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Feature-heavy, Light Performer

After Acer’s victory in our projector comparison in March, we wanted to test another model in their “PD” series: the PD527D looks diminutive compared to the massive-looking PD726W. Built well, the PD527D has a silver and dark grey tone to it, which may or may not appeal. What did attract was the cosmetic blue/red LED embedded on the power button—very cool.

With S-Video, Component, DVI, and D-Sub connectivity, the PD527D is quite well connected. The cheat is the secondary VGA, which connects to a Component connector which is provided (Component connectivity isn’t native). There’s a USB type B port too, though we didn’t receive a wired controller. The sleek remote looks like a miniature replica of the PD726Ws unit. The mandatory audio-in (3.5-mm) and RS-232 interface are also present. Wi-Fi connectivity is absent.

With a lower brightness and contrast ratio than its larger sibling, we weren’t expecting performance to be in the same league. True to our expectations, the PD527D wasn’t up to the mark in the horizontal and vertical resolution tests, where there was noticeable banding. Performance was good in the colour tests—no streaking or ghosting of any sort. However, we noticed some changes in shade intensity in the black level shift test; the white level shift test was, however, aced. Colour purity is good, and the great sharpness makes it good for working with Web pages, presentations and documents.

So it’s good for your office, but what about at home? To be honest, this isn’t for the gamer, who’ll be looking for a high contrast ratio to begin with. F.E.A.R. didn’t look as good as we’re used to seeing it—limited greyscale intensity. Thankfully, movies are more forgiving, and the PD527D is a good addition to a home-entertainment system.

For just over a lakh, it’s well priced compared to its better-performing sibling (the PD726W), but hard to recommend simply because NEC’s NP40 handles every task better, while occupying less space, and costing a good ten per cent less.

Specifications
Specifications: 3000 ANSI, 2000:1 contrast ratio, 2.9-8.0 Throw distance, digital zoom, keystone correction, 720p and 1080i HDTV compatible, DVI (HDCP) digital input and 2000 Hrs lamp life.

RATINGS
Performance  : 3.5
Features : 3
Value for Money : 3.5
Overall : 3

Contact : Acer India Pvt Ltd
Phone : 080 -25219520-23
E-mail : alankar_s@acer.co.in
Web site : www.acer.co.in     
Price : Rs 1,00,000