Meeting Room/Classroom projectors are smaller projectors with features like advanced networking, collaboration and wireless capabilities, and PC-Free Presenting which are useful in both education and business environments. The primary function of a projector in a K-12 classroom environment is to provide a display solution for presentations and other course materials. Choosing the right business and education projector for this type of room depends largely on the environment itself (lighting conditions, etc.,) and also on specific feature needs.
The Epson Brightlink 1485Fi is a 1080p interactive 3LCD laser projector that provides 5,000 lumens of brightness along with a virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour laser light source. T The 1485Fi is designed to be a reliable, bright, interactive display that supports easy reading, instruction, and communication.
The 1485Fi projects up to a 100-inch, 16:9 image or up to a 120-inch super-wide, 16:6 image. In case you are wondering why Epson chose to offer a 16:6 aspect ratio, go and measure a standard width classroom blackboard or whiteboard, and your question will be answered. The 1485Fi offers up to 95 percent more interactive space than a 75″ flat panel.
EPSON BRIGHTLINK 1485FI Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$3,390
Technology
Solid State Laser Diod
Native Resolution
1920×1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5000
Contrast
25000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.35x digital zoom
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 Hours
Weight
14.77 lbs
The Epson 1485Fi provides a superior collaborative experience with up to eight points of touch which means a higher number of students and teachers can annotate together, making group work easier. With up to eight active users on screen at the same time, working together to create and expand ideas is even better.
Using compatible devices, up to 50 local and remote users can connect with Epson iProjection software. This software allows the meeting moderator to manage and display content from users both local and remote. If presenter status is assigned to a different attendee, the new presenter can choose to display content from up to 4 devices at one time, or freeze displayed content for comment or annotation which can be shared with all attendees.
Students and teachers have the option of using their fingers as well as Epson pens to create and mark up content. The 1485Fi allows finger touch, letting users interact with the screen using just a finger. Interacting with the display image through finger touch is more natural, and we think, more intuitive since we’ve been interacting with tablets and phones this way for over a decade.
The 1485Fi’s built-in Miracast functionality allows for content to be displayed between Miracast devices such as phones and tablets. Miracast allows users to display their multimedia content wirelessly, including high-resolution pictures and high-definition (HD) video content, even if a Wi-Fi network is not available. This enables local attendees to share content from a compatible laptop screen with a conference room projector in real-time.
The Epson 1485Fi is a great addition to Epson’s norm shattering line of whiteboard projectors. Epson has built a projector that takes collaboration to a new level and though they could not have foreseen the current Covid effects on business and education, the 1485Fi is an even more valuable tool for today’s normal. In both schools and companies around the world, limited on-site staff and remote staff can collaborate more effectively and safely than ever before.
The Epson 1485Fi is a well-thought-out, intelligently featured projector that has proven itself ready to take on the challenge of collaborative learning in both the classroom and boardroom even in our current situation.
The Panasonic PT-LRZ35 Series is their first portable projector to use a discrete RGB LED light source. Panasonic designed this new light engine with the goal of producing superior color reproduction and enhanced picture quality, which is ideal for art or science classrooms and any application requiring precise color accuracy, such as corporate presentations or artistic renderings.
The PT-LRZ25 delivers WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution and has a rated brightness of 3,500 lumens. The PT-LRZ35U, with its use of discrete RGB LEDs, gives Panasonic a real advantage over its traditional competitors. We were so impressed with the improved picture performance and color quality of the PT-LRZ35U that we gave it a special interest award.
PANASONIC PT-LRZ35U Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$2999 MSRP $1699 ASP
Technology
RGB LED DLP
Native Resolution
1920×1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
3500
Contrast
35000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.3:1
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
14.77 lbs
The PT-LRZ35 offers an impressive estimated 20,000 hours of practically maintenance-free operation.
Panasonic also claims the PT-LRZ35U can deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1. It has a USB Type-A 2A output that can run USB-powered HDMI smart devices like Fire Sticks or Roku. The PT-LRZ35U has a manual vertical lens shift, 1.3x zoom lens, and dual HDMI inputs as well as a DIGITAL LINK/LAN (HDBaseT) input.
The PT-LRZ35U is a WUXGA projector so it can accept 1,920 x 1,200 content via its HDMI inputs. The PT-LRZ35U also offers a decent amount of image zoom.
Embedded networking offers the ability to manage and control multiple projectors over your network via the built-in RJ45 jack. Features include scheduling of events, centralized reporting, and e-mail alerts for reactive and routine maintenance.
The PT-LRZ35U is PJLink compatible which is a unified standard that allows the operation and control of data projectors. It enables the connection of projectors manufactured by different vendors to communicate enabling easy construction of environments that are mixed with different models and systems and easy replacement of systems that are already in place.
The picture quality of this projector really is amazing. Colors are vibrant without being oversaturated. The contrast and brightness are enough to allow the LRZ35U to be successfully deployed in a wide range of environments.
The Panasonic PT-LRZ35U checks almost all the feature boxes you would expect from a business class projector at its price point and adds a few that are not normally seen on this class of projector. Its excellent picture quality, size, and overall feature set are why we recommend you consider the LRZ35U for education projector needs.
The LG HU85LS is a 4K DLP Laser Ultra-Short Throw Smart Projector with a suggested retail price of $5,999. Since the HU85LS is an ultra-throw projector the chassis sits less than 8 inches from 120” screen, so it can be placed on a credenza or table in the front of the room.
While the HU85LA commands a premium price over many UST projectors, it offers a lot of performance and features for its price. The LG HU85LS has a rated brightness of 2700 lumen, and its Laser light source will last up to 20,000 hours.
LG HU85LS Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$5999
Technology
DLP (.66” DMD)
Native Resolution
2716x1528x2
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
2700
Dynamic Contrast
2000000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
NA
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
26 lbs
The HU85LS utilizes the Texas Instruments larger.66” DMD chip (2,716 x1,528) to reproduce perceived 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution. I This results in higher native contrast and a sharper image than most 4K UHD DLP projectors, which use the smaller 1920x1080px4 pixel shifting chip.
