(This is part of a series of articles. For the first page, click here)

The PowerLite S3 has the honor of being the only LCD projector in this shootout - and it manages to do very well. Rated at 1600 ANSI lumens, it displays an image of about 1170 ANSI lumens when set up for text presentation. Once again, this is plenty of light for any situation - and in the case that it's actually too much light, you can switch to eco-mode to compensate.

While the contrast ratio of the S3 is only 500:1, this is relatively unimportant in data projection. Ambient light is contrast's kryptonite. Any ambient light on the screen washes out black levels, kills shadow detail, and for the most part neutralizes any contrast differences between these projectors. The key to retaining contrast is to either block more ambient light, or project a very bright image to counteract the effects of errant light. So do not discount the Powerlite S3 simply because other comparable projectors have higher stated contrast ratings. The lumen output of the Powerlite S3 is what creates contrast in a bright room.

Compressing an XGA signal into an SVGA-native projector can be tricky business, as the legibility of text and clarity of graphics must be preserved while data is cut out of the picture. Within this sample of projectors, Epson's Powerlite S3 emerges as a strong performer in this area. Downscaled signals not only look clean and legible, but they have none of the fuzzy edges normally associated with a scaled signal. Following that, the MP610, SD110U and EP716 are too close to call, but all three do a good job of keeping the signal clean, and should be legible from anywhere in the room. The difference, though, is that the PowerLite S3 would be legible in the NEXT room.

Video signals were certainly watchable on the PowerLite S3, and the lack of rainbow effects was a nice change. Epson's PowerLite S3 has acceptable color, but the 500:1 contrast is a bit low for video use, and the visible pixel structure can be distracting. However, for weekend use, this projector should work just fine.

Keystone adjustment was handled particularly well on this projector, with no "bolding effect" at all. Lines are kept clean, text is still legible from any point in the room, and photography/video still looks as it should.

In standard lamp mode, the Powerlite S3 is actually on the noisier end of the spectrum. At 36dB, the fan is definitely audible, but it is low in pitch and lacks the high-pitched whine of a color wheel and as such is not as distracting as one might think. In eco-mode, fan noise drops considerably, and is much less noticeable. The S3 also has the fastest shutdown time of all the projectors in this shootout, clocking in at a blazing fast four seconds.

The remote includes a digital pointer as well as 12X digital zoom, which are especially useful for complex diagrams or photography. The menu system is clean, organized, and very easy to use.

The Epson S3's 1.35:1 zoom range is a very attractive proposition; however, there is a catch. Instead of an optical zoom lens, the projector utilizes a digital zoom technology that simply uses less of the projector's chip if you want a smaller image. This results in reduced light output when using a tighter zoom setting, which can negatively impact your presentation if the image looks washed out due to lack of power.

However, when using a smaller image, The PowerLite S3 allows you to shift the image around in the larger overall frame, making for a sort of digital lens shift. This can be helpful if the screen is too high to hit normally.

Before purchasing a projector, one should consider that projector's lamp life and the cost of replacement lamps. These lamps often cost several hundred dollars, so it is wise to budget for them in advance. And while a manufacturer's stated lamp life is a somewhat "hopeful" number, it should still give you some indication of when a replacement will be needed. The Epson PowerLite S3 is rated at 2,000 hours standard and 3,000 hours eco-mode, and a replacement lamp only costs $199. This is an excellent value, and a great way to save costs later. Coupled with a two-year warranty from Epson, the PowerLite S3 is a great value with low maintenance costs.

The Epson PowerLite S3 is an excellent projector for text or complex diagrams, and it does a fair job with photography and video, too. If you have a need for an inexpensive projector that will still preserve the fine detail in your presentation materials, or just want the sharpest picture on the market at this price level, the PowerLite S3 is for you.

Introduction

Page one: The BenQ MP610

Page two: The EPSON PowerLite S3

Page three: The InFocus X2

Page four: The Microtek MS4

Page five: The Mitsubishi SD110U