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Acer X1140 SVGA Projector Review

July 30, 2015

Acer launched the line of X1 series projectors more than a half-decade ago, and in that time, we’ve seen a number of capable, durable and low-cost options. The X1 series is primarily Acer’s entry-level, ultra-budget set, with current iterations like the X113PH and X123PH starting at $299 and $399 respectively.
The Acer X1140 is now out-of-production. Yet, it shares a lot of commonalities with today’s X1 series projectors, including high contrast, powerful color technology and 3D capabilities. The biggest disadvantage to buying a used X1140 is price. With the similar X113PH starting at $299, it makes sense to buy new. If you can find it for right around $125, used or refurbished, it might be worth the investment, but if you’ve got the money, you might as well go with the newer X1 models.

Acer X1140: Specifications and Features

Although it started at about $300 when it was initially released, the X1140 has a surprisingly robust feature set and some powerful image specs. Acer really packs in the features in their budget-friendly models, and you can see that with the X1140. Here’s a run-down of the specs:

Bright Image, Low Resolution: Many Acer X1 series projectors have a native SVGA resolution (800×600). That makes them great for data images – i.e. PowerPoint presentations and classroom multimedia – but when projecting TV, films and most games, you’ll notice the lower quality image resolution. To be fair, the X1140 isn’t designed to do that, and for classroom video clips and film viewing, the output is sufficient. Fortunately, the DLP-based projector provides a bright 2,700-lumen image, which is suitable for classroom spaces, but may require the lights to be dimmed.
Super Long Lamp Life: Built with an OSRAM 190-watt lamp, the X1140 achieves long-lasting performance. In standard mode, lamp life is 5,000 hours. Yet, there are two economy modes, which push lamp life to 6,000 or 7,000 hours. That’s competitive, even compared to today’s DLP projectors. Fortunately, the Acer X1140’s replacement lamp is affordable. It is known as part number MC.40111.002
Great Contrast: With a contrast rating of 10,000:1, the X1140 delivers clear and crisp images. This is especially important in the classroom and for business presentations. White-on-black text is crisp and clear, and the X1140 provides rich, dark black levels, as well as great image quality for text-over-picture.
A Fair Amount of Connections: As primarily a presentation tool, the X1140 is somewhat limited in the number of devices that can be connected to it. There are a trio of VGA ports, a mini USB port for software updates, and S-video ports. Today, HDMI and USB connectivity are standards. The current Acer X113PH, for example, includes HDMI outlets and USB A and B ports.

Acer X1140 Rear Inputs
Basic Speaker System: Compared to other entry-level projectors, the X1140 is equipped with a pretty basic speaker system. It’s just a 2-watt set-up, which provides fairly limited output. For noisier environments, an external audio system would be the best option.
DLP 3D Capabilities: The X1140 can project 3D images from a laptop. This is useful for interactive multimedia presentations, and it’s not always a common feature for ultra-budget projectors.
Installation Flexibility: With Keystone correction, a lens zoom ratio of 1.1:1, and a top loading design, the X1140 provides a bit of flexibility in where it can be ceiling mounted. The top loading design is particularly useful, as it enables replacement lamps to be installed without removing the projector from its mount.

Overall, the X1140 is very similar to today’s Acer X1 series entry-level offerings. Yet, the X123PH does feature some updated and enhanced technology, including boosted contrast, a better array of connections, and an updated economy mode that delivers up to 10,000 hours of lamp life. Better yet, the price is extremely low at $299. Thus, it’s difficult to justify purchasing a used or refurbished X1140 – opt for the newer version instead.

Projector Review: Epson EB-440W – An Ideal Education Projector

June 16, 2015

Released exclusively in the United Kingdom and Europe in 2010, the Epson EB-440W was designed with the classroom in mind. The projector features plenty of plug-and-play features that are useful for teachers like an ultra short-throw range, built-in audio, 2-in-1 USB connectivity, and a lamp that’s bright enough for moderately lit classrooms. That list alone makes it ideal for the classroom.
Yet, the biggest drawback is that, as a now five-year-old projector, the EB-440W doesn’t feature the most cutting-edge tools like wireless networking and cloud connectivity. Plus, the EB-440W is a WGXA resolution projector (1280×800) and displays images in the 16:10 format, which is a wider screen than standard XGA or SXGA resolutions. This can add a bit more on to the price, and it’s often not a necessary classroom feature. But bottom line, the projector is built for education settings, and these days, through resellers, you can find a great deal on the now out-of-production Epson EB-440W.

