The data projector is becoming an increasingly popular part of mobile computing.
Just as the laptop is dropping in price, so the data projector is finding increased sales success in the sub-£1000 sector.

The latest addition to this range is the CTX PS-5120, which at £640 (inc. VAT) is one of the cheapest units we have reviewed. Not surprisingly, at this price range you won’t be getting state-of-the-art technology. Rather, the CTX offers value and usability.

The 1200 ANSI lumens lamp is of the 3-panel resolution of 800 x 600 pixels LCD variety and offers a native (SVGA). With the average laptop now sporting a minimum of 1024 x 768 pixels (XGA) you’ll find that the unit will up-scale to match the laptop. This means that image quality isn’t as sharp as it could be, with images losing clarity when scaled to a larger size.

However, we found the usability of the CTX to be more than satisfactory. The lamp proved to be sufficiently bright, even in an office environment. The 400:1 contrast ratio is more than adequate. The unit was less than perfect during our DVD test, as there was a degree of dither – where the colour palette breaks down to the primary colours.

Connections on the side of the unit are kept to a minimum and consist of a standard analogue 15-pin D-sub port, with options for S-video, video and composite running alongside it. Under prolonged use there was a degree of heat build-up from the PS-5120, but the size of the chassis more than coped with it. Fan activity was noticeable but fell within acceptable limits. At 3.1kg, it won’t be taken on the road, but as an office, or classroom machine, it is more than adaptable. The CTX PS-5120 won’t set the data projector market alight. What it will do is highlight that it is possible to give presentations without the need to break the bank or opt for a machine that is sub-standard.

PRICE £544/£640 (EX/INC. VAT)
RATING 7
BRIGHTNESS 1200 ANSI lumens
CONTRAST 400:1
TECHNOLOGY 3-panel LCD
NATIVE RESOLUTION 800 x 600 pixels
THROW RANGE 0.7m – 8m
DIMENSIONS (WXHXD) 300 x 24 x 93mm
WEIGHT 3.1kg
CONTACT

0870 727 2110 (reseller)
www.ctxeurope.com