've added even more models, but since we've reviewed another Green-Slim, we've included instead, 3 very different Casio's in this section.
Other series may have a lot more differences from one projector to the next, but usually at least a chasis, and many other components in common.
With that in mind we look at more than a dozen different series of projectors in this 2011-2012 school year report.
Enough, let's get to the projectors
Image below taken with the Acer X1261P DLP projector
Education Projectors Reviewed
Listed alphabetically, for your convenience, links
Read the full review of the Acer X1261P DLP projector or read the Acer X1261P specifications here.
Read the full review of the BenQ MP780ST projector or read the BenQ MP780ST specifications here.
Read the full review of the Casio XJ-A250V projector or read the Casio XJ-A250V specifications here.
Read the full review of the Epson Powerlite 1775W DLP projector or read the Epson Powerlite 1775W specs.
Read the full review of the Epson Powerlite 96W 3DLP projector or read the Epson Powerlite 96W specifications here.
Read the full review of the Epson BrightLink 455Wi interactive projector, or read the BrightLink 455Wi specifications here.
Read the full review of the Hitachi CP-X5021N LCD projector or read the Hitachi CP-X5021N specifications here.
Read the full review of the Hitachi CP-AW250N LCD projector, or read the Hitachi CP-AW250N specifications here.
Read the full review of the InFocus IN3916 DLP projector or read the InFocus IN3916 specifications here.
Read the full review of the NEC NP216 DLP projector or read the NEC NP216 specifications here.
Read the full review of the Optoma TW610ST DLP projector or read the Optoma TW610ST specifications here.
Read the full review of the Optoma TW675UTi-3D DLP projector or read the Optoma TW675UTi-3D specifications here.
Read the full review of the Samsung F10M DLP projector or read the Samsung F10M specifications here.
Read the full review of the Sanyo PLC-WM5500 DLP projector, or read the Sanyo PLC-WM5500 specifications here.
Read the full review of the Sharp PG-D45X3D DLP projector, or read the PG-D45X3D specifications here.
Read the full review of the Sony VPL-EX175 DLP projector or read the Sony VPL-EX175 specifications here.
Projectors above, from top left: Acer X1261P, BenQ MP780ST, Casio XJ-A250V, Epson Powerlite 1775W, Epson Powerlite 96W, Epson BrightLink 455Wi, Hitachi CP-X5021N, Hitachi CP-AW250N, InFocus IN3916, NEC NP216, Optoma TW610ST, Optoma TW675UTi-3D, Samsung F10M, Sanyo PLC-WM5500, Sharp PG-D45X3D, Sony VPL-EX175
Accessories Reviewed
Read the review of the InFocus Liteshow III network adapter.
Read the review of the Boxlight OutWrite 1.4 interactive module.
Accessories above, from left: InFocus Liteshow III, Boxlight OutWrite 1.4.
Picking the Winners - the Best K12 projectors of those reviewed:
Need networking? How sophisticated, push notifications? email lamp warnings? How about over 3000 lumens? Yes? No? Perhaps you need projectors with HDMI or DVI. What about short throw, and especially ultra-short throw projectors? You think you need to equip a room or many with 3D projectors?
As we have said repeatedly, there isn't any, one best projector for school, or classroom or business, and with so many projectors to choose from, there won't even be one best projector in a particular price range. There are so many variables that each buyer must consider, in choosing the right projector for their viewing requirements.
With luck (or skill), our report will help you cut through what's out there, and narrow your choices down to something reasonably managable.
Discussions about key features, such as brightness, placement flexibility including needing an ultra-short throw projector, rainbow effect susceptability, widescreen vs. standard, networking features, etc. are addressed on the Special Features page. In all fairness, only some of the dozen plus "features" (and their benefits) discussed, are special features, a few are standard stuff, like when we discuss general brightness, or color fidelity, white lumens and color lumens...
Above, taken using the Epson Powerlite 96W.
My point is, that while one projector may be excellent at many things, you may disqualify it because of a specific requirement you have.
