Acer PD520 XGA DLP

Acer's PD520 is an XGA resolution portable DLP (digital light processing) projector. At just under £1,600, it's keenly priced, with an M1-DA port for digital and analogue connections and a 1.2x zoom.

In contrast to the Relisys RLP1000 reviewed opposite, the PD520 is all curves and cables. The M1-DA to D-sub lead has its own integrated USB cable providing mouse control from the remote, and various other video leads are included.

The PD520 has no dedicated buttons on the top panel, only the on-screen menu controls. Two of these buttons double-up - one as a manual source selector for when multiple inputs are connected, and the other to resync the image. Keystone controls on the projector panel are useful, but at least the digital keystone can be activated from the remote, which also features a disc for controlling the mouse cursor and a laser pointer.

Infra-red receivers mounted front and back make it possible to present in front of and behind the projector. A retractable foot at the front makes projection possible from a low table, but we found on a standard-height desk we needed a CD case under the rear foot to avoid the image wrapping up onto the ceiling.

It has a quoted brightness of 1,500 Ansi lumens, but the Acer produces a much brighter, punchier image than the Relisys, and at shorter distances you could get by with the lights on. However, both fared pretty badly at resolutions other than their native XGA, so the Acer is not the model to choose if you need to connect machines running at SVGA resolution.

The PD520 is fairly quiet and the 2w internal speaker offers sufficient volume for a small room. The profusion of cables, small dimensions, light weight and carry case make it the perfect road warrior's companion.

Contact: Acer
www.acer.co.uk

Specifications:

• DLP -
• 1,500 lumens
• 150w lamp power
• 1,800:1 contrast ratio
• Native resolution XGA
• 4:3 & 16:9 aspect ratio
• M1-DA, D-Sub (out), S-Video, composite video, audio-in (3.5mm mini-jack) serial
• Remote
• 1.7kg
• 246 x 210 x 71mm