The Casio XJ-F211WN is a solid-state projector, with Casio’s hybrid laser/LED light engine. That light engine has a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours. Solid-state light engines tend to cost more up front than their lamp based counterparts, but the low cost of maintenance over the projector’s lifetime evens that out. This Casio is the lowest cost solid state projector we’ve reviewed for this year’s report, so, naturally, we felt it prudent to give it the Special Award for Value Solid State.
This Casio has WXGA resolution (1280 x 800), which is the business and education world’s 720p. It’s the lower resolution of HD, with a different aspect ratio. The aspect ratio, or width/height ratio of the projected image, is 16:10 instead of 16:9, so make sure you get a 16:10 screen if you’re buying a new screen.
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WXGA is plenty sharp for most business and K-12 applications. Higher resolutions, such as WUXGA (1920 x 1200) and 4K (3840 x 2160), are really only necessary in a few choice circumstances. Any graphics or video heavy applications, such as a video production class or graphic design class, would benefit from a higher resolution of at least WUXGA.
I can’t see a high school classroom getting a 4K projector, unless it’s in an affluent area where there is a greater focus on the arts. Higher education may have more of a need for WUXGA, but rarely 4K, except in the case of medical films, scientific renderings, simulation, architecture, film and design applications.
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The Casio XJ-F211WN claims 3,500 lumens, though it did not meet claim. Casio generally comes in lower than their claim when measured, but the F211WN is still plenty bright for your standard to large sized K-12 classroom, and for most conference rooms or board rooms. We’ll get deeper into lumens and perceived brightness on the Performance Page of this review.
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The XJ-F211WN has both wired and wireless LAN via an optional adapter, and includes several features that are desirable for presentations – the application I imagine this projector will most be used for. The projector includes Casio’s Education Solutions, making it an easy choice for those who require such a feature set.
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