New Projector

[ictech]

Hi all,

 

I'm just looking for some advice/opinions...we are looking at buying some new class projectors and I was wondering if there are any that you would reccommend to buy/avoid. Ideally we would buy the new Casio LED's but we are limited to around £400-450 per projector. They will be running for most of the school day so will take quite a bit of use.

[TopBanana]

Hi all,

 

I'm just looking for some advice/opinions...we are looking at buying some new class projectors and I was wondering if there are any that you would reccommend to buy/avoid. Ideally we would buy the new Casio LED's but we are limited to around £400-450 per projector. They will be running for most of the school day so will take quite a bit of use.

 

be sure to check out the Sanyo PLC-XW200 XGA 2200 ANSI Lumens very popular in education see below for further info.

 

http://staging.sanyo.com/Projectors-by-Market-Government-Meeting/PLC-XW200

Edited October 15, 2010 by Dos_Box

[Paul_L]

be sure to check out the Sanyo PLC-XW200 XGA 2200 ANSI Lumens very popular in education see below for further info

 

SANYO :: Meeting :: PLC-XW200

 

Nothing wrong with these projectors, BUT just be aware, that like the Sahara DLP's the lens is 'on the other side' to most other projectors! So if you were replacing with these you may end up having to move the mounting!

Edited October 15, 2010 by john
Edited quote to remove quoted removed post

[Educare_AV]

What projectors do you have at the moment? Make sure you go for something with a similar throw distance, so you do not have to relocate the projector poles.

[Haptic]

I agree with all of the above, the Casio are great units...however they do require some alteration of existing mounting poles. Also the lead times are quite choppy for most of the Casio range. For the price range you've mentioned they do seem like a good consideration. Failing that you can bag a great value Edu projector with 3yr de/reinstall warranty/bulb warranty also.

 

Happy hunting

 

Joe

[camel]

We have recently had a casio led projector but the thing is so noisy. Much more so than the filterless projectors we have.

At my school, I've been looking into Benq MP515 and MP626 £300 - £350 with 2500/2700 lumins respectively. Replacement lamps at around £85 - £95. This isn't bad when I was quoted a replacement lamp for a Saraha projector (Very old) at £350! No surprises to what happened when I got that quote.

[lionsl2005]

We are currently replaced our old ones with these ones Sanyo PLC-XE 43

These comes with3 year lamp warranty and 3 year de-install/ re-install projector warranty. We love them.

[lionsl2005]

You can consider these as well Sanyo XE-33

It aslo comes with comes with3 year lamp warranty and 3 year de-install/ re-install projector warranty.

[Paul_L]

We have recently had a casio led projector but the thing is so noisy.

 

Put it into 'eco mode' no real reduction in picture, but great reduction in noise level!

[glennda]

Another vote for Casio - although can take longer to deliver the prospect of me having to stop changing projector bulbs all the time is a god send! They are great projectors and the no bulb thing is worth the extra cost of the plate needed to mount to a pole

[TopBanana]

be sure to check out the Sanyo PLC-XW200 XGA 2200 ANSI Lumens very popular in education see below for further info.

 

SANYO :: Meeting :: PLC-XW200

 

thanks for removing pricing infomation , my post was a guide for the user not a blatant pricing or promotion!!!

[3s-gtech]

We did this a few years back - bought Sanyo XW55s as they give a nice picture, were cheap, and came with a free lamp each. Worth looking at offers like those, we're been very happy with them.

[BIST]

i agree sanyo or epson projectors always best in schools they have the 3yr wtys

[ictech]

Thanks guys, I'll look into these options and look for the best deal.

[Jobos]

We have recently had a casio led projector but the thing is so noisy.

 

So how much noise do these projectors make compared to a standard projector?

[glennda]

So how much noise do these projectors make compared to a standard projector?

 

IMHO not alot - but i don't have one on next to me all day - they are a lot quieter then normal ones. plus if they are louder the cost savings outway any slight increase in noise

 

Toby

[camel]

The Casio XJ-A135 is the model we have, with the 3 energy(eco) settings. Standard mode dB level is not quoted in the specs on Casio's website, only the 2 eco modes (1 @ 35dB and 2 @ 29dB). In standard mode the noise is distracting, being reasonably close to that of the cooling down period of a Sanyo projector. Noise and image brightness are greatly reduced on eco2. Though no specific quotation on the noise level, it was a letdown in a PC Pro review of the XJ-A135.

 

In addition to noise, the cost of these projectors is substantially higher than its competition with the basic model (XJ-A130) being £620+ Ex VAT and the XJ-A135 at £690+. A roughly equivalent lamp based model (Benq MP626) would be about £460+ Ex VAT including a spare lamp, 3 years de/install warranty (combined lamp life ~6000-8000hrs).

