The InFocus ScreenPlay 4805 is a video/computer projector designed to
meet the needs of the Home Theater market. This is the second
generation version of the very popular X1/SP4800 projector line, heralded
for its affordable high-value features. With this projector, creating your
own big screen home theater is a price-competitive option for the average
home entertainment consumer. Read on for more information.
DRAFT VERSION
FAQ version 0.2.5 (2004-05-20) The newest version is maintained at http://members.shaw.ca/technut/sp4805 Please send corrections and additions to the FAQ Editor:
technut @ shaw.ca
You are also invited to post and read public comments regarding this DRAFT
version of the FAQ. >> This FAQ is not affiliated with InFocus Corporation or
any other organization.
This FAQ will attempt to cover all aspects of the SP4805 Projector
itself, and also touch on some closely related topics.
Because it is likely that the SP4805 will be the first projector owned
by many of the readers of this FAQ, I will also try to provide a basic
overview of using the projector for Home Theater, and pointers to
additional resources for further reading.
This FAQ is not a buyer's guide for selecting a projector; there are no
comparisons to other brands or models. I will also not be making any
product recommendations, though I may provide information to assist in
locating certain products if they are not widely available.
This summary of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is a collection of
knowledge from a variety of sources, primarily but not exclusively from:
InFocus's web site,
documentation, and customer support
various user forums and web pages on the Internet
(particular thanks go to the folks who post in the AVS
Forum
and to the InFocus employee(s) who participate there)
contributions from readers of this FAQ
The FAQ is a compilation of information from both official and
unofficial sources. I cannot make any guarantee as to the accuracy of the
information, so use it at your own risk. When in doubt, go to the official
sources.
In rare cases when I think it would be especially useful for the reader
to know which information was obtained from (or confirmed by) an InFocus
source, I will mark that information as follows:
""
- indicates that the information either came from or was confirmed by
official and/or published InFocus sources. Some examples would be
information published on the InFocus web site or in InFocus
documentation or press releases, or information from InFocus management.
""
- indicates that the information either came from or was confirmed by an
employee of InFocus, but it does not appear to be documented by any of
the official and/or published InFocus sources. Such information should
be reliable even though it may not be considered to be official. Some
examples would be information posted by an InFocus employee to an
Internet site (other than to InFocus's own site), or information
received from an InFocus employee via a phone call or email (unless it
comes from or is confirmed by InFocus management).
This FAQ is developed and maintained by a projector owner, not by
InFocus or any reseller. It is not a marketing tool. Please excuse me if
my enthusiasm for the product sometimes makes it seem like one.
I am located in Canada so the FAQ will probably have an unintentional
North American bias, but I am happy to include International information
when it is provided to me. You may also notice some Canadian spellings of
words.
If you have any additions or corrections for this FAQ please email them
to the FAQ Editor at technut @ shaw.ca .
I regret that it will not be possible to provide individual credit for
contributions, but they are genuinely appreciated by myself and the
readers of this FAQ. Thank you!
[0.4]
How can I add a link to the FAQ from my web page or in my messages?
First off, let me thank you for wanting to link to the FAQ. It's a
great way to assist fellow SP4805 owners or to lead others to discover the
SP4805 for themselves.
There are several ways that you can provide a link to the FAQ depending
on your preferences and whether you are adding it to a web page or to a
message. For your convenience I have created a page of examples
with copy&paste code.
I would prefer that you not distribute a static copy of this FAQ since
it will eventually become out of date. It would be better if you were to provide
a link to the original, which is maintained at http://members.shaw.ca/technut/sp4805
. But if you do decide to make a copy then please be sure to include the
version number and a link to the maintained original FAQ.
I will not be tracking the best price or recommending where to get the
best price. Please do not email me to ask. I suggest you search the many
Internet price-finder engines or browse through the price-deal forums.
The Manufacturer's Suggest Retail Price (MSRP) for the InFocus SP4805
is not yet posted at the InFocus site.
However, information obtained from resellers suggests the following:
$ 1899 US MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) $ 1499 US MAP (Minimum Advertised Price)
The rumored release date for the projector (when it will be available
from resellers) is June 14th or 15th.
I will not be recommending any particular outlets or resellers (other
than the manufacturer). Please do not email me to ask.
The SP4805 will be available from online retailers, and at the InFocus
Store. The InFocus website also has a Where
to Buy feature to help locate an online or local reseller. You might
also find it at a local electronics or home theater retailer. Ensure
that you are purchasing from an authorized ScreenPlay reseller or your
warranty may be void. A list of some unauthorized
resellers (that you will want to avoid) is posted at this InFocus
web page.
The primary considerations when buying are to purchase from a reputable
company and to check their return policy and restocking charge, in case
you decide you don't like the projector after you have taken delivery and
used it for a bit. When comparing prices, remember that they likely do not
include any additional shipping and handling charges (which can vary
widely) and any applicable taxes or duties (some of which may not apply
depending on whether you purchase inside or outside your own
state/province/country).
It is also recommended that you view a demonstration of the projector
prior to buying it, if possible.