Epson has introduced a new 3-chip 3LCD projector named the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector, retailing at $429.00. They describe it as the perfect companion for both business necessities and an enhanced entertainment experience. The lamp-based EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 offers WXGA (1280 × 800) native resolution but supports video display formats up to Full HD (1920 x 1080). The projector can deliver 3000 lumens of brightness for a compact package.
Epson's EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is designed to cater to the evolving hybrid work culture where employees split their work week between home and the office. This kind of lifestyle, including full-time work from home, can be significantly elevated with devices tailored specifically for professional and leisure purposes. Epson proposes that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 projector model perfectly balances the needs of professional presentations and the pleasure of an immersive home movie experience.
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 | |
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Price | $429.00 |
Technology | 3LCD |
Displayed Resolution | 1280 x 800 |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 3000 ISO Lumens |
Light Source | 188Watt UHE Lamp |
Contrast | unlisted |
Zoom Lens Ratio | 1.35:1 |
Lens Shift | None |
Lamp Life | 6,000 Hrs (12,000 Hrs ECO) |
Sound System | 5-watt mono |
Weight | 5.3 lb |
Warranty | one (1) Years |
"As today's hybrid lifestyles continue to evolve, it is important that professionals are equipped with solutions that are easily adaptable to various environments and suitable for a range of applications,” said Kenny Tang, Product Manager, Projectors, Epson America, Inc. "Whether presenting to peers during the day or hosting a movie night with friends, larger and more immersive viewing makes a big difference. With the EpiqVision Flex projectors, users will experience the best of both worlds with technology that offers convenience, versatility, and most importantly, incredibly bright and engaging big-screen images."
Epson asserts that their new EpiqVision Flex projectors are tailored to "own any room.” They mean that the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 grants hybrid workers the luxury of owning a projector that not only displays bright, intricate visuals for work-related content such as PowerPoint presentations, but also has the picture quality necessary to enjoy popular movies and TV shows.
Epson states that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 has the capacity to project images over 300 inches. I do not have a 300 inch projector screen, but when put to the test in my projector lab, it exhibited superb performance at 100 inches. The vertical and horizontal keystone correction of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01, combined with its zoom and manual focus capabilities, makes it an ideal choice for individuals who frequently need to relocate the projector.
The Epson EpiqVision Flex series aims to captivate audiences with striking visuals, whether for work-related content or entertainment purposes. In contrast to its DLP rivals, the 3LCD EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 boasts an equal number of color lumens and white lumens, which allows colors to stand out vibrantly, even under ambient light conditions. The CO-W01 features a white brightness of 3,000 ISO lumens and a color brightness of 3,000 lumens, as claimed by the manufacturer. This is determined by color light output measured in compliance with IDMS 15.4 and white light output as per ISO 21118; as per page 10 of the User’s Guide. Epson does note that both the color and white brightness will fluctuate depending on usage conditions.
It's important to highlight that Epson evaluates the white output of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 using ISO Lumens, as defined by the International Organization for Standardization, rather than ANSI Lumens, the standard set by the American National Standards Institute. Both ISO Lumens and ANSI Lumens are utilized in the projector industry as units to measure the brightness, or light output, of a projector. While they serve the same basic function, their measurement methodologies do differ. For more detailed insights on the distinctions between ANSI and ISO Lumens, please refer to the Brightness section of this review.
Color brightness, or Color Light Output (CLO), is a standard that can really help you choose the best projector. This metric looks at color, as well as the traditional white, when measuring brightness. Technically, the CLO method doesn't favor any one technology type (3LCD, DLP, LCoS...) over the others, but it does show that design techniques that those technologies may choose to incorporate, may cause significant changes in color performance while having little effect on whites. For example, two DLP projectors, otherwise very similar, but having very different color wheel designs, will show significant differences in CLO measurements, and very significant differences when viewing the same content rich in color.
While this projector is arguably small enough to be considered moveable, portable, or transportable, it is not a portable smart projector. However, thanks to an integrated HDMI port and speaker, it's easy to stream movies, TV shows, and more via your preferred streaming device, delivering an impressively immersive viewing experience. For the smart version, you’ll need to step up to the EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 Full HD 1080p Smart Portable Projector ($629 SRP). The Flex CO-FH02 has the inclusion of Android TV3, giving you access to a multitude of popular streaming platforms, encompassing Netflix, Apple TV+, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, and many others.