 

Also energy consumption, basic like for like, of the above mentioned projectors;

• Casio XJ-A135 or A130 in standard mode is 270W, eco1 190W and eco2 130W, stand-by <1W
  
• Benq MP626 in normal mode is 230W, unknown for eco, stand-by <1W
  

 

I’m not yet convinced into purchasing the Casio LED/Laser projectors, though the technology is getting much better and certainly worth keeping an eye on them in the future.

 

I am hoping Apple develop the IWB equivalent of the iPad, the “iWall”. Well it would eliminate the whole point of a workstation/laptop needed to run the IWB with sync/control from any apple iOS device... network managed of course... would make my day!

[Bezwick]

I am hoping Apple develop the IWB equivalent of the iPad, the “iWall”. Well it would eliminate the whole point of a workstation/laptop needed to run the IWB with sync/control from any apple iOS device... network managed of course... would make my day!

 

Until one of the teachers tried to show a Flash website to the class. Lol

[camel]

Until one of the teachers tried to show a Flash website to the class. Lol

 

Lol, that's true enough. OS X based iWall it is then!

[SimpleSi]

Replacement lamps at around £85 - £95

Just be aware that some manufacturers have been know to quote a low replacement price for bulbs for new projector models but 3 years down the road when you come to actually buy one, you find the price has gone up by far more than inflation

 

 

regards

 

Simon

[localzuk]

The Casio XJ-A135 is the model we have, with the 3 energy(eco) settings. Standard mode dB level is not quoted in the specs on Casio's website, only the 2 eco modes (1 @ 35dB and 2 @ 29dB). In standard mode the noise is distracting, being reasonably close to that of the cooling down period of a Sanyo projector. Noise and image brightness are greatly reduced on eco2. Though no specific quotation on the noise level, it was a letdown in a PC Pro review of the XJ-A135.

 

Odd. We don't use the eco mode here, and I've had zero complaints from the 2 rooms where we have these.

 

In addition to noise, the cost of these projectors is substantially higher than its competition with the basic model (XJ-A130) being £620+ Ex VAT and the XJ-A135 at £690+. A roughly equivalent lamp based model (Benq MP626) would be about £460+ Ex VAT including a spare lamp, 3 years de/install warranty (combined lamp life ~6000-8000hrs).

 

Not a fair comparison. The Casio has a lamp life of 20,000 hours. Adding the additional lamps to cover this for the BenQ would be another £680! (Their rated life is 3000 hours so seems only fair to compare like for like). So, the XJA130 comes in at £620, and the BenQ comes in at £1040 over the 20k lifespan... That's nearly double.

 

Also, take into account the lower maintenance needs of DLP projectors (no need to go cleaning filters) and you are making another saving there.

 

Also energy consumption, basic like for like, of the above mentioned projectors;

• Casio XJ-A135 or A130 in standard mode is 270W, eco1 190W and eco2 130W, stand-by <1W
  
• Benq MP626 in normal mode is 230W, unknown for eco, stand-by <1W
  

 

So effectively, there is very little between them?

 

I’m not yet convinced into purchasing the Casio LED/Laser projectors, though the technology is getting much better and certainly worth keeping an eye on them in the future.

 

What would convince you, if them being half the TCO of a normal projector, being a drop in replacement for most projectors (as they have an adjustable focal length), lower maintenance, instant on/off, USB pen drive support etc...?

 

I am hoping Apple develop the IWB equivalent of the iPad, the “iWall”. Well it would eliminate the whole point of a workstation/laptop needed to run the IWB with sync/control from any apple iOS device... network managed of course... would make my day!

 

Sounds hideous and limiting!!

[localzuk]

We have recently had a casio led projector but the thing is so noisy. Much more so than the filterless projectors we have.

At my school, I've been looking into Benq MP515 and MP626 £300 - £350 with 2500/2700 lumins respectively. Replacement lamps at around £85 - £95. This isn't bad when I was quoted a replacement lamp for a Saraha projector (Very old) at £350! No surprises to what happened when I got that quote.

 

Replacement lamps for the MP626 are definitely not around £85 - £95! The supplier we usually use, who 99% of the time wipe the floor compared to other suppliers, have them as £117 each. Standard market rate seems around £130.

[kevbaz]

The casios are fantastic, weve got about 35 of them now, and we have even replaced the theatre projector with one whilst is being repaired and itworking fantastic. they are not noisey when in eco 1 or 2 but the fans are louder when eco is off, but you shouldnt ever need it off to be honest as theyre bright enough as it is.

 

Awesomeness

[camel]

Not a fair comparison. The Casio has a lamp life of 20,000 hours. Adding the additional lamps to cover this for the BenQ would be another £680! (Their rated life is 3000 hours so seems only fair to compare like for like). So, the XJA130 comes in at £620, and the BenQ comes in at £1040 over the 20k lifespan... That's nearly double.

 

Sorry, my like for like was wrong, I should of used the equivalent Casio model that does come close to the spec of the Benq. Equivalent model is the Casio XJ-A145 ~£774+ which is 2500 lumins, has network connectivity but a 1800:1 contrast ratio. Where as the Benq MP626 is 2700 lumins and 3000:1 contrast, has network connectivity for remote management.

