Monthly Archives: May 2015

Visit MyProjectorLamps at InfoComm 2015 in June

Each year, the InfoComm show features the latest and greatest AV technology from around the world. As one of the largest AV tradeshows in North America, it’s a must-attend for anyone in the industry, and the show features mind-blowing 4K unveilings, innovative networking technology, and the latest in display media.
This year, InfoComm 2015 will run June 13 to June 19 in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center, and there’s plenty interesting things to check out. Here’s a schedule of this year’s presentations, and there are plenty of new exhibits and presentations to check out. Plus, MyProjectorLamps will be in attendance; stop by if you have a chance!

MyProjectorLamps Booth at Integrated Systems Europe 2015
MyProjectorLamps Booth at Integrated Systems Europe 2015

Here are a few things we’re excited to check out:

  • Opening Keynote – The Internet of Things: A variety of industry thought leaders will discuss the Internet of Things, its future and the effect it will have on the AV industry. It’s bound to be an interesting and thought-provoking session, with leaders from Cisco, Samsung and more debating the finer points of one of the most important AV industry subjects of the this decade.
  • Unmanned Systems and Drone Pavilion: The latest in drone and unmanned aircraft technology will be on display at InfoComm, and they will be an enclosed airspace for testing out products. Presenters will also be showing how drones can be incorporated into AV projects, like 3D mapping and aerial photography. Throughout the week, there will be free and paid drone education sessions, covering a range of topics. This is certainly a must-see.
  • Innovations Showcase: This year, InfoComm will feature the latest innovations in the AV space – these are never-before-seen, futuristic technologies from about 10 selected exhibitors. So there’s bound to be a plenty of mind-blowing products to check out. Plus, attendees can vote for the most innovative product, which receives a $10,000 prize.
    Look for the New MyProjectorLamps Booth
    Look for the New MyProjectorLamps Booth

Stop By the MyProjectorLamps Booth at InfoComm
We look forward to InfoComm – and all the new gadgets and AV gizmos – all year long. Now, that wait is finally over. If you’ll be attending, visit the MyProjectorLamps booth whenever you’ve got a moment. Our team will be there, and we’d love for you to stop by and talk shop about AV news, which sessions you’re excited to attend, and the most interesting products you see at the show. This year, we’ve also spruced up our booth, so you can’t miss it. Hope to see you there!

Projector Review: BenQ TW526 Presentation Projector

The BenQ TW526, which is available exclusively in Europe, is an affordable, yet compatible, piece of hardware that’s a favorite in classrooms and presentation venues. Why? For the price, the TW526 is equipped with some advanced BenQ lamp technology. That results in a brilliantly bright image, long lamp life and excellent readability. Those are all major selling points. Plus, the price is tough to beat, especially considering the suitable image quality and the BenQ’s competitive list of features. It starts around €399.

BenQ TW526 Projector
BenQ TW526 Projector

Of course, the TW526 isn’t perfect. It’s a budget-friendly projector that’s short in a few areas. The built-in audio speaker is below-average in terms of output. That can be a problem for schools and venues that require a plug-and-play setup. Plus, the TW526 doesn’t feature advanced connectivity – there’s no built-in WiFi or cloud connectivity – and there’s isn’t much flexibility in set-up like vertical and horizontal lens shift. For most, these disadvantages aren’t necessarily deal breakers. That’s why for small and medium venues, the TW526 might be the answer. It features big image specs for a small price.
BenQ TW526: Pros
For a cost-effective projector, the BenQ TW526 is an effective presentation tools. First, it features a high-quality image and long lamp life. Plus, the projector supports a variety of video inputs, which makes it easier to incorporate multimedia clips and 3D video into presentations.
BenQ TW526 - Rear Inputs
BenQ TW526 – Rear Inputs

