The CP-X8170 is Hitachi’s top-of-line, large-venue projector, and as such, it carries quite the price tag. The CP-X8170 is available starting at around $8,000. Even so, the CP-X8170 provides plenty of benefits. The image is vibrant and bright, rated at 7,000 lumens. Its vertical projection capabilities and range of optional lenses provide installation versatility. And the advanced networking and security features are useful for education institutions, churches and conference venues.
In the large-venue category, the CP-X8170 is a formidable competitor. The projector can be stacked, to enhance brightness or create immersive environments, and the images are crisp and clear. The biggest disadvantage, of course, is price. It’s firmly at the higher-end of price range for large-venue projectors. But yet, it delivers quite a bit of functionality.
Looking at the CP-X8170’s Features and Specs
- Bright Image, Moderate Contrast: The 3LCD Hitachi is equipped with a 7,000-lumen light source. That’s sufficient brightness for large venues – think 1,000 person churches and conference venues – and that means the image can compete with ambient light. With a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, the images are crisp and clear.
- Advanced Networking: With both wireless and wired networking functions, the CP-X8170 can be controlled remotely. That’s an ideal feature for venues, as the projector can be connected to and controlled from a booth. Security settings, on/off, email notifications and scheduling can all be controlled over your LAN. More affordable options aren’t always network connected.
- Range of Connectivity: There’s a lot of options when it comes to connecting sources, including 2 HDMI inputs, a USB-A port (enabling presenters to plug-and-play presentations from a USB drive), and the ability to connect and display images and documents from a mobile device.
Hitachi CP-X8170 Rear Inputs - Side-by-Side Picture: The CP-X8170 offers two different types of picture-in-picture; a traditional picture-in-picture as well as a side-by-side configuration. With side-by-side, two images from just about any source (for example, two HDMI sources) take up equal shares of the screen. This is an important feature for presentations.
- Available Optical Lens: There is a solid range of optical lens available for the CP-X8170 including Fixed Short, Short, Long, and Ultra Long. This makes it possible for operators to configure the projector to fit the venue. The largest venues benefit from the Ultra Long throw lens, while smaller venues, or those that can accommodate the projector closer to the screen, might choose the Short or Fixed Short. Overall, this provides flexibility, allowing the projector to be repositioned.
- Long Lamp Life: Given the CP-X8170’s 7,000-lumen output, the Hitachi still delivers 2,000 hours of lamp life in its standard operating mode, and up to 3,000 hours in economy mode. That’s really impressive considering its power. Fortunately, the replacement lamp and housing module for Hitachi CP-X8170 – part No. DT01471 – doesn’t cost a premium, starting at $260 for the bulb alone. That keeps the maintenance costs low for this projector.
Overall, the Hitachi CP-X8170 is a powerful piece of hardware, providing operators with a range of functionalities. It can be used for performances – casting set pieces onto a stage – or high-quality presentations in large venues. True, the price is high, but you’re paying for an extremely useful piece of hardware. If it’s in the budget, the CP-X8170 warrants your attention.