The Bottom Line
Pros
- Quick power up and power down time.
- 720p video upscaling DVD player included.
- Projects a large screen image in a relatively short distance.
- Exellent manual lens tilt and shift .
- Additional input and output connections.
Cons
- Some LCD screen door effect noticable.
- Needs more lumens output if using in a larger room.
- Contrast Ratio needs improvement.
- Impractical for ceiling mounting.
- Complete user guide must be printed out from CD.
Description
- 3LCD Video Projector with (1280x720) 720p, native pixel resolution, 16x9, 4x3, and 2.35:1 aspect ratio compatible.
- Light output: up to 1,200 Lumens, Contrast Ratio: up to 1,000:1, Lamp life: Up to 3,000 hours.
- Optical zoom ratio: 1.5:1, Lens Shift: Vertical 50%, Horizontal: 25%, Keystone Correction: Vertical +/- 15 degrees.
- Projected image size: 30 to 150 inches. Fan Noise: 28db.
- Built-in speakers (4 speakers - 5 wpc channel amplifier), headphone jack, Subwoofer output. Wireless remote control included.
- Progressive scan DVD player included - 720p upscaling, Region Code 1, DVD/CD/DIVX/JPEG and Dual Disc playback compatible.
- NTSC/PAL/480p/720p/1080i signal input compatible.
- Additional inputs: Composite, S-Video, Component (via included adapter), HDMI ver 1.2a, VGA, and USB.
- Outputs: Headphone jack, digital optical for accessing Dolby Digital/DTS with a home theater receiver, 1 subwoofer output.
- Unit dimensions: 19.6 x 14.2 x 12.9 inches; Weight: 21.2 lbs.
Guide Review - Epson MovieMate 72 3LCD Video Projector - DVD Player Combination
The connections are clearly labeled and spaced out, and the control buttons and remote control were easy to use with the onscreen menus. The instruction manual and quick start guide were 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.
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 a Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player.
I found 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.
The LCD Screen Door Effect, although not excessive, was still noticeable from time to time, especially on larger images.
The MovieMate 72 is a welcome entry into the video projector/DVD player combination product category. Whether in the market for your first video projector or want to add a projector to a second room, this projector is definitely worth checking out. I give the Epson MovieMate 72 4 out of 5 Stars.
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