 

Casio are guaranteeing the XJ-Axxx lamps and units for 3 years or 6000 hours (whichever is first) it is very different from the 20,000 hrs lamp life they advertise, which is rightly based on the LED/Laser technology only, not the unit. My comparison is based on their guarantees not their potential. Technology, at its current pace of change, would have moved on in 20,000 hrs (close to 15-18 years in edu terms). You may be replacing them well before their 20,000 hrs are up.

 

Also, take into account the lower maintenance needs of DLP projectors (no need to go cleaning filters) and you are making another saving there.

 

DLP projection systems are not limited to LED/Laser based projectors, as the specs for the Benq show that it also has a DLP projection system with no filters to clean making it as low maintenance, with the network capability it is possible to monitor usage and set scheduled off times. It has Instant On/Off, as fast as the Casio. Though the Benq is larger and slightly heavier, this is where the Casio has the advantage as a portable projector. Though another reason I'm looking at the Benq is for ceiling mount anyway, not for carrying them around the country.

 

Replacement lamps for the MP626 are definitely not around £85 - £95! The supplier we usually use, who 99% of the time wipe the floor compared to other suppliers, have them as £117 each. Standard market rate seems around £130.

 

As for lamp prices, I'm quoting ex VAT from a supplier who, as of today (09/11/2010) are selling the Benq MP626 replacement lamp for £91.34. The £85-£95 quote was taken out of context where £85 was for the Benq MP515 and the £95 was for the Benq MP626, at time of writing.

 

What would convince you, if them being half the TCO of a normal projector, being a drop in replacement for most projectors (as they have an adjustable focal length), lower maintenance, instant on/off, USB pen drive support etc...?

 

Spec wise, the Casios are very good projectors, it is the initial upfront cost that seems high for the features. The TCO on 6000-8000 hrs (about 5-6 years edu terms) the Benq comes out very strong, in my opinion (Benq @ ~£460, Casio @ ~£770), based on the specs and prices of both machines. I'm not sure how many people will be plugging in USB sticks while the projector is mounted on the ceiling? The zoom and lens are excellent on the Casio, as you say a "drop in replacement".

 

With a proper rolling replacement/maintenance program of 5-6 years, projectors should be replaced or at least have procedures in place. The Casio's lamp potentially could keep going for 20,000 hrs (3yrs or 6000hrs guaranteed) and that is the major selling point for them. But what about the unit itself, with it out of guarantee and a the lamp failing after 3 years, there is no possibility of replacing the lamp as it is specifically aligned and built-in to each unit, thus you would need to replace an entire projector, again.

 

Just a few of the pros/cons for both projectors (types and models). I would be happy to see the Casios installed in 2010 working in schools/businesses in 10-15 years though, as technology matures I believe that it may take a different approach than projectors for displays/IWBs.

[localzuk]

Casio are guaranteeing the XJ-Axxx lamps and units for 3 years or 6000 hours (whichever is first) it is very different from the 20,000 hrs lamp life they advertise, which is rightly based on the LED/Laser technology only, not the unit. My comparison is based on their guarantees not their potential. Technology, at its current pace of change, would have moved on in 20,000 hrs (close to 15-18 years in edu terms). You may be replacing them well before their 20,000 hrs are up.

 

No, Casio are providing a 10,000 hour or 5 year warranty for education. And replacing projectors before their death? Not here we don't! No way, no how.

 

Spec wise, the Casios are very good projectors, it is the initial upfront cost that seems high for the features. The TCO on 6000-8000 hrs (about 5-6 years edu terms) the Benq comes out very strong, in my opinion (Benq @ ~£460, Casio @ ~£770), based on the specs and prices of both machines. I'm not sure how many people will be plugging in USB sticks while the projector is mounted on the ceiling? The zoom and lens are excellent on the Casio, as you say a "drop in replacement".

 

Most projector looms can have a USB cable included - most of ours are less than 5m from the pole, and if they are more than that we can put in an active USB cable, meaning the USB can be used from the board.

 

And again, you are under-quoting the lamp hours. Most of our LCD projectors in school here are around 5 - 7 years old now. I don't imagine we'll be replacing them for another couple of years either. We certainly get more than 6k hours out of them!

 

With a proper rolling replacement/maintenance program of 5-6 years, projectors should be replaced or at least have procedures in place. The Casio's lamp potentially could keep going for 20,000 hrs (3yrs or 6000hrs guaranteed) and that is the major selling point for them. But what about the unit itself, with it out of guarantee and a the lamp failing after 3 years, there is no possibility of replacing the lamp as it is specifically aligned and built-in to each unit, thus you would need to replace an entire projector, again.

 

Why would you replace a working projector? And see above for the warranty issue - it still works out cheaper with the Casio's.