Epson MegaPlex Projector Review: MG-850HD

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We recently received an Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD 720p HD 3LCD Portable Digital Dock Projector and Speaker Combo and my first thought was that the image would only be “OK”, but when I tried it out, I thought otherwise. The features that it contains is a built in dock for watching Netflix or videos on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod and have it charge all at the same time, you can view photos up to 12 times larger that a 40” screen TV, you can connect not only I devices but gaming consoles, computers, and more, has built in stereo speakers, has a type A and B USB sot and an HDMI slot, the video output is 2800 lumens, and it has Hi-Def 720p resolution. It comes with a remote as well so you can control it from the comfort of your couch. It is very easy to set up and even comes with a digital instruction manual on a CD and has a private phone line just for you. The videos are very high quality even if you are watching a SD (standard definition) movie or video. The only cable that it comes with is a power cable so if you want to watch a video on the projector from your computer, you would have to buy a separate wire.

Everyone likes family move night or gathering around to watch the big game. Or maybe an epic Xbox game with your son. The one critical piece needed is a large TV screen…the larger the better. And nowadays even a 40” LCD screen is beginning to look small. What if you could step up to full 720p HD resolution that’s up to 12 times your 40” screen? What if you could do that for less than $799 and with gear no larger than a toaster oven? The EPSON MagaPlex MG-850HD fits the bill and more. We’ve been testing it and its a great addition for family night. As you can see, the size of the screen can be adjusted depending on the distance form the wall. The projector has adjustable feet and multiple adjustment knobs to get the screen just the way you like it. You do need a large, light colored wall with minimal knick knacks in the way. It would work well on a garage door or side of a house for spring and summer outdoor fun.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As video devices go this unit has the standard array on connections including HDMI and USB ports to connect computers, game systems or blue ray players. The killer feature is the built in dock for iPod, iPhone and iPads. You drop your idevice the dock and have full HD access to whatever media you normally use. Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Videos, Hulu, you name it. And the video looks fantastic. The lamp is a full 2800 lumens so it can power video onto your wall even with the room lights on. Of course it works best in low light settings. The built in stereo speakers provide room filling sound with decent bass reproduction. For those without an Apple device, you can use the projector with a USB cable from your device, assuming its set up for video out. Not all devices are so be sure to check. Set up, included documentation and power cord are simple and easy to manage. You will need to supply your own HDMI or USB cable to connect to compatible devices.

If you or your family are movie nuts or just enjoy having your friends gather around, the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD is a great addition to your home entertainment gear. It’s small, even small enough to easily move to another room or home, no more than the cost of a mid size LCD and insanely easy to use (my 13 year old set it up and got it all ready to test). It even has a full feature remote control to help you replicate your family room couch experience. All in all a great device that will provide plenty of family fun.

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Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to Epson MegaPlex Projector Review or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.

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