CTX PS-5100

The CTX PS5100 is a budget-priced SVGA (800 x 600) resolution LCD projector. The first and most noticeable casualty of the low-budget approach is its size and appearance: it's quite large although, at 3.64kg, not as heavy as you'd think. As for the styling it's more reminiscent of the days of 'audio-visual' than multimedia.

There's nothing wrong with that, though. At this price range, features, not appearance, are the most important thing and, on the face of, it the PS-5100 has a promising specification. The 120w UHP lamp provides a quoted output of 1000 ANSI lumens and has a 4000-hour life - two to four times longer than on many more expensive models.

There's a 1.3x zoom lens and a pair of 2w stereo speakers. In addition to the D-Sub input, there are composite and S-Video connectors and an infra-red remote that duplicates the functions of the top panel.

The projector is easy to set up but, in the process, a number of shortcomings quickly become apparent. The first, and possibly most serious, is that there is no keystone correction. This means that you're likely to be left with an image that is slightly wider at the top or bottom.

Otherwise, picture quality is pretty good on the straight and level in native resolution and passable at 1024 x 768. However, we're sceptical about the quoted brightness level. You won't get away with having the lights on and, for a bright, punchy image at projection distances of more than three or four metres, you'll need to make a serious effort to minimise ambient light.

The 1.3x zoom lens is a welcome feature, but opening this up to provide the largest possible image noticeably reduced the brightness and contrast.

Except for the lack of keystone correction, none of these weaknesses are terminal. Turning the lights out and being sensible about projection distance are small compromises for such a competitively priced projector.

Contact: CTX
01923 810 800
www.ctxeurope.com