Epson - EpiqVision Mini EF12

I play ZA on an older version of the Epson EpiqVision Mini laser projector. I got this projector because it is a good quality build for a reasonable price, and with a laser light source. I didn’t want to deal with fragile projector bulbs. Input lag is negligible, although “experts” at twitchy games like Smash might notice a difference from playing on the Switch screen directly. I’m using a second hand overhead projector screen that I can pull down when I play and pop up and away when I’m done. The projector needs to be about 6 feet away from the screen. The EpiqVision has two HDMI ports (like a TV) and a decent built in speaker. When I watch movies with it, I typically connect it to my Apple TV/Homepod, but the projector does also have some smart TV functions.

with cheap 100" 4k LED's available (walmart has a 98" Samsung for 1997 right now, costco has 98" TCL for 1599), maybe look at those before spending over $2k for a projector. Unless your screen is bigger than that, then a projector still the way to go since budget TV's max out at 100" right now (another couple years and you'll probably see 120" for $2k). Redoing my basement this is my dilemma - will stick with my 1080p Epson until the price comes down for 120"

I would recommend the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12. It is a great small portable projector!

The MX550 is a decent XGA business class model for cheap use in a classroom and shouldn't be on your list under any circumstances. You should be looking at a 1920x1080 (1080p) native resolution projector at the very least. Make sure you know how to look up specs at Projector Central, and check for used or refurbished models which may be a good deal. The EF12 is similar to the EF22, as reviewed in this video... [https://youtu.be/ClIboELoz74?si=iK8cbMVobveJdzmy](https://youtu.be/ClIboELoz74?si=iK8cbMVobveJdzmy) It's also been reviewed at Projector Central... [https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-EpiqVision-Mini-EF12-Projector-Review.htm](https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-EpiqVision-Mini-EF12-Projector-Review.htm) That YouTube channel and Projector Central are websites you should become quite familiar with if you want to make an informed purchase decision. The Epson is a lot less bright than a full sized projector, and won't compete with ambient light very well at all. The main thing you want to focus on is light control in the room.

If the rest of your setup is like that, absolutely. If you actually have a screen though, get a better screen. One of my suite mates had a cheap China projector, and my roomate and I used an epson mini ef-12. Epson obviously blew it out of the water.

Yes it is. Got mine open box in 500$. For anime it's a no brainer.

Kind of depends what you want it to do. If you want a full 4K home cinema, you're looking at $1500+. If you want base HD to do large movies for novelty, there's an Epson Epiq that's about $500 that'll work. The $1500+ ones are unbeatable though, I won't go back to a TV if I have a choice.

For $800 you’re looking at 1080p not even pixel shift. You’ll have to do the math on throw distance but an Epson 1080 or Benq 585 are decent machines

Lots of decent options. The Benq 2150 will look best but an Epson 1080 or 90 will have more pop but less refinement. Could be good for your use. It’s less bright and not requested 4k but the xgimi horizon pro would fit some people’s setups in that budget.

I think you have the right instincts here A 4k projector will do the trick. Heck I have a 1080p Epson I picked up open box and a denon avr that can do 7.1. No atmos. And it sounds and looks amazing So nowadays an atmos capable receiver and 4k projector ( even just led ). Will look and sound amazing Just need a few small extra back speakers if and when you decide to use all the extra channels

I don’t have a 4k tv even. I will probably get one soon But I am really impressed with how good even an 1080p Epson can project at 110” image that is totally cinematic So I think any 4 k Epson will be totally good I feed it an Apple TV I have a marantz cinema 70 which is their lowest powered one and use an extra 2 channel amp I have to power fronts. That room looks pretty big so I would go with something cinema 50 and still have the option to add extra power later.

If that's the case, see if you can look at an Epson 1080, maybe refurbished or open-box. It will be a good starting point and its retail price is around $500 US. The Epson 8350 (my first ever projector) is also a good option. They have been out of production for awhile but they can be had for $250 or less. Only down side is they are larger than that Optoma or the 1080.