  • Ultra-long Lamp Life: BenQ has excelled in the area of lamp technology, and the TW526 is a perfect example. The projector has four lamp settings, and a lamp life ranging from 4,500 to 10,000 hours. That’s far above average for similarly priced projectors. In addition to normal and eco modes, the SmartEco and LampSaver modes conserve power for extended lamp life.
  • Superior Image Quality: For the price, the TW526 achieves some amazing image quality specs. First, the projector receives a brightness rating of 3,200 lumens and a 13,000:1 contrast ratio. That means even in well-lit rooms the image will be crisp and clear. Plus, the DLP technology and native XGA resolution help produce high-definition, vibrant images in the projector’s largest screen formats. Readability is a major selling point for teachers, and the TW526 produces clear, readable images.
  • Full HD 3D Support: For those advantaged presentations that require HD video, the TW526 doesn’t disappoint. The projector is compatible with Blu-ray Full HD 3D, plus it supports Full HD video and SD video. That’s a great feature for presentations that feature video clips and multimedia.
    BenQ TW526 Top View
    BenQ TW526 Top View

BenQ TW526: Cons
Budget projectors tend to skip the advanced features that you find in more expensive set-ups. That seems to be the case with the TW526. Some useful features are absent, while others are underdeveloped.

  • Below-Average Sound: With just a 2W speaker, the TW526 isn’t well-suited to provide audio for mid-sized venues. In fact, it may be a little under-performing for small, noisy venues. Of course, this problem can be reversed by plugging into external audio, but might be a deal breaker if you’re after a plug-and-play projector.
  • No Advanced Networking: Today’s projectors are becoming more and more advanced. They can pull content directly from the cloud, and they’re WiFi connected. Both of those features are absent from the TW526. That might not be the most important feature for a classroom presentation, but it’s something that’s very useful.

Overall, the BenQ TW526 is super budget-friendly. It costs a fraction of much more advanced set-ups, and the cost of ownership remains low throughout its life thanks to the long lamp life. Of course, you won’t find the same state-of-the-art features that you would with higher end projectors – like built-in storage and high-speed networking – but the specs that truly matter like image quality and brightness are par for the course. In other words, the BenQ TW526 doesn’t pack in all the bells and whistles, but it does provide an impressive image. And for most presenters and teachers, that’s probably enough.


 

Projector Review: Panasonic PT-F300U

Since its initial release in 2009, the Panasonic PT-F300U has become a popular choice for presenters, in conference spaces and by governmental and military organizations. The reason: The F300 delivers a bright image and long-lasting durability. Plus, its ease of installation makes it easy to adapt the F300 to an existing mount, and thus, it’s commonly used to replace old worn-out machines.
Currently, the Panasonic F300U is out-of-production, but it available by a variety of resellers. You can find refurbished and used Panasonic F300Us available – which is why we wanted to review this set-up. Today, the F300 remains a reliable piece of hardware that delivers a bright, crisp image – there isn’t much more you’d need from a basic projector. Unfortunately, there are a few minor grievances regarding the F300U. It is an aging piece of hardware, and as such, some of the connections and networking capabilities are dated or nonexistent. Yet if you need a projector for basic multimedia presentation, a used or refurbished F300U has a lot of up-side, and you’ll likely save quite a bit of money.

Panasonic PT-F300U Projector
Panasonic PT-F300U Projector

Panasonic PT-F300U: Pros and Useful Features

Even though, the F300U is now about five years old, the projector provides many of the functionalities that you receive from today’s more-expensive projectors. It starts with a bright image that’s equipped with Panasonic’s daytime viewing technology. That means the F300U is suitable for environments with higher levels of ambient light. Advantages include:

  • Image Quality and Brightness: With a brightness rating up to 4,000 lumens, the F300U provides a lot of light for the price. Plus, the projector is equipped with Epson’s Daylight View 5 technology that boasts the image output based on the level of ambient light. The result is a crisp, clear image with tons of detail and vivid color display. Additionally, the projector supports a variety of inputs including Full HD and SD video. Plus, for the brightness, the Panasonic achieves an above-average lamp life of 5,000 hours.
  • Build Quality: Another reason the F300 remains a popular projector is its durability. The projector features a built-to-last optical block that includes high-quality LCD panels. The optical block is made for frequent use, without losing image quality. Plus, the projector is built with dust resistant technology and an auto-cleaning filter that make this a long-lasting, low-maintenance projector.
  • Set–Up Flexibility: As mentioned, the F300 is a popular replacement projector, because it can easily be adjusted to fit an existing mount. The reason is that the F300 has an above-average zoom ratio of 2x, as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift. These features make it possible to reposition the image to fit the screen, without moving an existing mount.
    Panasonic PT-F300U - Rear Inputs
    Panasonic PT-F300U – Rear Inputs

