Infocus X1 SVGA Projector for $899 AR (maybe $799 with coupon!)

[may]

Originally posted by: dcdomain
After reading some of the posts over in the home theatre forum, I'm not too sure about purchasing this unit anymore. A lot of them complained about a rainbow effect (which some stated happens to all projectors, but others after reviewing different models side by side attribute the effect to the X1). As of now, I'd rather spend some more cash and get a better offering. However, though I don't really have a limit as of now for the home theatre system, I like to stick to my deals. I may purchase this just as a temporary projector, once I get everything set, I may purchase another one to use as a permanent projector and use the X1 as a travel projector. However, with the 800 x 600 resolution, it won't really fair well when linked with a computer for presentations. Really just wish I had gotten the Dell 3200MP.

You really should get a Demo X10 at home. There is a free reseller demo program from Infocus, and you can have it at home for 10 days. They'll pay for the shipping. They don't care if you are reseller or not. I think that is because once you keep it for a week, 90% of people will end up buying one..... I connect the projector to a HDTV receiver and the picture is amazing......

 

[dcdomain]

Upon further review, I'm starting to like one I'm reading about this unit (except for the rainbow effect experienced by some). The problem is the computer will most likely be the center piece of our home theatre system, and I'm not sure how the 800x600 resolution would effect it. I can always set the resolution to 800x600 on the computer and run the movies at that resolution. Does that sound good? Or will some movies turn out for the worse when going down in resolution?

 

[GRIFFIN1]

DVD is 720x480, so the 800x600 projector is more than enough for a DVD. HD also looks fantastic on the X1, but I almost wish I would have never seen it because now I realize how low resolution a DVD really is.

 

[cHeeZeFacTory]

Where do you guys put these DLP projectors? I'm assuming somewhere behind the couch or on the ceiling? If so, then won't you need a component video or s-video cable thats >50 ft long?

 

[Wingznut]

What is the "rainbow effect"?

 

[GambitX]

"If there is one single issue that people point to as a weakness in DLP, it is that the use of a spinning color wheel to modulate the image has the potential to create a unique visible artifact on the screen that folks refer to as the "rainbow effect," which is simply colors separating out in distinct red, green, and blue."

More info here:
LCD vs. DLP

 

[dcdomain]

Think I'm going to order this tomorrow. How do the Epson's compare? They have comparable specs I think, but no one ever mentions them on the forums. There are two models under $1000 here: http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php/page_id=38/sortby=popular-/vendors%255B%255D=EPS/lo_p=0/hi_p=0/form_keyword=/ut=80024449e783c198

And as for the rebate, some of the websites that carry it still has the rebate form that states that it'll expire at the end of this month and the one on the infocus website states that it expired last month. I guess they changed the rebate huh?

 

[rbV5]

What is the "rainbow effect"?

Here's an interpretation and thread on the effect.

fixed link

 

[batorok]

from what I've read at the totally awesome avsforum.com "under 5000$" projector forum, and the X1 FAQ, the rebate is expired. Infocus doesn't have it on their website, and the fine print says something about the promotion may be ended at any time. I would call infocus to clarify before jumping on this deal. That said, if you can get the 10% off coupon to work, pretty good deal on this projector from a B&M store...

avsforum

X1 FAQ (unofficial)

 

[Wingznut]

Thanks, GambitX and rvB5.

Has anyone played with any gaming consoles on this projector?

 

[gadgetboy]

the X1 FAQ, the rebate is expired. Infocus doesn't have it on their website, and the fine print says something about the promotion may be ended at any time. I would call infocus to clarify before jumping on this deal. That said, if you can get the 10% off coupon to work, pretty good deal on this projector from a B&M store...

I was just looking around last night on the infocus site for the rebate. Its there and shows end date of 31 May (thus expired):

http://www.infocus.com/
Choose:
- "English"
- "Enduser Rebates and Special Offers! Enduser Rebates and Special Offers!"
- "$100 US Rebate OR Free Apex AD-1200 DVD Player for purchases April 1 - May 31, 2003. Free 3-year Extended Service Plan and discount off Terk Wireless Accessory, for purchases through July 31, 2003."
- " For purchases made April 1 - May 31, click here for a claim form for your $100 Rebate for Free DVD Player."

Direct Link: http://www.infocus.com/x1promo/X1DVD&$100Rebate053103.pdf
"Attach a copy of your invoice(s) including all qualifying purchases made April 1, 2003 ? May 31, 2003."

I also noticed different vendors had links to different versions of the rebate form with various end dates (including 1 that said June 30, 2003 - CDW maybe?), but I'll take the manufacturer site as canon. I see that FAQ explains that infocus shortened the rebate period.

 

[ElectricLegs]

My gift to you June rebate lookers!

The rainbow effects about 1in5 and goes away for most in a few days. A matte or grey screen usually helps but a better solution in the polarizing filter. Supposedly a 62mm filter fits in the lens well.

 

[Dug]

If you guys want a very good cheap screen, go to the fabric store and buy blackout cloth.

Its actually white and its used to line curtains to keep light out. 3yrds is all you need and should cost about $18.
(Use the smooth side that has a hint of gray in it.)

The best part is that you can make it any size you want and it and it will be the same picture as a Dalite matte screen with about 1.0 gain.

Click HERE to see it streched over a cheap fram made out of 1x3. Total cost of the screen ~$35.


BTW I have tried the X1 and did not like the rainbow effect, so I bought the Sanyo LCD projector with a native 16x9 resolution.
I don't think it will effect every one, but if I'm having people over to watch a movie, I don't want that to become the focus of the show.
The price of this projector though is unbelievable for what you get. When I was buying, this was still in the $1300 range.

Has anyone played with any gaming consoles on this projector?

I haven't on the X1, but I have played Xbox on mine and it looks good. But the resolution and low color is very evident when its blown up that big. The computer output is outstanding though because you can run 32bit color, anti aliasing, higher resolution, etc.

 

[dcdomain]

I called InFocus and they stated that if the rebate form goes till June 30, 2003, they'll accept it.

I just purchased it from ProTek (an authorized dealer) and it came out to $935 + shipping. Order on the phone and they bump you up to 3 day shipping. FYI.

 

[chanfo]

This from the infocus x1 unofficial FAQ: http://members.shaw.ca/technut/x1faq/#1.2

- I just called the 800 # that's on the $100 rebate form and asked about the two rebates: the one expiring May 31st and the one expiring June 30th. The lady that answered said that they'd still honor the one expiring June 30th provided I have that form.
- I just called Infocus as well and they said,"You can go ahead and mail in the coupon." with June 30 deadline and they said they would honor it.
- That is what I was told today. They are fully aware of the confusion the change has made and will honor any purchase up to 6/30 providing that the correct coupon is sent in with necessary information.
- Well not to put a damper on anything but.... According to someone higher up at Infocus. The people who answer the phone don't count. Any purchase made after June 1st, REGARDLESS of the form you have, will not be honored. The day they annouced the Price drop, is the same time they announced the rebate will end May 31st. I've made several calls and have clarified this matter, seeing i work for a reseller of Infocus, they WILL NOT honor any rebate claims INVOICED after May 31st. They have the right to change the dates at any time. I even asked if someone was to send it in anyway, they told me it will be send back.