You might love an Acer, Sony or Epson for their especially long life lamps, but if your requirement is for an ultra short throw projector, it's not going to be that Epson 96W, or the Sony EX175, nor the Acer X1261P projectors. It might be the BenQ or the Hitachi that we cover in this report, or even the Epson Brightlink 450wi or 455wi, if that's your need. For some districts and schools, networking may be mandatory. For another district, the emphasis might be on long term cost of operation, which probably means you are leaning to one of the projectors with lamps that last 3000 or 4000 hours at full power, or 4000 to 6000 hours at low power. The long term cost differences due to lamp costs and other maintenance, can often easily exceed the cost of the projector. Some schools are trying to go all digital. If that's the case, you'll find that many projectors geared for schools still do not offer a digital HDMI or DVI input.
Due to the concept of "no one perfect projector", we will be giving out multiple major awards again, this year.
Bottom line - It's your job as the potential buyer, to make the final decisions. To help, some (probably obvious) advice.
Even before you have determined what features and abilties you want for your projector(s), you may want to make a list of disqualifying features (such as placement range, resolution and aspect ratio, warranty, etc.). That should make the process of selection much faster.
Consider the projectors we've just reviewed, if you already know you don't want an ultra-short throw projector - that eliminates several projectors. If you want a widescreen projector, we reviewed nine, plus six XGA projectors this year. Of note, most of those widescreen projectors have siblings near identical, but XGA resolution, and the opposite is true as well. Many of those siblings are found on the larger chart.
When I asked each manufacturer for their nominations, I allow them to submit 2 series of projectors. Last year some brands of projectors did that, others, only a single series. If two are submitted, it's my job to choose the series I think is the better fit. This year was "like pulling teeth. " Not everyone got back to me so had to go picking some myself.
Classroom Projector Highlights
Below are a few paragraphs about each reviewed projector. The goal is to point out important aspects of each projector considered for this review. Once again, they are ordered aphabetically so as not favor any brand, and make it easier on you, our readers
Image above using the ultra-short throw Hitachi CP-AW250N projector. Note that the projector is producing an image brighter than my MacBook Pro can do. In reality the room was very well lit, but the projector sufficiently bright that to get the projected image to be properly exposed, everything else looks dark.
Acer X1261P Micro-Portable Projector:
This Acer X1261P projector, is a sub-five pound 3D capable projector (just add active glasses). That makes this Acer projector smaller, and lighter, than almost any other in this report. It is also one of the projectors that is probably least "designed" to specifically meet the education market. Still the efforts are there, including a computer monitor out, and a 2 watt system, in a size class where 1 watt is probably the standard. (Still that's no match for the 5 to 16 watts found in other projectors in this report).
From a school use perspective, this is likely to be a projector passed from teacher to teacher, or from room to room. Locked up at night! No networking, this is generally a basic get the job done projector. Today many schools and districts are tying everything together via network, and there are some real advantages. Still, with the money crunch and the economy, many schools are looking to get technology into the classroom on a tight budget.
Strengths of the X1261P, include a rock bottom price, 2700 lumens (and it delivers them all), 3D ready, and a very low cost of operation. This is a projector with a street price down in the $400 neighborhood, which is to say, as an XGA projector, that can do 3D, and be pretty bright, it delivers a whole lot for the money invested. Color performance is better than many DLP projectors, which was noted in light of the price.
One could see a elementary or middle school with a few of these to pass around, all for less than the cost of one sophisticated networking projector, and the cost of tying it into the system. Sometimes, simple (and affordable) may be better, and sometimes the only solution. While the Acer X1261P may be more of a general micro-portable 3D projector than one with education features, it easily could find its way into a lot of schools.
And the 3D ability with Nvidia compatibility and DLP-3D, provides some future proofing as well.
BenQ MP780ST Interactive Projector:
This BenQ projector is one of the more expensive projectors in this report, with a street price over $1000 (but under $1500), but it is also one of the fully loaded interactive projectors, so all's fair. The MP780ST is a widescreen WXGA (1280x800) resolution single chip DLP projector.
Brightness is about average for these projectors, rated 2500 lumens, but little else is average projector. It comes with an interactive wand, networking, and an assortment of software and features to enhance interactivity.
And it is 3D ready, with DLP-Link support. It's different in some ways compared to the Epson Brightlink 450wi which one our top award in last year's report, but Mike and Tony (who's reviewing the new Brightlink 455wi) are going to have to convince me which one's the best value, best performance, etc.
The BenQ networking allows supports Crestron Roomview compatible, and also PJlink. This should allow both email notifications and coming the other way, push notifications such as a broadcast to all projectors in an emergency. Very capable.