The HU85LS uses a 3-channel Laser light source where both red and blue primaries are generated by their own independent red and blue Lasers. A third blue Laser with a static phosphor creates green.This system eliminates the need for a sequential color wheel, which dramatically reduces the rainbow effect (color breakup). It also delivers a wider color gamut.
The HU85LS utilizes the same ThinQ AI webOS that is found in LG’s current flat panel lineup. This operating system was developed over several years and is utilized in millions of LG TVs worldwide and is seamless, easy to navigate, and well laid out.
Even though the LG HU85LS has a good built-in audio system, many users may still want to connect it to an AV Receiver in a conference room to take advantage of the high-quality sound available from many of the projector’s streaming apps. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) supports multi-channel audio, including Dolby Atmos.
The LG HU85LS utilizes a 3-channel laser system along with a larger DLP chip so it is one of the higher priced ultra-short throw models. The HU85LS price is competitive with other premium Laser TVs that utilize a multi-channel laser light source, like the Samsung LSP7T. However, the HU85LS is one of the only Laser TV models targeted at the business and education market.
Great picture, Smart features, and low maintenance make the LG HU85LS a compelling alternative to a large flat panel TV, especially in a meeting space or classroom where space is at a premium.
The ViewSonic M2 Smart portable 1080P LED projector with Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers. It is a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) 500 ANSI Lumens (1,200 LED) projector capable of up to 30,000 hours of operation in normal mode. The M2 is a compact business and home media projector with built-in Smart TV interface, document viewer, and screen-mirroring capabilities.
The M2 has a “shorter throw lens” that makes it convenient to use in small spaces such as offices, classrooms, or dorm rooms. It can project up to a 100” screen at just under 9 feet from the projection surface.
ViewSonic M2 Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$549.99
Technology
DLP LED
Native Resolution
1920×1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
500
Contrast
3,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Fixed Lens
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
30,000 hours (normal mode)
Weight
2.9 lbs
The M2 relies on an LED RGBB light source designed to deliver 500 ANSI Lumens of brightness and reproduce 125% of the Rec.709 color gamut. The light source also makes the projector essentially maintenance-free, and offers over 30,000 hours of use.
The M2 features dual 3-watt Harman Kardon speakers, capable of producing strong enough audio to fill a small conference or classroom as well as most living rooms.
The ViewSonic M2 is a smart projector, so you can download popular streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube from the Aptoide app store. The ViewSonic M2 also supports voice control using either Alexa or Google Assistant. The remote control has a built-in microphone so you can use your voice to control the projector.
With the built-in media player, you can either download your content in a variety of formats directly to the internal storage and play directly from there or use an external hard drive or thumb drive with your content already stored. The M2 has 16GB of internal storage, and 10GB available for user storage. The media player supports the following document types: doc, docx, xls, slsx, ppt, pptx, and pdf.
M2 is also equipped with Wi-Fi (via dongle) as well, which makes it easy to move the projector from room to room while still accessing the unit’s internal apps and services.
Due to its compact size, you can take the M2 anywhere, LED light source make it bright enough to be used in a room with some ambient light. With the addition of smart features, and built-in premium dual Harman Kardon sound system, the ViewSonic M2 is an excellent portable projector option for a conference room, dorm, bedroom, or backyard theater.
The Viewsonic LS625W is a 3200-lumen WXGA (1280 x 800) DLP projector. The LS625W has a native resolution of WXGA (1280×800). Its internal video processor can scale video from PCs and Macintosh computers at resolutions from 640×480 to 1920×1200, giving you the flexibility to display a wide variety of content.
The LS625W measures 15.1″ x 5.8″ x 11.5″ (WxHxD) and weighs in at 13.7 pounds, which is fairly svelte. It is a short-throw projector, which means it can be placed relatively close to the screen—in this case, 2.6 to 3.7 feet. Thanks to its zoom lens, it can fill a screen measuring 70 to 100 inches diagonally
VIEWSONIC LS625W Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$1439
Technology
DLP
Native Resolution
1280×800
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
3200
Contrast
100,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
N/A
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 Hours
Weight
13.7 lbs
.
Thanks to its laser/phosphor light engine, the LS625W achieves a peak brightness of 3200 ANSI lumens, which is plenty bright enough to stand up to classroom lights. ViewSonic claims a staggering dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1, which is achieved by dynamically modulating the laser power.
The LS625W includes two built-in speakers, each powered by a 10W amp. That’s pretty hefty for onboard speakers, which should be plenty audible to all the students in a typical primary or secondary classroom.
The LS625W also includes ViewSonic’s PJ-VTOUCH-10S interactive whiteboard module! This module turns the screen into an electronic whiteboard with a camera attached to the projector and a laser sensor that detects movement near the screen. The bundled annotation software enables up to 10 users to write and draw on projected images, including office files and web pages, using their fingers or included infrared styluses. Teachers can also record their annotation steps, then save and share them with students.
With its bright laser/phosphor light source that lasts up to 20,000 hours, short throw distance, and network-management capability, not to mention the whiteboard module, the LS625W seems ideally suited to an educational environment.
The projector’s WXGA resolution provides a widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio, which is sure to make it very popular for new installations. If you’re shopping for a new projector to install in a classroom, the LS625W is worth a close look.
The BenQ EW800ST is 3,300-lumen WXGA (1280 x 800) DLP short throw Projector with smart capabilities. It won our Best in Classroom Smartest Projector Award and it is primarily positioned as a classroom projector but is suitable for conference rooms and meeting rooms where its feature set would be useful.
BenQ calls this an interactive projector, but it is not interactive in the same sense of other interactive projectors we’ve reviewed. Those types of projectors allow for annotation of presentations and lesson material with interactive pens or finger-touch technology. This does not have that, but it does have several smart capabilities that streamline efficiency and make it a solid choice for a classroom application.
BENQ EW800ST Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$999
Resolution
WXGA (1280×1920)
Technology
DLP
Brightness
3,300 Lumens
Brightest Mode Measured
4,445 Lumens
Light Engine
Lamp
Light Engine Lifespan
5,000 Hours / 10,000 Hours (ECO)
Weight
6 lbs
The EW800ST stood out as being a short throw projector, but unlike the majority of the short throw projectors, it can be wall mounted above the screen. Short throw projectors and ultra short throw projectors have been gaining in popularity in schools.
BenQ offers a telescoping wall mount that will work with screens up to about 120” diagonal! 100” to 120” which should work in many classroom settings.
The BenQ EW800ST allows teachers to access their class material via Personal Cloud Storage, using their BenQ AMS account. This allows them to manage their lessons for both online and face-to-face classes in one convenient place.
By downloading the BenQ Smart Control App to their smart device, teachers can use their phone or tablet to control the projector from anywhere.
The BenQ EW800ST projector also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, via a wireless dongle (WDR02U).
The EW800ST sports 1 HDMI, a computer interface, 3 USBs, and even an old analog computer input. It also has an audio output, and a serial port for command and control. Audio comes from a single 2-watt speaker that has respectable volume and should handle most regular K-12 classrooms. Audio is not a strength but there is an audio out, if needed, which can feed a powered speaker system or a PA system. Bluetooth is another option for audio.
The remote control even has a laser pointer on it, and, unlike many competitors, EW800ST it supports 3D. While the EW800ST is a bulb-based projector, at full power, the lamp is rated for a healthy 5,000 hours.
The EW800ST turns out to be an overall very competitive lower cost projector for the classroom, that comes with all that networking. The smarts, however, add an additional level of capabilities that can be taken advantage of in teaching environments.
The Epson PowerLite U50 is a 3LCD, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution projector with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This Epson is well suited for bright classrooms and conference rooms, thanks to its high lumen output and 3LCD technology. Whether you are looking for a projector for business or education environments, this Epson is certainly one to consider.
The Epson PowerLite U50 is a lamp-based projector, with a lifespan of up to 17,000 in its ECO modes. At full power, the projector has a lamp life of up to 10,000 hours, which is on the high end for lamp-based projectors operating at full power.
EPSON POWERLITE U50 Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$1,149
Resolution
WUXGA (1920×1200)
Technology
3LCD
Claimed Lumens
3,700 Lumens
Brightest Mode Measured
N/A
Light Engine
Lamp
Light Engine Lifespan
10,000 Hours / 17,000 Hours
Weight
6.83 lbs
With the Epson PowerLite U50 through using wireless sharing with Epson iProjection App, teachers and students can connect up to 50 devices simultaneously (Chromebook, iOS, Android, Mac, and PC screens) and display content from up to four devices at one time.
It has advanced networking features such as compatibility with Crestron, AMX, PJLink, etc., and has easy maintenance, with a 10,000-hour air filter.
The Epson PowerLite U50 has several advanced networking features. For example, you can set up the projector to send you an e-mail alert over the network if there is a problem with the projector via the Menu.
Network administrators can also install SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) software on network computers so they can monitor the projector remotely.
Once you have connected your projector to your network, you can select projector settings and control projection using a compatible web browser.
The Epson PowerLite U50 through using wireless sharing with Epson iProjection App, teachers and students can connect up to 50 devices simultaneously (Chromebook, iOS, Android, Mac and PC screens) and display content from up to four devices at one time
The Epson PowerLite U50 is an excellent choice for multiple applications. In the education space, it is well suited for K-12 classrooms, conference rooms, and even small to medium-sized auditoriums or multi-purpose rooms. The speaker is loud enough to fill a K-12 classroom or normal conference room.
With excellent color in multiple modes, including some of the brighter modes, presentations will look great, even in the face of some serious ambient light. This projector is well suited for conference rooms, boardrooms, training spaces, and trade show booths.
The SHARP NEC MC372X is a small footprint, XGA (1,024 x 768) 3LCD projector with a 1.2x zoom lens and rated brightness of 3,700 ANSI lumens. For those looking for an affordable classroom projector, SHARP NEC offers two different series which are the MC series and the ME series. There are two models in the MC series, the MC372X and the MC382W which we reviewed as well.
The SHARP NEC MC372X is one of the brightest projectors in its class and it offers one of the longest-rated bulb life. The SHARP NEC MC372X’s replaceable lamp is rated for up to 15,000 hours in ECO mode.
SHARP NEC MC372X Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$509
Resolution
XGA (1024×768)
Technology
3LCD
Claimed Lumens
3,700 Lumens
Brightest Mode Measured
3,802 Lumens
Light Engine
Lamp
Light Engine Lifespan
10,000 Hours / 15,000 Hours
Weight
7.1 lbs
The MC372X utilizes a 3LCD instead of the single DLP chip found in many projectors in its class, this should result in richer bright colors. Normally 3LCD projectors can deliver higher native contrast than DLP models as well. The MC372X has a rated dynamic contrast of 16,000:1.
While the MC372X is only an XGA projector, it can accept 4K@30P content via its HDMI inputs. It also has USB 2.0A input and a LAN port for network control and asset management.
The MC372X also allows for PC-free presentations. You can project images stored on a USB memory stick inserted into the USB-A port located at the rear of the MC372X. The images need to be either JPEG or PNG. You can also project them continuously as a slideshow. This allows for presentations without the need to connect the projector to a PC.
The MC372X is compatible with their MultiPresenter application software which allows the projection of multiple images on a single screen. This free software gives the user the ability to display what is on their device’s screen (computer, smartphone, tablet) on the MC372X via a wired or wireless LAN network. Not only can you display images, PDFs, and webpages, you can even mirror the camera of your mobile device.
The MC372X offers both vertical and horizontal adjustment while many units in its price point only offered vertical adjustment. The MC372X not only offers traditional vertical and horizontal keystone correction, but it also offers PINCUSHION and CORNERSTONE adjustments.
The MC372X is the least expensive projector offered by SHARP NEC. It offers good performance and lots of features. Overall, this projector is a great choice for a classroom setting at a great price.
The SHARP NEC NP-MC382W is 3800-lumen WXGA (1280×800) 3LCD projector, well suited for business and education environments. This projector is compact and portable, making it easy to transfer between conference rooms, boardrooms, and classrooms. Feature-laden and versatile, NP-MC382W is fit for a variety of applications in both the business and education environments, including exhibitions, K-12 classrooms, meeting rooms, conference rooms, and even retail spaces
The SHARP NEC MC382W won our Best in Classroom Price Performance Award in 2020-2021. This projector had excellent color performance, a good feature set, and a super affordable price for K-12 classrooms.
SHARP NEC MC382W Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$999
Resolution
WXGA (1280×800)
Technology
3LCD
Claimed Lumens
3,800 Lumens
Brightest Mode Measured
3,525 Lumens
Light Engine
Lamp
Light Engine Lifespan
10,000 Hours
Weight
7.1 lbs
The built-in 16-watt speaker is loud enough to fill an average size meeting space or classroom.
Despite this being only a WXGA projector, the NP-MC382W can accept a 4K signal. This makes it easy to integrate projector into multiscreen destruction system containing with 4K displays
SHARP NEC does a particularly good job with its MultiPresenter capability that allows up to 16 computers (requires the wireless module) to be screen mirrored. With wired networking, you can still connect up to 16, but you can’t mirror multiple screens.
NP-MC382W has an on-board media player that allows for the playback of files via a USB flash drive, if those files are saved in jpeg format. I have all of my presentation slides, website screenshots, infographics, and x-ray samples saved to a flash drive as jpegs, so I was able to quickly view my files via the USB input on the back of the projector, and the media player.
Add it all up, and the SHARP NEC NP-MC382W is a rather exceptional performer considering the roughly $500 to $550 street price, brightness, and advanced networking (including Crestron support). SHARP NEC offers education discounts via their Star Student Program, which is available to school districts and educators in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean so it will cost educators even less – even in single quantities, never mind school or district-wide implementations.
It may not be the top performer in our K-12 class this year, but it is an impressive performer, for what is normally barely above an entry-level price. That’s what we call having great Price/Performance, so that’s the award it was given last year.
The Optoma EH330UST is a 3,600 lumen Full HD (1920x1080) DLP projector for business and education applications. This ultra-short throw projector can project a beautiful 100” image from just inches away. The ultra-short throw design, is highly desirable for classroom environments where wall-mounted installation is prominent.
OPTOMA EH330UST Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$1599
Resolution
1080p (1920×1080)
Technology
DLP
Claimed Lumens
3,600 Lumens
Brightest Mode Measured
2,770 Lumens
Light Engine
Lamp
Light Engine Lifespan
4,000 Hours
Longevity
Approx. 20 Hrs/Wk in 180 Day School Year = 5.55 Years
Weight
8.7 lbs
The Optoma EH330UST features support for HDCast Pro, a wireless module that is not included with the projector. It can be found for about $80 online from various retailers.
One of the most important features of the Optoma EH330UST. Using a USB drive (flash drive or external hard drive), you can project jpeg images and other documents. The projector is compatible with Microsoft Office, so you can easily project Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations without the need for a computer.
The projector also has wireless capabilities via an optional wireless module and is compatible with Android, Mac, and Android and iOS mobile devices. Its PC-Free media player works well too, with support for Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
The EH330UST supports Crestron RoomView and PJLink. Both of these programs allow for the command and control of multiple projectors at a time, which is particularly useful for schools and offices that have many projectors in their fleet.
The Pro EX10000 is a 4500 lumen 3LCD Full HD Wireless laser projector equipped with Miracast. At the time of our review, Epson stated the Pro EX10000 (retail price $1299,99) is their most advanced business projector to date.
Due to its best-in-class color and white brightness, the EX10000 is ideal for displaying presentations, spreadsheets, and videos on a large screen, even in a room with higher ambient light. Epson states the Pro EX10000 can project vivid images up to 300-inches; yes, that’s a 25-foot image.
Epson PRO EX10000 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$1299.99
Technology
3LCD Laser
Native Resolution
1920×1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
4500
Contrast
100000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.62:1
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
9.0lbs
The unit's laser light source has a rated lifespan is up to 20,000 hours in normal or quiet Mode. In Extended Light Source Mode, the light source lifespan bumps up to 30,000 hours and provides virtually maintenance-free performance.
This projector is ideal for a small classroom or conference room. Weighing in at only 9lbs and equipped with a soft-sided carrying case, this projector is a great option for a teacher or lecturer who needs to move from conference room to conference room or classroom to classroom.
The Pro EX10000 has a built-in audio system. Epson equipped the projector with a 16-watt speaker so the Pro EX10000 could conveniently provide a quality audiovisual experience right out of the box.
The Pro EX10000 has just about every type of connection you could need. In addition, the Pro EX10000 also supports Epson’s iProjection software, allowing you to project the screens of users’ Macs, Windows PCs, and Android-based Chromebooks over a network.
Users can also wirelessly connect compatible computers, smartphones, or tablets via Miracast and interact with the content wirelessly. Meaning, you can move more freely around the conference room or classroom instead of having your devices attached by a cable to the projector.
At an MSRP of $1,299.99, the Pro EX10000 is quite the deal for a business and education Full HD 1080p Wireless Laser Projector with Miracast. The Epson Pro EX10000 is an excellent addition to Epson’s business and education projector offerings.
Best of all, when you are not using the Pro EX10000 for its primary purpose – productivity; the projector looks good enough to watch movies and play video games.
The Epson PowerLite 725W provides a WXGA (1280 x 800) 3LCD Ultra-Short-Throw projector. The 725W is a reliable, bright, interactive display that supports easy reading, instruction, and communication. The 725W projects up to a 120-inch, 16:10 image which is 95% more interactive space than a 75″ flat panel.
The PowerLite 725W is an ultra-short-throw (UST) projector designed to be placed within inches of the screen or wall. The advantage of this is that the facilitator’s shadow on the image is minimized. The projector can be placed on a desk or other surface below the screen or mounted on the wall above the screen, with an optional wall mount.
EPSON POWERLITE 725W Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$1,890
Technology
3 LCD
Native Resolution
WXGA (1280x800)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
4000
Contrast
2,500,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Digital zoom 1.0 – 1.35x
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
12.5 lbs
With a rated brightness of 4,000 ANSI lumens, it should be more than bright enough for most classrooms and meeting rooms, even with the lights on. Along with a bright picture, this projector’s black and dark details should benefit from the listed contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1.
The use of a laser light source provides owners with a virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour light source life running in Normal mode.
The PowerLite 725W has just about every type of input you could need.
The PowerLite 725W offers built-in 5GHz wireless for Miracast® compatibility. So you can physically move more freely around the meeting room or classroom rather than having your devices tethered by a cable to the projector.