Panasonic F300U: Some Aging Features

For an older projector, the F300 remains fairly competitive with today’s projectors. Yet, the F300 does have some dated technology that may limit some of its capabilities. These include:

  • Dated Connections: There are a range of connection ports built into the F300U, including LAN and ports for two computers. Thus, for basic presentations, the F300U is more than suitable. Yet, the F300 is missing an HDMI link and a USB port, which may limit options for connectivity. Today, these connections are much more common.
  • Low Contrast and Resolution: Although the F300’s image is vividly bright, it does fall short in the category of resolution. The F300 features a native XGA resolution and just a 600:1 contrast ratio. Image quality remains decent at lower screen sizes, but as you increase the size of the screen up to 300”, the lower resolution and contrast do become more apparent.
  • No WiFi or Cloud Connections: Presenters today pull video and content from the cloud, but that’s a bit more difficult with the F300. It’s not WiFi-ready or cloud-connected, which can limit some of the capabilities in displaying online content. This is only a minor grievance, as it does have a LAN connection, but yet, in today’s projectors, cloud connectivity is a much more common feature.

Overall, the F300U remains a competent piece of hardware, and as it’s only available via resellers, you’ll likely find it at a competitive price. It originally listed at $1,500+, but they often available now around $500. That low cost-of-ownership is one reason this is a great choice. Plus, the projector is an effective presentation tool for basic multimedia projections. If you’ll be mostly using these for presentations with occasional audio and video output, it’s a solid choice. But if you need more advanced features like 3D, WiFi and USB/HDMI connections, you’ll want to consider newer projectors.

Projector Review: The Epson PowerLite D6250 Multimedia Projector

When it was first shipped in 2011, the Epson PowerLite D6250 featured a suite of advanced capabilities, excellent image quality and impressive durability. Now, four years later, a few of those features aren’t considered as advanced as they once were. Still, the PowerLite D6250 is an ideal presentation projector, with great brightness specs and useful networking capabilities. In other words, the PowerLite D6250 has aged well, and it remains a reliable piece of hardware with the right specifications for presentations.
Starting at $1,279.99, it’s relatively budget-friendly, and for the features that are included, the price is fairly competitive. If you’re looking for a set-up for churches, classrooms, conference centers and halls, the D6250 will suit you well.

Epson Powerlite D6250 Projector
Epson Powerlite D6250 Projector

Epson PowerLite D6250: Useful Features

From its bright image, to its suite of networking tools, the Epson D6250 packs in a lot of useful features, and the image quality remains on-par with other projectors in the price range. It’s bright enough for events spaces with ambient light, and along with a built-in speaker and user friendly set-up, this Epson is ideal for first-time operators.

  • Image Quality and Brightness: Equipped with Epson’s 3LCD, 3-chip technology, the D6250 provides a crisp image with clear and saturated colors. The image is rated at 4,000 lumens – both color and white lumens – and that enables for high-quality data images. Plus, the D6250 has a native XGA resolution (1024×768), which is compatible with many laptop computers on the market today. In terms of capability, the D6250 works fine with a variety of inputs, including Full HD and Standard Definition media sources.
  • Connectivity Options and Advanced Networking: The D6250  has a full suite of networking features, which is ideal for presenters. For instance, split-screen dual in-put view is a standard option – which makes it possible to view media from two sources, at the same time on the same screen. That’s one reason the Epson is a favorite for golf simulation presentations. Plus, Creston RoomView is available, message broadcasting is possible, and the D6250 is cloud-ready. What’s more: The D6250 is compatible with most inputs, including HDMI audio and video, USB A and B, there are two VGA ports, and it’s capable of accessing content in the cloud.
  • Other Useful Features: The Epson D6250 features a small, but mighty 5-W speaker, which makes this even more of a plug-and-play option. Plus, set-up and configuration are simple and user friendly. Horizontal and vertical Keystone Correction functionalities are standard features, and the D6250 has a zoom ratio of 1.6x, which is about average for projectors in the price range.
    Epson Powerlite D6250 - Rear Inputs
    Epson Powerlite D6250 – Rear Inputs

Epson PowerLite D6250 : Cons and Setbacks

For the most part, the PowerLite D6250 is a capable and high-quality projector, but there are a few cons. First, it features lower-than-average lamp life, and thanks to its long throw ratio, it’s not an ideal projector for small conference spaces.

