ViewSonic PA503S vs PA503W: Which High Brightness Projector Offers Better Value?

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Introduce​

Parameter	ViewSonic PA503S​	ViewSonic PA503W​
Picture​	​	​
Price​	$315.99​	$399.99​
Recommended Uses​	Business​	Business​
Highlight​	Brightness: 4000 Lumens Resolution: SVGA Optical Zoom: 1.1x Vertical Keystone Adjustment: 40 degrees Input Latency: 16ms Lamp Life: Up to 15,000 hours in SuperEco Mode Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, mini USB, supports various media players, PCs, Macs, mobile devices	Brightness: 4000 Lumens Resolution: WXGA Optical Zoom: 1.1x Vertical Keystone Correction: 40 degrees Input Latency: 16ms Lamp Life: Up to 15,000 hours (SuperEco Mode) Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, mini USB, compatible with media players, PCs, Macs, mobile devices

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Display​

Parameter	ViewSonic PA503S​	ViewSonic PA503W​
Screen Size​	30 Inches - 300 Inches​	30 Inches - 300 Inches​
Throw Distance​	3.9 Feet - 43 Feet​	3.28 Feet - 38.02 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	22000:1​	22000:1​
Display Resolution​	600 Pixels​	800 Pixels​
Native Resolution​	800 x 600​	1280 x 800​
Brightness​	4000 Lumen​	4000 Lumen​
Display Type​	DLP​	DLP​
Picture Enhancement​	-​	SuperColor​

Features​

Parameter	ViewSonic PA503S​	ViewSonic PA503W​
Video Encoding​	-​	AVC​
Lamp Wattage​	190 Watts​	200 Watts​
Light Source Life​	4500 Hours​	5000 Hours​
Controller Type​	Remote Control​	Remote Control​
Control Method​	Remote​	Remote​
Mount Type​	Floor Mount​	Ceiling Mount​
Other Features​	Lightweight​	Lightweight​

Connectivity​

Parameter	ViewSonic PA503S​	ViewSonic PA503W​
Connectivity Technology​	VGA, Mini USB Type B, HDMI​	VGA, USB, HDMI​
Hardware Connectivity​	USB, HDMI​	USB​
Compatible Devices​	DVD players; Blu-ray players; Amazon FireTV; AppleTV; Google Chromecast; Mac Computers; Windows Computers​	Personal Computer​

Measurements​

Parameter	ViewSonic PA503S​	ViewSonic PA503W​
L x W x H​	11.6"L x 8.6"W x 4.3"H​	11.6"L x 8.6"W x 4.3"H​
Item Weight​	5.5 Pounds​	2.2 Kilograms​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
ViewSonic PA503S​	Pros • Excellent brightness (3600 Lumens) suitable for well-lit rooms • Clear and vibrant image quality for large-scale paintings and movies • Low heat output, making it safe to place near flammable objects • Whisper-quiet operation with minimal fan noise • Manual focus and horizontal keystone adjustments available • Reliable performance with no issues after extended use Cons • Slight reduction in clarity for small text • Larger size may be cumbersome for some users • Limited zoom and picture aspect manipulation • Lacks auto focus and auto keystone features • Weak built-in audio; external speakers recommended Overall Impression This projector stands out for its exceptional brightness, making it ideal for use in brightly lit environments. While it does have some limitations in terms of audio quality and certain image adjustments, its visual performance and reliability over extended use are commendable. For anyone needing a powerful projector for both artistic and cinematic purposes, this model proves to be a solid choice, especially if external sound solutions are utilized.
ViewSonic PA503W​	Pros: • High brightness and excellent image quality, even in well-lit environments • Lightweight and easy to set up • Long lamp life with a feature to reduce brightness for better viewing in dark settings • Affordable alternative for 3D Blu-ray playback • Good contrast ratio and vivid colors • Compatible with multiple devices (Blu-ray, gaming consoles) • Solid image quality at a 100" projection Cons: • Resolution not 1080p, which may be a drawback for some users • Only one HDMI port available • Limited adjustment options for projection angle • Built-in speaker lacks bass and distorts at high volumes • Menu and remote control functionality could be improved, particularly for Eco Mode • Instructions provided are not user-friendly, consisting mainly of pictures Overall Impression: This projector offers impressive brightness and image quality at a competitive price, making it a strong choice for both home theater enthusiasts and business presentations. While it has some drawbacks, such as limited connectivity options and a less-than-ideal built-in speaker, its affordability and performance in bright conditions make it a solid investment, particularly for those looking to enjoy 3D films without breaking the bank.