For evaluation purposes, Epson provided Projector Reviews with an EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 projector. To test the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01, I connected a variety of devices, such as a Kaleidescape Compact Terra 6TB movie server, a Kaleidescape Strato C 4K movie player, an Apple TV 4K, and a PlayStation 5 using certified 48Gbps HDMI cables. For this review, the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 was projected onto a 100-inch (16:9 ratio) Elite Screens Aeon fixed frame projection screen, equipped with Elite's patented Edge Free® technology and the CineWhite® UHD-B screen material.
Including the feet, the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 measures 11.6 in x 3.4 in x 8.3 in (W x H x D) and weighs approximately 5.3 lbs. Owing to its compact dimensions, the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 offers great portability, enabling quick relocation within a business establishment or a home, or even stowing it in a backpack for on-the-go use. All that's required is a power source to plug the projector into, making it incredibly versatile and user-friendly.
Whether you're engaged in today's hybrid work environment that involves dividing your time between working from home and the office, or you're always on the go as a military member, a frequent business traveler, an RV enthusiast, a student living in a dorm, or a homeowner valuing projector portability, the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 could be the perfect fit for your needs. The EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 enables you to showcase presentations to colleagues during work hours or arrange a movie night with loved ones in the evening. The expansive and more immersive viewing it offers truly enhances the experience.
The front of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 hosts the lens, remote receiver, and a foot release lever that allows you to lower the front adjustable foot. The projector's top includes the speaker, the power on/off button, status indicator, and a manual focus lever. On the unit's right side (as viewed from the front), you'll find an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, a USB-B port, a USB-A port, and the air intake vent.
Meanwhile, the rear of the projector houses the AC power inlet and a security cable attachment point; although its plastic construction may not afford significant theft deterrence, it will support the weight of the projector if it falls from a ceiling mount. Finally, the CO-W01's left side features the air exhaust vent and a Kingston security slot.
While the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 chassis comes with an internal speaker, it also provides an option for users to connect the projector to an external soundbar or an AV Receiver via the HDMI ARC feature for an elevated audio experience.
The EpiqVision Flex CO-W01's remote control includes all the typical buttons you'd expect on a modern projector remote control, such as power on/off, keystone, source search, enter, volume, mute, and a directional pad. Yet, it stands out with a unique quick access Color Mode button.
The projector's Color Modes are specifically designed to provide optimal brightness, contrast, and color for a wide array of viewing environments and image types. They offer you the option to select a mode that suits your particular image and setting, or to experiment with the various modes available.
Similar to several portable projectors I've assessed, the remote control of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 does not feature backlighting. This can pose a challenge when trying to identify and press the correct buttons in low-light conditions.
The remote's white body with dark grey button icons further complicates visibility in the dark. It remains uncertain how Epson expects users to distinguish these dark grey remote control icons in dim light without resorting to some external light source, such as a cell phone flashlight or room light.
As per Epson's documentation, specifically on pages 25 and 124 of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 User’s Guide, the CO-W01 can project images varying from 25 inches to 378 inches in its native 16:10 aspect ratio. For a 16:9 aspect ratio, the projector's range is up to 367 inches, and for a 4:3 aspect ratio, it can extend up to 334 inches. It should be noted that Epson’s website states that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 can “Display stunning images up to 300 inches.” During my testing in my projector lab, I used the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 to project images varying in size from 75 to 100 inches.
Auto Picture Skew Correction will help you get the perfect image. Depending on how you orient the projector to the wall, the projector will analyze the projected image and correct the vertical geometry of the picture for an ideal viewing experience.
