HDTVBuyer has a review of the 3-chip ScreenPlay 777 DLP projector from InFocus. This $30k projector now sells for $15k, still half again as much as Sony’s new VPL-VW100, a stellar projector. So, how does HDTVBuyer like this triple seven?

Like I said, this is a 3-chip DLP projector, so there are no rainbows, and no possibility of rainbows. A rarity as far as DLP projectors go. The resolution clocks in at 1280 x 720, not quite the 1920 x 1080 that the VPL-VW100 offers, but still respectable enough. You can get seven different lenses with this projector, five of which offer powered lens shift. Lens shift lets you place the projector off-axis and still get a great-looking geometrically rectangular image without digital keystone correction.

The projector is quiet. I’m one for a quiet environment, so this prevents this projector from automatically getting a big ‘X’ from me. Charlie White, the reviewer, really liked the set:

After a quick focus and positioning using those motorized lens controls, I was beholding the sharpest, brightest and most color-saturated high-definition television image I’ve ever seen out of any projector , anytime. It was magnificent. So this is what high-end home theater looks like. I could get used to this.

The projector was very bright, and that brightness was even - varying from 1469 lumens to 1505 lumens across the screen. The colours were “glorious”.

Though I have to say I didn’t understand the point of a statement about blacks. To illustrate how great the projector is at projecting large images, they moved the projector back to project a 12 foot wide image. Then they said that blacks were extremely dark “even at that distance”. Uh, blacks will get darker as you move the projector further away. There’s less light falling on the same space of screen!

Conclusion?

Summing up, the InFocus ScreenPlay 777 is the standard against which we will judge all other projectors coming into our facility for evaluation. Well, at least for the time being. There are native 1080p projectors on the way, but until they can reach the 777’s $15,000 price point, this is as good as it gets. For the money, this projector represents a remarkable value. Highest recommendation. 10 out of 10 stars.

I guess they haven’t seen the Sony yet.

HDTVBuyer - InFocus ScreenPlay 777