Samsung SP-A800B Review

I have spent approximately 8 hours with Joe Kane demonstrating this projector, between CEDIA Expo last September and InfoComm last month. The InfoComm session included 4 hours of installation and setup training. To fully appreciate the value of this display requires an understanding of motion imaging standards and practices, what constitutes genuine image fidelity. If image fidelity is not top priority for a shopper, other projectors will likely have more appeal.

This projector was designed from the ground up by Joe Kane advising Samsung. Joe was not simply brought in to "tweak" an existing product. This is the third generation of this device, with Joe behind the design at each step. In fact, the middle incarnation used TI's DC3 720P chip. Joe is quite familiar with DC3 characteristics.

This projector is intended for critical viewing of video and film programs. Therefore, no digital keystone adjustment, or horizontal lens shift. It's not a business projector, designed for travelling presenters, or intended to appeal to the mass market. The stellar sharpness and detail of its image would be seriously compromised with the use of digital keystone. Horizontal lens shift is an unnecessary expense, since the target market is for permanent installation, preferably by a trained professional, and calibrated by a skilled technician using suitable instruments.

Regarding the price, you will have difficulty finding any projector with competing overall image fidelity for less that many times its price in the UK. Lowering its cost of manufacture to bring down the resale price would likely result in diminished performance.

Best regards and beautiful pictures,
Alan Brown, President
CinemaQuest, Inc.
www.cinemaquestinc.com

"Advancing the art and science of electronic imaging"