Throw Distance By Screen Size (16:10 Aspect Ratio) | ||
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40 inches | 43 to 58 inches (108 to 147 cm) | |
60 inches | 65 to 87 inches (164 to 222 cm) | |
80 inches | 86 to 117 inches (219 to 296 cm) | |
100 inches | 108 to 146 inches (274 to 371 cm) | |
200 inches | 217 to 293 inches (550 to 744 cm) | |
300 inches | 325 to 439 inches (826 to 1116 cm) |
In addition to the throw distances we've already outlined, Epson has developed a complimentary online Projector Throw Distance Simulator for those seeking further details. This tool provides placement information for an extensive range of screen sizes and aspect ratios, complementing the throw distances we have already listed. Simply select the CO-W01 for the model name, and Epson provides you with all the information you need.
I should emphasize that factors like the distance between the projector lens and the projection surface, the video format, and the zoom setting can significantly influence the quality and size of the projected image. In my experience, the projector delivered enough brightness to maintain image quality at 100 inches, even with slight ambient light entering the room after I partly opened my blackout shade.
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is quite straightforward in its functionality, and its menu system reflects this simplicity. You can navigate the menu using the provided remote control. The menu comprises six main sections: Image, Settings, Network, ECO, Info, and Reset.
Under the Image menu, you can modify the color mode, with choices such as Dynamic, Vivid, Presentation, Cinema, sRGB, and Blackboard. Additional adjustments for light output, color, sharpness, and aspect are also available.
The Settings menu contains options related to installation, display, operation, language, and reset settings. The installation menu allows you to adjust the horizontal and vertical keystone, zoom, projection, test patterns, and screen type (4:3 or 16:10). The operation section provides options to customize settings such as HDMI link, sleep mode, and auto source search, although the default settings should be sufficient for the majority of users.
Within the Network menu, you have the ability to enable or disable the Wireless LAN Power option. Additionally, the Network menu houses a configuration menu for network settings. Adjacent to the Network menu, you'll find the ECO menu, which allows you to regulate the projector's light output. The ECO menu also provides options to customize sleep modes, timers, and standby modes.
The Info menu is where you can find information about your projector, such as lamp hours, resolution, refresh rate, serial number, and a few others. Although it's a basic menu, it provides essential details. Finally, the Reset menu is there to return all settings to their factory defaults by performing a factory reset on your projector.
Don't underestimate the color performance of this modest-sized projector. Despite its simplicity, its color reproduction is comparable to that of a much pricier model. Although it doesn't support HDR, the projector impressively generates a luminous, lively image with precise colors thanks in part to Epson’s Advanced Scene Adaptive Color Correction technology and 3-chip 3LCD.
The Advanced Scene Adaptive Color Correction feature is designed to optimize the projector's color reproduction based on the content being displayed. It intelligently analyzes the incoming video or image and adjusts the color settings accordingly to match the specific characteristics of the content. This technology helps to deliver more accurate and vibrant colors, ensuring that the projected images or videos appear as natural and true-to-life as possible.
The color correction process considers various factors, such as ambient light conditions, the color temperature of the content, and the overall color balance. Making these adjustments on the fly allows the projector to adapt to different scenarios and content types, whether it's movies, presentations, or photographs, providing a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Epson’s advanced 3LCD projection systems split the light from the source into three primary colors: red, green, and blue (RGB). Each of these color beams is directed through its own specific LCD, resulting in separate red, green, and blue images. These three color images are then recombined into a single beam using a specialized prism before reaching the projection lens, thereby delivering a rich, accurate full-color image. This process ensures that the visuals appear natural, free from the 'color breakup' or 'rainbow effect' that occurs when colors are displayed sequentially in some projection systems.
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 offers remarkable color accuracy straight out of the box! Consistent with other Epson projectors that we at Projector Reviews have evaluated, the brightest mode of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is DYNAMIC.
I primarily found myself using the CINEMA mode, which provided the most natural-looking visuals. However, I occasionally switched to DYNAMIC or VIVID mode in scenarios where ambient light was high to ensure the image remained clear and bright.
As I mentioned, the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 delivered a good-looking picture right out of the box. However, you can easily make BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST, and SHARPNESS adjustments to optimize your projector for your room using several free test patterns are available on Murideo’s website and their YouTube channel. Check out our YouTube video on utilizing several of these test patterns called Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns. Murideo also has written instructions located under the resource section of its website.
