Epson MovieMate 72 Video Projector/DVD Player Combination

Although home theater projectors typically don't include on-board speakers, as it is hoped that you will be using an external surround sound system, the MovieMate 72 actually includes 4 on-board speakers, a dedicated subwoofer output, and a digital audio output for connection to a home theater audio system.

The interesting thing about the MovieMate's onboard speaker setup is that it actually produces intelligible audio output in a small to medium-size room. This makes it a great option for use in a small classroom, presentation room, or for using in a room that does not have an audio system to tap into.

Also, the on-board amplifier also features both stereo and virtual surround modes, as well as additional surround modes, such as Concert, Drama, Action, and Sci-Fi. In addition, the MovieMate 72 also features sound modes for CD audio-only playback, including Classic, Jazz, and Rock.

Using the onboard speakers with an external powered subwoofer, I found that, although no substitute for a good surround sound system, that the audio was better than you would expect from such a small unit.

NOTE: When using the onboard speakers, it is best to sit behind the projector so the sound comes from front of you. If the projector is behind you, it makes for an awkward audio experience.

One last audio feature I found convenient was the onboard headphone jack. This makes it possible to watch your projector in privacy.

What I Liked About The MovieMate 72

1. Quick power up and power down time.

2. 720p video upscaling DVD player included. Most Video Projector/DVD player combos only offer standard 480p resolution or less. The MovieMate 72 produces a more detailed image from standard DVD via its upscaling capability.

3. The MovieMate 72 projects a large screen image in a relatively short distance. This means that it can project a large image in a small room.

4. Excellent, easy-to-use, manual lens tilt and shift. This function allows adjust both the vertical and horizontal position of the projected image without having to move the projector.

5. Additional input and output connections, including HDMI (ver 1.2a). This means that the HDMI input will accept external high definition sources, such as a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player, PS3, Xbox, HD-Cable or HD-Satellite box.

What I Didn't Like About the MovieMate 72

1. Some LCD Screen Door Effect noticeable. One of the drawbacks of LCD video projection is the presence of the Screen Door Effect. The MovieMate 72 is not as bad as I have seen, but it is not the best either. A little more attention to this would improve the image.

2. Needs more lumens output if using in a larger room. The lumens output of this projector is on par with other projectors in this range, images larger than 100 inches could benefit from a little boost.

3. Contrast Ratio needs improvement. Contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest whites and the blackest blacks that a television or video projector can display.

A high contrast delivers whiter whites and blacker blacks, as well as a greater degree of gray values in between. If the contrast ratio is low (1000:1 or Less), even if the image is bright, your image can look washed out in dark scenes. A Contrast ratio 1,500:1 is better, but 2,000:1 or higher is desirable.

4. Impractical for ceiling mounting. This is not a major issue. However, if you are looking for a ceiling mountable projector, get a separate projector and DVD player.

5. The complete User Guide must be printed out from CD. This is becoming more of trend. In the digital age, the idea is to use less paper. However, this just means that instead of the manufacturer incurring the printing cost, the consumer does.

Final Take

The MovieMate 72 combines a 3LCD video projector with a DVD player. Although the projector and DVD player are combined into a single unit, they are attached in such a way that the projector and dvd player sections can be independently rotated. As a result, setting up and using this unit was very easy; the connections and DVD player slot can be rotated to face to the front, left or right side, or rear, depending on convenience.

The connections are clearly labeled and spaced out, and the on-unit control buttons and remote control were easy to use in conjunction with the onscreen menus. Both the instruction manual and quick start guide were very easy to understand; a novice should have no problem setting up and using this projector. The lens shift levers makes it easy to position and line up the projected image with the screen.

Although the MovieMate 72 is not in the class as many standalone 3LCD or DLP video projectors, it none-the-less provides better performance than you might expect.

Unlike most video projector/DVD player combinations that are on the market, the unit features 720p (1280x720) native pixel resolution, which not only provides upscaled images from the included DVD player, but also allows the display of high-def images from an externally connected high-def device, such as a Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player.

I found that the color quality was very good, and the contrast and brightness was adequate, but the projector could use a slight boost in lumens output and needs a better contrast ratio. The built-in 720p scaling of the did a good job with both DVD material and downscaling higher resolution 1080i/1080p Blu-ray and HD-DVD resolutions via the HDMI and Component inputs.

Another observation was that the traditional LCD Screen Door Effect, although not excessive, was still noticeable from time to time, especially on larger images. You can definitely tell that this is an LCD projector.

The MovieMate 72 is a welcome entry into the growing video projector/DVD player combination product category. With a list price of $1,199.00, the MovieMate 72 is an affordable package.

If you are in the market for your first home theater video projector or want to add a projector to a second room, the MovieMate 72 is definitely a unit to check out. I give the Epson MovieMate 72 projector/DVD player combination 4.0 out of 5 Stars.

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