EB-440W Features and Specs

One thing that sets the projector apart is its ultra-short throw ratio. The EB-440W can cast a 70-inch image from just 16 cm away from the screen. Thus, the projector can be positioned behind the presenter to prevent obstructions and shadows from being cast. Projectors with long throw ratios must be mounted in the rear of the room, which can cause shadow casting, and can become a distraction in classrooms. Other useful classroom features include:

Bright Image and Average Lamp Life: The EB-440W achieves a 2,200-lumen output, which is decently bright in small-to-midsized classrooms. Because of its brightness, the projector can maintain a bright, contrasted image, even when competing with ambient light. The projector is equipped with a durable bulb – Part No. V13H010L57 – with a 2,500-hour lamp life. In eco-mode, lamp longevity jumps to 3,500 hours. Today, that’s about average for 3LCD projectors.
Built-In Sound, USB Connectivity: The EB440W is equipped with a 2-in-1 USB port, which is capable of displaying a laptop’s mouse and image data at the same time. It’s by far the most user-friendly way to plug-and-play a laptop, rather than having to use multiple in-put cables. That’s important in education settings, where presenters need fast on/off functionality. Plus, the system is built with a 10-watt speaker; that’s loud enough to overpower classroom noise, and it contributes to the EB-440W’s plug-and-play ease of use.
Great Portability, Easy Set-Up: Another great feature: The EB-440W is super light, just 7.5 kilograms, and there is a bunch of installation flexibility. Since it’s an UST projector, it can be placed near the screen with a ceiling or wall mount, and it’s equipped with vertical and horizontal keystone correction to adjust the image to fit.

EpsonEB-440W Inputs

Is the Epson EB-440W Worth Purchasing?

These days, projectors are equipped with a laundry list of 2.0 features: 3D capabilities, HD Video in-put, wireless networking and interactivity. With the EB-440W, which is now out of production, you don’t get those features, primarily because it’s an older model. Fortunately, those features aren’t regularly needed for fast classroom presentations, and it does display a range of video up to 1080i. That might be good enough. So the bottom line, if you can find the EB-440W from a reputable reseller at an unbeatable price – go for it. Even if it’s used, the replacement lamp cost is reasonable, and it won’t set you back too much. But if some of the updated technology features and warranty coverage are what you want, then a newer model will be better suited for you.

Projector Review: The Epson PowerLite D6250 Multimedia Projector

May 20, 2015

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: 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 : 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: Epson Home Cinema 3500

May 1, 2015

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: 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.

Head-to-Head: Epson 5030UB vs Panasonic PT-AE8000

March 31, 2015

When it comes to home theater projectors, there are hundreds of options in the mid-range budget category, from about $1,500 to $3,500. Yet, few are as popular and widely used as the Epson Home Cinema 5030UB and the Panasonic PT-AE8000. Both combine the best features to deliver stunning HD images, excellent 3D performance, and quick and flexible installation.

If you’ve narrowed your choices down to the Epson 5030UB and the Panasonic PT-AE8000, it can be a challenge to make that final selection. They’re just both such high-performing pieces of hardware. They’ll provide many of the features that you need, and they both deliver excellent image quality. But if you had to whittle it down to the best, which one would it be? How do the Epson 5030UB and Panasonic PT-AE8000 stack up against each other?

Image Quality: In terms of image quality, it’s an extremely close race. But ultimately, the Epson Home Cinema 5030UB slightly outperforms. Both projectors produce a pretty bright image rated at 2,400 lumens. But the Epson provides better contrast, thanks to the Epson Ultra Black technology. That makes dark colors even deeper, and greens, reds and blues more defined. The Panasonic, on the other hand, has a slightly lower contrast ratio, but it also uses the Pure Contrast Plates to produce dark black colors. Overall, though, the Epson produces colors that are brighter and images that are more defined, albeit slightly. Winner: Epson Home Cinema 5030UB
Standard Features: Both projectors are equipped with a long list of useful features, but in this regard, the Panasonic has a few added benefits. For instance, both projectors are 3D ready, but with the 3D Motion Remaster technology, the PT-AE8000 is a contender. Plus, the Panasonic features 3 HDMI ports, compared to 2, as well as lens memory. Both do share many similar features though, including vertical and horizontal lens shift, lens zoom and available sound. Winner: Panasonic PT-AE8000
Set-Up Flexibility: In terms of installation, both of these projectors have features that enable users tons of set-up flexibility. For instance, with horizontal and vertical lens shift, you can adjust picture size and shape without moving the projector. Those are features on both projectors. Plus, both are equipped with lens zoom, and they’re both considered long-throw projectors. So in terms of set-up flexibility, they’re practically even. Winner: Tie
Price: The price of Panasonic PT-AE8000 is slightly lower than the Epson. The Panasonic starts at $1,699, while the Epson comes in at $2,299. But the winner isn’t just the lower of the two – it’s more about value. What features are you getting for the price? Is the Epson a better value? Probably not. The features of the Epson are extensive and the image quality impressive, but there’s just too much overlap between the two. The Panasonic is the better value. Winner: Panasonic PT-AE8000

