When it comes to enjoying a good movie at home, nothing beats the feeling to watch it on a huge screen which most of the time is only achievable using a projector. One of the main challenges that a common household face is to have a dedicated room or area big enough to set up a projector. Not only you need a decent size screen but also ample space to install those bulky projector.
The EPSON EF-100 might just be the answer to this issue. Launched on 27th August 2019 in Malaysia, this projectors weighs at just 2.7 KG and at 23 cm on its longest edge, this projector is ideal for any space constraint home. Don't be fooled by its petit size though. It can easily project up to 150" screen size on Wide mode (111" on Tele mode).
This model is equipped with 3LCD technology that displays 100% of the RGB color signal of every frame. What does this mean? It basically provides better color accuracy without compromising on brightness (2000 lumens of colour/white brightness). With this, the projected image is detailed, vibrant, lively and definitely minimizes any jittery images.
THE BUILT
For a small unit like this, I was expecting the built to be cheap and flimsy. I was wrong indeed. EPSON did not deprive its consumers of any substandard materials. The ergonomics of the chassis was well thought off with the option to lay it flat to project forward or to project upwards to the ceiling though its 360 deg projection technology. All the connection ports are well hidden under a fabric mesh like cover which can be sturdily locked in. The front fascia is simple with just the lens and ventilation fins. The connectivity ports are also well fitted although I would prefer an option to extend the USB cable out. This is truly a non intrusive projector and with the choice of 2 colours, Classy White or Tailored Black, it can easily blend in any modern home deco nowadays.
It comes with small remote with a simple lay out to ease the usage. It is adequately sized for consumers to easily browse through the settings of the projector and also control the built in 5W monaurel speakers volume.
THE CONNECTIVITY
The unit offers simple connectivity options:
- HDMI x 1
- Stereo mini out x 1
- USB Type A x 1 (for 2A power supply, firmware update and Copy OSD settings)
- USB Type B x 1 (for firmware update and copy OSD settings)
- There is also Bluetooth connection that supports external speakers
- There is also an option for wireless connectivity to stream movies with its built in Android TV function
THE SESSION
Most reviewers will choose movies that are known to be good in projecting the vibrant colours and also the ones that were highly mastered and processed to meet the highest quality of image projection. Very rare that these movies will fail to mesmerize viewers once played on a decent projector. Now, for me I used 2 different movies that are not known to be as a masterpiece production.
First up is The Brothers Grimsby. This movie was on 1080P BluRay quality. I chose this movie because of its bright settings throughout the movie. I wanted to see how it fairs in a dark and bright room settings.
In a brighter setting, I find that the image was natural with a decent projection of colour definition. However, compared to a darker viewing environment, I find that the image is more defined and engaging. Livelier and more vibrant images with a well defined colour tones. In this scene, I could see that the skin colour of Sacha is more defined in the darker setting. Even the hair colour of the surrounding people look were projected in a more variable tones compare to the brighter setting.
In another scene, the blood stream has more colour intensity when the projector is running in a darker room. The red colour of the blood stream looks more convincing compared to when used in a brighter room.
Another example here is how the face and hair colour of Penelope Cruz looks more natural, lively and convincing in the darker setting. This is where I believe the 3LCD technology really plays its part. The colour vibrancy can be easily experience without loosing any brightness intensity even though you watch this in a dark environment.
The second movie I watched was The Woman in Black. This movie is a very dark movie where most of the settings on this movie was filmed in a dark settings.
The scene at the beach here looks livelier and natural thanks to the 3LCD technology that the EPSON EF-100 has. The sand contour also looks more defined when watched in a darker setting. It does not loose the brightness even though this is a dark scene. I have experienced with other projectors that fails to project a dark scene with the right colour variation of the objects in that scene. With this projector, somehow I can still sense some variation in this dark scene.
At RM 3,999, this is actually a steal for those movie buffs that are looking into a more cinematic experience at home. Provided you have an empty wall area or ceiling, this is a much more worthwhile investment compare to a normal LCD/LED TV. It is small enough not to be intrusive to your living area but at the same time provide a very vivid and vibrant images straight out of the box (I did not do any calibration). With the wireless streaming connectivity, its an added bonus as you can also stream online platforms like Netflix, Youtube etc. The EPSON EF-100 would be a great add on to your existing home theater without creating a big hole in our pocket. If there was a one downside of this unit is mainly on the audio side. The 5W speakers is nothing to shout about. In fact, it can sometime sound very highly distorted. Best to connect the sound to an external speakers either via BT or wired.
This unit is also suitable for the less techy consumers as it is so easy to set it up. No messing around with jargons or features that you are not familiar with. Its close enough to be defined as Plug N Play.
For a more detail info on specs, click here
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