Posted on September 26, 2022 By Philip Boyle
The Epson PowerLite 805F is an Ultra-Short-Throw (UST) 3LCD laser projector selling for $2,825 MSRP.
The PowerLite 805F uses three 1,366 x 768 polysilicon TFT active matrix RGB LCD chips to produce a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) displayed image.
The PowerLite 805F is an extra-bright laser projector producing 5,000 ANSI lumens (manufacturer-rated) of brightness. It can display a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of over 2,500,000:1.
I have had the opportunity to review Epson consumer, education, and corporate projectors, but this is my first review of a display designed primarily for the digital signage market. I’m excited!
The PowerLite 800 series consists of two models, the PowerLite 800F and the PowerLite 805F. Except for cabinet color, both projectors are identical.
Based on my preliminary examination of the PowerLite 805F’s marketing materials and the product itself, this projector’s hardware looks very similar to the Epson BrightLink 1485Fi without all the digital whiteboard and related features. Check out my detailed review of the 1485Fi by clicking on the link.
The PowerLite 805F is a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) projector that takes a signal from three 1,366 x 768 LCD panels and shifts them to achieve the Full HD image. These images can be projected onto a 16×9 screen as large as 130-inches diagonally.
While pixel-shifted vs. native resolution is a divisive topic among some projector enthusiasts, Epson’s proven pixel-shift technology delivers a sharp image without being able to tell that the image was created by shifting. When viewed from an average distance, it is difficult to differentiate between a 1,366-pixel-shifted image or an image created by a native 1,080p projector.
The Epson PowerLite 805F uses a blue diode laser plus an inorganic phosphor wheel, producing red, green, and blue (RGB) light sources for each projector’s three polysilicon TFT active matrix LCD panels. The resulting RGB streams travel to the projector’s ultra-short-throw lens and onto a screen.
Epson lists that the PowerLite 805F’s laser light source will last up to 20,000 hours in NORMAL light mode or 30,000 hours in the projector’s EXTENDED light mode.
The benefits of a laser light source are undeniable. Lasers are brighter than lamps. Lasers offer a broader range of contrast and color gamut compared to their lamp counterparts. They are practically maintenance-free, and lasers never require lamp replacement!
The Epson PowerLite 805F delivers up to 5,000 lumens of brightness thanks to the projector’s high-powered laser light engine.
The Epson PowerLite 805F could be one of the best projector designs for the challenging world of digital signage because of its tremendous flexibility. It is an excellent solution for various applications, which I go into below.
The Epson PowerLite 805F’s is bright, providing an excellent dynamic contrast ratio of over 2,500,000:1. Contrast is essential in many venues such as retail, where lights make it challenging to see rich and contrast-heavy content.
The Epson PowerLite 805F has many connectivity options, including three HDMI connections, HDBaseT, an optional 5GHz wireless adaptor, a built-in speaker, and a direct playback function via a USB connector.
Using projectors such as the PowerLite 805F for digital signage is a growing trend as their picture quality increases, and their pricing becomes more attractive. Capture your audience’s attention with the vibrant, incredible signage you can create or update from your business or anywhere your Apple phone can get a signal. The Epson PowerLite 805F can transform dull spaces into vibrant and engaging point-of-purchase tools with true-to-life images up to 130″ diagonal and larger using multiple PowerLite 805F projectors with Epson’s built-in EDGE BLENDING mode. The PowerLite 805F also supports GEOMETRY CORRECTION, SCALE, UNIFORMITY, and COLOR MATCHING. With either single or multiple projectors and these powerful tools, the Epson PowerLite 805F brings in-store displays to life, makes gallery walls explode, and can make your restaurant’s menu look mouth-watering.
This versatile ultra-short-throw projector delivers sharp, colorful images. It can project them in both small and large spaces. The PowerLite 805F provides 360-degree installation capability and comprehensive content management software for customizing displays with unique creative effects making all this possible.
Epson offers four in-house software tools, including mobile applications, for the PowerLite 805F. These four programs include:
Epson Projector Management Software: Epson Projector Management software allows you to check the status of multiple networked projectors and perform various operations from your computer. You can get information such as power status, errors, and warnings, so you are alerted to projector abnormalities immediately.
Epson iProjection Software: Epson iProjection is a free software solution that allows users to display content wirelessly from PC, Mac, Chromebook, Android, or iOS devices to the PowerLite 805F and other compatible Epson projectors.
Epson Content Manager Software: The Epson Projector Content Manager software, allows users to add images and movies to playlists and save them on an external storage device. You can use a variety of playlist control functions as necessary. Users can add effects such as intervals, transitions, loop playback, brightness, color, and customize shape effect filters.
Epson Creative Projection App: Epson Creative Projector is an exclusive iOS app that allows users to create custom content using built-in templates and stamps and wirelessly transfer it to the projector, providing that it is connected to a wireless access point or using Epson’s optional $99 WiFi adaptor.
In addition to Epson’s included software, the PowerLite 805F is also compatible with the following third-party monitoring and control software.
Crestron Connected: Crestron Connected lets you control and monitor your projector using a web browser. Note: You cannot use the Message Broadcasting tool for Epson Projector Management when you use Crestron Connected.
PJLink: PJLink is a unified standard for operating and controlling data projectors. PJLink enables central control of projectors manufactured by different vendors. PJLink-compliant equipment can be managed and controlled at any time and in any place, regardless of manufacturer.
Extron XTP: The Epson 805F is XTP Certified and can be recognized as an XTP receiver, ensuring interoperability with XTP Systems. An XTP Inside certified display device is ideal for professional installations, providing simplified designs, easy integration, and transparent operation in a wide variety of environments.
RS232: The RS232 protocol and connection allow users to control a projector remotely via a PC, tablet, smartphone, or even a remote control device. You can turn a projector on and off, and you can change inputs.
SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Software: SNMP administrators can monitor projectors connected to the same network.
USB Display Software: If you don’t have a computer with the appropriate HDMI or VGA output the included USB Display software will allow the projector to receive images from a PC’s USB Type-A connection.
In addition to the Epson PowerLite 800F/805F, Epson has also introduced the higher-end Epson PowerLite 730U. On the more affordable side, the PowerLite L255F has a 4,500-lumen, brightness claim is a standard throw. See the chart below for more details.
The PowerLite 805F has wired LAN and HDBaseT for running audio, video, and control signals to the projector from up to 328 feet (100 meters). There are also three HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.3) inputs. The PowerLite 805F accepts a wide range of video signals, including 4K content. The projector also features one RS232C control port.
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