Acer’s new projector is designed to be used very close to the screen.

Acer U5200

The U5200 uses a mirror-reflection system for its ultra-short throw projection, allowing it to display images of up to 196cm from a distance of just 13cm.

Designed to be used primarily for presentations and for schools, Acer claims that having the projector so close to the screen means there’s no shadowing effect and presenters can avoid projector beams in the eyes.

It’s compliant with the Crestron Network System, with control via LAN, which offers monitoring, remote power on/off, remote projection management, multiple-projector control, emergency text broadcasting, online dialogue with the system administrator and email alerts.

It also includes DLP 3D Ready technology that, using high 120Hz refresh rates, can display 3D images and, once connected to a keyboard and mouse, its remote desktop function allows you to access a PC in another room.

There’s USB connectivity, two HDMI ports and Acer promises up to 5,000 hours of lamp life with 2500 ANSI lumens, a 4200:1 contrast ratio and native XGA resolution.

The Acer U5200 video-projector comes with five-year warranty on the DLP chip and 1 year warranty on the lamp without hour limit. It will be available in March for £1,350.