From an operational cost standpoint, middle of the pack, this BenQ claims 3000/4000 hours for the lamp. There are not filters requiring regular maintenance. Warranty is three years, but no fast turn-around replacement program or loaner.
This BenQ is designed to allow a lot of capability, this is a serious projector for classrooms where it will get some serious use.
Casio XJ-A250V Projector:
This year we look at another Casio projector with their hybrid lightsource. The XJ-A250V Casio projector uses LED and Laser together, and, as with pure LED light sources, the longevity is impressive. Casio claims 20,000 hours. That should do the trick - at 20 hours a week in the classroom - about a quarter century.
If you think that's not long enough, think back - 25 years ago, Microsoft was still selling MS-Dos - Windows didn't exist! And there was no web, the internet as most of us now know it.
But back to this Casio, it claims 3000 lumens, more than most projectors in this report, although it came up a bit short. We discuss that in the review.
This newest Casio "green machine" is really a small portable, an exceptionally thin (not tall) model that will fit inside briefcases. For years Casio was the only manufacturer with projectors of this profile, but this year we have another in this review, the Epson Powerlite 1775W. As a small portable it comes up short (as do several others) in its sound handling. A one watt speaker normally isn't going to do a respectable job in a classroom. That means perhaps some extra speakers, and there are plenty out there for desktop or mounting.
If you can work around that, you get some huge features. From a placement flexibility standpoint, it's unmatched thanks to a 2:1 zoom compared to most of the rest with 1.1:1 and 1.3:1 zooms.
The XJ-A250V lacks networking. If you need that, look to the otherwise similar, but slightly more expensive XJ-A255V which offers all the same features but has a USB port and supports wireless LAN networking.
Epson Powerlite 1775W
The Powerlite 1775W wasn't originally intended for consideration in this report. The Powerlite 96W we reviewed, is in most cases, better laid out for classroom use, based on feature set. Still, upon reflection, the 1775W is as capable as several other portable projectors that may work out best in less permanent classroom or portable situations.
The Powerlite 1775W is an exceptionally lightweight, and low profile projector. It tips the scales at only 3.8 pounds and is skinny enough (under two inches excluding feet) to fit into a briefcase or other tight spaces. It is built for portability, a road warrior's dream. It can present from USB from your PC (or VGA), and can also present from your USB thumb drive, computer free.
3000 lumens from a 3LCD projector packs more punch thanks to brighter individual colors than DLP projectors that have clear slices on their color wheels (most non-home theater projectors). That allows the Epson to tackle larger rooms and screens, or more ambient light, that the typical 2500 to 3000 lumen DLP projector in this review.
Cost of operation is pretty good. There is a long life filter that does need changing infrequently, and the lamp is rated 4000 hours in either full or eco mode. That's solidly better than average.
Warranty is Epson's usual 2 years parts and labor, and includes their two year replacement program. Not the longest warranty but one of the best. An excellent choice for the educator that moves from room to room, or site to site. Powerful, capable, and ultra portable.
Epson Powerlite 96W Projector:
This Epson is one of the most feature laden in this report. It is a successor to one of the top award winners in this report, the Powerlite 85+. The Powerlite 96W is a widescreen projector, first of all, a format that's becoming more and more popular in schools, although older 4:3 aspect ratio resolutions like SVGA and XGA still dominate in most districts.
The Epson offers pretty sophisticated wired networking, including the ability to present or teach with content coming over the network and that can include video. The Epson Powerlite 96W can also run PC free, off of its USB port, handling photos, converted Powerpoint, and more.
This Epson measured in at almost 2500 lumens, a couple hundred lumens short of its 2700 lumen claim. Mike reports that relative to other projectors, color is consistently good. Dynamic, the brightest mode, offers the least good color, but that's true of all projectors. Presentation mode is next, with very good color. This projector is solid for lots of lumens combined with better than most color.
Epson's warranty is 2 years, less than some, more than others in this report, but they do offer their replacement program for both years. They pay all shipping and you are normally back up and running within 48 hours. One of the best programs out there, although not the longest.
There are plenty of other features on this Epson, it is pretty loaded. One other feature of note, is the optional wireless presentation module. Add that, and now guest speakers, students, anyone, can quickly interface and present, without having to go to where the wire is, say in the front of the room. A nice option for some classrooms, I'm sure.
