As the proud owner of arguably the most varied and fully realised projector range available in the UK, Sim2 clearly isn't short of confidence. And this confidence certainly doesn't seem misplaced. Many of its projectors epitomise what can be done if you refuse to compromise on performance or design.
Before we get stuck in, though, we need to clear up any confusion there is about the letter 'H'. There are actually two versions of the Sim2 Domino 20: the Domino 20, and the Domino 20H. That H really is very important, as it designates the version of the Domino 20 fitted with a digital HDMI jack. Admittedly, this adds £400 to the price tag of the Domino 20, but does ensure compatibility with both Sky's upcoming high-def broadcasts and digital outputs from HDMI/DVIequipped DVD players. Naturally, we've chosen to test the 20H model here, but you can rest assured that everything else about the Domino 20 is identical to its 20H brother.
Spoilt for choice
The Domino 20H is stunner to look at, with its gorgeously smooth exterior and fancy curves. What's more, it's available in a choice of two colours: Black Shadow or White Evolution.
Connectivity besides that all-important HDMI connection includes a set of component video inputs, an RS232 jack, the usual S-video/composite fallbacks, and a 15-pin PC connection - pretty much everything most people will want.
The Domino 20H employs Texas Instruments' Matterhorn DLP chipset - which is potentially a mixed blessing. There's no doubting the impressive contrast range this introduces; or the fact that it's built-in the movie-friendly 16:9 aspect ratio; or the fact that its 1,024 x 576 native resolution is ideal for direct mapping of a PAL TV or DVD source. However, there's also no denying that it won't display any sort of highdefinition material without first downscaling it...
During setup, the Domino 20H reveals just what a luxurious model it is, with state-of-the-art onscreen menus, motorised zoom and focus, and an optical lens shift arrangement.
There are also plenty of picture tweaks on hand - including a few that you're probably best steering clear of.
Predictably, the Domino 20H's pictures are really very good indeed. They give Kill Bill 2 a delightfully cinematic sheen: colourful, wonderfully smooth, and clean as a whistle.
