As projector technology advances, the prices for Full HD set-ups continue their march downward. Here’s more evidence of the trend: Epson recently announced a trio of HD home theater projectors, and all are priced below $1,000.
The projectors are all included in Epson’s line of best-selling Home Cinema projectors. The new releases include the Home Cinema 2040 (from $799), the Home Cinema 2045 (from $849) and the ultra wallet friendly Home Cinema 740HD (from $649). Each of the projectors boasts some powerful specs: They’re geared for home entertainment or pure cinema projection, have impressive contrast and brightness ratings, and they’re all 3D ready.
Home Cinema 2040 and 2045
The Home Cinema 2040 and 2045 will replace previous versions like the Epson Home Cinema 2030. Compared to the HC 2030, the 2040 and 2045 have vastly improved image specifications. They both deliver Full HD images with 2,200 lumens of color and white brightness (up from 2,000) and a contrast ratio of 35,000:1 (that’s up from 15,000:1).
For streaming content, Epson has developed the HC 2045 to handle whatever you throw at it. The 2045 is equipped with Micracast and Intel WiDi technology, which enable to projector to connect to and display content from Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast – three popular OTT streaming set-ups.
Both are also available with 1080p resolution, they’re 3D ready and include rechargeable 3D glasses, and they are equipped with two HDMI inputs.
Home Cinema 740HD
The 740HD delivers slight improvements over the existing PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD projector, but Epson won’t be releasing many new features in the 740. For example, the contrast ratio has been pushed up a hair – the 740HD has a contrast ratio of 15,000:1 compared to the 730HD’s 12,000:1.
Unfortunately, the native resolution hasn’t yet been improved. Both the 730HD and 740HD cast images in 720p resolution, with capabilities to display Full HD content. One great thing is that the lamp life has been vastly improved in Epson’s ECO mode. The lamp is rated at 10,000 hours with the reduced power settings, up from 6,000 hours, and overall, in standard the rating is 5,000 hours. This greatly reduces the need for a replacement projector lamp – lowering overall maintenance costs.
MyProjectorLamps is your source for low-cost original projector lamps. We carry replacement bulbs and housing modules for the entire Epson line-up, including the outgoing Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD’s replacement lamp and the Home Cinema 2030’s replacement lamp.
