ViewSonic PS750W Interactive Projector Review – Hardware

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Nikki Zelinger

ViewSonic PS750W Interactive Projector Review – Hardware: Overview, Inputs and Connectors, Lens and Interactive Camera, Interactive Module

Overview

The front of the ViewSonic PS750W has the logo, the three indicator lights, and a IR sensor, with the lens set into the projector toward the right.

This side of the PS750W has some vents and one of the 10-watt speakers.

This side of the PS750W has a vent, the PortAll compartment, the control panel and the other speaker.

The back of the projector is home to the inputs and connectors.

❮ ❯

The ViewSonic PS750W is a medium-sized projector that looks pretty much like a typical ultra short throw. Its casing is white with a grey accent highlighting the front of the projector and the lens area. On the projector’s front is an IR sensor and the ViewSonic logo, with the three LED indicator lights at the top left area of the front. On the right side of the projector, when facing the front, is one of the 10-watt speakers and the simple control panel. Also on this side of the projector is the concealed PortAll compartment for wireless dongles and USB drives, and one of the vents. The other side of the projector is just vents and the other speaker. The back of the projector is simple, but has plenty of inputs and connectors for educational needs.

Inputs and Connectors

The inputs and connectors panel is located on the back of the projector, and has a simple layout. Starting at the top left, we have a USB type-A and a Mini USB next to it. The text for each input is upside down when the projector is on a table top, because ViewSonic is assuming that the PS750W will be wall mounted and therefore pointing downward. Next to the USB ports is a single HDMI input within a mustard-yellow rectangle. This is not the only HDMI input – but more on that in a moment. The old-school S-Video and component video/audio ports are its neighbor, in a green rectangle. I do like the color coding here – it makes the OCD side of me happy.

The last color coded area houses and Audio In and Audio Out port, as well as two VGA computer inputs. The VGA connector for Computer Out is next to those, paired with the obligatory RS232 port for old-school command and control. To their right is the LAN port and a Mini USB for the laser module that provides the interactive surface for the projector. That does it for the back, but what about that second HDMI port?

ViewSonic PS750W Projector PortAll Compartment — The PortAll compartment, though concealed, as promised, is not easily accessible.

It’s located within the concealed PortAll compartment on the right side of the projector when facing the front. It’s so concealed, however, that it’s damn near impossible to find unless you know where to look. The way ViewSonic talks in their marketing and User Guide, you would assume this “nicely concealed” area for connecting wireless dongles, streaming sticks, and USB drives would be easy to get to. It’s not – you have to undo two screws to lift up the side panel. There, you’ll find the HDMI/MHL port and a second USB Type-A input. I see this as a design flaw, and here's why:

They’re hidden for security purposes, which I totally get. You wouldn’t want to plug in your Chromecast or Roku Stick and leave it out for someone’s wandering eye to possibly steal. What I do not understand is why they wouldn’t simply make a quick release door on the top of the projector, which would give easy access to the ports when needed. As it stands, teachers will probably plug in their streaming stick or wireless dongle and leave it there forever. As for the USB port, well, I wouldn’t want to undo the screws every time I had a new presentation. Better to use the USB input on the back of the projector.

Lens and Interactive Camera

The lens and interactive camera are placed side by side at the front of the projector.

The focus lever is located on the right side of the projector when looking at the front, and is concealed with a nice sliding door.

❮ ❯

The typical, ultra short throw lens is located on the front right when looking at the ViewSonic logo. The design of the lens allows the projector to be placed within feet of the projection surface, which is desirable for a classroom setting. Wall mounting tends to be the way to go in these environments, as the ceilings are not typically sturdy and would not be suitable to hang a projector from. This also keeps the projector out of the way, and makes it easier for the installer to run wires down the wall so they do not hang. Ultra short throws are a top choice for schools.

The interactive camera is next to the lens, to its left if looking at the projector the same way as before. It is embedded inside the projector, so there is no extra installation. This was also the case on the last interactive projector I reviewed – the Epson BrightLink 696ui (about $1,000 more expensive). The camera interfaces with the interactive laser module to create the interactive surface for lessons and presentations, which I talk about in the next section.

Interactive Module and Pens

The ViewSonic PS750W comes with an interactive module and two IR pens. The module emits a laser over the surface of the white board, hard screen, or wall. The camera we just discussed works with this module to detect when there is a disruption in the laser veil, which signals to the projector that there is an action taking place. The disruption can be caused by finger tips or the pen tips and together, these things create an interactive experience. The pens are pressure sensitive, meaning you can push them into the projection surface and feel like you’re actually using a pen.

Whether you’re using the pens or finger tips, it’s important to get the right screen surface. For example, you wouldn’t want to take a typical projection screen that pulls tight over a frame and use that for an interactive projector. The screen surface would stretch and get dirty, and overtime, be rendered unusable. These projectors can work with a regular white board, making them a good option for schools in terms of budget, on a smooth white wall, or a specialty screen. Those specialty screens are typically hard-surface white board type screens.

Next up is the second Hardware Tour page. There, I will discuss the control panel, remote control, and the menus. Following that, we’ll get into Picture and Sound Quality, Performance, and then summarize the review for you, tying everything up with some pros and cons so that you can make the right decision for your educational purposes.

