Acer P1166 DLP Projector

It might seem like an Acer-sponsored week for my beat, as today as well I'm reviewing an Acer product - a DLP value model called the P1166. It’s not a full HD one but rather a candidate for a versatile entertainment cum business projector.

Design and features
This model has quite a typical mid end projector design, with stark looking ridged side panels. These are the type that run all around the sides, except of course the circular lens cavity is present on the right side of the front panel. The dial around the lens is for focus adjustment, and is a contrasting metallic colored shiny finish, so is the Acer logo imprinted on its left.

The top panel is divided into two separately finished surfaces, one a gloss piano black finish, and another matte one with a dark gray hue. It looks nice from the top, but overall it is a basic design - mainly straight edges and smooth surfaces. The top panel has a centrally located square plane containing flush mounted buttons, very neatly arranged and exuding a sense of professionalism. The power button glows in a red backlit LED when in standby mode.

This P1166 model is a DLP kind, with all the embellishments that come with this technology for projectors, like a 6 segment color wheel for instance. The Connections offered are impressive and make it viable to use as a multimedia projector. We have the usual: one VGA in (D-sub), one Composite Video (RCA), one S-Video and mainly one HDMI in.

There is also a USB (type B) input, VGA output and an audio in (Stereo mini jack) for use maybe when in portable mode. It's not exactly light - it’s a good 6 kgs - though the form factor and carry bag supplied allow it to be taken into the boardroom.

The contrast ratio is 2000:1 native, while the brightness is at 2500 ANSI lumens. The native resolution is 800 x 600 and maximum resolution is 1600 x 1200. There is a 2X digital zoom feature and the throw ratio is about 1.60:1. Thus screen sizes attainable are 26 inches minimum – 300 inches maximum and projection distance is 3.3 feet - 32.0 feet.