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Despite being launched only in August, the latest addition to the InFocus LP400 family - the LP425 - has won wide acclaim, including PC Magazine's editor's choice award for portable projectors.

 Based on Texas Instrument's digital light processing (DLP) display technology, it is one of the smallest projectors around, weighing just 3.1 kilograms.

 InFocus Systems marketing manager Vincent Leung said the company had increased image brightness (700 ANSI lumens) by 40 per cent over the LP420, without increasing the weight.

 A 'reset all' function does all the settings, such as resize the picture. But these can also be done manually.

 To make cable connection easier, users can buy the optional $2,000 Cable Wizard II, a one-wire connection for video, audio and remote control. The cable avoids problems such as interference, double images and distortion, and optimises use of multi-media functions.

 On the down side, the LP425 has no zoom and the remote control also is optional and costs about $600. The LP425 has no fan to cool it down, so it is quite silent.

 It comes with a two-year global warranty, compared with the usual one year provided by other vendors, and is priced at $40,000.

 InFocus was ahead of its time when it launched its ultra portable LP400 series in November last year, and other vendors are still struggling to catch up.

 Kodak just launched its DP 850 model, which at 4.5 kg is still heavier than the LP425, and is also less bright. But it comes with more multi-media features, such as a 10-watt loudspeaker, a digital camera option for still pictures, a 1.5x power zoom and multi-function infrared remote control.

 The DP 850 comes with a colour management system that allows adjustment of brightness and colours. Kodak extended the warranty to five years. Price of the DP 850 is $40,000.

 Although it did not break the 4.0 kg barrier, Norwegian manufacturer ASK launched its first portable projector as early as 1995. ASK was one of the first European manufacturers of LCD panels. It is better known in Europe than in Asia, although this may change because its latest projectors, the Impression A4+ and the Impression A10, have everything projectors can offer while remaining below $40,000: A4 footprint, 4.9 kg weight, 750 ANSI lumens, SVGA resolution, six input sources, four built-in speakers and 2,500 hours lamps life. ASK products are distributed here by Eduserve International.

 At 4.5 kg, the NEC MultiSync LT80 launched in July is at the upper limit of the ultra-portable category. Its square, basic design makes it less attractive than sleeker-designed projectors. Incorporating DLP technology, it comes with a brightness of 800 ANSI lumens and high XGA resolution. Image quality is enhanced by NEC's proprietary AccuBlend technology. At $38,000, its price is reasonable and makes it the cheapest among the DLP products available in Hong Kong.

 CTX Opto is a member of the CTX Group, one of Taiwan's leading developers of LCD products. It makes the EzPro line of LCD and DLP projectors. One of the CTX Opto projectors available in Hong Kong is the EzPro 680, a 5.7 kg polysilicon LCD panel projector with a brightness of 500 ANSI lumens and XGA resolution.

 It is nicely designed and comes with two internal speakers, easy top commands complete with a joystick-type pointing device, and a remote control that can also control a 47-75mm zoom. The EzPro 680's price tag is $39,800.

 At 6.6 kg, Sharp's XG-NV3XM is not the lightest on the market but is user-friendly. Based on polysilicon LCD panel technology - which has been around for five years - the XG does not have many features built-in but is a straightforward, easy-to-use product.

 Launched just before the World Cup, it has been bought by many home users, says Keith Chiu, sales executive of technology consultancy South China House. This is despite a rather high price tag of $46,000. The XG comes with 700 ANSI lumens, XGA high resolution, and a 120-watt ultra-high power (UHP) lamp with a life of 2,000 hours.

 Sony's CPJ-D500 is another fine travelling companion. Despite its 5.0 kg, this LCD projector is portable and costs only $16,000. As you would expect though, its image quality does not quite compare with pricier DLP models.

 With only 500 ANSI lumens, the Sony lacks brightness and can only project in dark conditions. Its poor resolution makes it hardly suitable for video projection.

 It comes with the same footprint as a laptop but stands vertically, leaving plenty of room on the set-up table. All the connections are located at the front, just below the lens, which means wires are always in the way. Sony says the 80-watt metal halide bulb lasts up to 2,000 hours, which is up to 20 times longer than quartz halogen bulbs.

 Philips claims its 7.5 kg ProScreen 4750 is a portable multi-media projector. Its robust design, high XGA resolution and high 850 ANSI lumen brightness make it ideal for high-definition, heavy-duty applications such as graphic design and CAD/CAM presentations or small detailed financial presentations.

 Philips leveraged its experience in lighting and incorporated in this polysilicon-based projector an ultra-high power (UHP) 120-watt lamp providing up to 4,000 hours and a more constant light.

 Other special Philips features include the Limesco, (line memory converter), which automatically converts to the appropriate display resolution, and a built-in line doubling technology which enhances video performance. For easier connection, users can buy a $400, three-in-one cable as an extra to the $59,800 price tag.

 3M's MP 8640 is popular in Hong Kong, mainly because of 3M brand recognition and reputation for sturdiness, reliability and good support. This active-matrix polysilicon projector offers 650 ANSI lumens brightness and includes built-in stereo speakers and four input channels.

 Its resolution is limited to SVGA, but when you think of it, this display technology is still more widely used than XGA in PCs. At 8.0 kg, the MP 8640 can hardly be regarded as portable although, according to Angus Tse, sales and marketing director of 3M distributor Winful International Technology, it is widely used by executives on the go. The cost is $40,000.



Makers weigh up power at the right price