The built-in split screen allows simultaneous display of up to four connected devices.
Epson also includes its iProjection™ software to connect, display, and share content from up to 50 devices. Lastly, the PowerLite 725W comes with a built-in 16W mono speaker.
The Epson PowerLite 725W measured well over its manufacturer’s claim of 4,000 lumens of brightness. Quite honestly, with this projector’s brightness, you could project a larger image than Epson suggests depending on the content being displayed.
The 725W projector provides many of Epson's more expensive collaboration tools its performance has been reduced just enough to be a more budget-conscious option compared to their higher-end interactive whiteboard projectors like the 1485Fi. The Epson 725W is an excellent addition to Epson’s whiteboard projector offerings
BenQ describes the EH600 as the World’s first Android-based smart projector designed specifically for business applications. It is a Full HD (1,920 x1,080) DLP projector capable of 3,500 lumens rated brightness. Its SmartEco mode delivers an extended lamp life of 15,000 hours reducing the cost of ownership as well as energy consumption.
BENQ EH600 Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$999
Technology
DLP
Native Resolution
1920x1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
3500
Contrast
6,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.1:1
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
5,000 hours (15,000 hours Smart ECO)
Weight
5.5 lbs
The native Full HD (1920 x1080) resolution of the BenQ EH600 results in good text clarity with more than enough resolution for viewing PowerPoint slides or Excel worksheets at a normal viewing distance.
What makes the EH600 really stand out is its suite of smart features designed to make meetings more productive. You can wirelessly project content like JPEGs, PDFs, and documents from mobile devices (iOS/Android) or laptops (Mac/PC). This feature eliminates the need for cables as well as the need to find the right dongle during meetings
In addition, through the WPS Office app, you can present Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint directly from a USB drive, or the projector’s built-in storage along with a built-in Firefox browser allows users to surf the Internet during your meetings.
The BenQ EH600 has a single, 2-watt built-in speaker that can play loud enough for use in an average classroom or meeting room.
In addition, through the WPS Office app, you can present Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint directly from a USB drive or the projector’s built-in storage along with a built-in Firefox browser that allows facilitators to project directly from the Internet during class.
The combination of classroom smart features, Full HD resolution, and 3500 lumens of brightness make the BenQ EH600 an excellent solution for schools and businesses looking for a compact smart projector that offers high brightness and low cost of ownership.
The BENQ LU710 is a WUXGA DLP Laser projector that is focused on the meeting and conference applications. It offers WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution and is rated to deliver 4,000 lumens of light output. The unit’s laser light engine is rated for up to 20,000 hours in its Normal (high power) mode.
BENQ LU710 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$1699
Technology
DLP
Native Resolution
1920x1290
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
4000
Contrast
3,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.3
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 Hours (normal mode)
Weight
13 lbs
The LU710’s BlueCore laser projection utilizes a dual color wheel system to achieve 92% Rec.709 color coverage that ensures colors in presentations are rich and vibrant. The laser engine light engine can be dynamically modulated to produce a dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1.
The projector’s feature set is focused on business applications. The LU710 is compatible with a couple of BenQ optional solutions which allow wireless projection of documents, videos and images from a computer or mobile device.
For example InstaShow makes it easy for presenters to wirelessly take turns delivering seamless presentations on the LU710. It is a plug and play device that requires no driver installation and is compatible with any OS or hardware platform.
Plug the optional Qcast Mirror Wi-Fi dongle ($59 SRP) into one of the projector’s HDMI inputs and wirelessly cast the screen of almost any device to display from the projector without requiring any special apps or drivers.
While many projectors at this price point only offer vertical keystone correction, the LU710 is equipped with two-dimensional keystone correction with a range of ±30°. The 2D Keystone feature dramatically reduces the trapezoid effect, which occurs when a projector is installed off-center. It even has Auto Keystone Correction to further simplify setup.
With its bright laser/phosphor light source that lasts up to 20,000 hours, high contrast ratio, low-maintenance design, and network-management capability, the LU710 would be a good option for many meeting and conference room environments.
"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."
EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$429
Technology
3LCD
Native Resolution
WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
1000 ANSI lumens
Contrast
Not Listed
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.35x
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
6,000 hours (12,000 hours ECO)
Weight
5.3 lb
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.
Epson sees the 2023 EpiqVision and PowerLite series projectors as being able to meet the needs of their customers, drastically evolving meeting, education, and promotional spaces.
"Today's displays need to be large and wide enough to accommodate all aspects of viewing, sharing, and interactivity for better in-person and remote participant engagement." —Remi Del Mar, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc.
Epson PowerLite L265F SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$1,535 MSRP
Technology
3-chip 3LCD
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
4600 ANSI lumens
Contrast
2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.6x Optical Zoom
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 hours (NORMAL)
Weight
9.5 lbs (4.2 kg)
The PowerLite L265F is designed to deliver a larger displayed image and make collaboration and engagement seamless. Out-of-the-box, the projector is super bright due to the 4,600-lumen laser diode in a sealed light source. This projector produces enough light to project a highly visible image with excellent color, even in rooms and spaces with large amounts of ambient light. Meeting rooms and classrooms can leave some light on, allowing people to see each other and use the projector as a tool for collaboration because they don't need to sit in the dark.
Four thousand six hundred lumens of brightness allow the projector to display a huge image up to 310 inches diagonally. That is 16 times larger than a 75-inch flat-panel display. At 310 inches, there won't be a bad seat in the house. The L265F can display a contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1, which helps improve visibility anywhere in your room or space by highlighting the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the projected image.
Compared to lamp-based light sources, the projector laser light source is incredibly reliable and virtually maintenance-free. Epson lists its estimated lifetime as 20,000 hours in NORMAL light output mode and 30,000 hours when the projector is set to the ECO mode in its brightest picture preset mode.
The Epson PowerLite L265F uses Epson's proprietary 3-chip 1080p 3LCD technology. I won't go into detail, but click the link if you want more information. I want to mention why I think Epson used 1,080p chips instead of WUXGA or 4K. A big reason for this is cost. The explanation is all in the name. 3LCD means there are three LCD imagers compared to a single DLP chip, the largest competitive imager used in projectors.
