Awaiting the IN83 test, touted by the manufacturer as the LCD technology game-changer, here’s its predecessor, the InFocus IN81. This Full HD 1080p Home Cinema projector, while appearing similar, distinguishes itself with an older DarkChip2 DLP chip, two generations behind the IN83’s DarkChip4.
Technical Specifications of InFocus IN81
| Definition | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Brightness | 1400 lumens |
| Contrast | 10000 |
| Lamp Life | 0.69444444444444 hours |
| Lamp Price | $3,199 |
Aesthetics and Functionality of the IN8X Series
The aesthetics of the IN8X series are highly successful. With its glossy black finish (mind the fingerprints), the rounded shell sets it apart from the usual off-white projectors. The product’s base, though not a full lens-shift system replacement, allows for forward, backwards, and slight sideways tilting.
At the back, it provides the essential video inputs for a projector of this calibre: two HDMIs (one through the included M1-DA adapter), one YUV, 1 S-Video, and one composite. However, some drawbacks include a limited zoom, a measured noise level of 35 dB, a backlit remote lacking some shortcuts, and notably high-power consumption. It consumes 11 Watts in standby (like having a low-energy lightbulb on all the time) and spikes to 325 W when in use!
A final note on the projector’s menu. While it encompasses all necessary image adjustment options, its interface feels outdated, and its high time for InFocus to give it a modern revamp.
Successful Aesthetics And Impressive Image Precision
Crucially, the projector’s factory calibration needs a complete overhaul, and I encourage you to consult the sidebar for optimization advice. Now, about the DarkChip2. While it’s two generations behind Texas’s latest DLP chips, it doesn’t render the projector obsolete. The chip may be older, but the images it produces remain impressive in many respects.
Interestingly, the DarkChip2 is also integrated into the Optoma HD800X, with which it shares similarities. The main differences lie in image sharpness, which is more pronounced on the Optoma side. As for upscaling from SD to HD sources, the progress is very close, with Full HD (1080p) sources reaching near perfection in terms of precision. The black depth is also worth noting at 0.13 cd/m² after calibration, which is excellent.
However, there are fewer positive points to note: there is noticeable pixelation on brown and green gradients, as well as on certain sky blues; stair-stepping effects are sometimes visible on diagonal lines, and the 24p mode for Blu-Ray playback from our PlayStation 3 is not supported. This mode introduces artefacts to the image, so it’s imperative to disable it.
Strengths and Weaknesses of InFocus IN81
Strengths
Successful aesthetics
Image precision in 1080p
Genuine zoom
Multi-directional base
Minimal rainbow effects
Weaknesses
Noisy
Standby and operational power consumption
Video noise in green/brown tones
Smaller image diagonal compared to the average
Rainbow effects, though minimal, are still present
InFocus IN81 Review Conclusion
The InFocus IN81 is significantly hindered by its ergonomics: remote control, operational noise level, power consumption, and OS all need revisiting. However, in terms of image quality, barring some pixelation in specific colour tones, it delivers remarkable precision, and the spectacle is there.
