InFocus IN3914 DLP Interactive Projector Review
November 2010 - Anthony Arrigo
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InFocus IN3914 Projector Overview
InFocus has really created a very intuitive interactive projector with their new IN3900 series of ultra short throw projectors. With a low suggested retail price of $1425 the IN3916 and the IN3914 should do very well in the education marketplace. This review will mainly focus on the IN3916, but this overview is virtually the same as the IN3916 overview with the minor differences between the projectors. After reading this overview please refer to the IN3916 for a more in-depth look since they are virtually the same except for resolution. The IN3914 is a 4:3 aspect ratio projector with a resolution of 1024x768. The IN3916 has an aspect ratio of 16:10 and a resolution of 1280x800 pixels. The IN3914 and IN3916 produce 2700 lumens of light output. Plenty of power for just about any indoor environment, even if your classroom or conference room has a lot of windows.
The IN3914 series comes fully equipped right out of the box to accept just about every type of signal you could possibly throw at it. Whether it is HD content from a Blu-ray player, or old training videos from a VHS cassette, you can be sure that there is an input for it. Full networking capabilities are also present and some other very cool and interesting ways to use wireless technology, which I will get into in our physical tour of the projector.
Being an interactive projector, the IN3914 allows you to purchase an optional wand like device. Works very much like the Wii. Now, the interactive aspect of the projector is a little different than other interactive projectors. The hook-up however is still the same as most interactive projectors where a USB cable is the way the projector and computer communicate with each other.
One of the main differences is how you interact and where you can interact with the projector. Interactive projectors usually come with a software suite specifically designed to provide annotation features like highlighting and onscreen keyboards. The IN3914 does not require software, just think of it as a remote mouse on steroids with the added bonus of being able to actually touch the wand to the screen should you need the surface in order to draw more precisely. I will however provide more detail on that later in the review.
Let's take a brief look below at some of the highlights, specs and special features and then move on to the in-depth review of the IN3916 interactive projector.
InFocus IN3914 Projector Highlights
- Able to handle fair amount of ambient light
- Really high contrast ratio for a business/education projector of 3200:1
- Quiet operation at 35 dB in Bright Mode
- 2 x 10 Watt speakers so you can use the projector as your PA system as well
- Interactive using the LiteBoard technology and the Wand
- Ultra short throw so you can place the projector very close to the screen and still acheive a large image
Specs for the InFocus IN3914
Check out the full specifications for the InFocus IN3914
- MSRP IN3914 - $1225
- Brightness: 2700 Lumens Normal Mode
- Resolution: Native 1024x768 XGA Resolution
- Zoom Ratio: 1.35x digital
- Aspect Ratio: Native 4:3
- Audible Noise: 35 dB Bright Mode – 30 dB Eco Mode
- Weight: 9.9 lbs.
- Dimensions: 12.6” W, 9.9” D, 5” H
- 3D Capable: Yes
InFocus IN3914 Projector Special Features
LiteBoard technology that allows you to interact with the projector. Much like a wireless mouse but with more features.
Ultra short throw lense so you can achieve a large image with the projector only being a few feet away. Helps reduce the chance of shadowing the projector while presenting with the LiteBoard interactive Wand. From just 30 inches away you will achieve a 71 inch diagonal image.
Ability with LiteShow technology to connect up to 32 computers over a wired or wireless network. Display one at a time or 4 via split screen.
Dynamic Messaging System (DSM). An IT director can send a pop up message to all projectors connected to the network. Must like an broadcasted instant message.
Long lamp life. 4000 hours in Eco Mode, and 2500 hours in the Bright Mode