InFocus unveils Play Big IN1 DLP projector: $499 only at Woot

Woot -- your favorite low-cost Zune supplier -- is movin' on up. The e-tailer is touting yet another "Woot launch," which just so happens to be a brand new InFocus DLP projector aimed at gamers and those on a budget. The metallic blue Play Big IN1 features a 640 x 480 native resolution, S-Video / component / composite inputs, 500 ANSI lumens, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, integrated stereo speakers and headphone / RCA audio outputs. Granted, even at $499 we'd expect the specifications to be a bit more... modern. Oh, and Woot's also throwing in a set of Wii component cables, so there's that, and for those unfamiliar with how Woot works, we'll just suggest that you pull the trigger now (if this piques your interest) and contemplate later.

[Mike @ Nov 8th 2007 9:39AM]

640x480? What, did I travel back to 1997?

[nntpgrip @ Nov 8th 2007 9:52AM]

Agreed, should have been at least 720x480 16:9 EDTV. Or 640x480 "rectangle pixel" 16x9...

They don't list the aspect ratio so I am assuming 4:3

Why would you build anything new that was 4:3?

That price blows for the resolution, at the very least the lumens should have been greater that 1000

[patsy @ Nov 8th 2007 11:59AM]

I didn't even know TI made a DLP chip of that resolution. I guess they must have dug really deeply into the parts bin.

[sam @ Nov 8th 2007 3:36PM]

@nntpgrip: AFAIK, the aspect ratio is the lowest common denominator of the resolution. So 640x480 is indeed 4x3 (640/180 = 4 and 480/180 =3).

[ScOObyDoo @ Nov 8th 2007 9:47AM]

Holy crap. 640x480 and only 500ANSI Lumens? That is pretty weak. Costco carries an SVGA Viewsonic that does 800x600 and 1500ANSI Lumens for $100 less...

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11233078&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US&s=1

Of course, once you figure in tax and shipping the difference is just $60, but I just can't see myself investing $500 in a VGA projector anymore,,,

[Khris @ Nov 8th 2007 10:10AM]

I paid $699 for a Dell 1800MP (which is currently priced at $799).

Bright 2100 ANSI Lumens(Max
Excellent 2000:1 Contrast Ratio
Native XGA (1024 x 768) Resolution

Why would anyone buy this blue POS?? There's being on a budget, and then there's screwing yourself over and buying crap because you're on a budget.

[Peter @ Nov 8th 2007 10:13AM]

Why not get the eVo?

http://yhst-18925554572786.stores.yahoo.net/llpjevov1w2.html

at least the bulbs will be cheaper to replace.

[Homeboy @ Nov 8th 2007 10:17AM]

Before I read the title I though that was a vacuum cleaner.

[Andrew @ Nov 8th 2007 10:26AM]

... Thanks for the Advertisement Engadget. Don't get me wrong, I shop there a lot... but yeah.

[rihahn @ Nov 8th 2007 10:57AM]

640x480? I don't own anything anymore that does that resolution...

But, if you figure analog NTSC television is what? 648x486? I guess this is 'ok' if all you have is an analog TV hooked up to your PS2 via composite or something.

How big are the pixels when you blow a 640x480 image up to 100 inches? About a quarter of an inch or so? Wow...

[charlie @ Nov 8th 2007 11:46AM]

Close... Assuming a 4:3 ratio image, a 100 inch diagonal screen would be 80" wide and 60" tall. That would make the pixels 1/8" (0.125") on a side and an area of 0.0156 in^2

A 100" (16x9) 720p image would have pixels about 0.068" on a side and an area of 0.0046 in^2
A 100" (16x9) 1080p image would have pixels about 0.046" on a side and an area of 0.0021 in ^2

And you can get a nice 720p, 2000 lumen projector for $1300... Panasonic PT-AX200U

[Unregistered @ Nov 8th 2007 11:03AM]

It looks like a cage for transporting cats

[octoberasian @ Nov 8th 2007 12:32PM]

That little thing reminded me of that little black robot running about in Star Wars VI - A New Hope when Luke, Han, and Chewy were in the hallways of the Death Star rescuing Princess Leia.

Yes, I'm that nerdy to remember that.

[danny @ Nov 8th 2007 12:57PM]

This thing sounds rather horrible in comparison to the Mitsubishi PK20 Pocket Projector, which costs less, doesn't use bulbs (LED), fits in a small place, uses less power, etc.

[nd @ Nov 8th 2007 1:12PM]

this is an unfortunate product launch. infocus took their dvd theater in a box and launched it as a gamer system first instead. silly, because gamers like better specs. this would be great for what its meant to be- a dvd projector in a light controlled room. also, woot usually has good prices, but this is being launched at suggested retail price. the 480 panel is just right for dvds tho.

also, replacement bulbs are only $80...cool.

[Tony C @ Nov 8th 2007 1:21PM]

The good part is the replacement bulb only costs $100... $80 with the Woot! discount. I guess they thought they were creating something to go toe-to-toe (sort of) with the Lumenlab eVo and its $30 bulb and 800x480 resolution.

http://www.lumenlab.com

[BillyBones @ Nov 8th 2007 1:23PM]

The lamps are $99 but at 1000 hours for a "gaming" projector, not really a bargin. Tigerdirect has the same deal that Costco has as well. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2881686&sku=V18-5110

[juanfe @ Nov 8th 2007 1:33PM]

Looks like Doctor Who's K-9 with his head chopped off...

[Major Malfunction @ Nov 8th 2007 2:02PM]

The only good thing about this posting was that I forgot about woot.com having some cool lewt once in awhile. This not being one of those times.

[sam @ Nov 8th 2007 3:40PM]

This isn't a good deal at all. There are many smaller, more attractive projectors with much better specs for the same price or cheaper. I would expect as much from Gizmodo, but Engadget? Come on guys...

[sam @ Nov 8th 2007 3:42PM]

The thing looks like a discarded robot in the basement of a Jawa Sandcrawler.

[Relaxasaurus @ Nov 8th 2007 4:06PM]

I bought an Infocus IN-72 widescreen SD DLP projector for $429 after MIR ($629 out the door) over half a year ago. This "deal" is silly.

Links of interest:

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater-multimedia-projectors.htm
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3187730&CatId=1755

[zamir.evan @ Nov 8th 2007 5:39PM]

They take advantage of idiots who don't know any better.

[TheLostSwede @ Nov 9th 2007 4:49AM]

You can get a 720p projector for $559... http://www.electro-discounts.com/product_info.php/products_id/877

[murray @ Nov 15th 2007 8:33PM]

Looks like the ass-end of a Dalek. (a blue one...)