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(More customer reviews)For starters, let me give you my background. I have long been a fan of projectors for my home theater. For the last three and a half years, I have used the Epson Powerlite S3 which I have been quite happy with in terms of performance. My wife and I installed it on the ceiling, built an 80 inch projector screen using white black-out cloth, and use a switchbox to display everything from DVD's to TV. It has mostly worked flawlessly until it started "bleeding" blue colors across the screen. Recently, I purchased a Playstation 3 and a multimedia computer, and I was wanting something that would display a higher resolution than the 800X600 that the S3 displays. After doing much research, I finally decided on the EX70 as a replacement for the S3.
Though there are not many reviews of this projector and some of them are somewhat negative, I have not been at all disappointed. I took down the S3, I placed the EX70 in the same place overhead mounts, and it projects a crisp 74 inch image onto the screen. The 1280X800 resolution handles a 720p picture from the Playstation with no problems whatsoever. I have spent the last two weeks playing video games (Midnight Club Racing: Los Angeles) watching Blu-Ray movies (Night at the Museum), and watching off-the-air HD signals from my computer. All of these pictures are gorgeous. The colors are rich. The modes that one can choose (such as Gaming mode or Theater mode) actually help to create the mood for the moment. I go home each night from a long day at work, and my wife and I always look forward to trying new modes, adjusting the image, and looking for new ways to utilize the projector (i.e. we plan to buy a DVI to HDMI connector to try with the computer).
Compared to the S3, the picture is brighter, the colors more brilliant, the "screen door" has disappeared (unless you get within three or four feet of the screen), and the number of options have increased (i.e. being able to zoom, having an HDMI input).
So far, I have tested everything but the HDMI (the cable should be shipping soon) and the speakers (I've hooked it up to my surround sound system), and everything works as advertised. The SD card does indeed display picture slideshows with ease. The USB connection, when connected to my computer, displays a signal that rivals the VGA connection, though it doesn't refresh the page as often thereby making motion images a bit jerky. The VGA doubles as a component input if you purchase the right cable.
As far as criticisms, the only concerns I have at this point is the fact that some of the lower quality images (i.e. I've tried an old Nintendo 64 gaming machine with the projector) do not appear as crisp, but I have a feeling that it has nothing to do with the projector and has everything to do with the age of the gaming machine. As well, as another person mentioned, the blacks could be blacker, but when compared to the older technology of the S3, the blacks look quite dark. The auto-keystone correction might be nice if someone uses this projector as a business projector, but for my home theater system, I have turned it off.
For a two year warranty, a bulb that lasts 4,000 on low mode, a $700 or lower price range, no "rainbow effects" as some DLP projectors have, and a bigger than 50 inch HD picture, I have been quite happy with this purchase. I have immensely enjoyed it the last two weeks, and it was worth the upgrade from the older S3 model.
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Epson EX70 3LCD Multimedia Projector, WXGA, 2000 LumensDo more than you ever thought possible with the Epson EX70, a powerful, widescreen projector that's sure to deliver wonderful results, whatever the application. With WXGA resolution and Epson 3LCD technology, you're ready to project dazzling detail from your widescreen business notebook, or amazing HD entertainment at home. With digital connectivity and built-in speakers, the EX70 makes delivering big images and big sound easy, affordable and enjoyable. Project a 16:10 image and get 30 percent more image area than with a standard projector. With the convenient HDMI audio/video connection, you get ultra high-def video and all-digital surround sound with just one cable, creating powerful entertainment possibilities. Plug 'n Play USB connectivity makes setup a breeze. Now you can use a standard USB cable to connect to your computer or other USB device, while still having the option to connect via VGA. The EX70's PC-free, slideshow function allows you to view photos presentations without a computer via the SD card slot or USB display port. You'll never be tied to a PC again. With its included carrying case and versatile connectivity options, the lightweight EX70 is ready to go anywhere. And, if you choose to install your projector, the EX70 shuts down quickly at the flip of a switch. The possibilities are endless with the Epson EX70.
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