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Video Performance - Daylight Use

One of the interesting aspects of the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD is that it puts out enough light for adequate viewing in just a slightly dimmed room. Although the stated 2,800 lumens refers to its maximum light output, the average light output is impressive, resulting in very bright projected images.

However, there is a price to be paid, as the black level/contrast range suffers.


This especially reveals itself when watching DVD and Blu-ray Disc content. In fact, for home theater viewing, it is preferable to run the projector in ECO mode which reduces light output somewhat, which helps the black level response, but is still brighter than most home theater projectors.

On the other hand, the increased light output MG-850HD does allow more flexibility in terms of differing room lighting environments, such as classrooms or meeting rooms where ambient light may be present.

For a visual example of how well the Espon MG-850HD can project an image with ambient light present, check out two photos that I took while running the projector in the middle of the afternoon with a semi-darkened room with ambient light present. You will notice that color and overall integrity of image is actually pretty good, but also notice the lack of deep blacks (photo 1), (photo 2).

Video Performance - High Definition Home Theater

Under normal home theater conditions (darkened room with no ambient light) the Epson does fairly good, with a vry bright image, consistent color and detail, but the overall black level comes up short.

For instance, in films were some scenes are exceptionally dark, such as the Dark Knight, black levels are too gray.

This shortfall also reduces the amount of detail in the image as detail depends not only on resolution, but wide contrast. Another example is when viewing a 2:35 aspect ratio image where letterbox lines are visible on the top and bottom of image. With a home theater projector with wide contrast and deep blacks, the lines should be black, not a merely a very dark gray.

The MG850HD can accept the maximum 1080p output from a Blu-ray Disc player or similar high definition source, but the displayed image on the screen is 720p.

Video Performance - Deinterlacing and Upscaling of Standard Definition Material

In a further evaluation, with regards to its scaling capabilities, tests were conducted using Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD and an OPPO DV-980H DVD player set to 480i output and connected to the MG-850HD via the HDMI input.

Overall, the Epson MG-850HD did an average job of video processing and upscaling of standard definition signals, doing well on some video performance tests (color consistency, rotating lines, flag waving motion, title overlays, progressive scan), while performing below average on others (bouncing lines, video noise reduction, complex frame cadences).

For more complete details, check out my Epson MegaPlex MG850HD Video Performance Test Results.

Audio Performance

Video projectors typically don't include on-board speakers, but the MG-850HD incorporates a two-channel stereo amplifier and speakers.

Although definitely not on par with an external audio system, the MG-850HD's built-in speakers have enough audio output that can be heard in a small to medium-size room. This ability makes it great for use in a small classroom, presentation room, or for using in a room that does not have an audio system to tap into. However, one disappointment is that there is no subwoofer pre-out that would improve base response.

NOTE: When using the onboard speakers, it is best to sit behind the projector so the sound comes from front of you. If the projector is behind you, it makes for an awkward audio experience.

Another interesting audio inclusion on the MG-850HD is an onboard microphone jack. Epson promotes this for Karaoke, classroom, or business presentations.

Added Features

Besides non-traditional features such as built-in speakers and a microphone jack, and built-in USB port for accessing audio, video, and still image content stored on USB flash drives, but also has its own built-in docking station for the connection of iPods, iPhones, and iPads.

To further support the use of USB and Apple-connected devices, the MG-850HD provides built-in file access, navigation, and playback menus for video, still, and music files.

Another interesting feature is the ability of the MG-850HD to play music files from the iPod dock even when the projector is not on. Just plug in your Apple device into the dock, watch for the dock indicator on top of the projector lights up, and then use the projector's remote to navigate your device's menu and playback files. One way this can be used is to have some music playing while your guests are entering and taking their seats before having turn the projector on.

As a further note, you can also play a music track from your iPod, iPhone, or iPad, while viewing photos from a USB-connected device.

All this definitely adds to the flexibility of this projector for use in a variety of settings, not only just at home, but at the office, school, or other setting. For added support, the MG-850HD also has a built-in carry handle for easy transport. However, the projector is larger than many compact multimedia projectors and it does not come with a carrying bag or case.

What I Liked About The Epson MG850HD

1. Good image quality from HD source material for the price.

2. Although the MG-850HD has a native 720p display resolution, it does accept all input resolutions up to 1080p (including 1080p/24). As a result, input resolutions of 480i, 480p, 1080i, and 1080p are scaled to 720p for screen display.

3. The high light output produces bright images for large rooms and screen sizes, even in rooms that may have some ambient light.

4. Very fast turn-on and shut-off time. I wish all video projectors had this fast a response time when powering up or shutting down.

5. Built-in USB port and iPod/iPhone/iPad Docking and Charging Station.

6. Built-in microphone jack and amplified stereo speaker system.

7. Music playback from Apple connected devices is possible when projector is in standby mode.

What I Didn't Like About the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD

1. Average deinterlacing/scaling performance from standard resolution (480i) analog video sources (see test result examples).

2. Black level performance and contrast range is just average, not really up to dedicated home theater standards.

3. No Motorized Zoom or Focus Function. Focus and Zoom adjustments must be done manually at the lens. This is not a problem if the projector is table mounted, but cumbersome if the projector is ceiling mounted.

4. Only one HDMI input.

5. Fan noise is noticeable when using Standard mode.

6. Only the bottom half of the remote control is backlit.

7. No carrying bag or case.

Final Take

Setting up and using the Epson MegaPlex MG850HD is fairly easy and fun to use. The inputs are clearly labeled and spaced, and the on-unit control buttons, remote control, and menu are easy to use.

Also, with high lumens output, the Epson MG850HD projects a bright image.

The Epson MG850HD cannot project a native 1080p image, but the detail from 1080p sources, scaled to 720p, was good. However, the MG-850HD has average performance with the deinterlacing/scaling of 480i source material.

It would also be nice if Epson would do a little more tweaking in video performance (including improving black levels) and include audio connection loop-through. This would also enable audio from connected iPods/iPhones/iPad and USB flash drives to be routed out to an external audio system. Of course, bumping up the display resolution to 1080p would be even more fantastic.

That being said, taking everything into consideration in its current configuration, Epson has certainly delivered a practical projector that does work well on several fronts. Combining its current feature set, performance, and $799 price point, the Epson MegaPlex MG850HD is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for an all-purpose projector for home, office, classroom, or even outdoors for that summer "drive-in" movie experience.

For a closer look at the features and video performance of MegaPlex MG850HD, check out both my Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests.

Also, check out an additional overview of the Epson MegaPlex MG850HD from Lisa Johnston, About.com Guide to Computer Peripherals.



Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.