Epson 1720 and 1725 3LCD XGA Portable Business Projectors Review

Epson’s 1720 and 1725 3LCD Business Projectors have XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) Native resolution (4:3 – supports 16:9). Their 4000 hour life, energy-efficient E-TORL projector lamps produce a very bright 3000 lumens which ensures that they can produce a bright projected image even when there is significant ambient lighting such as from office lighting. Having an automatic iris boosts the contrast ratio of these projectors to a high 2,000:1 for excellent projected image quality.

Epson 1720 Business Projector

Having a port for USB memory devices (1725 only) means that presentations can be loaded without a PC which means less to carry. The Quick-Connect Wireless 802.11 a/b/g or wired networking (1725 only) allows a flexible option for control and sourcing presentation materials.The remote control has a reasonable range of features including power, source search selection, computer, S-video, video, EasyMP, A/V mute, freeze, user ID, auto, aspect, color mode, num, page up and down, E-zoom, volume, help, menu, enter, esc and pointer.

Quick setup is important for a portable projector and both models have features to assist including, Plug ‘n Play (1725 only) automatic digital keystone correction (± 30 degrees vertical), digital zoom (1.2x) and a short throw distance. The throw ratio range of 1.09 – 1.34 (compared to common 1.8 – 2.1) produces a projected image of 30 to 300 inches for projection distances of 2.1 to 27.1 feet respectively. The digital zoom of 1.2x gives some, but not significant, flexibility with the distance from the screen to the projector for a particular image size.

As under 6 lb is considered portable, both projectors at around 4lb with compact dimensions (11.2 x 7.9 x 2.6 inches) fall nicely into a easily transportable category. Both projectors come with a protective carry bag which has pockets to stow the remote, cables, power cord etc. To protect business data use is restricted with a login.

A detraction to note with these Epson projectors is the comparatively high noise levels of 30 dB in eco (lower brightness) mode and 39 dB in bright mode. There is a built-in speaker however, with a sound output of a single watt it is only useful for those right next to the projector. The projectors also have a filter and to achieve a good projection bulb life it will need regular cleaning. A quick shut down capability would have been a nice feature to avoid the cooling down time before transport. Insufficient cooling can result in an expensive broken projection bulb.

Items included with Epson 1720 and 1725 3LCD Portable Business Projectors

Wireless LAN module, Quick Wireless Connection USB key, power cable, computer cable (VGA), audio adapter, projector remote control with batteries, USB cable, soft carrying case, user manual CD, EasyMP software CD, Quick Setup Sheet, PrivateLine support card, registration card, password protection sticker and security screw.