15 June 2007 11:00 GMT / By Paul Lester

Infocus has been producing solid and dependable, if a little uninspiring, projectors for quite some time now. It's latest low-end models are the IN24 and IN26+, the latter of which we have on test here, but can it produce the goods? We get watching to find out.

Uninspiring is certainly the term you’d use when you unpack it, a rather stale black and silver styling does nothing to take the emphasis off the brick-like design. We’re not overly concerned however, as this doesn’t aspire to be a stylish, fashionable or innovative device, but more something that just gets the job done.

You’ll find a basic range of connectivity including component, S-video and composite, along with a VGA port and USB for PCs. A passable 2200 lumens rating actually does a pretty good job even during the day (provided you close the curtains) but things inevitably improve in as close to pitch black as you can muster.

Despite our initial concerns we were actually fairly impressed by the image quality. Colours aren’t nearly as vibrant, or lines nearly as sharp, as high-end models but it would be foolhardy to expect them to be.

It is often a tad awkward to establish the optimum image despite the lightest of feather touches on the zoom and focus wheels mounted on the projector itself, and frustratingly you won’t find access to these settings from the basic six-button remote so expect a bit of fiddling about before you sit down and relax.

The IN26+ is really best suited for use in small meeting rooms or living rooms, since the maximum screen size of 6.3 metres which is achievable, allegedly, from 10 metres away seems a little hopeful. Things start to get a bit testy at around half this distance, so you’d be better off just working with a smaller screen.

It’s also worth nothing that it certainly isn’t quiet by any stretch, which may prove a bit of a distraction for some users.

Despite a few gripes, mainly based around the basic nature of the projector, there are some good things to say about the IN26+.

It’s dead easy to use, starts up and shuts down pretty quickly and the image is fairly easy on the eye after long periods, handy if you’re planning on using it for home cinema. Bearing in mind the price tag of this model, which you can pick up online for a bit over £400 if you shop about, you’re not shelling out too much for the experience either.

Verdict

If it weren’t for the fact that there are now a selection of competitors (BenQ, Acer and Sony among others) producing similar specifications in this price range we’d be inclined to give it more points for value.

As it is, we found the rather boring design, basic nature and lack of accessories a little disappointing considering a pretty impressive showing on the performance front.

If image quality is your sole concern (which wouldn’t be surprising given the nature of the product) and you don’t have a massive amount of wall space, the IN26+ is a budget solution that’d probably do you well.

Score

Review Recap

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Infocus

Price as reviewed

£449

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The good

Surprisingly good picture quality, easy to use, fast startup/shutdown, decent resolution support

The bad

Rather bulky, vanilla design, very basic remote, relatively small screen size, quite loud

Quick verdict

Despite it’s faults the IN26+ does deliver when it comes to image quality, it just would have been nice if the rest of it didn’t scream "budget" quite so loud

Score

• Link - In Focus

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