EH-TW5300: HD home theatre!

With TV screens becoming sharper, smarter, projectors have had to scale up too. Epson, the market leader in projectors has recently brought to India, a home theatre model which offers full HD and 3D as well as a trickle-down of some key features, hitherto only available in the top-end, semi professional range. Inspite of packing in a lot of technology, the EH-TW5300 projector brings a refreshing dummies approach to its controls. Key controls on the remote are replicated on the body of the projector and the menu comes on the screen you don’t need to grope in the dark to change settings. At home it is always a challenge to adjust the projector so that the image is a perfect rectangle. But with this Epson model, it is child’s play because they have put in an additional slider to make horizontal corrections, in additional to the vertical adjustments.

This is both a full HD as well as a 3D projector. But considering the paucity of 3D videos, they have also included controls so that you can upconvert your 2D movies into 3D. One should not overstate this feature, because it is nowhere close to the original 3D experience, but kids might enjoy it.

The projector has an interface for MHL, the standard that lets you download full HD from a phone or tablet.

One feature not usually to be found in sub-Rs 1 lakh projectors is what is called frame interpolation. A software trick that smooths any blurring or jerks in high speed action sequences. Shooter games fans will appreciate. Multiple USB, HDMI and AV ports ensure the projector can be latched on to DVD players, PCs, phones. There is a built-in speaker system adequate for most drawing rooms but you can always attach external speakers.

The asking price is Rs 76,279 (a bit less at online e-comm sites). Think of it this way: An average family outing to a multiplex will set you back at least Rs 2,500 (Rs 3,000, if you throw in popcorn and cola). If you do such trips even once a month, the EH-TW5300 will have paid for itself in about two years. After that it's free viewing at home and you can pop your own corn.