  • Below-Average Lamp Life: The Epson does have a bright bulb, but it only receives average lamp life. In eco-mode, the lamp achieves 4,000 hours of use, and in standard mode, lamp life averages 3,000 hours. Today, more and more projectors are exceeding those targets. Yet, that’s still a substantial amount of time, and lamps are a low-cost investment.
  • Bulkiness: At just under 10 pounds, and measuring 11 inches by 17 inches, the D6250 is built mostly for permanent installation. It’s a little too big and bulky for on-the-go presentations, and for traveling business presenters, or organizations that need a projector they can move regularly, there are better options. With Keystone Correction, portability is easier, but today there are smaller, easier to handle options available.
  • Fan Noise: At 39 dB in standard mode, the D6250 is a relatively quiet piece of hardware, but it’s still a bit noisier than other options in the price range. In eco-mode the fan’s output drops to 33 dB, which is fairly quiet. But in smaller, confined spaces, the fan in standard mode might become a distraction.

So what’s the verdict? Should you buy the Epson D6250 ? At just over $1,200, the Epson remains on the lower-end of the budget spectrum, although that is a significant investment for most organizations. It does feature a range of functionalities, and an impressive image quality, which Epson has built a reputation on. If you plan for a permanent installation, or don’t plan on moving this often, the Epson D6250 is an ideal solution. For smaller spaces, or for people looking for portability, other options might be better suited for your needs.

Projector Review: Optoma S311

If you’re on the market for a budget-friendly presentation projector, the Optoma S311 is an intriguing solution. It’s extremely affordable, starting at £229.99. The price in GBP indicates that this projector was released into the UK markets in the beginning of the production run, however a few units have made their way into North America as well after its introduction. Plus, the S311 provides tons of great functionalities, excellent data image quality, and solid construction. In terms of the bad, there isn’t much to complain about. It’s a small-price projector that packs tons of big features.

OPtoma S311 Projector
OPtoma S311 Projector

Optoma S311: The Good
From its long-lasting lamp, to a long list of standard features, the Optoma S311 provides an ideal suite of tools for presentations. The S311 is well-suited for classroom or meeting room productions, and it’s light-weight and portable, making this even better for on-the-go business meetings. Here are a few of the best features:

  • Bright, Long-Lasting Lamp: The S311 is equipped with a 3,200-lumen rated lamp, which delivers vibrant images even in areas that suffer from higher levels of ambient light. What’s more, the lamp has an extremely long lamp life, especially compared to similarly priced projectors. The S311 achieves a 7,000-hour lamp life in Eco+ mode; even in the standard mode the lamp performs well and is able to withstand 5,000 hours of use. Plus, Optoma boasts a suite of energy-saving features that have the potential to increase lamp life to 10,000+ hours.
  • Image Data Quality: Not only is the projected image from the S311 relatively bright, it’s also well contrasted and integrates vivid colors. The SVGA native resolution image (800×600) projector is aided by Optoma BrilliantColor technology, which produces vibrant, saturated coloring, and the project’s high contrast, a 20,000:1 ratio, creates images that are crisp and clear. Similar image specs are a challenge to find in this price range.
  • Useful Presenter Features: The S311 is a presentation tool, through and through, and it has features that are designed just for presenters. There’s the AV Mute functionality, which dims the screen and sound, to eliminate classroom distractions, and the projector also features remote control functionalities, including a remote mouse. This frees up presenters, letting them move around the room more freely.
  • Full 3D Support: The Optoma S311 is capable of projecting vibrant 3D images from a range of in-put sources. It’s compatible with 3D Blu-Ray and 3D Broadcasting. Plus, the S311 features a higher-than-average refresh rate of 144HZ, which improves the overall 3D performance.
    Optoma S311 Projector - Inputs
    Optoma S311 Projector – Inputs

Optoma S311: The Bad
The S311 does include a lot of great functionality, but it is a fairly low-cost option. That means users don’t get the full suite of features that they can expect from higher-end projectors. Fortunately, the S311 doesn’t have many pitfalls. Here’s a look at what the projector doesn’t get right:

