As we move into the era of high-definition videogames and even higher-definition movies (HD-DVD and Blu-ray), it’s incredibly tempting to run right out and purchase a new projector to take advantage of all the graphical goodness. If you’ve explored the vastness of the projector world, you already know it’s easy to get lost, not to mention get overwhelmed by the prices of the newest models. But affordable projectors do exist for those who are determined to play their games and movies on an 80-inch screen.
One such affordable-entry projector, the Epson PowerLite Home 20, seems at first blush to fit the bill perfectly. With a $999 suggested price and inputs that support component, VGA and XGA inputs, the PowerLite Home 20 has specifications that would make even the most stout gamer check the balance in the ol’ savings account. Heck, it even comes with an 80-inch widescreen floor screen that rolls into a narrow (but rather long) carrying case. One stop shop, here we come, right? Almost.
The PowerLite Home 20 is perfect for LAN parties. For one thing, it’s surprisingly affordable when compared to the landscape of all projectors, and the inclusion of its own screen is a Godsend. It’s also got a display bright enough that you don’t need to pull all the blinds in the room to see the on-screen action. And the surprisingly meaty speakers built inside the case were an incredibly pleasant surprise, as most of the projectors we’ve tested at LAN parties have weak audio.
Setup is also a snap, both for the floor screen and the projector itself. If ever a system was plug-and-play, this is it. In addition to a 1.5x optical zoom, which is handy for larger rooms, Epson has implemented a great feature called “Offset Lens Shift,” which allows you to make the image fit the screen perfectly (without any distortion) even if the projector is so misaligned with the screen that it’s a foot or so lower. Again, considering the logistics of LAN parties and other such social events, this is an ingenious feature.
For regular use, though, the PowerLite Home 20 doesn’t quite bowl us over. The six color brightness modes are great for flipping between games, TV and movies, but the display itself just isn’t as crisp as most videophiles and serious gamers are used to seeing. For example, if you take full advantage of the optical zoom to fill the included screen, it’s common to see the entire image soften. It’s also unfortunate that, although the PowerLite Home 20 does support the Xbox 360 and any other console with component output, the projector only displays in 480p. Sure, it can accept 1080i and 720p signals, but it will never actually display them. Consequently, the vivid, sharp images gamers are used to seeing on a traditional HD-capable CRT go the way of the dodo when you plug a high-def console into the projector. The 480p-limited display also means the PowerLite Home 20 isn’t exactly future-proof, as 1080p displays are already on their way.
As a result, if you’re in the market for a projector for LAN parties or other occasional use, the PowerLite Home 20 should more than suffice, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your budget. But for consumers looking for an entry-level projector to take advantage of the high-definition revolution, the 480p ceiling on the PowerLite Home 20 means this projector, as attractive as it may be, probably isn’t your best long-term bet.
— Jonas Allen
