Epson’s new short-throw projector line-up is aimed at education environments. Teachers can use the bundled Moderator device management software and an optional wireless module to connect the projectors with up to 50 devices. Content from up to four devices – tablets, smartphones or PCs – can be shared on each projector at the same time.
Four of the new models are Powerlite projectors – the 520, 525W, 530 and 535W – with the 536Wi is a Brightlink unit with interactivity (through a pen).
Each of the projectors is a 3LCD unit. They all use a 215W lamp, lasting for between 5,000 and 10,000 hours. Colour reproduction is 10-bit, with a 16,000:1 contrast ratio and +/-15 deg (horizontal and vertical) keystone correction. The 536Wi has +/-7 deg correction. All modes have up to a 1.35x optical zoom and feature HDMI, VGA (x2), S-Video, USB-A, USB-B, RJ45 and RS232 inputs, as well as a 16W speaker.
Specifications are largely the same on the 520 and 530 units; these models have 1024 x 768 resolution and a 0.54-0.74:1 throw ratio. They can throw a 50″ – 108″ image. The 525W, 535W and 536Wi units are also largely identical: they have 1280 x 800 resolution and a 0.48-0.65:1 throw ratio, throwing a 53″ – 116″ image. The 536Wi can throw a 68″ – 113″ image when wall-mounted. All projectors can be operated from 0.7m from the display surface.
Brightness is different on most models: it is 2,700 lumens on the 520; 2,800 lumens on the 525W; 3,200 on the 530; and 3,400 on the 535W and 536Wi.
All Powerlite models measure 343 x 315 x 132mm and weigh 3.7kg. The Brightlink unit measures 343 x 284.5 x 157.5mm and weighs 3.85kg.
Epson will begin selling the Powerlite models in December, for $850 (520), $950 (525W and 530) and $1,050 (535W). The Brightlink 536Wi will go on sale in January for $1,490.
