Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution and 1080p native support are the latest 'big things' in the upmarket projector world, and this hasn't gone unnoticed by the Italian display specialist SIM2. Responsible for the new D80's Full HD support is TI's latest 0.95in 1920 x 1080 DMD (digital micromirror device), which works with a new seven-segment colour wheel - you won't be getting three DMDs for this price, matey!

It has a neutral-density filter to reduce dithering effects, which appear as tiny green spots on dark scenes with DLP projectors. The ND filter masks low-level mirror switching on the green channel by rotating into position when needed.

Also proprietary is SIM2's Alpha Path' optical engine, first developed for the C3X Series, and a 160W lamp that claims a useful life of up to 4,000 hours. The lens has a throw ratio of 1.5-2.0:1, and gives a 50in (diagonal) 16:9 image at a projection distance of 1.7m. From 10m away, image sizes of up to 300in are possible. But there's more to image quality than optics.

The internal digital video signal path, for example, is 10bit throughout. Its deinterlacing relies on modified Pixelworks algorithms, while electronics and optics work to give a contrast ratio of 4000:1 full-on/full-off. The elegant D80 is matt rather than glossy and it almost seems a crime to mount this unit on a ceiling where it can't be noticed.

Black and white casing colours are available, hence presumably, the term 'Domino'. The rear panel is socket-deep with composite, S-video and VGA (RGB-HV) inputs joined by a high-def ready component analogue input. Thanks to a fourth (composite sync) terminal here, Scart RGB sources can also drive this input with a suitable cable.

Almost inevitably, an HDMI input has been specified for digital sources. What a pity it's not v1.3 compliant - that way the 10bit processing would come into its own with the forthcoming TruColor sources (Toshiba's HD-XE1 HD DVD deck makes provision for this). But incoming 8bit sources will be upconverted to 10bit during processing, and that's no bad thing.

Source file

All sources can be re-named in the onscreen menus to identify the connected kit. Sources with refresh rates as low as 24Hz are compatible with the D80 - useful for using scalers or the new generation of high-def disc players (an upcoming Pioneer Blu-ray player will give a 24/48Hz output from disc). The D80 can then frame-double to 48Hz giving a more cinematic movie reproduction.

There are also two 12V switched outputs for triggering peripherals like motorised curtains and screens. Indeed, one output changes with aspect ratio, an optical digital output that carries whatever digital audio is present on the HDMI connector, plus an RS232 port for remote control.

The supplied handset has a button for each input making source selection easier than wading through an onscreen list. It's a shame they are not backlit. The remote also configures the projector as can the projector itself via the rear panel. Setup functions include orientation (rear/front projection and ceiling mounting), keystone correction (alas digital rather than optical), focus, and zoom.

Five onboard test patterns are provided to calibrate the projector initially. Like the more expensive C3X Series, the D80 makes careful provision for aligning colour temperature (four presets, plus another for choosing a white point manually from one of 36) and gamma- curve (four sets optimised for computer/ video/film, plus a user-definable mode).