Test Drive : The InFocus IN72 Projector: Sleek, Bright, Pricey

Test Drive

By Chris Iannicello, published on October 17, 2006
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: the, infocus, in72

Contents

3. Test Drive

I connected the IN72 to several HD sources and sampled several types of high-definition content including movies, sports and regular television programming. I found that hardly any adjustments were needed to achieve an impressive image. Color accuracy was very good, and contrast, as with many DLP Projectors, was excellent. Shadow detail is first rate among 480p projectors, with a great amount of detail in dark scenes. The increase in brightness compared to its predecessor, the SP4805, is very apparent as you can have a decent amount of ambient light while still retaining an acceptable image.

Here are a few sample images of the IN72. The bottom images in each comparison, called "reference images," are not photographs, but 1080p quality screenshots from computer video files and therefore will always look better than the photographed television images. They are used to illustrate the original image attributes of the source material. Also, keep in mind that 480p images, whether it is from EDTV plasmas or DLP projectors, will not have nearly as much detail as 720p or 1080p sources.

All of the test images were taken in a darkened room projected on a DaLite Model B screen with matte white finish (1.0x gain).

A broadcast video feed that displays good color accuracy and contrast. Flesh tones are very good, with just a slight hint of red.

Korean Broadcast - SBS HD - 1080i
TOP: INFOCUS IN72 - BOTTOM: Reference Image

This image from Pirates of the Caribbean shows the excellent color saturation of the IN72. Contrast again is very good, as the overall bright and dark areas of the image are well composed.

Pirates of the Caribbean - INHD2 - 1080i
TOP: INFOCUS IN72 - BOTTOM: Reference Image

This scene from the movie Invincible is very difficult to pull off as there is a great deal of content lost in the dark portions of the image. While some shadow detail is lost compared to the reference image, the IN72 shows more of this detail than many other displays tested. Colors are rich and deep throughout the image.