Epson advertises the brightness of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 at a white brightness of 3,000 ISO lumens and a color brightness of 3,000 lumens. Epson does not provide ANSI Lumens. In my experience as a projector reviewer, I frequently encounter both ISO Lumens and ANSI Lumens. These are universal standards for gauging projector brightness.
Given a constant brightness for a projector, the ANSI Lumen reading is generally larger than the ISO Lumen figure. According to the ISO 21118 standard, the conversion factor between ANSI Lumens and ISO Lumens stands at 1:0.8. Put simply, a single ANSI Lumen should equal 0.8 ISO Lumens.
In the interest of thoroughness, I utilized my Murideo SIX-G Generator to project the Murideo Full White Test Pattern, enabling me to measure the brightness of the XGMI EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 personally. To achieve the projector's maximum brightness, I navigated to the Image menu and selected 'High' for the Light Output and 'Dynamic' for the Color Mode. These settings are recognized as the projector's most luminous configurations. Subsequently, I obtained 3-4 light intensity readings, taken approximately 15-20% away from the lens's center.
At maximum brightness, the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 measured 3624 ANSI lumens. Given the conversion ratio of 1 ANSI Lumen = 0.8 ISO Lumens, the conversion would be as follows:
3624 ANSI Lumens * 0.8 = 2899.2 ISO Lumens
The conversion from 3624 ANSI Lumens results in approximately 2899.2 ISO Lumens, which is notably close to Epson's stated brightness of 3,000 ISO Lumens. However, it's crucial to bear in mind that the precise value could slightly fluctuate based on the distinct characteristics of the projector and the conditions under which the testing occurs.
Subsequently, I delved into the Image menu of the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 to assess all six accessible modes. You can find the results of my measurements detailed below.
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Brightness | |
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Picture Mode | Brightness Measured (ANSI Lumens) |
Dynamic | 3457 |
Vivid | 2279 |
Presentation | 2698 |
Cinema | 2279 |
sRGB | 2428 |
Blackboard | 1704 |
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01's ability to deliver well over 3000 ANSI lumens from a compact package that retails for just $429 makes it a great solution for not only business applications but also for consumer applications like a backyard theater.
The photos above show various dark scenes, giving you an idea of the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 black-level performance. Although the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 exhibited blacks that were closer to dark greys, they were comparable to many other compact projectors within a similar price range to the CO-W01's $429.
When assessing a projector's picture quality, I find it useful to keep in mind the unit's expected use case. For instance, while the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01’s black level could be improved, projectors like the CO-W01 are not meant to rival the premium home cinema projectors used in dedicated, light-controlled home theaters. More likely, the CO-W01 would be deployed in a conference room, classroom, or a multipurpose room with higher levels of ambient light, where the ability to reproduce deep blacks isn't as crucial. Moreover, the CO-W01’s 3000 lumens would typically be more valuable to users in these higher ambient light environments.
The video quality of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is surprisingly good straight from the box. However, by altering the Color Mode, Light Output, and Color Temperature, you can significantly transform the projected image.
Initially, I left the WO-W01’s Light Output in High, and then I moved the Color Modes back and forth between Cinema and Dynamic to achieve the optimal image for my room(s). As depicted above, I captured multiple photos in various resolutions. Consistent with all our photos, these have not been color-corrected. Consequently, they may not fully represent the quality images actually produced by the projector.
While Flex CO-W01 can accept Full HD signals, its native resolution is WXGA (1280 x 800). If you connect a laptop to the projector via HDMI or wireless casting, you might initially observe a small display size that doesn't fully utilize the projector screen. However, leveraging the built-in zoom function can optimize your computer display, ensuring that all document text is legible even from afar.
If your laptop has been correctly set to display either WXGA (1280 x 800) or FHD (1920 x 1080), the text will appear crisp and easily readable, with even petite fonts down to 8 points exhibiting sharp edges and negligible blurring. The presentation viewing mode provides optimal visuals for slideshows, documents, charts, and spreadsheets.
The in-built speaker of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 outperforms expectations given its compact size. Although the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 doesn't feature an extensive audio dynamic range, its integrated 5-watt monaural speaker is capable of producing sound volumes suitable for an average-sized family room, classroom, or boardroom.
