I had always associated projectors with tedious activities like PowerPoint presentations. However, that uninformed perception changed after sampling Epson's MG-850HD projector.
With this projector, Epson claims it has created the market's first HD-Ready 3LCD home cinema projector to feature an iPod docking station.
This device weighs approximately four kilos, which makes it easy to move from point A to B. The MG-850HD is built with portability in mind and even has a carry handle built in to the side of the case. It comes with black power cable, remote control, battery, user manual set as well as iPad bracket.
Docking station
I would say one of its biggest selling points is this docking station which is located at the rear. From this station, one can play music, videos and photos directly from iPod, iPhone and iPad devices without the need to download special apps.
The docking station also comes in handy for charging devices while they are connected to the projector. Opening the station is quite simple; you just push a little panel in the centre of the projector's rear then the dock pops out. The sturdiness of this docking system can also not go unmentioned. It can withstand the weight of a device as big as an iPad.
However, if you are not an Apple fan and don't happen to have any of these iDevices, then this docking system will be useless.
Big screen
This projector offers users a big-screen home entertainment experience, as well as delivering rich, sharp projection.
To play content, you simply connect your iPod, iPhone or iPad device to the docking station. TV episodes and films downloaded from iTunes can also be played on a large, cinematic scale.
In addition, one can also play Blu-ray, DVD, PC, TV and gaming content thanks to the MG-850HD's versatile connectivity options.
Connectivity
Beyond the iPhone dock, users are spoilt for choice in terms of connectivity, with composite audio and video connectors, HDMI slot, microphone input connector, RCA and USB ports available on the right side as well as the back of the projector.
The USB ports allow users to access music, movies and TV series stored on the USB. In addition, audio files can be played without the projector lamp having to be turned on, which should help boost lamp life.
This projector delivers a 3.000:1 contrast ratio and is enhanced by Epson's 3LCD technology to provide superb quality images.
The MG-850HD has a 1.2:1 zoom lens and a fixed angle. When you place the projector on a coffee table, the bottom edge of the image will be even with the centerline of the lens.
It also boasts of the automatic vertical keystone functionality, which automatically squares the image for users. However, this results in losing some resolution.
Another plus for the MG-850HD is that it is quick and simple to set up and use, thanks to its manual horizontal and automatic vertical keystone correction and the plug and play functionality.
All audio and visual content is supported by a pair of 10W speakers. You can transform the MG-850HD into a traditional iPod docking station for music by simply switching the projector lamp off.
The MG-850HD is selling at R10 009.00, which I would say is a fair price considering what the device offers.
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