French brand Cineversum and its own LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projectors have a much lower profile than JVC and Sony, who are well-known for their LCoS projector technology – found in their D-ILA and SXRD-branded models, respectively.

Perhaps that explains the curious, look-at-me styling of its BlackWing range, which has come courtesy of designer Antoine Béon – who has also worked with speaker brand Focal on some of its more outlandish-looking cabinets. Put it this way: it's not often a projector gets appreciative wolf-whistles from the goggled-eyed geeks in the HCC Tech Labs.

The question is, though, how does Cineversum's souped-up model compare to the PJs from the big Japanese brands, particularly the Sony VPL-VW85 reviewed elsewhere in this issue?

Lens flair

The big and beautiful BlackWing One employs three 1080p 0.7in LCoS panels. Yet this micro-display technology is only part of the PJ story – also key is the lens system. For the BlackWing One, Cineversum has specified its Ultimate Reference lens, a full-glass design with a 1.5-2.2:1 throw ratio.

Compared to some projectors, the zoom is rather restricted – 1.5x. At a projection distance of 4m, I couldn't fill a 120in (diagonal) screen even with the lens at its end-stop. A key point, if your home cinema is smallish, but if room size is no object, you'll be happy that an 8.5m projection distance will reward you with a gargantuan 250in 16:9 picture.

Ring around the lens

Focusing and zoom on the BlackWing One are not motorised, but adjusted with concentric rings around the lens, and both are beautifully precise. Lens shift is also offered (+/- 60% vertical, +/- 30% horizontal), although this proved fiddly with the projector placed on my test platform as the relevant dials are tucked into the base.

Prospective buyers should note that a 2.35:1 anamorphic kit – the 'Theatre Concept' – is available. If most of your movies are in this format, this optional accessory is worth investigating. It's motorised, and can thus be easily switched into action.

With this in mind, two 12V triggers are featured. One can activate masking when a 2.35:1 film is shown on a 16:9 screen (or vice versa), while the other ensures that the outboard lens is enabled. If you're placing the BlackWing One on a table then you'll appreciate the adjustable feet, which let you compensate for wonky surfaces and line the picture up with the screen. Ceiling mounting (upside down) and rear-projection (mirror image) are catered for in the setup menus. Digital keystone correction adjustment is also available.

Cineversum blackwing one glam

Cineversum has paid attention to another key element of projector design – video processing. The BlackWing uses HQV tech, which you'll find embedded in high-end kit from other manufacturers including Toshiba, Onkyo, Mitsubishi and Samsung. Furthermore, each BlackWing One projector is individually calibrated by one of Cineversum's engineers.

The onboard scaler gives you two HDMI (v1.3) inputs, both of which will accept 1080p24. The component will go up to 1080i, whilst for legacy SD sources you get composite and S-video. Large-screen PC gaming and home-theatre PC users can make use of a D-Sub/VGA input. Inputs can be selected via the backlit remote, or a control panel recessed into the rear – menu access is also possible from here.

The LCoS chippery, lens system, video processing and calibration all work together to deliver – or so it's claimed – a contrast ratio of 15,000:1, coupled with a 1,200 Lumen brightness. I'm also told by Cineversum that the picture quality is 'very natural' and 'CRT-like'. Well, it's good to see a manufacturer recognising that a derided 20th century technology still has visual properties worth aspiring to.