Epson EMP-TW1000 Review |
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Reviewed: 20 May 2007
Design
At 5.6kg the Epson EMP-TW1000 is not the lightest projector we've come across, but with that comes a reassuringly solid feel. Sleek two tone (shiny and matte black) finish combined with a curvaceous body make this unit a real crowd pleaser in the looks department.
Features
More and more High Definition (HD) content is becoming available, and this is where the Epson EMP-TW1000 with its Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution should come into its own. Remember that this resolution delivers an astounding 2m pixels of detail to your screen.
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Brightness: 1,200 ANSI Lumens Contrast: 12,000:1 Dimensions: 406(w) x 124(h) x 310(d)mm Weight: 5.6kg OTHER FEATURES: Crystal Clear Fine, Horizontal and Vertical lens shift, 10-bit colour processing. CONNECTIONS: HDMI(1.3), Scart, Component, Composite, S-Video, PC input.
The EMP-TW1000 sports the latest HDMI (1.3) input and a D-scart, which is a smaller version of the scarts you may be familiar with, and can only be used with the supplied adapter. There are also the usual Composite, S-Video and Component inputs along with a D-sub for attaching your PC.
The picture processing heart of the Epson EMP-TW1000 is Crystal Clear Fine (C2Fine). It has been designed from the ground up by Epson to create smoother projector images.
More technological control over picture performance is supplied in the form of an 'auto iris' system geared towards enhancing black levels and creating whites with more brightness.
For sports and high paced movie fans Epson have included a motion detection circuit which promises to reduce the motion blur effect with transition from scene to scene, inherent with fast paced action.
A claimed contrast ratio of 12,000:1 on the EMP-TW1000 bodes well for black levels and Epson's 'OptiFocus' engine is there to ensure that the unit never runs too hot.
The EMP-TW1000 has the makings of a very flexible unit with a 2.1x optical zoom lens with impressive horizontal and vertical adjustment. Unlike some projectors, the EMP-TW1000 should be suitable for even the most awkwardly shaped rooms where it is difficult to place the projector directly in front of the screen.
Performance
First impressions of the EMP-TW1000 are very good. With High Definition (HD) sources the picture is supremely clean and sharp, with virtually no sign of traditional 3LCD problems such as video noise or pixellation.
Colours display a depth and vibrancy that no other similarly priced LCD projector can match. Skin tones in particular look stunningly realistic.
Speed up the action and the EMP-TW1000 performs well, although there were signs of motion blur on some of the quicker scenes.
Darker scenes are a revelation on a projector costing £2,600. Look hard, and you will spot a slight purple tinge to what should be the blackest scenes, but this detracts very little from the overall viewing experience.
Inevitably with the switch to Standard Definition (SD) material problems become pronounced, especially the degree of blurring with faster action scenes. Rapid camera pans display the tell tale jaggedness of LCD projector technology. Despite these problems SD viewing is surprisingly good, coming as a bonus to those who will inevitably be buying the EMP-TW1000 as the centre-piece of their home cinema system.
Conclusion
The Epson EMP-TW1000 has more accomplished rivals in the Full HD projector arena, but LCD technology has never before come this good at this price.
