LG aims to enable movie- and gaming fans to create a cinematic experience within their living rooms, via the BX327C projector. The unit boasts enhanced colour reproduction via digital light processing (DLP) technology, support for 3D content, a native 1024 x 768 (XGA) resolution, 3200 ANSI lumens and 2300:1 contrast ratio.

Size and menu system

Our review unit came in a silver and black plastic finish, which made it look quite chic. The projector measures 292 x 260 x 80 mm and turned out to be deceptively easy to move around the room while trying to find the best spot to beam our multimedia content from, considering its quite bulky 3.5 kg weight.

Whilst setting up the projector there’s no need to reach for the manual, since the menu system is quite intuitive and easy to navigate, thanks to a clean, no frills layout. It must be noted though, that it isn’t the snappiest when navigating the menu system.  

A remote control is included in the box, enabling couch potatoes to remain seated when switching in between viewing mediums or setting. Speaking of which, the BX327C DLP projector doesn’t automatically pick up a new media source when you insert a USB flash drive or portable HDD. Instead, users have to scroll over to the USB section within the menu, or manually change the source via the remote control, to be able to access the content on that drive.

Ports and slots

A multiplicity of ports is on offer on the BX327C projector, including as mentioned a USB 2.0 slot. The latter enables users to connect a USB flash drive or portable HDD and view their photos, certain movies (DivX), personal or work documents via the onboard file viewer, or listen to music without the need to connect the unit to a notebook PC first. The file viewer is able to read documents in Microsoft Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as PDF files.

In addition, there is an HDMI slot to connect your ultrabook or gaming console to, composite audio/video connector, VGA connector, RJ45 network port, and audio (3.5 mm) jack.

Image and sound quality

With its native 1024 x 768 (XGA) resolution, 3200 ANSI lumens and contrast ratio of 2300:1, the BX327C projector has a quality display with really vivid colours thanks to its DLP technology (just keep in mind that DLP technology might mean a rainbow artifact sometimes appearing for certain viewers).

Full HD (1080p) movies can also be displayed via HDMI connection to your PlayStation 3 or notebook for example. The high lumens also ensures that photos, presentations and movies look great when viewed within a darkened room, whilst remaining watchable for the most part in the presence of ambient light. If you do use the projector during the day it is best to keep the blinds or curtains closed and the lights off.

In addition, the BX327C is a 3D ready projector and sports an optimiser that supports 3D-capable hardware and content. This means that if a user hooks up their PS3 to the projector via HDMI and play a 3D Blu-ray movie, they would be able to view this the media in the larger format in 3D. Of course, users still need the unflattering 3D specs to be able to see these in all its 3D splendour.

Excellent images, but less impressive sound

Besides the excellent visuals, the BX327C projector also provides 5 W plus 5 W stereo sound. This amount of sound power however, is only acceptable within certain situations such as when you and your girlfriend snuggle up for a cosy movie viewing experience or whilst making a presentation within a small boardroom. This is due to the fact that it’s just about loud enough to drown out the 35 dB hum of the projector in full swing.

It will most definitely not do for when your friends come over to watch the game, and on those and most other occasions it is best to connect the projector to a surround sound system.

Final word

LG’s BX327C DLP projector offers a decent amount of specs for your bucks. It goes for a recommended retail price of R6200. For this price, users get excellent vibrant colours, a high lumens count, onboard speakers, the ability to view certain types of content sans the PC, a long lamp life of 3000 hours and importantly a 3D ready projector.   

Pros:

Excellent image quality, 3D ready, multiplicity of ports and can play select media sans PC.  

Cons:

Not the stealthiest device in terms of projector noise, ambient light impacts on image quality, onboard sound level is not the loudest or best.