Our take
The PJ550 can suit an older presentation room needing native XGA and compatible analog sources. ViewSonic’s sheet says 1200 lumens but does not identify an ANSI method.
A secondhand presentation setup already equipped for analog video.
It is not a fit for HDMI-first equipment, modern home theater, native Full HD, or a buyer who cannot inspect a used lamp.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- The manual separates PJ550 XGA from the SVGA PJ500.
- A 1.2× manual zoom and throw information aid placement planning.
- Several analog inputs are documented for older equipment.
What to weigh up
- The manufacturer’s 1200-lumen figure has no stated ANSI method.
- The manual’s connector list has no HDMI.
- Lamp age, condition and included accessories vary by unit.
The key details
| Model covered | PJ550 |
|---|---|
| Image format | Native 1024 × 768 XGA, native 4:3 |
| Rated light output | 1200 lumens listed; ANSI method not stated by ViewSonic |
| Placement | 1.2× manual zoom; VGA, composite, S-Video and component |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 4, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Confirm PJ550 rather than a sibling model
ViewSonic’s family manual covers PJ500, PJ550, PJ501, and PJ551, but assigns XGA resolution to PJ550 and PJ551 while PJ500 and PJ501 are SVGA models. This distinction matters when buying an older unit by a short family name. The PJ550’s native 1024 × 768 image is a 4:3 XGA format that fits many legacy computer presentations. Verify the nameplate before relying on that resolution; do not transfer PJ500 specifications or a PJ551 accessory bundle. This guide follows the PJ550 row in the original product sheet and treats the historical Amazon ASIN as an unverified current offer.
Keep the manufacturer’s lumen basis intact
ViewSonic’s sheet lists 1200 lumens without naming an ANSI measurement method. A secondary database labels a similar figure ANSI, but the manufacturer document does not support converting its wording into a standardized match. The profile therefore leaves ANSI brightness unknown. The model used a 150 W UHB lamp with a stated life of 2000 hours and an Eco-mode note; neither detail says how much life remains in a used projector. Ask for lamp hours and see the image in its intended room. An old lamp and an unspecified rating call for modest expectations rather than assumed bright modern output.
Use the lens data for a conventional setup
The manufacturer sheet documents 1.2× manual zoom and focus, while a secondary model record gives a 1.23–1.46 throw ratio. Those values describe conventional placement, not ultra-short-throw use. Measure the lens-to-screen distance and confirm the expected image size before committing to a mount. Manual zoom adds some flexibility but is not lens shift; the projector still needs a reasonably square position. Since this is an old model, check that focus can be made clear across the full picture and that the adjustment controls move normally. A careful shelf or mount position reduces the need for digital correction.
Match the port panel to existing devices
The manual and product sheet list VGA, composite, S-Video, component, and analog audio, but no HDMI input. A modern computer or video source may need a separately verified converter, and buyers should account for the adapter path before purchase. The manual notes that 3.5 mm audio output and RS-232 are optional rather than automatically included. Inspect the ports on the actual unit and ask whether its remote, cables, and optional components are part of the sale. This input set makes PJ550 most useful for maintaining older presentation equipment, not for an uncomplicated modern streaming setup.
Treat the purchase as condition-dependent
ProjectorCentral lists the PJ550 as discontinued, with release in 2002 and discontinuation in 2005. The original lamp-life rating does not show remaining life today. Ask for the lamp-hour screen and a live demonstration, then inspect color uniformity, fan noise, focus, and every input you need. The tagged search does not promise that historical ASIN B000067U15 remains a correct live listing. The PJ550 can still be considered when XGA and analog compatibility are the goal, but buyers who need HDMI or predictable support should compare another model before accepting its maintenance and connection limits.
What else to compare
For native XGA with HDMI, compare NEC NP-V260X; for native Full HD and current HDMI sources, compare Epson Home Cinema 6100.
Before you buy
Is the PJ550 the SVGA model in its family?
No. The manual gives PJ550 XGA 1024 × 768 and identifies PJ500/PJ501 as SVGA versions.
Can I treat 1200 lumens as ANSI lumens?
No. ViewSonic’s saved product sheet does not state an ANSI measurement method.
Does the PJ550 have HDMI?
No HDMI appears in the PJ550 manual’s connector list; adapters need separate verification.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- ViewSonic PJ550 manufacturer product sheet ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- ViewSonic PJ550 manufacturer product sheet ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- ViewSonic family manual, model and connector sections ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
- ProjectorCentral PJ550 model record and status ↗ — checked October 4, 2026.
The decision
The PJ550’s role is an XGA replacement for a compatible older system, subject to the condition of the particular unit.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.