ViewSonic PA503X Projector Review

The ViewSonic PA503X is a good choice for small business meeting rooms and classrooms. It has adequate brightness for almost any lighting conditions, has the versatility to handle presentations, movies, and even video games and installation is straightforward. If you’re considering getting it, keep reading as we take a deeper look at its features.

ViewSonic PA503X Projector Review

Specifications Summary

FeatureValue
Resolution1024 x 768
Brightness3800 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio22,000:1
Throw Distance30″ – 300″
Size of Screen46”- 516”
Input lag16ms
Speakers2.0 Watts x 1

Space Flexibility

The ViewSonic PA503X being a standard throw projector requires a larger space for installation in order to project a big-enough image. But that shouldn’t be a problem because most classrooms and business meeting rooms are large and sufficient.

You’ll get a 100-inch image when the distance between the screen and the projector is about 13 feet.

The brightness is excellent with a measured value of 3800 ANSI lumens, which is unheard of at its price point. That guarantees bright and crisp images even in well-lit rooms.

ViewSonic PA503X

This projector has a good balance of features making it ideal for almost any purpose.

Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the ViewSonic PA503X shouldn’t be an uphill task. The quick start guide that comes with the projector contains clear step-by-step instructions to follow. There are also features like the vertical keystone correction and 1.1x optical zoom that will make image alignment easy.

The top control panel is simple and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get a remote for convenience if you decide to mount the projector at a place you can’t get to.

If used in normal mode, the ViewSonic PA503X projector will require a lamp replacement every 4,500 hours. And if used in Eco mode, a replacement will be required every 15,000 hours. That means that if you use it for a maximum of four hours a day, it will last around three years in normal mode and ten years in Eco mode.

Two setup limitations stand out about this projector: It lacks wireless connectivity and has one HDMI port. Now, for most classrooms and business meeting rooms, one HDMI port may be sufficient for presentations but it screams outdated.

On the positive side, the ViewSonic PA503X has smart tools like the presentation and blank timers that will make you look like a star when presenting.  

See Also: HP MP100 Projector Review

Picture Quality

ViewSonic PA503X has an XGA resolution which is equivalent to 1024 x 728p. Well, that isn’t Full HD but you can expect bright and colorful displays mainly due to ViewSonic’s SuperColor technology as well as the impressive contrast ratio the project comes with.

This projector can also project 3D content from any device that is HDMI-enabled. But you will have to get the required 3D glasses separately.

The downside is that the ViewSonic PA503x doesn’t support 4K content. But that shouldn’t concern you if you intend to use it in a classroom or business meeting room for presentations.

Sound

The ViewSonic PA503X has many amazing features but the sound is not one of them. It has one built-in speaker that doesn’t produce the best sound quality. Don’t expect to hear every dialogue line when projecting your content.

It, however, has an audio port to hook up external speakers, headphones, or soundbars for better sound quality.

See Also: Yaber V3 Projector Review

Gaming Capability

While it may not seem like it, the ViewSonic PA503X is a good choice for gaming. It has a fast response rate of around 16ms which rivals that of dedicated entry-level gaming projectors. Plus, most video games are produced in 780p resolution making it the most ideal option when compared with higher-resolution projectors.    

As we’ve already discussed, you can use external speakers to make your gaming experience better.

Pros

  • Low input lag
  • High lamp brightness
  • Long lamp lifespan
  • Bright and colorful images
  • Full 3D support

Cons

  • Doesn’t support wireless connectivity
  • Decent sound from the built-in speaker
  • One HDMI port

Final Words

The ViewSonic PA503X projector is an affordable option for classrooms and business meeting spaces. At its price point of just under $400, it’s hard to find other options with similar brightness and responsiveness. It also has other great features like 3D support and a long lamp lifespan.

I must say, however, that its inputs are outdated and you can find better options in the current market.

We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision.