Epson MovieMate 50 and 72

Epson for the first time expanded its MovieMate line of all-in-one projectors to include multiple models, including the first-ever HD projector in the range. The MovieMate 72 (pictured) is the first of the series to produce a greater-than-DVD picture and displays 720p footage from any HDMI or VGA source, such as consoles, Macs, and PCs. Both it and the 480p-only MovieMate 50 incorporate a DVD player and even generate simulated Dolby 5.1 and DTS surround through built-in speakers. A USB port, however, adds the option of playing music and video directly from most capable sources, such as the iPod as well as many USB flash drives.

Beyond its HD resolution, the 72 adds a unique swiveling base and lens shift to project the image at indirect angles. While simpler, the fixed-position 52 is the smallest all-in-one to date, according to Epson, and is 63 percent smaller than the MovieMate 30 it replaces. Either of the 3LCD projectors should be available soon, beginning with the $800 MovieMate 50 that ships to the US in black and topping out with the MovieMate 72 at $1,200.

By Electronista Staff