I agonized over getting this, vs. a more expensive / higher lumen projector (e.g., the 4500-lumen BenQ for MH750 for $1,000). As quick context, my viewing room is pretty much a wall of windows out onto a clear blue sunny California sky. Below is a picture of my room without *any* lights turned on, to get a sense. I registered 2000 Lux (about 200 foot-candles) coming in through the windows at 11 am, and about 600 Lux hitting the screen directly (it is at a 90-degree angle to the windows). At around 60 foot-candles, this is about 6 times brighter than a typical living room in the evening with all the lights turned on, and about 25% brighter than the standard office with all the lights on.
So that is my use case. LOTS of ambient light. And in that context, this unit does a great job. I'm particularly fond of the color balance - it doesn't wash out colors like my other DLP. It does a great job on watching sports, or doing business presentations. I haven't tried it on a dark movie scene yet, but can say it washes a bit grey on blacks. I find that totally acceptable in exchange for the bright picture in my ambient light situation, though I can understand if someone with a perfect dark room might prefer a DLP or something with better black levels.
As to configuration. Very inexpensive. I'm using the VIVO 100" screen, 1.1 gain, available for $79 at last check on Amazon. And, I purchased a Bluesky HD1080p 3D HDMI Audio Extractor Splitter to let me split out the Audio from the rest of the HDMI signal and skip the speakers on the projector. This was $21. I haven't yet used the speakers on the projector, but at 2W I assume they are what others have reviewed - useless. That said, listening to the fan, it is not bothersome. I can hear it, but not at all over a normal level of TV audio so not a worry that I can see.
Last photo below. This is a 30-degree angle from center, taken on my phone camera. It looks a bit more washed out in the photo than it does live; it is a great picture. Totally fine and pleasurable to watch a basketball game in broad daylight in what is just about the worst ambient light situation I can think of, other than sitting outside in the sunlight. Given the size, I prefer it to my 65" TV, and don't feel like I'm missing whatever color / clarity I've lost vs. the LED-LCD TV unit I have.
Sharing all of this, because I agonized over this decision and must have read 300 reviews and 40 articles or so before taking the plunge. I haven't experienced all those other options, but can say for the price point (and really for even a higher price point) I'm thrilled with this setup for my room. Hope this review helps you out!
| Brand Name | Epson |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 5.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 11.9 x 9.8 x 3.4 inches |
| Item model number | HC1060 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | White |