  • Inadequate Audio: The S311 is equipped with a small 2W speaker. That might perform well in small classrooms and meeting halls, but it’s just not adequate enough for noisy classrooms and larger conference spaces. In addition, the projector doesn’t have an audio-out port, so for louder audio, you’ll have to synch audio with an outside source.
  • Limited Set-Up Flexibility: The S311 has a limited zoom ratio, just 1.1X, which compared to a number of projectors, is below-average. Plus, there is only vertical capstone correction, and the minimum projection distance is 1.2 meters. That means there’s just not a lot of space to move with this projector, and for smaller rooms, this set-up probably isn’t suited for your space. A short-throw projector would be the better option.
  • No USB Connectivity: The S311 does have a USB-A power port, so if you need to charge 3D glasses or a USB-connect device, you can do that. But it doesn’t have a USB input port. Presenters often prefer to save their presentations to a USB drive, and plug that directly into the projector. But that’s not possible with this Optoma.

The Optoma S311 starts at £229.99. That’s a small price to pay for a solid piece of hardware. For spacious classrooms and meeting halls, the S311 is a great choice. It’s an effective presentation tool that displays bright, high-contrast images and offers the flexibility for a wide range of in-puts. The biggest set-back is the audio, which can be overcome, and the long-throw set-up. So this isn’t the best projector for small spaces, or spaces without an audio solution. If you do have the room, though, the Optoma S311 is an affordable, high-quality choice.

Projector Review: The Sharp XG-SV200X Presentation Projector

For business or conference hall presentations, the Sharp XG-SV200X boasts a long list of presenter-ready features and a powerful output. In other words, it’s suited for those large conferences with hundreds of attendees. Since it was released in 2013, technology has improved a bit, so it’s lagging in a few ways – there’s only one HDMI and USB port, for instance. Yet, for projecting high-quality, large-scale data images, the Sharp XG-SV200X is more than capable in reliability and performance. Plus, the price – mostly available now through resellers, starting around $2,000 – makes this a quality investment that can transform a conference space.

Sharp XG-SV200X Projector
Sharp XG-SV200X Projector

Sharp XG-SV200X: The Pros

What sets the SV200X apart from the competition? You can start with the ultra-powerful lamp, but there’s a lot of love about this piece of hardware. Here’s what you can expect from this “full-featured” presentation projector:

  • Brilliant Brightness: The SV200X is equipped with a 5,000-lumen bulb. That’s more than ideal for large conference spaces or lecture halls, providing substantial brightness and excellent image quality. The DLP-based projector has a native XGA resolution, and the SV200X is HD compatible with Sharp’s Brilliant Color technology. For presentations, that’s more than enough power to display clear and crisp images that are big enough for all attendees to see.
  • Projection Flexibility: Once the front-mounted SV200X is installed, there’s flexibility to fit the image to the screen. Horizontal and vertical lens shift are standard features. Plus, the projector is equipped with a 2X optical zoom lens. What makes this extra special, though, is the Sharp’s optional motorized swivel mount. That enables the SV200X to turn 360 degrees via a remote control.
  • Full List of Features: The SV200X does pull out most of the bells and whistles. Standard models are equipped with a 10-watt audio system, making high-turnover presentations easier. It’s 3D DLP ready, which is great for futuristic 3D presentations. And finally, the SV200X is also protected with Sharp’s signature anti-theft systems, which is an ideal feature for high-trafficked spaces.
    Sharp XG-SV200X Rear Inputs
    Sharp XG-SV200X Rear Inputs

Sharp XG-SV200X: The Cons

Although there are a lot of great features included with the SV200X, the projector does fall short in a few areas. Some of the cons include:

  • Short Lamp Life: With a 5,000-lumen bulb, the Sharp doesn’t have the greatest lamp performance. It’s rated at just 2,000 hours in eco mode, and 1,500 hours in standard mode. That’s, of course, in part to the system’s powerful output, but compared to newer DLP-based or LED projectors, it’s fairly limited and may add to the maintenance costs of owning this model. Fortunately, the Sharp XG-SV200X’s replacement lamps are affordable.
  • No WiFi Connectivity: Today, WiFi is becoming a standard feature in many of the higher-end projectors, and that’s one limitation of the SV200X. It doesn’t connect to the cloud, which can limit some of the flexibility for displaying web content.

