Infocus Play Big IN72 480p DLP Home Theater Projector
By: In Focus Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 17
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 On: 2008-05-29
I really enjoyed this project while it lasted. The image quality was phenominal and was viewable even in daylight. We built a home theater around this projector and had many great movie nights that provided an experience rivaling big movie theaters. However, after about 15 months of use and with nearly 1000 hours left on the bulb, the projector died suddenly, smoke pouring out of the unit. Please be warned that in my research, Ive discovered this is a common experience. For many, the culprit is an underpowered fuse. For me, it was a capacitor that burned up on the mainboard. I called customer support only to find out like many that Infocus has a fixed fee of $475 to fix the projector. They dont even guarantee it will be fixed for that amount and state the repair costs could be as high as $1,000! They will not work with you. From my experience, they only provide minimal customer service and do not acknowledge these are common problems. For many, it seems to be related to using the projector in a ceiling mounted position. My experiences with InFocus will discourage my purchase of their products in the future.
On: 2008-05-19
I received this as a gift from my wife for Christmas 2006 and although I didnt have a home theater to run this with, we pulled it out at parties and projected a movie or video games on the wall. Works fine... looks nice. Now, 16 months later and with the unit only accruing about 50 hours of use, I built a full home theater and the unit suddenly died before I could even use it once.
This is apparently a common problem with these units... they just suddenly stop working. Many people fix them by replacing the internal fuse... I read about someone fixing theirs by rolling back the firmware version inside. Unfortunately, neither of those works for me, and sending it back for a $400+ repair is my only option.
Ill never buy another Infocus item again... after 50 hours of careful use, no power surge, no abuse, it shouldnt have died. The 50 hours were nice though, which is why I gave it 2 and not 1 star.
On: 2008-02-28
Ive had my projector for a few months and was pretty happy with it until I needed to move it. After that it started to display a bunch of white vertical lines. Customer support suggested to send the unit for inspection and they found that I damaged the unit by using too long screws. But I only used those that were supplied along with projector, so I assume they simply did not want to repair it (it was still under warranty). Stay away!
 On: 2007-11-01
My parents have a Infocus screen play 4805 which I helped them select a couple of years ago for the basement theater room. I loved it so much I knew I wanted an Infocus when I moved out. As far as the IN72 goes its brighter but, not washed out thanks to its 6 segment 4X speed color wheel, which I nor any of my friends have ever been able to see a rainbow effect on. The colors are crisp and clear. This projector is ideal for movies 480p and downloaded movies. If you want to watch television regularly on it youd probably burn out the bulb which is almost as much as the projector itself. I would recommend it for a larger room because if you sit to close its like been in the first row in a movie theater, personally it gives me headaches. The image processor does a great job converting different input signals, but I try to stick to its native 480p resolution, if you want something to play your hidef. DVDs or blu rays I would recommend you look else where but when it comes to regular DVDs youll never fine a better picture.
On: 2007-10-31
My parents have a Infocus screen play 4805 which I helped them select a couple of years ago for the basement theater room. I loved it so much I knew I wanted an Infocus when I moved out. As far as the IN72 goes its brighter but, not washed out thanks to its 6 segment 4X speed color wheel, which I nor any of my friends have ever been able to see a rainbow effect on. The colors are crisp and clear. This projector is ideal for movies 480p and downloaded movies. If you want to watch television regularly on it youd probably burn out the bulb which is almost as much as the projector itself. I would recommend it for a larger room because if you sit to close its like been in the first row in a movie theater, personally it gives me headaches. The image processor does a great job converting different input signals, but I try to stick to its native 480p resolution, if you want something to play your hidef. DVDs or blu rays I would recommend you look else where but when it comes to regular DVDs youll never fine a better picture.
