What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
22 SEP 2008
InFocus IN80
Over the years InFocus has made quite a habit of transforming our expectations from home cinema projectors – but even from a company with a fondness for the spectacular, the IN80 is something very special.
This £1300 DLP design shares its chassis with other models in the InFocus range so, matt black paint job aside, it’s visually identical to the £3500 IN83. There’s plenty of space for the cooling fan to do its work, ample room for an extensive socket fit, and a table-top-friendly pivoting plinth makes set-up easy.
The IN80 really scores by being one of the cheapest projectors we’ve tested to boast Full HD 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080), based on a Texas Instruments DC1 chipset.
In theory, this reveals some evidence of cost-cutting next to other, more expensive projectors in the InFocus line-up, which employ superior, higher-contrast DC2, 3 and 4 chipsets – but given the price being asked, we’re willing to be tolerant.
Terrific advantage over rivals
Besides, direct comparisons between the £2000, DC2-enabled IN81 and this model reveal very little to disappoint. The pricier projector is perhaps a little punchier, but overall, both models revel in a compelling blend of sharpness, smoothness and stability.
With Blu-ray discs such as Training Day, the resolution advantage the IN80 enjoys over rivals such as the Panasonic PT-AX200E is instant and obvious, as are the depth and drama of its black levels.
Fast-moving off-air football can disturb its equilibrium a little, but the same is true of many rivals, including kit costing far more.
All of which means this is a no-brainer big-screen buy – and yet another spectacular coup for InFocus.
Click here to watch our video review of the InFocus IN80.
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