The Epson should sound good too. Its 16 watt speaker is one of the most powerful of the projectors considered for this report. Sound quality on music is better than most. I said feature laden, this Epson is one of the few projectors in this report that also has a mic input, which can be a real benefit to some teachers who's voices don't carry, or when using this projector in multi-purpose and other larger rooms (as well as those with noisy kids)!
Epson Brightlink 455wi Projector:
The Brightlink 455wi is essentially an improved upon version of last year's top award winner, the original 
Brightlink 450wi. This projector is a true Ultra short thow projector. It mounts just inches from the wall/screen. This keeps the projector's brightness from "blinding" the teacher, speaker, or student.
Ultra short vs. very short, and short throw, is particularly advantageous with interactive projectors since you are likely to be up close by the screen. Note, some interactive projectors have wands that allow you to do your interactive from a distance from the screen, but the further back, the less precise.
The Epson Brightlink 455wi is a widescreen projector as well. Widescreens should be the preferred aspect ratio for interactive use, as the screen is wider, and not as tall. (Too tall and teachers and students can't reach the upper part of the screen anyway.)
Epson offers 3rd party software for interactivity that gives the Epson excellent range of support and abilities. It may not rival the decades of software tools amassed for SmartBoards, combined with projectors, but the Epson and most interactive projectors are half the cost or less of the typical SmartBoard/projector combination.
The Epson is happy to work on a wall surface or on a screen. It has plenty of brightness for the classroom (or conference rooms, moderate sized multi-purpose rooms...)
A new option for the Epson Brightlink 455wi is the table display, and intriguing "command and control" type of layout that may gain tremendous traction in schools, and may be particularly effective with K-8 and younger students? Tony discusses the table option in his review, but this image gives a good idea of the potential.
Hitachi CP-X5021N High Power Projector
This Hitachi earns 2nd place on the brightness chart, based on the claimed brightness of the 14 projectors here. It is able to handle larger rooms than all but one or two others. It also boasts very good placement flexibility with a 1.7:1 zoom lens (2 to 3x more placement range than most of the others).
Capable and more suitable for a large college classroom, small auditorium or multi-purpose room, than a typical K-12 classroom. Still, there are plenty of places in a school district where this Hitachi can light up a larger room, for a lot less than most projectors that get their (even greater) flexibility by having an interchangeable lens solution. Street prices are around $3000, so this is the most expensive projector considered, but that all fits with what it will be used for.
The CP-X5021N projector is another in this report that is completely loaded with inputs, from HDMI to multiple analog (VGA) computer, to 3 pair of audio inputs. And Monitor and Audio Out, a couple of USBs and still more. Networking is an "of course". And Hitachi supports both Crestron RoomView, and AMX.
A 16 watt speaker system would be hefty in a regular classroom, but if you really want to tackle a 200 seat room, you'll want an assist, perhaps a powerful powered speaker fed by the Audio out.
Cost of operation is unknown. Hitachi does not provide any guidance as to lamp life. On the bright side, the 4 year warranty is the longest of the 16 projectors reviewed.
Hitachi CP-AW250N Projector:
This Hitachi is a true ultra-short thow projector that sits or mounts just a a few inches from the screen, 4.7 inches from the front of the projector to the screen for a 60" diagonal image! This allows those at the front of the room to get close to the screen without being blinded by projector light. The Hitachi image isn't quite as sharp at the sides and corners, as longer throw projectors, but you are only likely to really notice on type so small that it is too small to present to the class or audience.
The CP-AW250N is a 2500 lumen WXGA projector using 3LCD technology. Don't let the $3495 list price intimidate you. Street price seems to be around $1500!
When it comes to inputs, and general capability, the Hitachi comes loaded. Two analog computer inputs and an HDMI, plus 3 stereo audio inputs, and montior and audio out. Two USBs, and even a Mic input, and of course, a network connection.
As the CP-AW250N is 3LCD I wasn't surprised to see brightness specs of 2500 for not just white, but also color ansi lumens. This goes to the frequently mentioned advantage of LCD designs in handling ambient light, since colors are brighter.
Hitachi also has an interactive projector similar to this one, but the brand new model was not available in time for this report.
Consider the Hitachi CP-AW250N one of the most able, and connectable projectors in the report.