ViewSonic PS750W Interactive Projector Review – Hardware: Overview, Inputs and Connectors, Lens and Interactive Camera, Interactive Module

Overview

The front of the ViewSonic PS750W has the logo, the three indicator lights, and a IR sensor, with the lens set into the projector toward the right.

This side of the PS750W has some vents and one of the 10-watt speakers.

This side of the PS750W has a vent, the PortAll compartment, the control panel and the other speaker.

The back of the projector is home to the inputs and connectors.

❮ ❯

The ViewSonic PS750W is a medium-sized projector that looks pretty much like a typical ultra short throw. Its casing is white with a grey accent highlighting the front of the projector and the lens area. On the projector’s front is an IR sensor and the ViewSonic logo, with the three LED indicator lights at the top left area of the front. On the right side of the projector, when facing the front, is one of the 10-watt speakers and the simple control panel. Also on this side of the projector is the concealed PortAll compartment for wireless dongles and USB drives, and one of the vents. The other side of the projector is just vents and the other speaker. The back of the projector is simple, but has plenty of inputs and connectors for educational needs.

Inputs and Connectors

The inputs and connectors panel is located on the back of the projector, and has a simple layout. Starting at the top left, we have a USB type-A and a Mini USB next to it. The text for each input is upside down when the projector is on a table top, because ViewSonic is assuming that the PS750W will be wall mounted and therefore pointing downward. Next to the USB ports is a single HDMI input within a mustard-yellow rectangle. This is not the only HDMI input – but more on that in a moment. The old-school S-Video and component video/audio ports are its neighbor, in a green rectangle. I do like the color coding here – it makes the OCD side of me happy.

The last color coded area houses and Audio In and Audio Out port, as well as two VGA computer inputs. The VGA connector for Computer Out is next to those, paired with the obligatory RS232 port for old-school command and control. To their right is the LAN port and a Mini USB for the laser module that provides the interactive surface for the projector. That does it for the back, but what about that second HDMI port?

It’s located within the concealed PortAll compartment on the right side of the projector when facing the front. It’s so concealed, however, that it’s damn near impossible to find unless you know where to look. The way ViewSonic talks in their marketing and User Guide, you would assume this “nicely concealed” area for connecting wireless dongles, streaming sticks, and USB drives would be easy to get to. It’s not – you have to undo two screws to lift up the side panel. There, you’ll find the HDMI/MHL port and a second USB Type-A input. I see this as a design flaw, and here's why:

They’re hidden for security purposes, which I totally get. You wouldn’t want to plug in your Chromecast or Roku Stick and leave it out for someone’s wandering eye to possibly steal. What I do not understand is why they wouldn’t simply make a quick release door on the top of the projector, which would give easy access to the ports when needed. As it stands, teachers will probably plug in their streaming stick or wireless dongle and leave it there forever. As for the USB port, well, I wouldn’t want to undo the screws every time I had a new presentation. Better to use the USB input on the back of the projector.

Lens and Interactive Camera

The lens and interactive camera are placed side by side at the front of the projector.

The focus lever is located on the right side of the projector when looking at the front, and is concealed with a nice sliding door.

❮ ❯

The typical, ultra short throw lens is located on the front right when looking at the ViewSonic logo. The design of the lens allows the projector to be placed within feet of the projection surface, which is desirable for a classroom setting. Wall mounting tends to be the way to go in these environments, as the ceilings are not typically sturdy and would not be suitable to hang a projector from. This also keeps the projector out of the way, and makes it easier for the installer to run wires down the wall so they do not hang. Ultra short throws are a top choice for schools.

The interactive camera is next to the lens, to its left if looking at the projector the same way as before. It is embedded inside the projector, so there is no extra installation. This was also the case on the last interactive projector I reviewed – the Epson BrightLink 696ui (about $1,000 more expensive). The camera interfaces with the interactive laser module to create the interactive surface for lessons and presentations, which I talk about in the next section.

Interactive Module and Pens

The ViewSonic PS750W comes with an interactive module and two IR pens. The module emits a laser over the surface of the white board, hard screen, or wall. The camera we just discussed works with this module to detect when there is a disruption in the laser veil, which signals to the projector that there is an action taking place. The disruption can be caused by finger tips or the pen tips and together, these things create an interactive experience. The pens are pressure sensitive, meaning you can push them into the projection surface and feel like you’re actually using a pen.

Whether you’re using the pens or finger tips, it’s important to get the right screen surface. For example, you wouldn’t want to take a typical projection screen that pulls tight over a frame and use that for an interactive projector. The screen surface would stretch and get dirty, and overtime, be rendered unusable. These projectors can work with a regular white board, making them a good option for schools in terms of budget, on a smooth white wall, or a specialty screen. Those specialty screens are typically hard-surface white board type screens.

Next up is the second Hardware Tour page. There, I will discuss the control panel, remote control, and the menus. Following that, we’ll get into Picture and Sound Quality, Performance, and then summarize the review for you, tying everything up with some pros and cons so that you can make the right decision for your educational purposes.