The last time I came across a projector was one of those overhead style ones at school. Mr Miller loved that thing in legal studies and what a cool piece of tech that was. So, as you’ve immediately gathered, I have no idea about what is doing the rounds in 2019. But in recent times our Dictator Trevor Long has changed all this by loaning me some examples. I kicked off with the $1,699 Epson Australia portable laser projector, the EF-100B.
When I first set this thing up and pointed it at a random wall I immediately text Trevor and said, “I need this”. But once my impulsive tendencies settled down a little, I quickly ascertained that yes while I still need one, I need to gain a broader understanding about this space.
The EF-100B/W, B or W simply meaning what colour the casing is, creates a very bright and vivid laser projected image. Epson is renowned in this field, so what I was seeing was top shelf stuff at this price.
Especially considering it was being cast from something the size of a shoebox.
It can throw an image that’s up to 150 inches, so some seriously supersized content. You don’t require a special screen; a whitish wall is just fine. Although absolute darkness is ideal, Epsom claim the laser light delivers a bright, vibrant image even during the day.
I spent a lot of time trying to fit 150 inches somewhere, in fact I spent several hours trying to manipulate the clever keystone auto picture adjustment feature. I almost got there, but I don’t exactly have a home theatre on hand.
Getting content onto a wall simple, all you need is a Chromecast or the included Amazon Fire TV stick.
There’s also a HDMI port for other suitable devices, it’s so basic in fact I had content casting to a wall in our kitchen about five minutes after unboxing it.
There are built-in speakers on board, but they’re crap. But all you need to do is find a Bluetooth sound bar or just plug in some headphones.
The EF-100W/B looks great, especially in black with copper edging. There are few buttons and the case is wrapped in a leather-like finish.
You should have seen my two-year old react to the image disappearing when I turned the unit off. While it’s nowhere near the quality of a 4K TV, he completely flipped out to see a rather amazing image just vanish.
I loved my time with the EF-100B, but now it’s gone I do wonder if it was really a practical item for my house.
Web: Epson
Price: $1,699.
Key features:
- Stylish finishes (EF-100W white and silver/EF-100B black and copper)
- Compact (WxDxH/mm:210x227x88)
- Lightweight (2.7kg)
- Long-lasting and high-quality (laser light source)
- Vibrant and realistic images even in daylight (3LCD technology, 2,000lm,
- 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast, WXGA resolution)
- Big display size (up to 150 inches)
- Project on almost any surface and in any direction (laser light source, vents and power inlet on the side)
- Stress-free set up (welcome guide, automatic keystone correction V +/- 45°, easy to use remote)
- Simple to stream content (1x HDMI 2.0,1x USB for power supply)
- Easy sound options (built-in 5W speaker, Bluetooth audio connectivity, headphone jack)
- Low fan noise (26db / 29db)
Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.
He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.
Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.
Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.
He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”
