Epson PowerLite Pro Z9900WNL Projector Review
September 25, 2015 · Epson
The PowerLite Pro Z9900 boasts some incredible specs thanks to its 3LCD technology: 9,200 lumens of brightness, 3x Brighter Colors, and surprisingly, a contrast ratio of 15,000:1. Due to its image quality specs, the Z9900 is one of the most impressive WXGA resolution projectors on the market, and there are a lot of reasons it’s a favorite in university classrooms, large venues and houses of worship.
[caption id="attachment_1259" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Epson Powerlite Pro Z9900WNL Projector[/caption]
For starters, the projector delivers professional-grade image quality and long-lasting reliability. Plus, the feature list goes on and one: Curved Edge Blending, an array of easy-install optical lenses, a wide range of connection options, etc. It’s one of the premier widescreen projector. As such, the price is steep. The Z9900 starts north of $14,000 MSRP. Yet, that makes sense; it’s a specialized machine that delivers unparalleled performance.
Epson PowerLite Pro Z9900WNL: Quick Specs
- Brightness: 9,200 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
- Lamp Life: 1,000 – 4,000 hours
- Optics: 3-chip LCD
- Price: $14,299.99
A Powerful WXGA Projector: The PowerLite Pro Z9900WNL
The advantages of 3LCD technology include brighter images, more vibrant colors and increased reliability, as there are no moving parts within the optics system. The Z9900 delivers on all three. It’s a very bright WXGA projector, delivering 9,200 lumens of brightness with 90 percent uniformity. That’s one reason the Z9900WNL performs well in large spaces, even when ambient light is a concern.
[caption id="attachment_1260" align="aligncenter" width="678"]
Epson Powerlite Pro Z9900WNL - Inputs[/caption]
In addition, color performance is also superior with 3LCD projectors. The PowerLite achieves 3X Brighter Color compared to single-chip DLP-based projectors, with a color brightness of 9,200 lumens as well. The colors are vibrant and saturated, and images jump off the screen. Other great features include:
- Versatile Connections: The PowerLite Pro Z9900 accommodates a number of devices with a range of ports. Options included: HDMI, USB A and USB B, two PC inputs, HDBase-T, and DVI, among others. Additionally, the projector is equipped for wired or wireless networking.
- Flexible Installation: Thanks to the array of available optical lenses, the Z9900 can be adjusted to fit into just about any space. There are seven available lenses, including ultra-zoom, long-throw, and wide-throw lenses. Plus, the projector is equipped with lens shift, enabling the image to be adjusted to fit the screen.
- Portrait Mode: Portrait mode enables the projector to be turned 90-degrees for special projection designs. This is commonly used for digital signage displays, in performance spaces, and in museums and art galleries. Another useful feature, Edge Bending, allows multiple projectors to be used to overlap images, and the brightness of the overlapping images is adjusted so there are no bright spots.
- Long-Lasting Performance: The dual-lamp Z9900WNL achieves average lamp life – 1,000 in normal mode and up to 4,000 hours in economy mode - lamp part number ELPLP81 . Although its shorter, on average, compared to DLP-based projectors, it’s to be expected considering the lumen output. One advantage, though, is that the Z9900 is a 3LCD projector. So there are no moving parts within the optical cage. This greatly reduces wear and tear over time. Finally, the projector is backed by a 3-year warranty and a 90-day bulb warranty – adding to its overall value.
Overall, the Z9900 delivers powerful performance in WXGA widescreen. It’s ideal for large-scale venues, and it’s versatile. The projector can be used for presentations and lectures, as well as innovative digital displays. The projector’s biggest downfall is the price. 3LCD projectors remain on the higher end of the budget spectrum. But if it’s in the budget, this would be a valuable consideration for any organization.
