While most home theater projectors will probably end up splashing giant images of Hollywood actors and actresses across a screen, it’s kind of refreshing to think that one projector out there is meant for demons, monsters and dwarves. InFocus has built a such a projector, especially for the gaming crowd, with its Play Big IN1.
Of course, a modern game console can be hooked up to just about any projector, so InFocus had to reach a bit to find some gamer-centric features. For starters, the unit is totally portable and gamers can buy an optional backpack to transport it, making spur-of-the-moment Halo parties a possibility. It’s also finished in metallic blue (an unusually loud color for a projector) and has a bevy of inputs for any console you would want to hook up to it, including S-video, as well as component and composite inputs. Built-in audio means there’s no need to connect home theater components – just the plug in the console, the projector, dim the lights, and you’re ready to go.
Under the hood, it’s more or less a standard DLP projector. Native VGA (640 x 480) resolution makes the unit unremarkable next to the flood of HD projectors hitting the market recently, and also prevents it from delivering the best picture from consoles that can put out an HD signal. Its 500 ANSI lumen lamp should be capable of throwing an image eight feet across.
Marketing aside, one aspect of the Play Big IN1 definitely does meet gamer specs: price. At $499.99, it’s significantly cheaper than most projectors that can still be purchased new, making its price tag a major selling point. The Play Big IN1 Game projector goes on sale immediately, exclusively at Woot.com.
