Optoma Technology TX612 3500 Lumens XGA Projector

The Optoma TX612 packs a lot of features into a surprisingly affordable package. Its 3500 lumens of projection power combined with its 3000:1 contrast ratio means it will provide a rich, vivid image in medium to large rooms even with some ambient light to contend with.

The TX612's star attraction must surely be its Texas Instruments DMD DLP chip. This 0.55" chip processes not just the three primary colors that all other chips work on, red, green and blue, but also their complements: cyan, magenta and yellow. As a result colors are so clear and lifelike that TI calls its latest version of the technology BrilliantColor. DLP chips with BrilliantColor increase the brightness of colors by 50 percent vs. DLP chips without it. An added advantage of this chip is that it requires no filter that has to be periodically cleaned and replaced, an operation that can be risky in ceiling mounted installations.

Another key attraction of this projector is its versatility and compatibility. Its power supply can auto switch between inputs of 100 and 240 Volts AC at 50/60 Hz. It's also compatible with about 40 PC and Mac resolution and frequency combinations so it's ideal for laptop-based business presentations.

But perhaps the business world is the furthest thing from your mind. You just want to watch some television. You're in luck. The TX612 is compatible with video signals in the NTSC, NTSC 4.43, PAL, B, D, G, H, I, M, N and SECAM B, D, G, K, K1, L standards. And it can do 720p, 1080i and 1080p high definition. Just plug it into a cable, satellite box or TV with a video out jack and you're good to go.

There's a lot to like in the TX612 so you'll want to secure your investment. There's a control panel lock, password protection and a security bar through which you can lace a security cable (available separately).

If you're looking for projection power, rich, vivid color and versatility in a very affordable package, the TX612 may be just the projector you're looking for.