InFocus IN83 vs. Optoma HD81-LV

Posted on July 8, 2008 by Art Feierman

InFocus IN83 vs. Optoma HD81-LV

Click to Enlarge. So close.

As mentioned above, both have similar placement flexibility limitations. The Optoma HD81-LV is sharp, although perhaps not quite as sharp as the InFocus. The real difference though is color handling and overall picture quality, where the InFocus IN83 has a definite advantage.

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The Optoma, of course, has more inputs (than any projector without an outboard processor), which might be a real plus for a few. The Optoma HD-81LV is the brightest of all the under $10,000 1080p projectors, but the InFocus is not too far behind. Some folks will need, or appreciate the Optoma's advantage in this area, but most will find the InFocus IN83 to be more than sufficiently bright, and to be the better choice.

InFocus IN83 vs. Sony VPL-VW40 and Sony VPL-VW60

Click to Enlarge. So close.

It's been a long time since I reviewed these two Sony projectors, which makes precise recommendations a bit tough. Both the VPL-VW40 and VW60 use dynamic irises, but, overall, I do believe that the IN83 is at least the equal to the VW40, and is at least very close to the VW60 in black level performance. Overall, though, I give the InFocus the advantage in producing the most natural image.

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The big advantage of the Sony projectors are price, with the VW40 being far less expensive, and even the Sony VW60 costs less.

No question about sharpness, that advantage goes to the InFocus IN83. Brightness is a huge advantage for the InFocus as well. Placement issues notwithstanding, I favor the InFocus IN83 over either Sony, but your pocketbook may have you choosing one of the Sonys, especially the VW40, if the dollars are tight - all are first class projectors.

InFocus IN83 vs. the rest of the 1080p projectors

Click to Enlarge. So close.

Sanyo PLV-Z2000, Panasonic PT-AE2000U, Viewsonic Pro8100, BenQ W5000. All are pretty good projectors, but none can match the InFocus IN83's combination of sharpness, brightness and natural looking image, not that several of them can't match the IN83 in at least one of those areas.

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All are less expensive, with only the Viewsonic being close in price. The IN83 is my clear choice over the Viewsonic Pro8100, unless the new firmware for the Viewsonic's iris (I'll be taking a second look next week, with the newer version), makes a huge improvement. Even though the Viewsonic is brighter than most, it still is no match for the IN83. None of the others can even get to half the lumens of the InFocus in best mode. So, while each of these has strengths, other than placement flexibility, none can touch the IN83, overall.

Bottom line: IN83 compared to the competition.

Perfectionists - especially in terms of black levels may prefer the JVC's, and overall, only the JVC's can compete in terms of overall picture quality. Each of the others have some strengths, but the IN83's primary limitations compared to all the others is pretty much limited to its higher price, and placement limitations.

It's a shame the IN83 wasn't out and reviewed before our 1080p Projector Comparsion Report. It might very well have knocked out the JVC RS1x for the Runner-up Best in Class award. I'd still have to leave the RS2 as the Best, as it also has all that great color handling, and by far the best black levels of the field. Still, as I pointed out above, the extra horsepower of the IN83 would likely have many picking it over the JVC RS2.