Weighing in at 18.7 lbs, the PowerLite L570U is a medium-sized projector that is easy to transport and set up by one person. Its projected screen of up to 500" makes it an excellent solution for classrooms, conference rooms, churches, or art installations. It is one of three different L-series models available in the 2023 lineup that is equipped with 4K Enhancement, including the L770U and L775U. The Epson PowerLite L570U is listed at $3,149.00 at the time of this review, offering a lower price point with 5,200 lumens of brightness compared to the other models in the L-series, which have a higher price point with up to 7,000 lumens of brightness.
Epson PowerLite L570U SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$3149 MSRP
Technology
3LCD
Native Resolution
1920 x 1200 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5200 ANSI lumens
Contrast
2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.6x
Lens Shift
Vertical: ±30 degrees; Horizontal: ±30 degrees
Lamp Life
20,000 hours (NORMAL)
Weight
18.7 lb
The L570 includes 4K Enhancement, a version of pixel shifting available on several Epson business projectors. While pixel shifting can’t match the resolution of a true 4K projector, it does increase sharpness and detail compared to a standard 2K projector. The Epson L570U can accept up to a 4K@60P signal. When fed 4K content, the projector uses pixel shifting to fine-tune the image to more closely resemble 4K. Pixel shifting fires each pixel twice by diagonally shifting the location by 1/2 pixel.
As you can see from the images above, small type and fine details that can’t be discerned on a basic 2K – WUXGA (or 1080p) projector can often be resolved with pixel shifting. It is enough to make a real readability difference on CAD, engineering and scientific drawings renderings, and anything else demanding maximum detail.
Combined with good image processing, the L570U does a good job emulating the original 4K content. It is only when you make a side-by-side comparison between a true 4K projector versus a 2K pixel-shifting projector that the resolution difference is noticeable.
Along with the high resolution and large screen size, you can use the built-in support for 16:6 and 21:9 aspect ratios. When these different aspect ratios are used, you can improve video conferencing experience. The 21:9 aspect ratio, often called ultrawide or widescreen, offers several benefits when video conferencing. The wider aspect ratio provides a broader field of view, allowing you to see more content on the screen. This can create a more immersive experience during video conferences, making you feel more connected to the participants.
3LCD projectors like the VPL-PHZ61 can display equal color and white lumens compared to 1-chip DLP projectors, whose color output does not match the white light output. 3LCD projectors never suffer from DLP's rainbow effect, which looks like rainbows appearing across the displayed image. Even with improvements in DLP technology, about 5% of the population, including myself, can still see this issue.
SONY VPL-PHZ61 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$3437.50 MSRP
Technology
3LCD
Native Resolution
WUXGA 1920 x 1200
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
6400 ANSI lumens
Contrast
Infinity:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.6:1
Lens Shift
H: +/- 15%, V: -35% to +55%
Lamp Life
Not listed.
Weight
15 lb (7 kg)
It’s been a little over a year since I reviewed Sony’s first entry into a new category for the company, one of the industry's leaders in business, education, and installation class projectors with the VPL-PHZ50 and VPL-PHZ60.
Like last year's model, the VPL-PHZ61 uses a Sony Z-Phosphor laser light source sealed for increased reliability. The VPL-PHZ61 is a brighter projector offering a rated brightness of 6,400 ANSI lumens compared to the previous model, which has 6,000 ANSI lumens. Sony's Z-Phosphor laser light source allows the VPL-PHZ61 to start up in seconds and shut down just as quickly, saving both time and energy.
The PHZ series are bright, compact projectors; two models are in this year's lineup. Except for brightness, the VPL-PHZ51 is identical to the VPL-PHZ61.
For those who need the additional installation flexibility provided by interchangeable lenses, Sony offers the larger FHZ Series. Sony projectors in the FHZ are available in brightness ranging from 6000 ANSI lumens all the way up to the 13,000 ANSI lumens
This year, Sony upgraded the VPL-PHZ61's Intelligence Settings to version 3.0, which automatically controls temperature based on the installation environment, frequency of use, and several other parameters for long-term, stable operation. What is nice about this feature is that the user can select from four different room types: Meeting Room/Classroom, Museum, Entertainment, and Multi-screens.
BenQ LK936ST 4K Golf Simulation and Home Entertainment Projector
A dual use golf simulator and home entertainment projector.
The BenQ LK936ST is a 4K HDR-capable short-throw laser projector with a manufacturer-rated 5,100 lumens of brightness and 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast. This projector has the perfect features and performance for golf simulators and meets the needs of high-end home theater owners.
BenQ LK936ST SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$4,899 MSRP
Technology
Laser DLP
Native Resolution
Full HD (1,920 x 1,080)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5,100 ANSI lumens
Contrast
3,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.1
Lens Shift
H: -23%~ +23%, V: -60%~ +60%
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
15 lb (7 kg)
Indoor golf is one of the hottest trends in entertainment and sports, with the golf simulator market valued at $1.3 billion in 2021 and projected to reach $3.3 billion by 2030, according to Straits Research.
According to Custom Market Insights (CMI), the global golf simulation market size was estimated at USD 1.3 billion in 2021 and was expected to reach USD 1.6 billion in 2022, and is expected to hit around USD 3.4 billion by 2030. The market size is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2022 to 2030.
While the pandemic initially slowed growth, the "Simulator as a Business" started experiencing an uptick due to the solitary nature of golf and golfing simulators. More curious is the many people who own home golf simulators and have never even been on an actual golf course. Put simply, the business is booming and is expected to grow significantly.
BenQ has been a part of the professional golf simulator market for over a decade, making projection products to meet the specific projection needs of this fast-growing industry. Short throw, bright, and recently higher resolution projectors as more professional golf simulators support 4K resolution.
The Optoma ML1080 is a premium portable projector that delivers excellent picture quality
The Optoma ML1080 is an ultra-compact RGB laser full HD 1080p projector that retails for $999.00. While it is one of Optoma’s most compact and portable projectors, the ML1080 includes several notable features that make it an excellent solution for consumer and professional applications.
