[prbaxter]

Hello, I'd like to clear a few things up as I ACTUALLY OWN ONE SO I KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!

I have recently purchased an svic s720 (additional scart connection to the s700) projector and there really is a lack of reviews for this projector so I'd like to do my bit. Can I also point out that the native res for DVD's is 800x600, so its perfect for home cinema from dvd. If you want true HD quality, then I would purchase a well known branded model at a well known branded price.

Anyway, here is my review:
--------Opening the box-----------
well, the case looks pretty slick and sturdy. The unit is quite bulky and heavy and doesnt have a carrier handle. It isnt designed as a portable projector. It does look nice. In my box I got 2 lamps, scart cable, AV cable, remote control, power lead. 2 twist out feet at the front for elevation. This unit also came with a ceiling mount.

--------Technical stuff------------
Connections: The side of the projector allows for a number of connections, namely - Yr, Yb, and Yp (HD?), Audio out, Composite Video, SCART, S-Video, TV-coax and pc monitor cable connection. I have tried them all to much satisfaction.

Lamp: This projector uses Metal Halide tube lamps. They are very bright and very hot (hence the noticable fan hum). I've not figured out the lamp wattage yet, but it will be between 150w and 250w. Replacement lamps cost £30 each and MH lamps get dimmer with use. Compared to other projectors I've seen, I would rate the brightness at round about 2000 lumens. It is really bright and i'm projecting on to a egyptian-cotton colour painted wall, not a proper screen.

Focusing: The focus and vertical keystone mechanisms are manual mechanisms. Focus is achieved by twisting the lens and there is a small knob on the side for vertical keystone. Very easy to use.

Projection: I have placed my projector on my coffee table at a distance of 3m from the wall and projection is on the wall. The projection size is almost 3m wide (16:9). If you look very closely, you can see a little 'screen door effect' on the really bright projections. This can be reduced by moving the projector closer to the wall. You can hardly see this if you are sat at same distance as the throw. Plus it may be related to contrast and sharpness, which I havent mastered yet, like I say, it's only noticable on really bright scenes or images (like bright white). Not a problem just knit picking with this one.
The confusing thing about this projector is that the lens cover is transparrent. Took me a while to figure I needed to take it off!
The projection is constant brightness from corner to corner and very crisp and clean.

Settings: There are a number of settings. You can switch between RGB and Composite (as per your device). Contrast, sharpness, brightness, saturation, hue, etc... all the usual stuff. The remote control is loaded with buttons. You can switch between 4:3 and 16:9 and there is also various digital zoom options along with H and V flips and autocolour mode (what ever that is).

Overall opinion: Very nice piece of kit. Projectors should come with lots of connection options and this one does. I would rate the screen projection at 9 out of 10 as I havent quite sorted out the sharpness and contrast for films (although I had a perfect image from a games console at the above size). Ease of use: 10/10. This unit makes an ideal projector for home cinema beginners and gamers. Once you know your way around a projector, then I would move on to something a bit more suitable to your requirements (true HD, quiet running, etc...). The svic s700/s720 is ideal for beginners and multipurpose applications. Plug and play.

Yes you can buy a branded model for the price of this unit, but what about lamp prices? And dont forget the native resoltion of DVD's is only 800x600, projecting this through a bigger resolution means the device has to fill the gaps, which isnt good for quality. Think about it.

I hope this helps.
B@Xt