At 2.8 pounds, the svelte Plus Vision V-339 ($1495, as of January 18, 2006) is about the size of a typical hardcover book and just as easy to carry. Despite its compact dimensions, the V-339 provides all the basic connectivity options (computer, composite video, S-Video, and audio). In addition, it packs two DLP color wheels for improved image quality.
This DLP projector's Dual Color Mode feature uses two color wheels to optimize the display, depending on the image. For standard presentations, the V-339's Dynamic mode uses a four-segment (red, blue, green, white) color wheel that emphasizes brightness and high contrast. For viewing graphics and video, its Vivid mode uses a six-segment (red, blue, green, red, blue, green) color wheel combination that produces richer color with less harsh white light. Switching modes is easy, using either the remote or the projector controls, though the screen goes black for a few seconds while the projector completes the process.
In our image-quality tests conducted at the V-339's default (Dynamic mode) settings, the projector earned an overall score of Good. It scored slightly higher for its text display, (such as rendering fonts of various sizes in a text document) than for its graphics images. In our regular tests at default settings, the V-339 earned average scores for computer game and video playback. But when we used the projector's color-enhancing (Vivid) mode, the quality of video and graphics images improved markedly. The V-339 is rated at just 1300 lumens, and it's best suited for small-group presentations or for use in home environments with low ambient light.
The V-339 is simple to set up and adjust, and its zoom and focus rings are smooth and easy-to-use. Its automatic keystone correction did a good job of adjusting distorted images (from a trapezoid shape to rectangular) when we set up the projector at an offset angle to the screen. The on-screen menu is straightforward, but we wish that we had the option of moving the menu to the side of the screen for a better view of the image while making adjustments. The projector's image adjustment tools include color temperature, gamma, and white balance, but its only preset picture modes are the two (Dynamic and Vivid) offered via the dual color-wheel feature.
The small remote is easy to use, but it lacks a pointer and remote mouse control. Plus Vision does offer an optional Zen remote with mouse control set as a $99 add-on, but that's not all you might need to add: The unit comes with only a computer (VGA) cable, so you'll have to supply any other video-audio connections. Not surprisingly, the small (0.5-watt) speaker generated barely enough power for adding low-key sound to a presentation.
The Plus Vision V-339 is a great choice for business travelers, and its innovate color-boosting feature enhances color display and home-theater viewing.
Richard Jantz
