Epson MG-50

Epson MegaPlex MG-50 Projector

As the junior model in Epson's MegaPlex projector line, the Epson MegaPlex MG-50 ($699.99 direct) has lower resolution and brightness than the Editors' Choice Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD ($799 direct) but is otherwise nearly identical. Its most compelling feature is a built-in dock for an iPhone or iPad, from which it can display photos and videos, and play music. Though it can't match the MG-850HD's image quality, the MG-50 presents a good, lower-budget alternative. The MG-50 has a rated brightness of 2,200 lumens, and a 540p (960 by 540) native resolution; it shares the MG-850HD's 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, though that projector has a higher (720p) native resolution. Its light engine is based on 3LCD technology, which was developed by Epson and employs 3 LCD panels, each of which processes light of a different primary color. The MG-50 is black, with rounded corners and a swept-back rear, which houses the iPhone dock and the speaker system. (Besides letting you display content from your Apple device, the dock also quickly charges it.) At the lens is a focus and zoom ring, and a slider for keystone correction.