The EpiqVision Flex CO-W01's HDMI port enables higher-quality audio to be sent from the projector to an external audio device such as a soundbar or home theater audio system. For testing purposes, I connected the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 via HDMI to my new projector lab audio setup, which includes a Marantz AV8805 AV Pre Tuner, Marantz MM8077 7CH power amplifier, a pair of Definitive Technology BP9080x bipolar tower speakers, and Definitive Technology Demand D5c center channel speaker, and it worked flawlessly.
If you frequently transport the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 for work presentations, you'll find its in-built speaker adequately sufficient. For a projector in its size category, the CO-W01's integrated audio system delivers a commendable performance, catering to your audio needs effectively while you're mobile.
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector is one of Epson’s new 3LCD lamp-based projectors priced at $429. This projector offers WXGA resolution and FHD video display support, making it an excellent choice for both professional and entertainment use. Unlike its DLP counterparts, it can provide more vibrant colors under ambient light conditions due to its equal number of color and white lumens.
Notably, Epson states that the CO-W01 model projects a white brightness of 3,000 ISO lumens and an equal color brightness of 3,000 lumens. The values are evaluated in accordance with the color light output measured by IDMS 15.4 and the white light output outlined by ISO 21118, as stated on page 10 of the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 User's Guide.
The EpiqVision CO-W01 is suitable for hybrid work environments, facilitating both professional presentations and immersive home movie experiences. Though not a smart projector, its integrated HDMI port and speaker allow for easy streaming. For smart features, with the ability to stream from Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and more, users will need to plug in a streaming device into the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01’s HDMI port or upgrade to the $629 EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 Full HD 1080p Smart Portable Projector, which comes with integrated Android TV for seamless streaming.
The chart below displays a comparison of specifications between the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 and the EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 projectors.
Model Comparison | ||
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Model | EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 | EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 |
Price | $429 | $629 |
Resolution | WXGA (1280 × 800) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
Rated Brightness | 3000 ISO Lumens | 3000 ISO Lumens |
Smart Features | No | Yes – Android TV |
Keystone Correction | Manual | Auto (Vertical) |
Speakers | 5-Watt Monaural | 5-Watt w/ Bluetooth support |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 11.6" 8.3" x 3.4" | 12.5" x 8.3" x 3.4" |
Weight | 5.3 lbs | 5.7 lbs |
Both projectors share similar projection capabilities, brightness levels, and connectivity options, being part of Epson's EpiqVision Flex series. However, the distinct resolution and smart functionality differences set them apart. Let's briefly compare them:
Resolution:
Smart Functionality:
Ultimately, the choice between the two projectors depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a projector with built-in smart features and Android TV integration, the $629 CO-FH02 would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you have your preferred streaming device and want a more budget-friendly option, the $429 CO-W01 could be a good fit.
Few projectors retail for under $500 can match the brightness and picture quality of the EqiqVision Co-W01. It is a great solution for those looking for an ultra-bright inexpensive projector for a meeting room, tradeshow booth, or outdoor theater.
Full Specifications | |
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Projector Model | EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 |
Price (MSRP) | $429 |
Imager Type | 3LCD |
Displayed Resolution | WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) |
Native Resolution | WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 1000 ANSI lumens |
Light Source Type | 188 Watt UHE Lamp |
Light Source Life | 6,000 hours (12,000 hours ECO) |
Contrast Ratio | Not Listed |
Zoom Lens Ratio | 1.35x |
Power Zoom/Focus | No |
Lens Shift | N/A |
Interchangeable Lens | No |
Ultra-Short Throw | No |
Native Aspect Ratio | 16:10 |
HDTV/4K | 720P/1080i/1080P |
DVI or HDMI | HDMI |
3D | No |
Blu-Ray 3D | No |
Speakers | 5 watt Mono |
Noise Level (-db) | 38 dB |
Low Lag Gaming | No |
Smart Functionality | None |
Business | Yes |
Classroom | Yes |
Portable | Yes |
Special Features | Advanced Scene Adaptive Color Correction |
Networking | No |
Dimensions (HxWxD) | 11.6 inches x 8.3 inches x 3.4 inches |
Weight | 5.3 lb |
Warranty | 1 year (Epson Limit Warranty) |