So is this projector right for you? For a system that’s now a couple of years old, the Sharp XG-SV200X packs in a ton of useful features and projects a bright, high-contrast image. That alone is what most presenters are looking for, and the few cons for this system are mostly negligible. In other words, it’s an ideal set-up for mid-size to large conference spaces.

Projector Review: Dell 1220 Presentation Projector

For the price, the recently released Dell 1220 is a suitable piece of hardware for presenters, combining a useful suite of work-ready features and excellent lamp life. The price is pretty much unbeatable, and it might be one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market. The 1220 starts at just about $325 MSRP.
 
Even for such a budget-friendly projector, though, the Dell 1220 holds its own in a few areas. It’s compatible with a wide-range of devices, there are plenty of connectivity options and ports, the lamp is bright enough to handle its own in well-lit spaces, and the 1220’s lamp life is very long compared to other projectors in the class. The biggest downfalls though are its portability – it’s not the easiest projector to tote from presentation to presentation – and, as a low-cost set-up, the 1220 does have a no-frills feature list.
 

DELL 1220 Projector
DELL 1220 Projector

Dell 1220: Pros

 

  • Brightness: Rated at 2,700 ASNI lumens and aided by DLP technology, the Dell 1220 casts a brilliantly bright image. That’s an ideal option for a presenter, because it’s not always easy to control the lighting in a room. Compared to other projectors in the price range, the Dell 1220 is one of the better options, in this regard. Overall, the projector creates a crisp, detailed image – for the price – in the SVGA resolution and a 2,200:1 contrast ratio.
  • Lamp Life: The 1220’s lamp is long-lasting. Dell says the lamp-life, in standard mode, is 5,000 hours, and in the eco mode, lamp-life jumps to 6,000 hours. That’s above average for most projectors in the price range, and another reason this is a solid piece of hardware.
  • Connectivity: The 1220 was designed as a business and classroom presentation tool, and that’s evident in its many connection options. It’s designed to connect with laptops, notebooks and tablets through an HDMI or VGA connection. There are also RGA and audio-in ports. The one glaring omission is a USB port; the Dell 1220 is without, which diminishes its portability.

 

DELL 1220 Rear Inputs
DELL 1220 Rear Inputs

Dell 1220: Cons

 

  • Weak Audio: Built-in speakers are perfect for on-the-go presentation. Unfortunately, the Dell 1220 is a little underequipped in this regard, featuring just a 2W speaker. That might be fine in smaller spaces, but in larger, noisier presentation halls, that just won’t cut it. Plus, comparably priced set-ups generally feature more powerful built-in audio.
  • Portability: If you travel a lot, this probably isn’t your projector. In addition to the lack of reliable audio, the 1220 is a little too bulky to be considered portable, measuring 12.38 inches X 8.8 inches X 3.45 inches. Plus, the lack of a USB port for a thumb-drive presentation is another reason this isn’t the best portable projector.
  • Less Set-Up Flexibility: Finally, the Dell 1220 features a below-average zoom ratio – just 1.1X – and there are no lens shift capabilities. That limits set-up options, and can make it more difficult to fit in some spaces.

 

The Verdict: Is the Dell 1220 A Keeper?

 
For the business traveling set, the Dell 1220 isn’t the right option. It’s a little light on features, and it’d be fairly difficult to carry with you and set-up day in and day out. But the 1220 is a decent, low-cost option, especially for those considering a more permanent mount. And for the price, the data image quality is sufficient, the lamp is bright, and there are options for connecting your devices. If those sound like the features you want and your budget is tight, this is might be the projector for you.

Can You Make Your Own Projector For $10?

Don’t have the budget for a multimedia projector? Well, hey, here’s something that could give the most cash-strapped technophiles the big-screen projector experience. It’s the DIY $10 smartphone projector, made by you.

