We review a couple of Epson’s latest data projectors, the EMP-83 and the EMP-S5.
Data projectors are an indispensable tool, and not only for education and presentations. They are used by wedding and portrait photographers to sell their clients on big images, by artists and by web designers, in fact by everyone who is an image-maker. So here we look at two of the latest from Epson.
EMP-83
The EMP-83 is a 1024 x 768 native resolution data projector with an impressive array of features. The 2.9kg projector has two computer input connectors as well as serial control and an Ethernet connection for control over a network. It has a manual optical zoom and focus and a lamp life rated at 3,000 hours normally or 4,000 hours in reduced brightness mode. Epson seem to consider it aimed at the education market but its features suit it to many other applications.
Key features are:
- Light and Bright – At only 6.4 pounds, the projector can easily be moved from classroom to classroom while offering up to 2200 lumens of output for use in even well-lit rooms
- 3LCD Technology – Using the latest generation of High Aperture Epson 3LCD technology, the projector’s three-chip engine delivers natural color and more intense, sharper images; it is a solid-state optical engine that works without a moving color wheel, creating exact color reproduction, detailed video and data images that are crisp and rainbow-free with full time color
- Easy Operation – The projector features five-second Instant On and Epson Instant Off to avoid delays when starting and finishing lectures
- Versatile Presentation Modes – The projector has seven special color modes, including blackboard mode, for presenting in a variety of environments; in addition, 1.2 manual zoom and +30 degree automatic keystone correction contribute to greater setup flexibility
- Remote Network Control – Projectors can be controlled and powered down for the night remotely via the network saving time and money since no personal contact is required
- New EMP Monitor – Allows users to monitor projectors’ status via the network and keep track of temperature conditions and regular maintenance issues, such as air flow monitoring and lamp replacement schedules
- Sleep Timer – This feature can be set for one-to-30 minutes to turn off the projector to save energy and money when no input is being sent to the projector
In use it has a bright, crisp display. I found it very effective in quite bright rooms. The menu system is very easy to use and gets you quickly to whatever you need. Fan noise is not load and quite acceptable in a normal environment. It has clean lines and a nice design. The A/V Mute slider both shuts down the projector and covers the lens. This works well to shut off the display during a presentation when you want to drive the viewer’s attention elsewhere, such as to a whiteboard. There is plenty of height adjustment without having to resort to books and setup is easy. The only thing I found lacking was a USB connection to drive a mouse input and thus control the presentation this way, and a laser pointer built into the remote.
It sells for $899 in the US and $2199 in Australia. Interestingly, whilst it has a three year warrantee in Australia, it only has a two year coverage in the US.
You can view the specifications on the Epson site here.
EMP-S5
Very much an entry-level data projector, the S5 is an 800 x 600 native resolution projector. It is light at 2.6kg and offers manual focus, but only a digital zoom.
Key features are:
- Instant On and Instant Off – Enables presenters to be up and running in only five seconds between pressing the “Power” button and the appearance of the start-up screen to avoid delays at the beginning of a presentation; powers down in four seconds enabling presenters to unplug and pack up immediately and safely without a cool-down period
- A/V Mute Slide – Instantly turns off the sound and images to create a quick pause in the
- presentation; the projector enters A/V Mute mode when the lens cover is closed and returnsto normal mode automatically upon reopening the lens cover
- Supports HDTV – Enables presenters to show high-definition materials with remarkable
- clarity and detail to captivate the attention of the audience; supports HDTV (720p, 1080i)
- Flexible Positioning – Features 1.
3x digital zoom to project a large and clear image from - short and long throw distances for greater positioning flexibi
lity - Energy Efficiency – Features Epson E-TORL(TM) lamp technology which allows the projector to achieve more efficiency by projecting more lumens (brightness) per watt with relatively lower overall power consumption than competitive models; this technology also allows the lamp to last up to 4,000 hours for added cost savings
- Security Convenience – Includes a convenient anchor bar for added security in any
- environment
The S5 is very quiet. Easy to use controls are on both the unit and remote, and the menu is clear. The A/V Mute slider both shuts down the projector and covers the lens. There is plenty of height adjustment without having to resort to books. The lamp is rated for a 3,000 hour normal life and a 4,000 hour life at reduced intensity, with the lamp a fairly low cost (by projector standards) replacement. The image is bright and crisp.
It sells for $649 in the US and $1199 in Australia. A two year warrantee is offered in both the US and Australia.