Epson MovieMate 72 projector

Cool Yule rating: 5 stars
Price: $1,200
Product Web site

Description: Epson explains the basic steps required to transform an ordinary wall into a 'go big' experience: Plug, load, play. The MovieMate 72 is the world's first high-definition combination projector with true 720p resolution. The picture is driven by Epson's 3LCD projection technology and a 140W UHE lamp. Typical lamp life is about 3,000 hours and replacement lamp prices aren't as high as others at $150 to $200.

In addition to playing DVDs, you can play music, connect a high-definition cable tuner, or the latest video game consoles. For extra wallop, connect an external powered subwoofer or connect the optical audio output to an external home theatre processor. Placement of the projector is made super easy and versatile with the help of the lens shift, keystone and swivel DVD player base adjustments. Out-of-the-box picture color and brightness quality did not need too much adjusting. I would probably scrutinize the picture a little more if I had used a projector screen rather than a white wall.

I had no complaints about the on-screen menu, remote control layout or its ease of operation. The high-definition performance and hookups excited this home theatre enthusiast.

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