The people from Epson are not beginners when it comes to video projectors. They already have a few awards under their belts and the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD is the newest member in their portfolio. This 720p system comes with a lot of features and it can be used as a home cinema, TV substitute or it can even be attached to your gaming system. The goal of this projector is to keep you from going to the cinema and it is obvious that Epson tried their best to offer a high quality product. The price tag revolves around $749.99, which can be considered affordable by any standards.

Design
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD is a very stylish projector. The system is all white and from your point of view, the lens is placed on the right side, while the left side is used as a ventilation grille. There are some noticeable curves on top of the Epson which make the system much more appealing. The back panel contains all the connections you need: HDMI, USB type A, S-Video and Component Video. Unfortunately, the USB port can only be used for pictures and slide shows, so you won’t be able to play movies from your flash drives.

Setting up the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD and features
The size of any projector is very important, especially if you plan on creating your own home theater. The 705HD is 11.6” wide, 9” deep and 3.1” tall. If you want to make it even shorter, you can remove its feet and you will save a tenth of an inch. The system weights 5.1 pounds, making it one of the lightest models around. This unit can be attached to your ceiling through the Epson Universal Mount bracket as long as you maintain a distance between 8 and 12 feet from the screen. The package contains a power cable, the computer adapter, a remote control with included batteries, a carrying case, a component adapter, the manual, a quick setup sheet, the privateline support card and a registration card. The remote control is easy to use and you will like the button layout. If you want to get some extra components, you can always buy the 50” ELPSC06 Epson portable screen or the ELPKS58 hard-shell case.

One of the best facts about this projector is the 2,500 lumen output. This powerful system will make watching a movie possible even during the day. Most projectors require complete darkness if you expect a great performance, but this one doesn’t. This means that using it as a TV or when playing games shouldn’t be a problem.

The 3LCD technology won’t go unnoticed; it offers clear colors and great detail, no matter what type of movie you are watching. You will also enjoy the 1.2x optical zoom feature which might come in handy depending on the size of your screen and the distance between it and the projector.

Most projector lamps will have a life span of 2000 hours. The 705HD has extended this period to 5000 hours, which is perfect for those who want to use this projector intensely. At 2.5 hours per day, the lamp will last over 5 years which is an impressive performance for any type of projector. This happens in eco-mode, but even in regular mode, the lamp will have a life span of up to 4000 hours, which is double than what you usually get from similar projectors.

The 1280×800 resolution is perfect for 720p HD video content. You won’t get the 1080p experience, but you will still enjoy high definition content at just $749. You can choose between three aspect ratio modes: 16:10, 16:9 and 4:3. The video quality can be improved by switching between the four available color modes.

Pros and Cons
The Instant on and off technology is a great addition for those who don’t want to risk leaving the projector on over the night. Lamp life is very important no matter what projector your choose and this is why the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD can offer up to 5000 hours of fun before you will have to buy a new lamp. The two year warranty is also an advantage, especially for those who are living the US or Canada. In this period, Epson will take care of any broken parts and you won’t have to pay for any adjustments. The maximum screen size is 24 feet, which is more than enough for most users.

The main disadvantage that comes with the 705HD is the lack of lens shifting. This will cause some problems, especially if you can’t find the perfect spot in your home cinema room. The 3000:1 contrast is not the best one around, but most people will be happy with the color quality.

Conclusion
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD is a $749 projector which can be used for up to 5000 hours without changing the lamp. The high lumens rating is perfect for those who want to use the system as a TV or in connection with their gaming console. The 720p resolution will surely make every movie unforgettable. The only disadvantages that come with this system are the lack of lens shifting and the poor contrast. If you can get pass these, the Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD will be a great home cinema system for you.