ViewSonic PA503S Projector Review: Is This SVGA Model the Right Fit for Your Home Setup?

First Impressions​

Upon unboxing the ViewSonic PA503S, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy and robust packaging. The projector itself is a bit larger than I anticipated, which I later found beneficial for heat management. The design is straightforward and functional, fitting well with my home theater setup. Its aesthetic is somewhat plain, but it conveys a sense of reliability, emphasizing practicality over flashiness.

Introduce​

Parameter
ViewSonic PA503S Projector​
Picture​
ViewSonicPA503SProjector.jpg
Reference Price​
$329.99​
Recommended Uses​
Business​
Built-In Media​
PA503S Projector, Power Cable, Remote Control with Batteries, Quick Start Guide​
Highlight
VERSATILE PROJECTOR: High brighness 4000 Lumens SVGA projector with advanced visual features
EASY SETUP: 1.1x optical zoom, 40 degree vertical keystone
REDUCED INPUT LATENCY: A low 16ms input latency provides faster frame-by-frame action for smooth images without delay
LONG LAMP LIFE: SuperEco Mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 15,000 hours
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Supports most media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices with inputs such as HDMI, VGA, mini USB

Display​

Parameter
ViewSonic PA503S Projector​
Screen Size​
30 Inches - 300 Inches​
Throw Distance​
3.9 Feet - 43 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​
22000:1​
Maximum Resolution​
600 Pixels​
Native Resolution​
800 x 600​
Brightness​
4000 Lumen​
Display Type​
DLP​
Viewing Experience
Watching movies with the ViewSonic PA503S has been a delightful experience. The image quality at 100 inches is sharp and vibrant, although I noticed a slight screen door effect when getting too close. The projector performs exceptionally well in darker settings, but I also appreciated its brightness during daytime use, which allows for versatile viewing options. However, I did encounter some limitations with 3D content, as I needed specific DLP shutter glasses and could not switch back to 2D without adjusting the source material.

Features​

Parameter
ViewSonic PA503S Projector​
LightSource Life​
4500 Hours​
Controller Type​
Remote Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
Lamp Wattage​
190 Watts​
Wattage​
260 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
VGA, Mini USB Type B, HDMI
Hardware Connectivity​
USB, HDMI
Compatible Devices​
DVD players; Blu-ray players; Amazon FireTV; AppleTV; Google Chromecast; Mac Computers; Windows Computers​
Other Features​
Lightweight​
L x W x H​
11.6"L x 8.6"W x 4.3"H​
System Experience
The setup process was relatively straightforward. The projector comes with a basic “quick start” guide that primarily relies on images, which I found somewhat lacking. Nevertheless, I managed to figure out the button functions and connections without much hassle. I was able to connect it to my Blu-ray player and other devices using an HDMI cable seamlessly. I did have to modify my ceiling mounting bracket to fit the projector's holes, but that was to be expected with any projector installation.

User Feedback​

Pros:
- Excellent brightness and image quality
- Simple setup and easy adjustments
- Good for both indoor and outdoor use
- Affordable compared to other 3D projectors

Cons:
- Built-in speaker lacks bass and clarity
- Menu navigation and remote control functionality can be frustrating
- No easy way to maintain Eco Mode settings
- Limited to one HDMI port

Overall Impression:
Overall, I am quite happy with the ViewSonic PA503S projector. Its performance in both picture quality and brightness makes it a great addition to my home theater setup, especially for movie nights and gaming. However, I do find the audio quality underwhelming, and the remote control could use some improvements in its functionality. Despite these drawbacks, its affordability and versatility for different media types, including 3D, make it a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their viewing experience without breaking the bank.
 

Trollatopoulous

New member
¡Exacto lo que buscaba! Los 4000 lunes ANSI van de lujo para mí. Aunque en un lugar muy iluminado la imagen pierde un poco de claridad, sigue siendo más que aceptable. En un ambiente oscuro, es como tener un TV OLED; ¡los colores y el brillo son impresionantes!
 

mvppaulo

New member
These projectors are still solid for events and home use. Sure, tech has moved on to LED and laser projectors, but I still trust these oldies. I’ve got two – one remote’s busted and one lens is a bit off, but they still get the job done!
 
Top