Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD 3LCD Video Projector - Product Review

The MegaPlex MG-850HD is a video projector from Epson that utilizes 3LCD technology, has 1280x800 (approx 720p) native resolution, a maximum light output 2,800 lumens, and up 5,000 lamp life.

The MG-850HD has the connections you need, such as HDMI, Component Video, and USB input, but also features extra bonuses, such as a microphone input, built-in speakers, and built-in iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station for direct playback of music, photo, and video from those devices.

To dig a little deeper, proceed with the rest of this review. After reading this review, be sure to also check out my supplementary Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests.

Features of the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD include the following:

1. 3LCD Video Projector with (1280x800) 720p native pixel resolution, 16x9, 4x3, and 2.35:1 aspect ratio compatible.

2. Light output: Maximum 2,800 Lumens, Contrast Ratio (Dynamic with Auto Iris On): up to 3,000:1, Lamp life: Up to 4,000 hours (normal mode) - 5,000 hours (eco mode).

3. Lens: F=1.58–1.72. Focal length 16.9 mm–20.28 mm

4. Optical zoom ratio: 1.2:1, Keystone Correction: Vertical +/- 30 degrees. Projected image size: 33 to 318 inches.

5. Fan Noise: 35db in Normal mode and 29db in ECO mode.

6. Built-in speakers (2 speakers - 5 wpc channel amplifier).

7. NTSC/PAL/480p/720p/1080i/1080p60/1080p24 input compatible.

8. Additional inputs: Composite, Component, HDMI, VGA, USB, and Microphone input for narration or educational/business presentations.

9. Built-in iPod/iPhone/iPad Docking and Charging Station.

10. Unit dimensions: 13.4(W) x 11.5(D) x 4.5(H) inches; Weight: 9.3 lbs.

11. Wireless remote control included.

12. Carrying Handle included.

13. Suggested Price: $799.

The additional home theater hardware used in this review included:

Blu-ray Disc Player: OPPO BDP-93.

DVD Player: OPPO DV-980H.

Home Theater Receivers: Onkyo TX-SR705 and Sony STR-DN1020 (on review loan).

Loudspeaker/Subwoofer System 1 (5.1 channels): EMP Tek E5Ci center channel speaker, four E5Bi compact bookshelf speakers for left and right main and surrounds, and an ES10i 100 watt powered subwoofer.

Loudspeaker/Subwoofer System 2 (5.1 Channels): Paradigm Cinema 100 CT (on review loan).

Projection Screens: SMX Cine-Weave 100² screen and Epson Accolade Duet ELPSC80 Portable Screen.

DVDO EDGE Video Scaler used for baseline video upscaling comparisons.

Audio/Video connections made with Accell interconnect cables. High Speed HDMI Cables provided by Atlona for this review. 16 Gauge Speaker Wire used.

Blu-ray Discs: Across The Universe, Ben Hur, Hairspray, Inception, Iron Man 1&2, Jurassic Park Trilogy, Super 8, The Dark Knight, The Incredibles, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Standard DVDs: The Cave, House of the Flying Daggers, Kill Bill - Vol 1/2, Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut), Lord of Rings Trilogy, Master and Commander, Outlander, U571, and V For Vendetta.

CDs: Al Stewart - Sparks of Ancient Light, Beatles - LOVE, Blue Man Group - The Complex, Joshua Bell - Bernstein - West Side Story Suite, Eric Kunzel - 1812 Overture, HEART - Dreamboat Annie, Nora Jones - Come Away With Me, Sade - Soldier of Love.

Projector Placement: Setting up the MegaPlex MG850HD is much like setting up any video projector. You first have to a screen (size of your choosing) or locate a white wall surface to project on.

Next, position the unit at the optimal distance from the screen (your choosing or refer to Epson's screen distance calculator). The MG-850HD can be configured so that can be placed on a table/rack or on the ceiling, either in front or rear of the screen. NOTE: If you mount the projector on the ceiling, you cannot safely use the iPod/iPad docking port. For review purposes, I placed the projector on a mobile rack in front of the screen.

Connecting Sources: Next, plug in your source component(s). Turn one of the component on, then turn on the projector. The MG-850HD will automatically search for the active input source. You can also access the source manually via the remote control or use the onboard controls on top of the projector.

Adjusting the Projected Image: At this point, you will see the screen light up. To fit the image onto the screen, raise or lower both the the front and rear of the projector using the adjustable feet. You further adjust can also adjust the horizontal vertical image placement using the provided horizontal slider (located behind the zoom/focus controls on the top of the projector) and Keystone Correction function via the onscreen menu system.

The MG0-850HD has both automatic and manual keystone functions. The default setting is automatic, so as you move the projector and make adjustments, the keystone will automatically employ correction. However, I found this to be a little distracting and used the manual keystone option instead.

Next, use the Zoom control on the lens to get the image to fill the screen properly. Once all the above procedures have been done, use the manual focus control to fine tune the image appearance and also select the Aspect Ratio your desire.

Audio Options: When connecting your source components to the MegaPlex MG-850HD it is also important to note that this projector has its own built-in amplifier and speakers, making it possible hear audio without the use an external sound system. If connecting your component using HDMI, USB, or iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station, the sound will also come through with the video.

On the other hand, if connecting your source using the component or composite video input options, you will also have to make a separate audio connection from your source to the MG-850HD's analog stereo audio inputs. It must also be noted that you can also plug in a microphone directly into the MG850HD for presentations or karaoke use in combination with any of your sources.

However, it must be noted that for home theater viewing of Blu-ray Discs and DVDs, it is definitely best to connect your source audio to a home theater receiver or home theater audio system directly and just leave the video portion to the projector.

Proceed to Page 2 Video Performance, Audio Performance, Added Features, Final Take.