Epson Megaplex MG-850HD Pro Reviews

If you’re looking to watch the video on your iPad or iPhone on a screen up to 320 inches across, the MegaPlex MG-850HD can accommodate. The direct mirroring of your desktop with audio to the projector over USB is handy, but the speed of the connection seems too slow to provide smooth motion in full screen movies.

If you’re looking to watch the video on your iPad or iPhone on a screen up to 320 inches across, the MegaPlex MG-850HD can accommodate. The direct mirroring of your Mac’s desktop with audio to the projector over USB is handy, but the speed of the connection seems too slow to provide smooth motion in full screen movies.

A decent entry-level LCD projector with some clever features, but if you don’t need the dock you can find 1080p at this price

The Epson Megaplex MG-850HD should find its way into a lot of families. The MG-850HD has the traditional Epson good color balance in any mode and its brightness enables it to be used successfully in almost any lighting condition. It’s also compact, lightweight and easy to move with its built-in carrying handle. The built-in iPod dock and PC free photo presentation capabilities make it easy to display the newest family photos at anytime. It also does all of this at a price that’s no more than a good 40” flatscreen TV. As was the case with some of our past-reviewed Epson multimedia projectors, the good color balance in even the brightest display mode makes using that mode a viable option, even for color-accuracy demanding photos or videos. The high brightness also allows for projection onto a huge screen or wall, making it great for large parties (like your next Superbowl party?).

The MG-850HD is a rather strange beast and it's difficult to decide who this hybrid projector is really aimed at. It seems to include a lot of features that one would associate with a data projector such as built-in speakers, a very bright bulb and a carry handle; however it also includes some elements that would be associated with home cinema projectors like a CMS and a black chassis.

The Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD is an iPhone-friendly home entertainment projector with data presentation chops; it handled both data and video with aplomb.

When it gets down to the nitty-gritty, the MG-850HD delivers on its promise. The iPod dock functions well, and navigation is mostly straightforward. Black level is slightly high, but in a bright room black level becomes functionally irrelevant. The same goes for the remote control backlight--annoying in the dark, but the MG-850HD is not built for the dark. All in all, the MG-850HD is a strong performer and a great addition to any family space.