The Epson PowerLite 1781W Wireless WXGA 3LCD Projector is a powerhouse as a portable data projector, providing solid brightness and resolution in a thin and light frame. In our testing, it showed very good data image quality, and great video image quality for a data projector. It delivers higher brightness and a longer lamp life than the Epson PowerLite 1761W Multimedia Projector while retaining its stellar image quality, so it’s our new Editors’ choice ultra-light WXGA data projector.
Design and Features
The all-black projector measures a thin 2 by 11.5 by 8.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 4 pounds. It’s similar in form to the Epson 1761W as well as the Casio Slim XJ-A247, which has nearly identical dimensions but is heavier at 5 pounds. The 1781W has a rated brightness of 3,200 lumens (up from the 2,600 lumens in the Epson 1761W) and has a native WXGA (1,280 by 800) resolution, compatible with widescreen laptops with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Its light engine employs the 3LCD technology that Epson helped develop.
There’s a zoom wheel behind the lens, as well as a focus control that uses forward and back arrows, with which I was able to get a sharp image. Beside the focus control are a four-way controller with a central Enter button, an on-off button, Home, Menu, and several other buttons. You can also access these and other functions with the included remote control. The projector comes with a soft carrying case, including several pouches and a messenger strap.
You get all the ports that count for a portable data projector: VGA, HDMI, RCA video, audio in; a type B USB port for USB Plug and Play, and a type A USB port for running a computer-free presentation off a USB thumb drive. It has a built-in LAN module for connecting to a wireless network, and it can connect wirelessly via NFC (near field communication) over a peer-to-peer connection with compatible Android devices.
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