Classroom Projector Report: InFocus Projectors Commentary
In this year's Classroom Projector Report, we did not consider any InFocus projectors. However, we have still decided to look at two InFocus series, one of which consists of the IN122, IN124, and IN126 projectors.
8/3/2012 - Art Feierman
InFocus Projectors - A Quick Look
| InFocus IN122 | InFocus IN124 | InFocus IN126 |
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What they all have in common: DLP technology, 3200 lumens, 3000:1 contrast ratio, 4.8 lbs., maximum resolution of 1920x1200, HDMI, Monitor Out (VGA), 2W mono speaker, close captioning, optional wireless networking, 2500 hours lamp life in full power, 4000 hour lamp life in eco-mode, replacement lamp that costs $199, no filters, 5 year P/L warranty, 3D ready |
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InFocus IN122
The InFocus IN122 is the least expensive and most basic projector in this series of three. At an affordable $429, the IN122 is SVGA resolution (800x600). This resolution is a little outdated (many projectors are now 1024x768 resolution like its sibling, the IN124), but SVGA is still fairly popular in education projectors. It is not widescreen, unlike its most expensive sibling, the IN126. The IN122, like the IN122, has a zoom ratio of 1.10:1, which is pretty standard in terms of projector placement flexibility.
In all other regards, the IN122 is identical to its two siblings, the IN124 and IN126. All three are DLP projectors with 3200 lumens (nice brightness) and 3000:1 contrast ratio. They're all portable, weighing 4.8 lbs., making them easily transportable down classroom or office hallways, or even on a business trip. They also are all 3D capable.
None of these projectors come with wireless networking capabilities, though they are optional. In terms of connectivity, the IN122, IN124 and IN126 have an HDMI input (for use with laptops, gaming consoles, satellite/cable boxes, etc.), plus a Monitor Out. The IN122 also has a built-in 2W speaker, which is pretty measley. It will do just fine if you're in a small conference room with a small audience, but if you have sound requirements and you've got a large classroom to fill, consider a projector with more powerful speakers (10-20W).
Let's look at maitenance. The IN122 doesn't have filters, so that saves you the hassle of those. The IN122 has a nice lamp life--2500 hours in full power and 4000 hours in eco mode. The replacement lamp (the same lamp for its siblings) costs $199. However, the IN122 and its siblings come with an outstanding 5 year parts/labor warranty, keeping maitenance costs low if you have any problems.
The IN122 is a nice choice if you're on a small budget and just want something to light up your screen. However, if you want slightly higher resolution or widescreen, the IN124 and IN126 might be more useful.
InFocus IN124
Smack in the middle is the IN124. For a mere $70 more (MSRP $499), the only difference from the IN122 is that the IN124 has XGA (1024x768) resolution. This will give you a slightly crisper, higher quality image than the IN122, which comes in handy if you have a lot of text in your presentations you'd like to be clear. It has the same 1.10:1 zoom ratio as the IN122.
InFocus IN126
Last but not least is the IN126. It differs from the other two in one key way--it is not widescreen. The IN126 is of native XGA (1024x768) resolution. Otherwise, it is identical to the first projector above, the IN122, and therefore is an equally fine projector for just $100 less (widescreens are typically more expensive than non-widescreens).
The cheapest of the three, if you don't need widescreen, the IN126 is a great choice.