10 Dollar Projector
10 Dollar Projector

That’s right. You can make your own projector that displays video from your smartphone for right around 10 buckaroos. Sound impossible? Business Insider recently released a video showing a step-by-step tutorial for making the projector. It only takes a few items you can find at any general merchandise store, including:

A magnifying glass

Your smartphone

A shoebox

X-Acto Knife, tape and marker

Play-Doh

Essentially, the shoebox serves as the housing, the magnify glass as the lens, and your smartphone as the data input and bulb. A basic overview: You attach the magnifying glass to the front of the shoebox and the smartphone midway through the box. Thus, the screen of your smartphone is projected through the magnifying glass. The only catch: You have to make the screen display upside down, as the magnifying glass flips the image.
As for image quality? Well, for 10 bucks, don’t expect Ultra HD imaging, but from the Business Insider video, the image appears to be passable. At least your eyes won’t strain watching that small-screen. If anything, it would make for a great project to try with your kids on a Saturday afternoon. What do you think? Will you give it a shot?
 

Projector Review: Epson Home Cinema 3500

Released late last year, the Epson Home Cinema 3500 projector is quickly becoming a favorite mid-range set-up for home entertainment enthusiasts. The reason: The latest in Epson’s best-selling line features a range of innovative features, as well as an extremely bright bulb that provides impressive image quality and smooth color saturation.
Is it the brightest projector Epson has to offer? No, but it’s close, and in terms of performance, the projector exceeds expectations in rooms with ambient light. That’s one reason you can think of this as more of a home entertainment projector – it’s not limited for use in darkened home theaters – but it also isn’t as powerful as Epson’s Ultra Black series, which is a true home theater set-up. Either way, though, the Home Cinema 3500 is a respectable projector, and it offers a substantial upgrade over an HD LCD TV. Plus, the features, including dual 10-watt speakers and a nearly best-in-class zoom range, make this a great buy.

Epson HC3500 Projector
Epson HC3500 Projector

Epson HC3500: Image Quality

First, we’ll start with the HC3500’s impressive brightness. The projector is rated at 2,500 lumens, and that’s fairly substantial, especially for most home entertainment set-ups. That means you can expect a high-quality image even in brighter rooms. And even with larger screens, image crispness and color saturation remain impressive. Plus, the projector’s black levels are improved over the HC3500’s predecessors. Additional image specs include:

  • 70,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • 3LCD, Epson Super-Resolution
  • 3D Ready
  • 2,500 ASNI Lumens

Epson HC3500: Lamp Specs

The lamp is another improvement for the HC3500, with extended lamp life and three modes. It’s a 250-watt bulb that has a 3,500-hour lamp life in the standard mode. In the Eco setting, lamp life is extended to 5,000 hours. Plus, another addition is a new medium setting, which sits firmly between the two and adds another degree of flexibility and reduces fan noise.

Epson HC3500: Additional Specs

One great feature is the HC3500’s built-in dual 10-watt speakers. This is the perfect feature for those wanting to plug-and-play, and for built-in speakers, they perform reasonably well, providing crisp audio. This is another reason why the HC3500 is perfect for home entertainment, like watching sports or TV shows. It’s ready to go.

Epson HC3500 Projector - Rear Inputs
Epson HC3500 Projector – Rear Inputs

Plus, there are a ton of ports, including two HDMI ports, Type A and B USB inputs, as well as audio and PC ports, among others. Additionally, the projector includes 3D RF glasses, it has a boosted processor speed which is ideal for gamers, and picture-in-picture is a standard feature.
Finally, the HC3500 also enables tons of flexibility in set-up. First, the projector features a 1.6X zoom ratio – making it easier to fit the picture to the screen – and there are vertical and horizontal lens shift capabilities. This is ideal for faster set-up and fitting the projector in a variety of rooms.

Is the Epson HC3500 Right For You?

In terms of performance, the Epson HC3500 is a contender in the sub-$2,000 price range. Why? For starters, the image quality is spectacular compared to similarly priced projectors, and it’s much improved from previous HC series set-ups. That means you can expect crisp, detailed images in a variety of room lightings, thanks to its bright lamp, as well as great image features including 3D capabilities.
Another reason: The HC3500 hugs the line between a true home theater projector and an entertainment projector. It’s extremely capable for all entertainment purposes – from watching the Super Bowl to playing games (especially with the improved processor speed.) And as a theater projector, it performs, for the most part, commendably. Are there better theater projectors? Yes, but chances are, they’re more expensive. Bottom line, this is a solid piece of hardware.