What’s Hot.
Pre-set image modes, color adjustment features and extra control functions allow users to project perfect presentations almost instantly.
What’s Not.
The small, cluttered remote renders using it in the dark almost impossible. Limited connectivity, while adequate, might not be enough for some.
The bottom line.
The Epson PowerLite is a bargain buy for those looking for a travel-friendly projector that will produce bright, realistic images in the boardroom and the family room.
Weighing only 6 pounds and powered by 2200 lumens, the PowerLite travels nicely and is well-suited for business or entertainment use. A 400:1 contrast ratio means that this XGA projector will produce bright images in even the lightest rooms. As do most projectors of its size, the PowerLite allows for a 100″ 4:3 image from 9’6″ to 11’5″ or a 60″ diagonal image from 5’8″ to 6’10”.
The PowerLite features several image modes that include Presentation, Game, Theater, Photo and sRGB. These preset modes make it simple for users to quickly adjust to any situation, and a color temperature adjustment feature allows perfectionists to fine-tune the color balance. All image modes display exceptional color, brightness and sharpness uniformly across the screen.
The projector features an integrated sliding lens cap that, when closed, puts the projector into stand-by mode. When opened, the projector’s Instant On feature will start it up in 5 seconds.
The PowerLite features a control panel on the top of the case that includes the standard menu controls plus buttons for volume adjustment, source search, vertical keystone adjustment and a button that brings up the projector’s integrated help system. The PowerLite does not include a multitude of connections, but it provides enough to be useful. The projector supports data and component video signals and offers a monitor pass-through connection.
The PowerLite’s menu is easy to navigate, although the same can’t be said for the projector’s remote, which features 18 identical buttons. Presenters can use the remote to navigate slides in PowerPoint if connected to a computer, but be prepared to spend some time hunting for the buttons you need.
Users looking for a straight-forward home entertainment projector will be happy to learn that the PowerLite supports HDTV (720p and 1080i) and tested well with games. Note, however, that this projector might require some extras to place your images correctly on the wall. It’s nothing a stack of books and the keystone correction feature won’t fix, but the extra set-up effort might annoy those expecting a set-and-go projector.
System maintenance is fairly easy, as the dust filter and lamp can be replaced without removing an installed projector from the ceiling. The PowerLite emits very little fan noise, which makes it even more preferable for home entertainment use. Running the PowerLite in low brightness mode will give you approximately 4000 hours of lamp use, which is quite remarkable.
Overall, the Epson PowerLite is easy to use and provides a great number of impressive capabilities for the price. The system works as well for business presentations as it does for watching the Super Bowl in larger-than-life format.
Projector dimensions: 12.9”w x 9.6”d x 4.3”h
Kensington lock for security
