Hitachi BZ-1 Pro Reviews

The Hitachi BZ-1 LCD projector offers all the strengths of Hitachi's earlier interactive models plus the ability to mount vertically for interactive table top applications.

The BZ-1 is, quite simply, an impressive ultra short throw interactive projector. It delivers a bright, 1280x800 image, excellent data image quality, good video for a data projector, good audio, a full complement of ports, the ability to work in tabletop mode, and suitably quiet operation. Stacked against these strengths is a very short list of limitations, and no actual weaknesses. Granted, if you need 3D, you'll need to look elsewhere, but that's not a weakness so much as a matter of needing a different category of projector. The BZ-1 also delivers lots of welcome extras, from the 6000 hour lamp life in Eco mode to the ability to read files from a USB key to the guaranteed lack of rainbow artifacts. Also in this category is that the mirror automatically closes when you turn the projector off to guard it and the lens against dust. Finally, don't overlook the BZ-1's portability compared to the competition. For the moment, at least, the Hitachi BZ-1 is one of the most attractive ultra short throw interactive projectors on the market, and a good benchmark to measure others against.