Are you into big-time gaming? If so, Acer may have the solution for you. The company has launched the Predator Z850, a gaming-focused projector that throws images up to 120 inches in size at a 1,920 x 720 resolution (24:9 aspect ratio) and a minimum range of 18.5 inches. It can be easily deployed at any party or LAN event thanks to a top-mounted lens and adjustable feet. The catch? It costs a hefty $5,000.
According to the company, the Predator Z850 doesn’t use any mirrors. Instead, it relies on an advanced laser diode lamp that projects images up to 3,000 lumens. This lamp has a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours and is capable of a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. It also features Acer’s ColorBoost 3D technology, promising better color performance in 2D and 3D visuals, and Acer’s ColorSafe II to minimize the color decay as the image is projected onto a wall or screen.
Acer says this is the world’s first ultra-wide HD laser projector designed for gaming. It’s part of the company’s Predator line of desktops, laptops, monitors, tablets, and accessories built strictly for gaming. This product line is visually striking, and the new Predator Z850 is no different, sporting a black chassis with geometric lines and red accents. Acer first introduced its Predator line of products in 2015.
A list of specs provided by Acer show that the new projector actually has a maximum resolution of 1,920 x 1,200p. And while the 24:9 aspect ratio is native, the device is capable of 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios as well. It has a manual focus projection lens, and the standard lamp life is actually 20,000 hours. The projector features an ECO mode, hence the longer lamp life, and 2,400 lumens when this mode is active.
For input, the projector provides two analog RGB/component connections, one composite video connection, one HDMI port, one HDMI/MHL port for charging/projecting mobile devices, a PC audio jack, a stereo RCA jack, a microphone jack, and a USB Type A port. The output options span an analog RGB jack and a PC audio jack. There’s even an Ethernet port for networking, a USB (Mini-B) and RS232 (D-Sub) port for the control interface, and a built-in 10-watt speaker.
Based on the specs, the projector measures 3.8” (H) x 15.1” (W) x 12.2” (D), and weighs a mere 12.1 pounds. It’s not VESA mount compatible, so it presumably can’t be mounted on the wall in the likes of a bar or restaurant. The device also includes a fan to keep its interior components cool, measuring 33 dBA in standard mode and 29 dBA in ECO mode.
For those with a few extra bucks, Acer provides an optional Wireless HD kit. This adds 1080p loss-less wireless streaming so that users can throw out the annoying wires. Ideally, this projector would be good for any gaming setup, whether customers are using a high-end gaming PC or one of the popular consoles from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Having the Wireless HD kit means customers will have less to carry and hook up at parties and LAN events.
The product page on Acer’s online store says it’s still in pre-order mode as of this article, but the announcement indicated that the product is now available in the United States. Regardless, you’ll still need a hefty $5,000 to project your gaming in glorious HD, so start gathering up those pennies.