InFocus IN3916 DLP Projector
This InFocus projector is one of the interactive projectors in this round up. That, of course sets it apart from most of the others. the IN3916 claims 2700 lumens, giving it plenty of brightness to handle a typical classroom scene.
Pricing seems reasonable considering its interactive and short throw features, with street pricing on the plus side of $1000. Resolution is WXGA 1280x800, for a 16:10 aspact ratio, pretty much the standard for WXGA these days. It is a typical sized portable projector the kind often used in the classroom, whether mounted or table top.
This InFocus projector can do computer free presentations from USB, and has had a limited time offer (for a long time) of the free wand kit for interactivity.
The IN3916 also can optionally handle wireless presenting with their Lightshow II, which can be handy in a computer lab environment, among other places.
Networking supports push messaging, with InFocus'es Dynamic Messaging System. This can be used for alerts, emergencies, routine announcements, to multiple projectors on the network. Displaylink lets you use USB from your computer, instead of the more cumbersome VGA we are used to.
As expected, InFocus created a very intuitive and easy to use projector. It has been one of the key things InFocus has built its reputation around.
On the cost of ownership side, the InFocus has a 3000/4000 hour lamp, no filters to change, and a 5 year parts, 2 year labor warranty.
NEC NP216 3D Projector
This NEC NP216 is another lower cost single chip DLP projector that is 3D ready. Like all the 3D projectors in this report, it uses active shutter glasses (yes, the expensive type). Like all but one of the 3D projectors here, 
it doesn't come with any pairs of glasses , figuring why should the end user pay for glasses if they aren't buying the projector for its 3D abilities. The much more expensive Sharp PG-D45X3D comes with two pair.
With a street price that seems to mostly be mid-$500+, it's not the least expensive projector (or 3D one for that matter) in this report, but it is less than half the price of that Sharp.
This NEC is a 2500 lumen rated XGA projector, well targeted for the classroom. It boasts a 7 watt speaker for some decent sound. Mike reports color is pretty good for a DLP projector. It's lighter at 5.5 pounds than it is small, but it's still an average sized projector in this classroom projector report. It offers networking, with email notifications. The input selection is good, but there's no digital HDMI or DVI input. This year more than half are offering, last year it was only a few.
Also of note, resolution support to 1600x1200 on the analog side and it handles digital including 720p, etc.
From an operational cost standpoint, the projector's lamp life is 3500/5000 in eco and full power. That scores it as very good, but there are several better. Definitely well on the high side of average, however. There are no filters to change, so routine maintenance, is going to be insignificant (just lamp changes), from a cost standpoint.
Warranty is in the middle of the pack - two years, with a replacement program only for the first year.
Optoma TW610ST DLP projector:
Rated 3100 lumens, the TW610ST is brighter than average of the projectors in this report. Its native resolution is WXGA - 1280x800 (16:10). Better still it supports computer resolutions to 1600x1200, and digital to 1080p. It is also one of the better equipped projectors. 
A pair of 5 watt speakers offers hefty volume for a classroom. It offers HDMI, as well as analog inputs.
This Optoma projector is a short throw model, although some would call it an ultra-short throw projector. To clarify the matter, this TW610ST can fill an 80" diagonal screen placed only 36 inches from the screen. When mounted overhead, this allows the teacher or speaker to interact with the image, without being blinded by the projector. There are ultra-short throw projectors that are almost flush with the screen, but this Optoma gets the job done nicely.
With a 31 db audible noise claim, this DLP projector is pretty quiet, in fact it has to be considered as quiet as probably 1/3 of the home theater projectors out there.
Long term operational cost is pretty good, with a 3000/4000 hour lamp, although in this day and age, there are several projectors with longer lamps lifes. One downside relates to the excellent brightness. The projector uses a 325 watt lamp. Most projectors in this report have lamps drawing 180-250 watts. Optoma's three year warranty with replacement program is one of the best ones out there.
Networking is of course, on a projector this loaded. And the Optoma supports Crestron's RoomView for remote management.
And finally, the Optoma TW610ST is 3D ready. Just add 3D active glasses, and some content. The projector supports frame sequential 120hz up to 720p resolution.
Mike really thought very highly of this Optoma when he reviewed it!
