Hitachi CP-TW2503 Projector Review - Pro and Cons

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Jarrod Buckley

HITACHI CP-TW2503 - Pro and Cons

Pros

Bright 2700 lumens – enough to handle most classrooms, training rooms without difficulty
Exceptionally sharp image for an ultra short throw projector
Very good color in the best picture mode
Extensive adjustments available to improve image quality
Advanced adjustments offered to correct image geometry
Comprehensive built-in interactive controls for use with up to 4 pens (2 supplied)
Interactive software supplied for PC and Mac
iOS and Android apps available
Ultra short throw design, so as not to blind presenter, and reduces installation costs
Built-in 16 watt speaker system adequte to cover typical classrooms and smaller conference rooms
Audio out to easily interface with a room audio system or external powered speakers
Good remote control, in terms of layout, and range
Very comprehensive menus with a well laid out structure
Extensive, advanced networking, including Crestron compatibility, with support for presentations over the network, push notifications, monitoring, etc.
Supports PC-free presentations using photos, videos, audio files and side shows stored on a USB flash drive
Easy wireless networking, via optional plug-in module
Multiple Eco features – timers, to feel good and reduce operational costs
Low lamp replacement cost help to keep overall costs below that of led or laser projectors
Extensive collection of inputs and connectors
Digital zoom and magnify allows reducing overall image size or zooming in on a small area of the image
Electronic Keystone correction and the "Perfect Fit-2" feature make it easy to obtain perfect image geometry
Auto and manual calibration for the interactive screen makes quick work of the initial setup and keeping the touch positions accurately aligned with the image
Flexible mounting with table mounted, Wall mounted above the projection surface (e.g., whiteboard) or mounted vertically for projecting down onto a table top
Software provided to allows any multiple networked projectors to be managed from one centralized computer
Long life air filter
3 year parts and labor warranty

Cons

Ultra short nature requires precise placement of projector to fill the projection surface accurately (no zoom, but no ultra short throws have optical zoom)
Remote lacks backlight and the grey lettering on the black remote is difficult to read in low light
Contrast and black levels could be improved, although since normally used in not fully darkened rooms where the difference would be significant
Sound volume and quality from built-in speaker is only average and cannot be played as loud nor have as much bass as some competing models
At almost 10 lbs, not particularly portable, which is too bad considering the great interactive capabilities
Filters to change (but not very often), which like replacing lamps, is a factor in overall cost of operation/maintenance
Not inexpensive – relatively high list price but street price is competitive withultra short throw interactive projectors from other manufacturers
No support for MHL over HDMI input, as offered on some competitive projectors
Warranty does not include a quick exchange program as is being offered by some other manufacturers