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In a world where streaming content to a big screen has become almost second nature, the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD challenges the status quo of how we consume media. This portable projector, with its built-in dock for Apple devices, promises not just convenience but a completely new way to experience your favorite shows and movies. But here's the question: does it truly enhance our viewing experience, or is it just another gadget that fails to live up to the hype?
With its ability to project images up to 12 times the size of a standard 40-inch screen and deliver ultra-bright visuals of up to 2800 lumens, the MegaPlex seems to tick many boxes. But can it compete with the clarity and sound quality of high-end TVs and dedicated home theater systems? And is the reliance on Apple devices a limiting factor for non-Apple users?
In this review, we'll delve into whether the MegaPlex is a game-changer for family movie nights or simply a flashy accessory that might not warrant its place in your tech arsenal. Let's unpack the reality behind this portable projector and see if it lives up to its promise—or if it's just another piece of tech that we might regret buying.
The durability of the MegaPlex 850 impressed me; it feels solid and well-built, unlike some flimsy projectors I’ve seen in stores. The sound quality is quite good—definitely better than my TV’s speakers. I also loved the ease of adjusting the focus and keystone settings to get the image just right. Most importantly, I’ve found myself using it more and more, as it fits perfectly into my lifestyle, whether for movie nights with friends or just some solo gaming sessions.
Cons:
On the downside, I wish the built-in speakers were a bit louder, especially for outdoor use where background noise can drown out the sound. An audio output option would have made it easier to connect to external speakers without much fuss. Additionally, the lack of support for newer Apple devices in terms of docking was a letdown; I had to find workarounds to get my iPhone connected.
Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase of the MegaPlex 850. It’s been a fantastic addition to my home entertainment setup. The image quality, ease of use, and solid build have truly impressed me, and I’ve enjoyed countless movie nights and gaming sessions with it. While there are a few areas for improvement, they don’t detract significantly from my experience. I can wholeheartedly recommend this projector to anyone looking to elevate their viewing experience, whether for casual use or special gatherings.
With its ability to project images up to 12 times the size of a standard 40-inch screen and deliver ultra-bright visuals of up to 2800 lumens, the MegaPlex seems to tick many boxes. But can it compete with the clarity and sound quality of high-end TVs and dedicated home theater systems? And is the reliance on Apple devices a limiting factor for non-Apple users?
In this review, we'll delve into whether the MegaPlex is a game-changer for family movie nights or simply a flashy accessory that might not warrant its place in your tech arsenal. Let's unpack the reality behind this portable projector and see if it lives up to its promise—or if it's just another piece of tech that we might regret buying.
Spec
| Parameter | Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD Projector |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | |
Recommended Uses | Gaming |
Highlight | Built-in dock for Apple devices with two stereo speakers Project digital content from Apple devices Project HD images up to 12X size of a 40-inch screen Connects to smartphones, PCs and more Ultra Bright Images - up to 2800 lumens |
Screen Size | N/A - 100 Inches |
Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 |
Maximum Resolution | 1280 x 720 |
Native Resolution | 1280 x 720 |
Brightness | 2800 lumen |
Display Type | LCD |
Video Encoding | H.264, H.265 |
Controller Type | Remote Control |
Control Method | Remote |
Lamp Wattage | 200 Watts |
Wattage | 319 watts |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Hardware Connectivity | USB |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, Gaming Console, Smartphone |
Other Features | speakers |
L x W x H | 13.4"L x 11.5"W x 5.1"H |
Item Weight | 8.6 Pounds |
System Experience
Getting started with the MegaPlex 850 was surprisingly easy for me. I was a bit apprehensive at first, fearing a complicated setup with cables and multiple connections, but I was pleasantly surprised. Everything I needed was included, and I had it up and running in no time. I simply plugged it into my devices, and within minutes, I was enjoying my favorite movies and shows. The convenience of the built-in iPod dock was a nice touch, allowing me to connect my devices seamlessly.Viewing Experience
The picture quality absolutely blew me away! I had set it up about 15 feet away from my wall, and the projected image was massive—around 8 feet wide. The clarity and richness of the colors were stunning, even on a regular white wall. I've watched everything from sports events to movies, and each viewing experience felt immersive. It’s true that the resolution is 720p, which may feel a bit dated compared to newer projectors, but honestly, I found it more than sufficient for my needs, especially in a dimly lit environment.Other Experience
I’ve had a few minor hiccups along the way. Watching during the day was a bit challenging; the image washed out too much with the ambient light. However, once night fell, everything looked fantastic, even with some soft lighting in the room. I did notice some limitations with certain streaming services not allowing HDMI output, which was a bit frustrating, but I managed to work around it. The fan noise wasn’t a big issue for me either, although I can see how it might annoy someone sitting too close.Conclusion
Pros:The durability of the MegaPlex 850 impressed me; it feels solid and well-built, unlike some flimsy projectors I’ve seen in stores. The sound quality is quite good—definitely better than my TV’s speakers. I also loved the ease of adjusting the focus and keystone settings to get the image just right. Most importantly, I’ve found myself using it more and more, as it fits perfectly into my lifestyle, whether for movie nights with friends or just some solo gaming sessions.
Cons:
On the downside, I wish the built-in speakers were a bit louder, especially for outdoor use where background noise can drown out the sound. An audio output option would have made it easier to connect to external speakers without much fuss. Additionally, the lack of support for newer Apple devices in terms of docking was a letdown; I had to find workarounds to get my iPhone connected.
Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase of the MegaPlex 850. It’s been a fantastic addition to my home entertainment setup. The image quality, ease of use, and solid build have truly impressed me, and I’ve enjoyed countless movie nights and gaming sessions with it. While there are a few areas for improvement, they don’t detract significantly from my experience. I can wholeheartedly recommend this projector to anyone looking to elevate their viewing experience, whether for casual use or special gatherings.
