ViewSonic PJD5553LWS Projector: Can 3200 Lumens and short throw redefine your home theater experience?

ErkkoTheDwarf

New member
When it comes to projectors, the ViewSonic PJD5553LWS positions itself as a solution tailored for educators and small businesses. But is it really a game-changer, or just another mediocre option in a crowded market? With a short throw design that claims to project a massive 120 inches from less than five feet away, it challenges the traditional norms of projection, potentially revolutionizing how we conduct presentations in tight spaces.

At 3200 lumens, it promises bright visuals, but does it deliver in real-world conditions? Plus, with its long lamp life and simple plug-and-play setup, it raises questions about whether convenience is overshadowing the quality we should expect in this price range. Let’s dive into the specifics of this projector and see if it lives up to its potential, or if it’s just another example of marketing hype.

Spec​

Parameter
ViewSonic PJD5553LWS Projector​
Picture​
ViewSonicPJD5553LWSProjector.jpg
Reference Price​
$726.79​
Built-In Media​
Video Projector Accessories​
Highlight​
VERSATILE PROJECTOR: Advanced visual features ideal for use in education and small business environments
BIG SCREEN PROJECTION: Projects 120 inches from 4-feet 2-inches in 3200 lumens
EASY SETUP: Simple setup and control; just plug & play your presentations, videos, and pictures
LONG LAMP LIFE: Dynamic Eco-Mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 10,000 hours
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Supports most media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices with input options such as HDMI, VGA, and more
Screen Size​
100 Inches - 300 Inches​
Throw Distance​
2 Feet - 8 Meters​
Contrast Ratio​
20000:1​
Maximum Resolution​
1280 x 800​
Native Resolution​
1280 x 800​
Brightness​
200 Lumen​
Display Type​
LCD​
Picture Enhancement​
Super Color technology​
Video Encoding​
H.264, H.265​
LightSource Life​
10000 Hours​
Controller Type​
Remote Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
Lamp Wattage​
190 Watts​
Wattage​
265 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
VGA, HDMI
Hardware Connectivity​
USB​
Compatible Devices​
Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet​
Other Features​
short_throw​
Item Weight​
5.5 Pounds​

System Experience​

When I first set up the projector, I was a bit apprehensive after hearing mixed reviews about initial defects. Fortunately, my experience was smooth sailing. Amazon's customer service was top-notch; they quickly sent me a replacement after I reported a minor issue. I was initially nervous that the second unit might also have problems, but it turned out to be just a matter of learning how to position a short throw projector properly. With it sitting around four feet away, I learned to adjust my setup to get the best performance.

Viewing Experience​

The picture quality blew me away. The colors are incredibly vibrant, even in a room with some ambient light. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed during our outdoor movie nights. The short throw feature is a game-changer; I could achieve a massive screen size without needing to mount the projector far away. Even when I had to use the zoom feature, the image clarity remained impressive. It’s perfect for movie nights with family or even for gaming sessions.

Other Experience​

Setting up the projector for family movie nights has become a joy. My kids are in awe of how big the images appear on the wall, and it creates a fantastic atmosphere for our gatherings. While I did purchase an external speaker to enhance the sound experience, I found the built-in speaker to be surprisingly decent for casual use. I appreciate the flexibility this projector offers, whether for personal entertainment or educational purposes.

Conclusion​

Pros:
One of the standout features is its short throw capability, which allows for a large image from a short distance. The brightness is also commendable, making it usable in various lighting conditions. The projector is lightweight and portable, which is a significant plus for me. I love that it’s versatile enough for both fun movie nights and educational presentations.

Cons:
While the projector performs well overall, there are a few minor drawbacks. The height adjustment legs feel flimsy, and I found the lens cap doesn’t fit snugly, occasionally causing focus issues. Also, the zoom resets every time I turn it off, which can be a bit annoying, requiring me to refocus after each startup. Additionally, the lack of wireless connectivity options is a bit disappointing, especially when compared to other brands.

Overall Evaluation:
In summary, I’m genuinely pleased with this projector. It strikes a great balance between quality and price, making it an excellent value for what I need. While it’s not without its quirks, the overall performance and quality of the image make those minor inconveniences easy to overlook. I can wholeheartedly recommend this for anyone looking for a projector that excels in both casual and semi-professional settings.
 

Hellopi314

New member
So, I just picked up my second ViewSonic projector. The first one? It gave up on me after 4 years, but honestly, I really pushed it to its limits. I had it overseas where it was roasting at over 100 degrees, plus super humid and dusty. This new one cost about the same but it’s got some awesome upgrades. It’s super bright, so I can actually use it in our classrooms during the day and it still looks great at night. And that short throw feature? Total game changer! It means I can use it in way more situations. Loving it so far!
 

Wwalmarts

New member
Just got my first projector and I’m totally loving it! Picked it up for my basement, and the short throw feature is a game changer. I’ve got it sitting on my coffee table about 4.5 feet away and I’m getting this massive 100” image on my white wall. The sound is decent for that movie vibe, but I’d suggest hooking it up to some better speakers for the full experience.

What I’m really into:
- Short throw is awesome
- Picture quality is on point
- Works well even with some light around (but it’s best when it’s dark)
 
So, I realized my garage wasn’t bright enough for the golf simulator I originally bought. I ended up sending it back and grabbed the Benq instead. Man, the picture is way sharper and way brighter! I think it’s gonna be awesome for movie nights in a dark room, but it kinda fell flat for golf simulation since you really need some good lighting for that.
 

yodathekid

New member
I seriously can’t believe how awesome this product is! I threw an old-school party with some vintage videos, and even though the quality isn’t as crisp as the newer stuff, it still looked fantastic!
 

jcwillia1

New member
Honestly, it performs really well even when it’s a bit dark or low on light. But when you crank up the brightness, it kinda depends on what you’re watching. If it’s one of those darker shows or movies, they might not look super clear, but hey, that’s just how it goes, right? I’ve got it set up about 20 inches off the ground and 57 inches away from this boring white wall, and the projection looks pretty solid!
 
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