Viewsonic Pro8200 Projector Review

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Art Feierman

Specs Preview

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ViewSonic Pro8200 Specs
Price	949
Technology	DLP
Native Resolution	1920x1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	1200
Contrast	4000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.50:1
Lens Shift	No
Lamp Life	4000 hours at full power, 6000 hours in eco mode
Weight	8.5 lbs.
Warranty	3 Year Parts and Labor (1 Year on lamp)

Viewsonic Pro8200 Projector Highlights

A solid "cross-over" projector - good picture, very bright, doubles nicely for portable business use
Extremely bright overall, no really true "best" mode, but good bright image
Color performance is good, for the class, but definitely not exceptional
Typical black level performance for an entry level DLP home projector
Built-in speaker - which actually throws a decent amount of sound
Picture In Picture, and side by side sources
Physically small enough and light enough to double for portable business use
Typically limited placement flexibility as a DLP projector, with (in this case) moderate zoom range, and no lens shift
Dual anamorphic modes allow use of anamorphic lens for Cinemascope viewing (no letterbox) without needing an expensive motorized lens sled
Currently, officially $949 street price, is highly competitive, and Viewsonic (as of this writing is also offering a free 80" pull down screen and mount

Viewsonic Pro8200 Projector Overview

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The Viewsonic Pro8200 proves to be another solid, entry level, 1080p projector. That is to say, it's a bit different than most of the others, and may prove to be a better fit for some of us. It is especially bright, but its picture quality, overall, is less precise than most enthusiasts would like. On the other hand, it should look truly excellent to the average person, especially thanks to its brightness.

Overall, this review concerns itself with the Pro8200 primarily for its home theater / home entertainment projector abilities. Throughout the full review, however, we will also address some of the more business / education oriented features and benefits.

Cutting to the chase, this is another - of a handful of 1080p home projectors that now sell for under $1000. In that regard, it's still a bit more than the least expensive (as of this writing, I believe the Vivitek H1080FD which had been $899, is the lowest). I don't like to spend time discussing promos, unless they are long lasting. As it turns out, Viewsonic is offering a free 80 inch screen and ceiling mount for free - at least through 3/31/11. So, for those of you in a hurry, that may be of help. (Of course an 80" screen is a bit small by projector standards, but, a low cost pull-down is something you might setup outside at night in the summer, fill it with the Pro8200's image, and rely on its speaker for basic sound).

For most people however, the Pro8200 will probably stay indoors, and do duty in a family room, bonus room, or even move from room to room, for those not wanting a permanent setup. Placement flexibility is better than most entry level DLPs, in that it has more zoom range, but still no lens shift.

Brightness, is the bright spot of the Viewsonic Pro8200. That it produces a good looking image while pumping out 1460 lumens after calibration, and it is capable of over 1800 hundred at most!

Ok, that's enough of a "taste". Let's start looking at the details