Samsung F10M LCD Projector:
The Samsung SP-F10M projector is the first full LED lightsource projector that we have reviewed that would make sense in a school environment. Last year's report included a Casio, as does this years'. Casio's solution is a hybrid - LED and laser, but theirs and the Samsung F10M projector, share one critical thing in common, a lightsource life that should outlive the projector's useful life, even in schools where that can mean a decade or more.
The SP-F10M claims 1000 lumens, far less than any of the other projectors, but, things aren't that simple. With the long life lightsource, it's going to be years before the Samsung projector dims, whereas with conventional lamps, about half the brightness is gone by the rated lamp life.
So, we have a cool, high tech lightsource, but that's not all. This Samsung projector is complete with networking. Expect decent audio from a single 7 watt speaker which is ample for typical classroom work. The projector has an HDMI port as well as the usual analog computer intput. It can present from the USB port, with its document viewer application, which can open standard Microsoft Office applications. That's a nice touch.
So is the three year warranty.
The Samsung has all the right amenities to be a school projector. The street price of this projector is down around $1000 as of this writing, and that is a steeper than many others in this report. Still, with the cost of conventional lamps mostly between 200 and 400 dollars, the long term math can make this LED projector a bargain compared to many of those same, lower cost projectors. No 3D, however, with this projector. I've yet to see a LCD projector setup in 3D, other than a pair of stacked Hitachi's at a show last year.
Sanyo PLC-WM5500 LCD Projector
This is the beast in this report. 5500 claimed lumens tops our chart. Place this projector in the school's auditorium or multi-purpose room. It has no place in a small classroom. It is by far the most flexible in terms of placement, thanks to offering an entire series of interchangeable lenses (5). You can set it up behind the screen, at the back of the room, and just about everywhere in-between. And the WM5500 is also equipped with lens shift!
This is the only projector in the report that is a true "fixed install" projector, and not a "portable or fixed". With lens it comes in at 21.3 pounds.
Inputs galore, a pair of VGA (analog) computer inputs, an HDMI, 3 sets of stereo audio, networking, USB...
The Sanyo also supports picture in picture, a relatively rare feature, that might well come in handy for special presentations...
Cost of operation is on the high side, as one would expect from the most powerful and flexible projector in the comparison. Lamp life is the formal average (3000 lumens in eco mode), but in this group of 14, it's way down at the bottom with not much company.
Still, the warranty is excellent and three years, and Sanyo promises fast turn-around for warranty service - 72 hours maximum at their location, and they say, usually only one day.
If you have the budget, this WM5500 is typical of commercial projectors that can light up that auditorium. But the WM500 has street prices well below $5000, which seems aggressively priced for the package.
Sharp PG-D45X3D 3D Ready Projector
Don't let the near $3000 MSRP scare you, as PG-D45X3D projector selling prices mostly well under $2000 here in the US.
For your money you get one of the brightest projectors we tested for this report, and one that does 3D. In fact it's the brightest 3D I've seen here, to date, either business or home theater projectors.
This Sharp projector is related to the Sharp XV-Z17000 3D projector we reviewed a few months earlier, but there are some noteworthy differences. First, the PG-D45X3D is an XGA resolution projector, not a widescreen WXGA. Second, it is more optimized for brightness, while the other Sharp projector is geared for better black levels. Another key is the digital input. Unfortunately, the PG-D45X3D lacks the HDMI 1.4a compatibility that is basically needed to view Blu-ray 3D discs. That may even prove unfortunate in a classroom environment, as there is some interesting content out there, even if not coursework. In fairness, though, none of the 3D projectors we've seen that aren't dedicated home theater, have that ability.
This is a single chip DLP projector. The color wheel segments and speed, are better/faster than some other DLP projectors considered in this report. I notice less rainbow effect with this Sharp, than when viewing on several of the other DLPs. (Of course, only a small percentage of people are rainbow sensitive, and it also depends on the material - video is where you are most like to see the rainbow effect, normally a minor nuisance for those sensitive).
Claiming 4500 lumens puts it into the small auditorium capable category, even with 3D wiping out most of the brightness, this Sharp can do a very good job on screens larger than normally found in a classroom (or conference room).
This is an extremely bright 3D capable projector with very good color and color controls. It worked well and truly impressed with the 3D scientific and neurological courseware samples I had, as well as with other education content I've accumulated.
