Epson's New LCD Projectors Promise Portability, Starting at $900

Epson has unveiled the EpiqVision Mini EF21 and EpiqVision Mini EF22 LCD projectors, which feature HD resolution, a claimed 1,000 lumens and built-in streaming. They're identical inside, but outside the EF22 adds a gimbaled design that lets you pivot and swivel the projector for fast setup (more on that shortly).

With list prices of $900 for the EF21 and $1,000 for the EF22, they directly compete with some great, albeit larger, projectors. They'll both be available this month. Here's a closer look at some of their features.

Some specs

The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF21 is a compact projector with built-in streaming.

As you'd expect, if you're familiar with projectors anyway, both the EF21 and EF22 use Epson's 3LCD design. In this case they're lit by a multi-lens laser array. Most other projectors in this price range use digital light processing for the image and for the light some use laser, LED, or a combination of both. The EF21/22 have the latest tech inside. Epson claims a brightness rating of 1,000 lumens, which might be OK, as Epson doesn't over-inflate its ratings as much as other companies. That said, the BenQ HT2060 is the same price and rated for 2,300 lumens. If the EF21/22 have a similar ratio of rated-to-actual lumens as the EF12, the BenQ will be about 30% brighter.

A single HDMI port lets you connect a gaming console or other source.

Inside is Google TV, so you'll have access to all the major streaming apps. On the outside, both models are available in three color options: Diamond White, Opal Green and Quartz Rose. The EF22 is also available in Stone Blue and Onyx Black. Epson says these colors were chosen to "help blend in with other objects when not in use." Fair enough, since most projectors can't help but look like what they are and even the better looking ones stick out like a chihuahua at the Iditarod.

Epson claims both the EF21 and EF22 will have 1,000 lumens.

The main difference between the two models is the EF22 is mounted on a stand that can pivot and swivel, essentially a gimbal. I've reviewed a few projectors with a gimbal design and found them a bit odd. In theory, they can make getting the projector set up a little quicker, but the feature would only be useful for people who never place the projector in the same place twice.

Gimbal mounts 

The EF22 is the same as the EF21, with the exception of the gimbal mount.

I review a lot of projectors and several have recently sported the EF22's gimbaled design. I don't get it. Or should I say, it's clearly not for me and I'd be surprised if it was for the average CNET reader, either. You can tilt and rotate any projector. The only advantage of this design is that you don't need to fiddle with the built-in adjustable feet that most projectors have or the even more kluge-y "placing a random object under the front to tilt it upwards." Tilting any projector upward, including the EF22, changes the shape of the image into a trapezoid. You'll have to live with this, or worse, use the image-quality-nerfing keystone adjustment. For anyone looking for the best picture quality, you'll need more exact placement so you don't have to use keystone adjustments. 

You can tilt the projector up to shine on the celling.

So, you're paying an extra $100 to save a few minutes of setup time. If you only do that once and a while, it's hard to see how the extra cost is worth it. If you do that all the time, or the projector goes from room to room regularly, then it could be useful. Of the two models, the $900 EF21 is the one I would most consider.

As well as covering audio and display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000-mile road trips and more.

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