InFocus X10 1080p Home Projector Review: Image Quality9

Posted on September 1, 2008 by Art Feierman

InFocus X10 Projector: Overall Image Quality

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The InFocus X10 only had really impressive black level performance...but of course, if it did, it would be the InFocus IN83. After that one weakness though, the X10 does a great job at most everything else.

On thing not previously mentioned, is the general gamma (balance of bright, medium and dark areas). None of the provided Gamma modes (Film, PC, High Brightness, etc.), hit the ideal 2.2 number. In all modes measured, the gamma was consistently lower than 2.2. In "best mode" (Film gamma), gamma averaged between 1.9 and 2.0. This means that the middle brightness areas are a bit brighter than they should be, relative to the brighter areas. Of perhaps greater significance, it also means that the near black areas are also lifted in brightness, but not as much. This is probably in part responsible for the incredible shadow detail, but also removes a bit of the overall dynamics - an image that appears a little flat compared to those with the correct gamma. We're not talking about a huge difference, by any means, but many projectors allow for customizing gamma, whereas the X10 does not have that feature.

Consider this mix of images from movies and test images from the DVE-HD and DTS calibration discs:

Above, the American flag, the X10 does a great job on the reds. Even some better overall projectors like my much more expensive JVC RS1, can't do as dead on a red.

Overall Picture Quality: Bottom Line

I repeat, the InFocus X10's overall picture quality is excellent, except for black level performance, and a slight miss in terms of having the ideal gamma for movie viewing. That's reasonable especially since this is InFocus's entry level 1080p and more expensive models improve on its performance in this area (as well as being slightly brighter).