On: 2007-10-05
Ive had this babe for 4 months now, and all I can say is that the image looks way better than in my 29" CRT TV. Duh! Of course it does. Now, seriously, in the past I considered a home projector a stupid option because I had only seen old LCD models... And the blacks were, well... actually gray, and the colors did not convince. With the InFocus IN72, however, blacks look dark gray, the darkest gray I have ever seen in a home projector. Its not really black, though. It can be compared to the "black" of a modern LCD monitor when seen in a completely darkened room. Im a Star Wars fan, so I watch a lot of space scenes, and I have to say that while the space with the IN72 does not look as black as in my good old CRT TV, it is quite convincing for most viewers. Not a single one of my friends has ever complained about image quality. Of course, they sit rather far from the screen, and I have only a 70" screen. If you buy a larger screen or sit closer, you can see the pixel structure (screen door effect), and that can be distracting. If you really need a big screen but the same great InFocus quality, look for the IN76, which is HD.
On: 2007-07-17
I got this projector about 6 months ago and I couldnt be happier. In a bright room the picture is a bit dim, but I have blinds so that works. The projector did break down last month and I sent it back for warranty repair. I had it back within a week. Very fast service.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-07-10
After having it for 6 months I decided to upgrade(like most do!) to a more powerful 720p/1080i hc1500.Well,the extra resolution works awesome with HDMI but for standard viewing of digital cable or video games especially,the IN72 is SOOOOOOOO much better! Even with the standard HDMI and even 480p looks REAL good on the in72.The picture warmth and brightness of the image is easy on the eyes and is real attractive.There is a level of softness to the picture that I appreciated making it more natural looking overall.Color and motion looks amazing,no rainbow effect at all.Though pixalization is somewhat more noticeable at a close distance,from further back they are oblivious.Compared to the hc1500 video games look so much smoother and that much better..I kinda regret selling it and should have just kept it for games alone.My only gripes are that it runs REAL HOT,it sucks in cold air from one side and vents it out the other.The fan is noticeable and though not blaring,you can definetly hear its presence.The little swivel arm it sits on is finicky..mess it while its hot and the projector will shut off on you,kinda tricky turning it back on as well.The body is sleek and futuristic but gathers alot of dust,it also seems fragile in a way.
Overall,for the price..this projector simply cant be beat,except for the other models in this line up.The add on image processors are alone with the purchase(do your research!)
 On: 2007-06-17
I replaced my old TV with this and God D@mn its good.
It is very bright. I have connected my TV cable/PS2/DVD player to it so far and it rocks them all. It makes watching TV a great experience. The controls are very easy and intuitive, I have not opened the manual and I was able to do all the settings. Works fine in slight light like at morning and evening. Plus it can be set for brighter picture in such conditions.
It also connects to my PC (using s-video cable) and works very well for Gaming/Videos. I use it extensively for Gaming and Im very satisfied with its performance. But for other things like Web Browsing or anything that involves reading, the clarity of fonts is not very good. Special cables will be required to connect Laptops, unless you have DVI/S-video or some such option in it.
It does not have any built in audio (Worked for me cuz I have awesome speakers from Altec Lansing)
Summary:
Buy them.
On: 2007-05-23
Does anyone know if this projector is just for a TV or if also hooks up to laptop? Does it require a special cable or cord?????
On: 2007-05-15
I chose the IN72 partially because it was the only projector InFocus recommended on its website for gaming. The picture quality was really good and the projector was quite bright. Even though is doesnt project at HD standards, using the HDMI input is supposed to improve the image (I havent tried it yet). I would recommend it for movie watching and gaming even though its not HD. I am more than satisfied with this purchase especially because of how cheap it was. If you buy this from amazon, you should go to the tigerdirect website to print out the $200 rebate offer which is available until June. My purchase ended up being 450 plus shipping and handling.
On: 2007-05-12
We have it in our gaming center hooked to an Xbox 360 & Wii, it works great, everyone compliments it.
On: 2007-04-16
We read the reviews and decided we should buy the Infocus IN 72 rather than replace the burned out bulb in our Infocus Screenplay 4805. It was the exactly the right decision. Although we had been very very pleased with the 4805, the IN 72 is quieter and the picture brighter and clearer. Downloading the newer firmware (which we did based upon other reviews)was a little scary for a few moments but the instructions on the Infocus Website worked as described. The new machine seemed to quit each time we connected the M1 HDMI cable..but found later that it wasnt really quitting just turning the bulb off before downloading. Movies we had watched before are clearer and more vivid on the IN 72. Also, the price with rebate was less than half the price we paid for the 4805 and a little more than the cost of a new bulb. The two things that are a little different is the stand the way that one has to tilt the projector to aim at the screen is simpler than the 4805 but a little tricky (similar to tilting a large CRT) and the IN 72 has no audio output if you want to use the machine for video games (we usually asked the kids to turn off the audio anyhow). Also the projector is set to turn itself off after 4 hours if dont change the settings. After six weeks of use we have reaffirmed that we made an excellent selection..