Optoma ML1080 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$999.99 MSRP
Technology
DLP (0.23" DMD)
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
1200 ANSI Lumens
Contrast
3,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Fixed
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
30,000 hours
Weight
2.2 lbs. (0.9 kg)
While most projectors its size utilize LED light sources, the ML1080 is equipped with an RGB triple laser light source that can deliver 1200 lumens of brightness (550 ANSI Lumens), and it can reproduce a vast range of colors. It had been several months since I saw the ML1080 at InfoComm 2023, so I had forgotten how lightweight and compact it is. The projector weighs just 2.3 lbs and is the most compact RGB laser projector I have ever reviewed.
The projector’s compact form factor brightness, picture quality, and feature set make the ML1080 flexible enough to use at home, on the go, and in various professional applications. Optoma also offers a short-throw version of the projector called ML1080ST ($1149 SRP) to provide more placement flexibility.
There are portable 4K projectors on the market that cost less than the Optoma ML1080 but most can't deliver the color reproduction, onscreen contrast, and brightness of the ML1080. So, while the ML1080 displays less resolution, its picture quality makes it stand out against the competition.
Epson PowerLite L265F 1080p 3LCD Laser Business Projector
Can be used in boardrooms, classrooms, gallery installations, and digital signage applications.
The Epson PowerLite L265F is a 1080p, 3-chip 3LCD professional projector with a solid-state laser light source that sells for an MSRP of $1,535. The PowerLite L265F could easily fit in a conference room, restaurant, corporate lobby, or lecture hall but is primarily designed to meet the specific requirements of the digital signage product channel. The L265F can be mounted at any angle in a 360-degree radius and can project an image as large as 310 inches diagonally.
Epson PowerLite L265F SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$1,535 MSRP
Technology
3-chip 3LCD
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
4600 ANSI lumens
Contrast
2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.6x Optical Zoom
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 hours (NORMAL)
Weight
9.5 lbs (4.2 kg)
The L265F is a relatively small professional projector rated to generate 4,600 ANSI lumens of brightness with a light source life of 20,000 hours and a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1.
Epson has designed the PowerLite L265F to encourage engagement and empower creativity for various education, corporate, and signage applications. To achieve this, the PowerLite L265F offers wireless connectivity with casting capability for convenient content sharing and includes free downloadable Epson Projector Content Manager software for dynamic digital signage design. The L265F began selling in June of 2023 at authorized Epson projection dealers and distributors.
Epson sees the 2023 EpiqVision and PowerLite series projectors as being able to meet the needs of their customers, drastically evolving meeting, education, and promotional spaces.
"Today's displays need to be large and wide enough to accommodate all aspects of viewing, sharing, and interactivity for better in-person and remote participant engagement." —Remi Del Mar, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc.
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.
EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$429 MSRP
Technology
3LCD
Native Resolution
WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
1000 ANSI lumens
Contrast
Not Listed
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.35x
Lens Shift
N/A
Lamp Life
6,000 hours (12,000 hours ECO)
Weight
5.3 lb
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 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.
"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 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.
Epson PowerLite L570U 3LCD Laser Business Projector
Epson Powerlite L570U is a 5200-lumen WUXGA 3LCD business laser projector
The Epson PowerLite L570U, which retails for $3149.00 is part of Epson's 2023 lineup of projectors specifically designed for large venues. With its 3LCD technology and 5,200 lumens of brightness, this high-performance laser projector delivers exceptional image quality and due to its 20,000-hour laser light source, it is almost maintenance-free.
PowerLite L570U 3LCD SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$3139.00 MSRP
Technology
3LCD
Native Resolution
1920 x 1200 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5200 ANSI lumens
Contrast
2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.6x
Lens Shift
Vertical: ±30 degrees; Horizontal: ±30 degrees
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
18.7 lb
The PowerLite L570U is very similar to the brighter 7000-lumen PowerLite L730U ($3799,00 MSRP), which we reviewed several months ago. While the L570U is not as bright, but it is equipped with Epson's 4K Enhancement technology. Its WUXGA resolution combined with 4K enhancement provides a visibly smoother and sharper display.
The PowerLite L570U is incredibly versatile, featuring horizontal/vertical lens shift, 1.6x optical zoom, and built-in edge blending and geometric correction tools, making it easy to install and set up. It is an ideal projector for medium to large-sized rooms such as conference rooms, lecture halls, and classrooms. With its ability to project images up to 500" diagonal, it's perfect for large-scale presentations and video conferencing. The projector is also great for home theater applications, with its WUXGA resolution and 4K and HDR compatibility.
Weighing in at 18.7 lbs, the PowerLite L570U is a medium-sized projector that is easy to transport and set up by one person. Its projected screen of up to 500" makes it an excellent solution for classrooms, conference rooms, churches, or art installations. It is one of three different L-series models available in the 2023 lineup that is equipped with 4K Enhancement, including the L770U and L775U. The Epson PowerLite L570U is listed at $3,149.00 at the time of this review, offering a lower price point with 5,200 lumens of brightness compared to the other models in the L-series, which have a higher price point with up to 7,000 lumens of brightness.
Sony VPL-PHZ61 is an ultra-compact 6400-lumen WUXGA business projector
The VPL-PHZ61 is one of two new 3LCD projectors in Sony’s ultra-compact projector series, that sells for an MSRP of $3,437.50. The VPL-PHZ61 is a WUXGA (1920 × 1200) professional projector designed for conference rooms, university lecture halls, large classrooms, entertainment venues, and e-sport applications. This projector displays a manufacturer-rated brightness of 6,400 ANSI lumens of brightness.
Sony VPL-PHZ61 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$3437.50 MSRP
Technology
3LCD
Native Resolution
WUXGA 1920 x 1200
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
6400 ANSI lumens
Contrast
Infinity:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.6:1
Lens Shift
H: +/- 15%, V: -35% to +55%
Lamp Life
Not listed
Weight
15 lb (7 kg)
Sony has a documented history of making incremental upgrades for next-generation product introductions instead of reinventing the wheel each year. Sony has an “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” attitude toward their professional video products. I’m not saying that Sony is averse to re-design and innovation; far from it. I am saying that Sony is not really into change for the sake of change, and their professional projection products are probably one of the best examples of this attitude.
