Projector Reviews

Epson Powerlite 1720 XGA Micro-Portable 3LCD Projector Review

The Epson Powerlite 1720 is one of four similar projectors in the Epson lineup, each sporting a different combination of features. This allows you to pick the one that best meets your needs, and, of course, your budget.

Before we go further, ProjectorReviews.com has not physically reviewed the Epson Powerlite 1720. We recently reviewed the very similar, top of the line 1735W, which, in addition to being a widescreen (WXGA) projector, also supports sophisticated and easy to set up wireless and wired networking.  The links on this page will take you to the appropriate sections in the Powerlite 1735W projector review.  The remainder of this page, will provide you with an overview of the Epson 1720, as well as discuss some of the differences between it, and the reviewed Epson Powerlite 1735W.  Rounding out the lineup, Epson also has the 1730W and 1725. The 1730W is basically identical to the 1720, but has widescreen WXGA resolution (1280×800). The 1725 is basically identical to the 1735W but, like the 1720, has the more traditional XGA resolution (1024×768).

Epson Powerlite 1720 Projector Overview

The Powerlite 1720 is an extremely portable projector in a class often referred to as micro-portable. Weighing in just under four pounds, it is also very small, with a footprint about the same size as a standard sheet of paper.

While the 1720 is highly portable, being both small and light, it is also an extremely versatile projector, and as a result, it will appeal to many businesses, government agencies and schools as a low cost, rather bright projector for permanent installation.

Not only does the 1720 accept a ceiling mount, but it is designed so that users can replace an aging lamp, without having to unmount the projector, if it is ceiling mounted.  This is thanks to the lamp door being located on the top of this Epson projector, rather than on the bottom (where mounts attach), which is where most portable projectors put their lamp door. The 1720 also has a black case, whereas the 1735W comes in white.

This Epson Powerlite 1720 shares most of the features found on the Powerlite 1735W, except for those relating to networking and the aforementioned widescreen resolution.  You will find that the links above will take you to the appropriate sections of the 1735W projector review.  Please use your Back button to return to this page.   For those not needing widescreen resolution, networking capability and the related features and benefits, the 1720 comes in with a price of $1299, exactly $350 less than the 1735W.

Interfacing on the 1720 is both versatile and easy.  For PC’s or Macs you can connect via VGA and for many Macs that have no VGA connector, such as MacBook Pro laptops, just connect using the Mac’s DVI to VGA adapter (standard with the Mac.)   In addition, the Epson Powerlite 1720’s remote can control presentations off your PC or Mac by a USB connection between the 1720 and the computer.

The top of the line Powerlite 1735W scored highly in many areas of use and performance.  We expect all of those strengths to be shared by the Powerlite 1720.  Please use the links to learn more about the common features and performance.