EPSON EMP-54

The EMP-54 (£1148 ex. VAT) is a large- bodied data projector that manages to weigh a comfortable 3kg, with the lens fitted into the body of the unit to protect it from accidental damage. The 2000 ANSI lumens rated machine offers excellent image quality that is only let down by the 500:1 contrast ratio, which is minimal in comparison to that offered by the latest DLP machines.

We were surprised how quietly the EMP-54 ran at full strength, which can be reduced further by the use of silent mode. This feature switches the output down to 1500 ANSI lumens, thereby reducing the amount of power that is required to run the unit.

The rear of the projector provides an excellent degree of connection options and consists of two component inputs for connecting two separate monitor sources, alongside S-Video, video and two audio sockets. Add to this a monitor out and a controller port and you have all the connections you could possibly want, excluding direct network compatibility.

The menu system of the EMP-54 is comprehensive without being overly complicated. For many users, the basic settings will be sufficient, but the unit is fitted with six user definable colour modes. These can be preset to reflect a room’s ambient conditions, allowing the EMP-54 to be used in a wide variety of locations without much need for forward planning.

Rather than using the menu system, Epson has set hardware keystone correction buttons on the top of the unit, which are a quick and easy way to get the pitch of your image right within a matter of seconds.

For most users, the EMP-54 offers too many features, but in an office environment where presentations are often shared between a number of users with different input sources, the EMP-54 offers a usable and simple solution. Add to this, an affordable price and the EMP-54 represents excellent value for money.

RATING: 8

PRICE: £1148/£1350 (EX/INC. VAT)
BRIGHTNESS: 2000 ANSI LUMENS
CONTRAST: 500:1
TECHNOLOGY: 3-PANEL 0.7-INCH LCD
NATIVE RESOLUTION: 1024 X 800 PIXELS
THROW RANGE: 0.9 – 10.5M
DIMENSIONS: 240 X 315 X 87MM
WEIGHT: 3KG
CONTACT: 0800 220 546  WWW.EPSON.CO.UK