InFocus rolls out three new large, thin displays for business, education
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 4th 2010 4:31PM
posted March 4th 2010 4:31PM
Don't count on these being available at your local mega-electronics retailer, but InFocus' new series of large, thin displays aimed at business and education users may just have you wishing they were. Available in 42, 55, and 65-inch varieties, the slim, professional-grade displays all pack a full 1080p resolution, a generous supply of inputs (including HDMI, VGA and RS232 for Crestron and AMX integration), a split screen feature to accommodate two separate video sources, and some anti-burn-in technology that will let you leave a pie chart up on the screen all day without any worries (if that's your thing). Of course, professional-grade also come with professional-grade prices, and these are no exception, with them running $1,399, $2,599, and $7,499 -- although InFocus insists they are aimed at the "budget-conscious professional."
How professional can these be? Why would I get this compared to a really big samsung tv?
@Drybones5 colour reproduction is more accurate, contrast ratio will probably be higher. it will be aimed at photographers and graphic designers most probably.
but 1080 on a 65 inch monitor? surely it should be atleast double that if its "professional grade". no point taking pictures in 12mpx RAW just to see them hacked down and blown up.
@Drybones5
The screen is not glossy like most consumer TV this day, is kind alike those 30" Apple LCD Monitor, Mattel screen that is easy to read text and graphic.
Screens can be calibrated. Though paying that much for an LCD seems a bit much. The price for the 65" would seem fair if it was a 2160p screen.
@techlord I hope the surface isn't the reason for the mark-up. My Samsung plasma has a smooth surface with an anti-reflection coating. I paid $900 for a new 50".
@Drybones5 These would be suitable for use in commercial environments, particularly those where the display is on for extended periods of time and displaying static/semi-static images. For example, these would work as digital sign displays. (Most consumer-grade televisions void or significantly shorten the warranty if they are installed and used as a digital sign.)
@JDM You're paying extra for the extra engineering to ensure maintenance-free operation when running for an extended period of time in a public environment. (Imagine installing a display in an environment where you have thousands or more customers viewing it an hour... the last thing you want is the display suddenly flaking out unexpectedly because it's been on too long, or someone walking up and messing with controls, or something like that.) In addition, you're paying for access to technical resources that would assist A/V installers in integrating the panel into a room system.
@techlord
I'm sure it was just an innocent mistake, but "Mattel screen" really cracked me up. Thanks, I needed that.
@roosta
I'm not sure about the contrast ratio difference. A Samsung plasma has 5mil:1 contrast ratio. I doubt this screen can boast numbers like that. And after 5mil:1 I'm pretty sure the difference would be unnoticed. Also, a 50in Samsung plasma demands $999 at Best Buy. You'd probably be able to ind it cheaper elsewhere too. I'm not sure where this leaves these newly announced screens- probably on the shelf.
@think before you react
5mill to 1 is bunk, no screen can do that. manufacturers can just make it up now cos no consumer can check. go to digital versus .com and you will see what the actuall values for screens are.
@Drybones5 - The "professional" features are discussed in the product datasheet (http://www.infocus.com/~/media/library/datasheet/English/InFocus_INF_Series_Datasheet_EN%20pdf.ashx), and can be summarized as follows: picture-by-picture, anti burn-in, metal housing, commercial-grade power supply, 3-year warranty, RS232 port for external control systems.
InFocus is targeting conference-room applications ("collaboration, presentations, demonstrations, web meetings and video conferencing"). The 450 cd/m2 brightness is OK for digital signage but dimmer than the 700 cd/m2 displays from Sony and LG.
Does anyone besides me really want 2160p on some displays some time soon?
@crazacool Nope, I want to give me super high vision over 3d any day.
@crazacool - I keep hoping to see a large-format IPS display with 2560 x 1600 resolution.
That eyeball is STARING at me. :|
theres nothing impressive about this resolution.
I just tried to order from their site and they directed me to a couple of third party company's.
I then tried calling them and all of them are out of business...How am I suppose to order anything if they give me defunct companies?
Julio Zendejas from La Puente California
@JLEOLP The link in the press release is a dead end, but a web browser search for INF4201, INF5501, or INF6501 shows that a handful of e-tailers are taking orders.
The 1920 x 1280 resolution on these Infocus displays is higher than the 1920 x 1080 offered on other commercial displays. However, similar models from LG and HP use IPS panels while Infocus uses a-si technology (which I believe is TN; others please correct me if this is incorrect).
I want that eye thing as a screensaver or a visualizer.
@Old fogie late bloomer
i found this on their fb fanpage
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=193150&id=61009153452
Where'd they come up with those price points? The small sized one comes priced as not too bad, the medium sized one is a little on the pricey side, and the large is like waaaaay out past left field, not even in the ball park. Is that a typo? Makes no sense at all.
@MidwestTechGuy - The price points are comparable to LG commercial displays. I agree, though, that the 65" isn't worth it; you could buy three 55" monitors for the same price. I think the big jump from 55" to 65" is tied to production volumes for the panels; about 12-15 months ago 37" displays were a much better value than 40" models.
Haven't seen this posted on engadget so I'll mention that Sharp recently launched its new PN-E series of large-format 1080p professional LCD monitors in 42", 47", 52" and 60" sizes. All models are fanless and the 52" and 60" panels feature "next generation ultraviolet-induced multi-domain vertical alignment" technology.
Press release: http://sharpusa.com/AboutSharp/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/2010/February/2010_02_24_Debuts_Monitors.aspx
Website: http://sharpusa.com/ForBusiness/PresentationProducts/ProfessionalLCDMonitors.aspx
Brochure download: http://sharpusa.com/~/media/7C5D3FEC330D494FBB08B9191333DB64.ashx
I think some of you guys might be missing the point. The connectivity alone blows away anything you can find in a consumer panel. Auto adjustment of display settings based on your computer and resolution along with an overabundance of inputs, including RS232 meeting room control settings, make this more for office/meeting room/classroom use. If you read the press release
http://www.infocus.com/Company/PressReleases/2010/030110_INF_Thin_Displays_Announcement.aspx
you can see they’re trying to highlight the connectivity and compatibility with a host of pc and video sources, which InFocus claims is 5 times greater than tvs. I’m not sure why you’d try to put this in your house or compare it to a consumer tv.