One of the pricier projectors in this report, it is also, in some ways, one of the most capable. This Sharp PG-D45X3D projector may be a bit much for the average K-12 classroom, but there's also two other models in the series, including a less expensive version. On the other hand, this would probably be a killer projector in a college lab, or large classroom, multi-purpose room and even smaller auditoriums.
Sony VPL-EX175 Projector
Old and new, a throwback and yet very up to date, pretty much describes Sony's flagship education series projector, the VPL-EX175. It boasts 3600 lumens in high power mode, but most will run this projector in medium or low. That takes lamp life to 4500 and 6000 hours respectively, for very low cost of operation. Even the supercharged High power mode gets a really better than typical 3000 hours.
This is a 3LCD projector. Colors are vibrant, and generally more accurate than your competing DLP projector which normally have to sacrifice a good deal of brightness to match the reds and yellows of a good LCD projector. If you need particularly accurate color (teaching architecture perhaps?), this Sony is a very good choice.
So, where does the old and throwback come in? Well the EX175 is really designed to replace old SVGA projectors. It has a little more placement flexibility that most in this report, which helps. It doesn't have a lot of fancy features, but it does have the obligitory networking to be the replacement or the expansion projectors for a school or district. Sony focused on what is needed - inputs, features. There is no HDMI or DVI - digital inputs, but then adding to an existing older network of projectors, the administrators aren't likely to be using digital inputs which are still not widely used for a number of reasons. Lacking a digital input will eliminate the Sony for a very small percentage of the education market, but it is solid otherwise.
The Sony is average in size for projectors in this report, but it is a bit taller than most. The EX175 is strictly a 2D XGA resolution projector. It handled higher resolutions and 1080p with no problem. Video was better than most. Fan noise in High power is noticeably louder than most of the competition but it's quiet in the other two modes.
This Sony VPL-EX175 would seem to be a projector for volume installations - networking, all the key abilities, not too many frills.
Pricing is well above the lowest cost projectors considered, but then it has a good deal more brightness, networking, and key functionality.
Classroom Projector Accessories
InFocus Liteshow III network adapter
The Liteshow III network adapter is the latest Liteshow product from InFocus. The Liteshow III provides a networking solution to get your display information from your computer, network or thumbdrive to your projector or other display. It's easy to setup, easy to use, and it has a lot of options!
The Liteshow offers all sorts of features, including support for displaying up to 4 sources at once! You have the choice to present to your projector or other display either wirelessly or via a wired network. This eliminates the need to directly hook your computer to your projector through VGA or HDMI cables.
The InFocus Liteshow III scoops up our Special Interest Award. Check out the full review to find out why.
Above, the LiteShow III directing the data from my Mac computer.
Boxlight OutWrite 1.4 interactive module
If you're not looking to replace your existing business or education projector but want all the capabilities that come with the new interactive projector market, then the Boxlight OutWrite 1.4 is for you! Highly capable and extremeley flexible, the OutWrite can handle all of your presenting needs. It comes with both a pen and a wand, as well as the ability to annotate anything displayed on your screen.
Provide any projector with interactivity with the Boxlight Outwrite 1.4 module, and expand your presentation potential.
Overview Conclusions
Below is a quick look at:
Sixteen projectors with most projectors represented in more than one category:
Interactive projectors: 4
Short and Ultra short throws (which includes interactive projectors): 6
DLP Projectors (all single chip): 7
LCD Projectors (all 3LCD): 8
Widescreen Projectors WXGA: 9
Widescreen Projectors HD above WXGA
0
XGA projectors: 6
3D ready projectors: 7 (all of the DLPs)
Digital equipped (HDMI or DVI with HDCP): 12
Over 10 pounds: 4
Under 5-10 pounds: 8
Under 5 pounds: 3
Networking (LAN) hardwired: 13
Networking (wireless): 2
Wireless Presenting: 8
Projectors brighter than 3500 lumens: 4
Projectors less than 2000 lumens: 1
Of note, not a single SVGA projector this year. Not one manufacturer suggested one for review. With XGA resolution projectors now starting below $400, SVGA projectors may finally fade away. Some SVGA projectors show up in the larger spreadsheet and comments
Networking was dominant this year, in all but two of the reviewed projectors and this year, also, all but one projector supports close captioning (although there are differences from projector to projector).