Customer Reviews
Great projector, impressed
If you have any reservations about buying a projector, this one will change your mind.
I bought this projector for a starter "workout" room in my home, since I had no floor space for a TV. The Pros: picture is sharp, colors are great, and it works well, cheap bulbs, fairly quiet. The Cons: a bit of screendoor effect (all LCDs do this), no DVI/HDMI, digital keystone correction. The keystone is no big deal if you can mount it close to the viewing height. I've tried it out with the XBox and it works great for games too (no blurring). The high resolution puts this projector a leg above some of the other units costing over $1000. It has much better color than the DLP projectors, and it doesn't have "rainbow" problems.
A breathtakingly awesome piece of machinery!!
The Epson PowerLite S3 LCD Projector has the honor of being the first item that I have ordered from this site (and probably not the last). This machine is simply amazing: It allows you to watch your favorite media sources on a screen, the size of which is capable of putting that of a big screen television to shame, simply by connecting your source (DVD player, television set, VCR, gaming console, etc.) by inserting the A/V cables into the corresponding red, white, and yellow outputs located on the rear of the machine. There is also component located on the rear which allows one to connect the machine to a computer. This machine possesses a plethora of features, but unfortunately, I've really only had the chance to explore one. The menu contains an option which allows you to view your movies and whatnot in a 4:3 full frame format or a 16:9 wide frame format. This is interesting because when one views (for instance a full-screen DVD) it causes the image to appear similar to those found in actual movie theaters, without cutting away any parts found on the actual media source.
I have read somewhere that the screen can get as large as 200". Unfortunately, no rooms within my household possess any walls that would enable me to explore such a possibility (therefore, the purchase of a screen is probably the next best option). The screen presents a crystal clear image onto your wall or screen, which simulates that found in a cinema to perfection. The machine is also very easy to use and connect.
Bottom line: I would strongly encourage anyone interested in a relatively inexpensive projector to consider this product as it is simply a fascinating and breathtakingly awesome piece of machinery.
Much better than you would expect
I put off purchasing this projector for about six months, as I was not convinced that I would be happy with the picture quality of a $700 projector. I finally decided to take a chance and ordered it a couple of weeks ago. I am extremely happy I did.
I worked in Audio/Video sales and installations for 3 years, and when shopping for gear, I am pretty picky when it comes to sound and picture quality. I use the Epson s3 exclusively for watching movies, and feel the resolution s3 is so much better than I had ever expected. I really can't complain about it at all.
I am sure you would get better picture from a $2000+ projector (with blacker blacks and better contrast), but for the money, I really can't fault the s3... and I have rather sharp eyes.
I operate it at about 10ft from the (white) wall, and get a fabulous large image (about 80")that is very sharp. Not grainy or exposing the lines. Using the remote control, it took all of about 5 minutes to set up... and that included slightly adjusting the color and brightness to my liking. I only watch movies at night, so I am not sure how it operates in a room with some light - but I would imagine it is best suited to absolute darkness.
My only gripe is that the sliding bolt that drops down from the front of the base of the unit, to allow you to prop-up or angle the projector (when placed on a shelf/table), is made of very flimsy plastic. I am concerned that such a part wouldn't last too long if you are planning on moving it around regularly.
I am currently using the s-video port, and the picture is fantastic. I imagine if you were to use a component cable and activate progressive scan, the resolution would be even better. As a testament to how good this projector is - so far I can't see the need to go out and spend money on a component cable, as I am perfectly satisfied.
To those that are unsure about the capabilities of such an afforable projector, trust me - this is a BARGAIN and it truly delivers. Transform your living room for just $700. One of my best electrical purchases.
Some (hopefully) useful production info:
I came across some faulty information on this projection once. The correct info is: this projector features vertical (UP and DOWN) keystone correction ONLY, and NOT horizontal (L/R) correction. To the beginner: this means that you must have your room layed out in a way that allows the projector to be postion dead centre (from L to R) in front of the screen/wall you wish you project on to. Thanks to the vertical correction, however, the height of the projector position is not important.
And for some info on the throw distance/screen size: The maximum image is 300".
4' - 6' throw will give you a 40" to "50 inch screen. 6' - 8' will give you a 50" to 60" screen. 9'-10' gives roughly 80", 10' to 13' gives about 100". According to the brochure, you will get a 200" image from a throw distances of about 20'-25', but my room isn't big enough to try this... and I would assume at that size, you would then start to see the resolution picuture quality tumble.
As mentioned, I run it at about 80" and it looks brilliant. Hope this info helps.
