Epson VS315W

Epson VS315W Multimedia Projector

The Epson VS315W Multimedia Projector ($529.99 direct) is easy to set up and use, is inexpensive for its WXGA resolution, and its data image quality is solid. Its feature set and connection choices, on the other hand, are fairly sparse. The lack of a carrying case as well as a port enabling you to run a presentation off of a USB thumb drive hinders its use for road warriors, and it's one of the few WXGA projectors we've seen recently that lacks an HDMI-in port. The Epson VS315W is based on 3LCD technology, which was developed by Epson and employs three LCD panels, each of which processes light of a different primary color. This projector's WXGA (1,280 by 800 pixel) native resolution is compatible with widescreen laptops with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Its 2,600 lumens of rated brightness is on the low side for a WXGA projector, as most of today's models run at least 3,000 lumens. The Optoma TW762 ($1,100 street, 3 stars) rates 4,000 lumens, and others are even brighter. However, the NEC NP-M260W ($850 street, 4 stars) WXGA projector, which matches the VS315W's 2,600 lumens, earned a PCMag Editors' Choice in September, as its features and image quality made up for its relatively modest rated brightness.