Epson PowerLite 1965 Projector Review - Hardware Tour

Starting at the front of the projector, the 1965 has its lens slightly right of the center of the projector when facing it.  There is a manual, sliding lens cover, adjustable from the top of the projector, that protects the lens when not in use and also provides video and audio mute (A/V Mute) when the projector is in operation.  As is the case with other Epson models, A/V Mute can also be accessed from the remote, allowing for display of a blue screen or alternate screen (such as company logo).  A/V Mute is used to allow for a pause for questions during a presentation while helping to save lamp life.  Right behind the A/V Mute lens cover switch are recessed, tabbed rings for adjusting lens zoom and focus.  Behind that is a slider for adjusting horizontal keystone.  All the way over on the left side of the front panel is an IR receiving eye, followed by an exhaust vent that wraps slightly around the corner.  Height adjustment is obtained via a push button adjustable foot in the center front of the 1965.  Both rear corner feet are adjustable as well.

On top of the projector, right in the middle of the projector, is a control panel with most of the important controls.  There are buttons for Power, Source Search, Menu, Navigation, Escape, and Enter.  The Up/Down menu navigation buttons double as adjustment buttons for vertical keystone adjustment.  The Left/Right menu navigation buttons double as volume adjustment for the built-in speaker and also for horizontal keystone adjustment.  Lastly, there is a Help button (also on the remote) which we’ve noted on previous Epson models as way to solve simple problems that may occur in use, without having to stop and consult the manual.  Pushing this button brings up some questions designed to narrow down the problem.  The Help function then takes you directly to the appropriate section of the menu to address that problem.

Moving to the rear panel, there is a full array of connections for video and audio.  Moving from left to right, there is a DisplayPort input and an HDMI input, followed by a composite video input with stereo audio inputs.  There are two standard VGA computer inputs with accompanying audio inputs and a VGA computer output with audio output.  These are followed by two USB connectors, a standard Type A for a USB thumb drive and a Type B that is used for connection to a computer to output video over USB to the 1965.  There is also a document camera input and wired LAN jack between the two USB inputs.  Following those is a second IR receiving eye and a Kensington lock port.  Below all the connectors is the power cable connector.

Much like the menu system, the 1965’s remote bears a close resemblance to other models in the Epson lineup.  The remote is well laid out, allowing easy access to the most used functions.  An on-screen pointer can be brought up by a button push on the remote and then moved around with the arrow keys.  Similarly, other buttons search for or directly access inputs, access the Help function, control the electronic zoom, presentation pages and speaker volume.  There are also buttons for AV Mute, Freeze, selecting the Color Mode, split screen function, aspect ratio and to automatically sync the projector to the computer.  The Menu navigation buttons also function when the remote is used as a wireless mouse.  As is typical for most multimedia projectors, the buttons are not backlit.  Considering that this projector can be used in rooms with a fair bit of ambient light, backlighting is unnecessary.