On: 2007-04-10
Excellent picture and brightness. I project it right on the wall and the picture is very good. Low fan noise, and easy to use remote functions (with flashlight!). Built in adjustable stand is of great use. No need to mount to ceiling. Keystone adjustment is very usefull. Great alternitive to Plasma and LCD for a fraction of the cost (and much bigger screen).
I have it connected to DVD/VCR using component video and the picture looks great. One thing I like about this projector is the various connections in the back giving you many options to connect external devices. Connecting your computer through the M1 adaptor can be a bit tricky. Just make sure you get the correct cable (the one with the USB cable) and adjust your resolution and it should work fine. You can also upgrade your firmware through the same cable.
I am very satisfied with this deal and the Amazon shipping was quick. I am just waiting now for the rebate ($200) and I will be a happy camper. Price afer rebate is around $470.
On: 2007-02-23
I have only been using this for a week but so far I love it. I got it on Woot for [..]with a [...]. I hooked up my DVD player through HDMI and my Playstation 1 through composite to it. I am projecting onto a wall (not a screen) and movies & games look great anyway. I am annoyed that there is only 1 composite video input because I wanted to hook up my old Sega Dreamcast too. Oh well. One last important note: Despite the HDMI input its NOT an HD projector; it displays only up to 480p, not 720p or 1080p. So if you have an XBOX 360, Playstation 3, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player look elsewhere. That being said, there is a noticeable improvement in image quality when using HDMI instead of composite even for standard definition dvds.
On: 2007-02-22
I have only been using this for a week but so far I love it. I got it on Woot for [..]with a [...]. I hooked up my DVD player through HDMI and my Playstation 1 through composite to it. I am projecting onto a wall (not a screen) and movies & games look great anyway. I am annoyed that there is only 1 composite video input because I wanted to hook up my old Sega Dreamcast too. Oh well. One last important note: Despite the HDMI input its NOT an HD projector; it displays only up to 480p, not 720p or 1080p. So if you have an XBOX 360, Playstation 3, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player look elsewhere. That being said, there is a noticeable improvement in image quality when using HDMI instead of composite even for standard definition dvds.
On: 2007-01-22
Hello,
I purchased this projector after reading about it and seeing the rebates they offered for it.
Setup is a snap.
The Input options are great for a project this low costed. HDMI, S-Video, Component, and DVI(?)
I do wish it had internal speakers for Game playing as I wanted to use it in other rooms.
DVD look WOW from this projector.
If you are looking to get into home theater, this is a very good option.
On: 2007-01-21
Hello,
I purchased this projector after reading about it and seeing the rebates they offered for it.
Setup is a snap.
The Input options are great for a project this low costed. HDMI, S-Video, Component, and DVI(?)
I do wish it had internal speakers for Game playing as I wanted to use it in other rooms.
DVD look WOW from this projector.
If you are looking to get into home theater, this is a very good option.
On: 2007-01-19
Holy cow this was a great purchase. I use a digital projector in my living room as my "tv". When I went to replace my existing Infocus projector, I considered stepping up to the IN76. After all, the IN72 is just the current version of the model I already had, right? Well, ok, technically, that is true. But, wow is there a difference.
This model has really wonderful brightness and color. The difference between it and earlier models is truly striking. Since light pollution from the surrounding environment (windows, etc.) has been my only real complaint with digital projectors, the added brightness of this model has really made me fall in love with them all over again.
Additionally, the fans are so quiet that I did not even build a hush box for it. I couldnt find any fans that were more quiet.
On: 2007-01-14
Im in love with my IN72 the picture is beautiful when hooked via HDMI movie nights will never be the same!
On: 2007-01-13
Im in love with my IN72 the picture is beautiful when hooked via HDMI movie nights will never be the same!
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