So what’s the bottom line? If you had to choose one of these projectors, which would it be? There’s just so much overlap; it’s really a touch decision to make. Yet, the Panasonic is a formidable opponent, and it comes out victorious. Here’s why: The Panasonic boasts impressive image quality that only slightly underperforms. In fact, to the untrained eye, the differences may only be negligible. Is that slight jump in image quality worth an extra $600? It’s not. Plus, you’ll find that there are no glaring features that the Epson has, that you don’t find in the Panasonic. Winner: Panasonic PT-AE8000

The 5 Top Full HD Home Theater Projectors Under $1,000

March 10, 2015

Looking for an entry-level home theater projector? You’re in luck. Just a short time ago, the budget-friendly projectors sacrificed image quality, for price. If you didn’t have the budget to pay more than $1,000 for a projector, you could expect sub-par image quality and construction.
The good news is that has changed. Today, there is a range of sub-$1,000 options that provide impressive image quality and that will completely enhance your home theater. So which budget-friendly projector should you choose? Really, it depends on what you’re looking for, but here are 5 projectors under $1,000 that provide excellent picture quality, solid construction, configuration flexibility, and competitive brightness.

BenQ HT1075 – For years, BenQ manufactured one of the most popular sub-$1,000 home theater projectors – the W1070. Finally, they released an update last year, the HT1075. For the price, the 1075 is tough to beat, especially in terms of picture quality. The HT1075 provides crisp, detailed images with a vibrant color array and strong contrast. Plus, the HT1075 incorporates vertical and horizontal lens shift, which is a useful feature during installation. The W1070, on the other hand, remains a solid option for your home theater, as well.

Benq HT1075

Features:

Native Full HD Resolution
2,200 Lumens
3D Ready, Available Wireless Connectivity
10,000:1 Contrast Ratio
Price: $799

Optoma HD26 – Optoma is a market leader in budget-friendly projectors, and the HD26 is hands-down the best option they offer that’s less than $1,000. As far as a home theater projector, the HD26 does reasonably well, providing a bright picture even in modestly lit living rooms. Plus, the HD26 has a built-in speaker – a 10-watt mono – which makes this a great, affordable “out-of-the-box” system for your home theater. The Optoma HD141X, which is a bit more affordable than the HD26, shares many of the same features, and is another great option from Optoma.

Optoma HD26

Features:

Native Full HD Resolution
3,200 Lumens
3D Ready, HDMI Connections
25,000:1 Contrast Ratio
Price: $699

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 – Compared to the two previously mentioned projectors, the Epson 2030 is a LCD-based projector. So you won’t see any rainbow artifacts with the 2030 – which is one advantage. Plus, the Home Cinema 2030 is built for home entertainment – it can be used in your home theater, for gaming, or as a replacement for your TV. The biggest disadvantage: The 2030 doesn’t have lens shift, which limits your configuration options.

Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 2030

Features:

Built-in Audio
2,000 Lumens
3D Ready, HDMI Connections
Native 16:9 Aspect Ratio
Price: $799

Acer H6510BD – When it was introduced in 2013, the Acer H6510BD was one of the most affordable 3D-ready projectors on the market. Now, the space is a bit more crowded, and prices on a few better performing models have dropped. Overall, the Acer performs reasonably well. The picture quality is vibrant in rooms with ambient light, but in theaters, the Acer is prone to showing rainbow artifacts.

Acer H6510BD

Features:

Full HD, 3D Ready
3,000 Lumens
HDMI Connections
10,000:1 Contrast Ratio
Price: $699

5. LG PF85U – The LG PF85U might be the best replacement for your TV. LG bills this as a LED Smart Projector, which means it has a built-in smart TV. The LG PF85U can connect easily to web-based viewing sites like Hulu or Netflix. Also, the projector has a reasonably loud stereo sound system built-in. Where the LG falls short is in image quality. Overall, in dimly lit rooms, the LG performs well, but when more light is present, you’re likely to experience washed-out colors and less detailed images. Also, the LG isn’t 3D ready and there aren’t zoom capabilities, which are two other disadvantages.

