In the last few weeks we’ve seen a whole host of new projectors come onto the market, ranging from the extremely powerful and expensive, to significantly less powerful, but much more mobile and affordable models.
Not to be left out, Epson, one of the biggest names in the projector market, has debuted a couple of new, mid-range models that represent more of a balance between the two extremes.
It describes the Epson EF-21 and Epson EF-22 as "mini smart laser projectors", and as the numbering suggests, the latter is the slightly more advanced of the two, although they’re quite similar overall.
In terms of the actual picture, they’re basically the same, with both models able to deliver 1,000 lumens of brightness and a Full HD picture of up to 150-inches on any surface or a dedicated screen. They’re flexible too, with the ability to beam in any direction, including on the ceiling or even the floor if you want to get creative, though the EF-22 comes with a built-in stand that makes it slightly more versatile. The stand enables it to be rotated in various directions.
They both sport a compact design that makes them fairly portable, though they don’t have batteries so bear in mind that you’ll always need a power socket, so they’re not something you can bring along when you go camping.
In terms of set up, they provide a range of useful features like keystone correction, autofocus, obstacle avoidance and screen fit, so even less sophisticated users should have no trouble getting a proper picture out of them.
Google TV is onboard both, providing access to what Epson says is over 400,000 movies and TV episodes – we assume that means the combined libraries of various video streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Other Google TV functions include Chromecast, which makes it possible to stream content from a smartphone or tablet, as well as various gaming apps via the Play store.
For those who would prefer some proper physical media, there’s a single HDMI port on the rear. The company didn’t say if this is HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1, but given that companies generally like to advertise the latter, it’s likely to be the former.
On the sound side, both models come with a pair of 5-watt stereo speakers, and there are ports for those who want to hook up an external system. On the EF-22 model, there’s also a passive radiator that should help to improve the audio quality a tad.
Besides that passive radiator and the built-in stand, the only other difference between the two models is the colour selection. Epson said there are two options for both, with the EF-21 available in warm white and smoke ice green, and the EF-22 coming in metallic black or metallic blue.
We should also mention the light source, which is based on Epson’s 3LCD laser technology that promises “bright and vivid” pictures with equally high colour and white light to bring the content to life. They boast a contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1, which should ensure clearly defined shadows and deep blacks, and they should last for approximately 10 years based on average use, which should be plenty enough for most users.
Epson Europe’s home cinema projector product manager Brendan Hoare said the company’s goal with the new models is to get people using projectors in their homes every day, and insisted that they will “really help to achieve this goal”.
To help convince people to go with the bigger picture that projectors provide, Epson has strategically priced the new models to compete with mid-range Mini-LED and OLED televisions. The Epson EF-21 will cost £1,055 in the U.K. and $800 in the U.S., while the Epson EF-22 is priced at £1,320 and $1,000.
