Hitachi CP-AW250N Ultra Short Throw LCD Multimedia Projector Review
A detailed review of the Hitachi CP-AW250N projector.
May 2011 -Mike Rollett
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Hitachi CP-AW250N Projector Overview
The Hitachi CP-AW250N is an ultra short throw WXGA (1280x800) LCD projector that will likely find a home in a small to medium-sized conference room or classroom. What makes the CP-AW250N an “ultra” short throw projector? Well, where most short throw projectors need to be at least 3 feet from the screen to project an 80” diagonal image, the CP-AW250N can do it from a distance of 10” from the screen. With the projector as close as 4” from the screen, it’s still able to project an image that’s 4 feet wide (60” diagonal). A short throw projector typically uses a fixed convex lens projecting upward to achieve its goals, but the CP-AW250N uses a fixed lens projecting on a convex mirrored surface to reflect and expand the image onto the screen. As with regular short throw projectors, this use of a fixed lens requires the user to place the projector at the proper distance for the screen size desired, as well as at the proper height, thus complicating setup.
The CP-AW250N features a specified output of 2500 lumens with a 2000:1 contrast ratio. The CP-AW250N is also quite portable, with a weight of only 8.6 lbs., but its need for placement precision caters more to a fixed installation. To that end, Hitachi offers and optional wall mount for the CP-AW250N that allows for placement right above the screen.
The CP-AW250N also has networking capability to allow for monitoring of multiple projectors from a remote location, as well as providing (through auxiliary software) the ability to display up to four images simultaneously from four networked computers. The CP-AW250N’s network capabilities also allow for email notification of problems such as scheduled maintenance or problems with temperature, lamp failure etc. PC free picture presentations from a USB thumb or hard drive are also possible with the CP-AW250N.
Hitachi CP-AW250N Projector Highlights
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Good Brightness – almost 2500 lumens
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“Perfect Fit 2” advanced keystone adjustment
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Long-life hybrid dust filter (5000 hours)
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Long lamp life in Eco mode (5000 hours)
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PC free picture presentation
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Closed captioning
Specs for the Hitachi CP-AW250N
Click here to view full specifications: Hitachi CP-AW250N
Street Price: $1300-1400
Technology: LCD
Native Resolution: WXGA (1280x800)
Brightness: 2500 lumens
Contrast: 2000:1
Zoom Lens ratio: N/A
Lens shift: None
Lamp life: 3000 hours (Normal mode), 5000 hours (Eco mode)
Dimensions: 13.58”W x 3.35”H x 11.93”D (Mirror Closed)
Weight: 8.6 lbs.
Warranty: 3 years Parts and Labor on projector, 90 days or 250 hours (whichever comes first) on lamp