Features:

Built-in Audio
1,000 Lumens
HDMI Connections
Extended-life LED lamp
Price: $999

If you’re planning a home theater on the cheap, you have options available to you that will enhance your home theater. Is there a clear winner? The BenQ HT1075 is one of our favorites, but depending on the features you’re looking for, all five of these projectors offer something a little different. Plus, they’re all affordable and perform well.

Best Home Theater Projectors of 2014

February 24, 2015

Last year, A/V enthusiasts had a lot to be excited about. Many of the biggest players in the projector game released updated versions of many of their best-selling models, like the BenQ HT1075, which replaced the ever-popular W1070. Plus, more and more 4K projectors are being released, and the prices, while still expensive, continue a slow march downward. We looked at some HD projectors that were released in 2014 (and one at the end of 2013) and picked 5 of my favorites, based on image quality, available features and more. These are a few of the best home theater projectors:

Epson Home Cinema 5030UB

Technically, the Epson 5030UB was released at the tail-end of 2013, but it made the most waves in 2014. The 5030UB is a higher-end projector from Epson, starting at $2299, but it’s worth the price. Rated at 2400 lumens, the projector is more than bright enough for light-controlled rooms, and can even deliver in moderately lit rooms.
Plus, the image quality is spectacular. The contrast ratio has been doubled from previous versions, up to 600,000:1, while color accuracy and shadow detail are impressive. Specs include:

•Full HD 1080p

•1x Zoom Ratio

•Classic Black-and-White Cinema Mode

•3D ready with two pairs of 3D glasses

BenQ HT1075

If you’ve shopped for a budget home theater projector, you’re probably aware of the HT1075’s predecessor, the W1070. That’s been one of the most popular projectors in recent memory. The updated HT1075 doesn’t pack in a variety of new features, but, true to the W1070, it’s one of the best budget projectors released in 2014. Specs include:

•Full HD with 3D

•2,200 Lumens

•10,000:1 Contrast Ratio

•New Mobile Hi-Definition Link (MHL) Support

•A Redesigned Menu

Sony VPL HW600ES

The Sony VPL HW600ES takes an exciting step forward; it’s a native 4K Ultra HD projector, taking image quality to all new heights. Although, the Sony VPL is expensive, starting at more than $14,000, it’s one of the more reasonably priced 4K projectors. The biggest difference, of course, is resolution; 4K projectors pack in four times the pixels in each image. For non-4K content, the pixel rate is upgraded to 3840×2160; so even non-4K content benefits. That translates to some of the most impressive detail available, even as you move further from the screen. Specs include:

•200,000:1 Contrast Ratio

•1700 Lumens

•Ultra HD, Full HD 3D

•Automatic calibration

Lens shift and zoom

Optoma HD26

For a sub-$1,000 projector, the Optoma HD26 is one of the brightest. It’s rated at 3,200 lumens, providing bright, saturated colors, and really, for the price, it’s a contender for best image quality. There aren’t many projectors this affordable that are as bright. One point: There is a slight rainbow effect on black-and-white images. But for the price, the image quality is pretty impressive. Specs include:

•3,200 lumens

•Full HD 3D

•5,000-hour lamp life

•MHL support

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3000

The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3000 is the long-awaited update to the Epson 8350, and for those who waited, there are new features to be excited about. This is an entry-level 3LCD projector, starting at roughly $1,200, and it offers advantages over less expensive projectors. For instance, Cinema Mode features a bright 1,700 lumen picture with impressive color accuracy and saturation. Specs include:

•Full HD 3D

•2 pairs of 3D glasses

•Vertical and horizontal lens shift

•3,500-hour lamp life

•60,000:1 contrast ratio

•2,300 lumens

MyProjectorLamps - Official Blog

Acer X1140: Specifications and Features

EB-440W Features and Specs

Is the Epson EB-440W Worth Purchasing?

Epson PowerLite D6250: Useful Features

Epson PowerLite D6250 : Cons and Setbacks

Epson HC3500: Image Quality

Epson HC3500: Lamp Specs

Epson HC3500: Additional Specs

Is the Epson HC3500 Right For You?

Epson Home Cinema 5030UB

BenQ HT1075

Sony VPL HW600ES

Optoma HD26

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 3000