Acer P1166 DLP Projector

Performance
We plugged in our piece of equipment via HDMI into our test HTPC, filled with brand new Full HD trailers and clips, downloaded off the net. Plus our regular video test patterns also were beckoned in to see the performance of the projector. First things first , the menu is quite comprehensive with enough controls for achieving a a nice sweet spot in the image after calibrating. There is contrast, brightness, individual RGB, gamma and color temp settings.

Once set, we finally got an image of about 130 inches from a distance of 11 feet, mounted on a table top. The brightness is decent but not striking or spectacular. One definitely needs to shut off ambient light completely to enjoy any sensation of vividness.

The contrast performance is again average to decent, as black levels could be discerned but the difference between light and dark colors was not as vibrant. But then again this is not such an expensive projector, and its native res is 800 x 600. We simply could not use that, so I choked it till maximum res of 1920 x 1080. The specs do not mention it but via HDMI you can go upto 1080.

We watched the new terminator trailer in HD, and also Ratatouille on Blu-ray. The colors can be notched up in saturation through the menu, and then we get a satisfactory image. Motion was smooth, as is the fluid like motion of DLP models. Minute clarity suffers a bit, though it is not in its native resolution. Focus needs to be set minutely in detail if fonts and stuff are to be read clearly, as this projector has clear problems with displaying minute detail - it leaks out of its borders here and there in the image.

Conclusion
At a price of Rs. 53,029, I cannot call it a steal of a deal as the brightness and contrast is not spectacular or compelling enough to convince. It is good enough to enjoy a movie or game though, there is no compromise to be made. Just that it should have been cheaper. Colors are fine, they have a good neutral quality, but then again sharpness is something that requires attention.