High-Def Projection for the Masses

Epson's PowerLite Home Cinema 720 balances price and performance by borrowing features from the more expensive Pro Cinema line.

While high-def projection systems have previously been the domain of only the wealthy, advances in projection technology are pulling down prices in the market just as LCD and plasma prices continually fall. Epson’s latest projector fills the niche for reasonably price HD projectors by offering true 720p native resolution and a price well under $1,500.

The PowerLite Home Cinema 720 takes many of the features from Epson’s pricier projectors and brings them down to a more practical price point. For instance, the unit uses a true 3LCD projection system, with a three-chip optical engine and 10-bit color processing – meaning it can accurately display more than a billion colors with a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. It also includes a lens shift function that allows users to shift the projected image without moving the projector, making installation easier. The projector’s bulb is rated for an impressive 1,600 ANSI lumens and should last up to 4,000 hours.

Epson will make the PowerLite Home Cinema 720 available in late October for $1,299. It includes a two years of Epson’s Road Service, which means the company will overnight a replacement projector to you in the event of a breakdown.