In this review, I’m writing specifically about the Sony VPL-PHZ61, but I want to note that, like the previous models in this series, Sony has two models where brightness is pretty much the only difference. Last year's models in this ultra-compact series, the VPL-PHZ50, and VPL-PHZ60, were like this. This year's models, the VPL-PHZ51 and VPL-PHZ61, are the same. I won’t rehash the previous two models, but if you want to read my review of the VPL-PHZ50, just click on the link. Also, for the rest of this review, I will only refer to the VPL-PHZ61. However, everything I write, except for brightness, can also be attributed to the VPL-PHZ51.
In short, take everything I liked about the VPL-PHZ60 projector, improve many things (not all) I didn’t like about it, and add some completely new (to these products) convenience features.
The Panasonic PT-FRQ50 is a SOLID SHINE, professional, DLP laser projector that can display 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) resolution with a rated brightness of 5,200 lumens. The PT-FRQ50 is an installation-class projector that uses a laser/phosphor wheel light engine and is rated to deliver 20,000 hours of low-maintenance operation in Normal light mode. This projector offers smooth and detailed 4K images, easy system integration, and high reliability.
Panasonic PT-FRQ50 SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$4,999 MSRP
Technology
DLP w/ XPR (Single-Chip DMD)
Native Resolution
1920x1080x4
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5200
Contrast
20,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
2.0X
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
20,000
Weight
35.5
The PT-FRQ50 offers a 2.0x manual zoom (throw ratio: 1.46–2.93:1), manual focus, F 2.0–3.4, f 21.5–43.0 mm, and a large amount of vertical and horizontal lens shift for convenient installation flexibility. Of course, the PT-FRQ50 has all the connections you would expect on a better business/education class projector, including HDMI 2.0 and a DIGITAL LINK (HDBaseT) port.
In this review, I'll be giving you a brief overview followed by a list of the highlights and notable features, a tour of the hardware, and some insights into the picture quality and performance of the Panasonic PT-FRQ50.
The Panasonic PT-FRQ50 is a 5,200-lumen, 4K installation projector with a laser/phosphor light engine rated for 20,000 hours of low-maintenance operation. The PT-FRQ50 features one of Texas Instruments' newest (0.65") DLP Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chips. Panasonic claims the unit can deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000;1.
A new addition to the LG ProBeam line of projectors
The LG ProBeam BU53PST is a compact new 4K short-throw laser DLP projector that retails for $4,299 MSRP. It utilizes a multi-channel laser light source, provides a 3,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, and delivers up to 5,000 ANSI lumens of brightness.
LG ProBeam BU53PST SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$4,299 MSRP
Technology
DLP Laser
Native Resolution
1920x1080x4 (3840x2160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5000
Contrast
3,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.2x
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
20,000 hours in NORMAL lamp mode
Weight
21.4 lbs / 9.7 kg
The BU53PST is a professional laser projector designed for various applications such as simulator markets, office meeting rooms, digital signage, and even home entertainment. It has 4K (3,840 x 2,160) UHD resolution, provides 5,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, has more than 20,000 hours of laser life, includes lens shift, 1.2x optical zoom, and built-in wireless connectivity.
In this review, I'll be giving you a brief overview followed by a list of the highlights and notable features, a tour of the hardware, and some insights into the picture quality and performance.
We reviewed the other LG model in this series, the LG ProBeam BU60PST, and were impressed by the projector's picture quality and feature set. Check out our review by clicking the link.
A 7000 lumens compact professional fixed lens projector with an excellent WUXGA picture.
The Epson PowerLite L730U is a 3-chip 3LCD laser projector selling for $4,181 MSRP.
PowerLite L730U SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$4,181 MSRP
Technology
3LCD laser
Native Resolution
1920 x 1200
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
7000 ANSI Lumens
Contrast
2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio
Optical zoom 1 – 1.6x
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
Normal: 20,000 hours
Weight
18.5 lbs.
The PowerLite L730U uses three native 1,920 x 1,200 polysilicon TFT active matrix RGB LCD chips to produce a WUXGA image.
The PowerLite L730U is an extra-bright laser projector producing 7,000 ANSI lumens of manufacturer's rated brightness. It can display a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of over 2,500,000:1.
The PowerLite L730U series consists of two models: the PowerLite L730UF and the PowerLite L730U. Except for cabinet color, both projectors are identical.
The PowerLite L730U is part of the Epson L Series line of 2022 projectors, comprised of eight new models. The latest L-Series contains six long-throw projectors and two short-throw models. These new L-Series models have the same cabinet design as Epson's previous ones, so they should fit nicely into an existing fleet of L inventory, providing installers and operators with consistent functionality and operation.
The BenQ LH820ST is a professional simulation projector that delivers excellent picture quality.
The BenQ LH820ST is a native Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p) short throw, DLP (digital light processing) laser projector designed primarily for the golf simulation market. The LH820ST is designed with black level and color performance in mind, offering a manufacturer-rated 3,600 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The LH820ST can display 90% of the Rec.709 color space and features a 16.7 ms high-speed HDMI input. The LH820ST is bright, colorful, fast, and available now at authorized BenQ resellers for an MSRP of $1,899.
BenQ LH820ST SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$1,899.99 MSRP
Technology
DLP (0.47" DMD)
Native Resolution
1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
3600 ANSI Lumens
Contrast
3,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Fixed
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
12.3 lb (5.6 Kg)
The global golf simulation market size was estimated at 1.3 billion dollars in 2021 and was expected to reach 1.6 billion dollars in 2022, and it is estimated to hit around 3.4 billion dollars by 2030. The market size is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2022 to 2030, according to CMI (Custom Market Insights). The business is booming and expected to grow well through 2030.
BenQ has been a part of the golf simulator projector market for over a decade, making bright short-throw simulation projectors like the LH820ST to meet the performance needs of both simulator and home entertainment customers.
To better assist the user in getting the highest quality full-screen image possible, the LH820ST comes with BenQ’s Screen Fill technology. Screen Fill allows the projector to switch resolutions for the best screen aspect ratio coverage. The screen fill feature maximizes the displayed pixel count while working to avoid image distortion. The Screen Fill feature is controlled through the projector’s on-screen menus, allowing users to spend more time swinging a club and less time adjusting the image in their computer’s graphics card or Windows’ display settings. Instead, they can use the projector’s on-screen menu.
