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Epson Powerlite Pro G5150NL Wired Networking 3LCD Projector Review

Posted on July 1, 2009 By Art Feierman

A detailed review of this Epson lightweight wireless portable projector. Proofing and some more material will be added shortly. Additional commentary to Mike’s review, provided by Art

July 2009 – Mike Rollett

The Epson PowerLite Pro G5150NL is one of three similar projectors in the Epson Pro lineup. Each has a different combination of features, thus allowing the customer to choose the projector that best fulfills his or her needs, without paying for unwanted features.

First, we should mention that ProjectorReviews.com has not physically reviewed the Epson PowerLite Pro G5150NL. We recently reviewed the almost identical, top of the line G5350NL, which differs from the G5150NL in that it uses a different lamp rated at 5000 lumens (compared to the G5150’s 4000 lumen rating). Links on this page will take you to the appropriate sections in the Powerlite Pro G5350NL projector review. The remainder of this page will provide you with an overview of the Epson Powerlite Pro G5150NL. Rounding out the lineup, Epson has a widescreen WXGA (1280×800) model available, the G5200WNL, which is rated at 4200 lumens. The G5200WNL does not have the wired network display capability of the G5350 or 5150, nor does it have any wireless networking capabilities.

Epson Powerlite Pro G5150NL Wired Networking 3LCD Projector Overview

The Epson PowerLite Pro G5150NL is a high brightness (4000 lumen rating), XGA (1024 X 768) LCD projector that is intended for permanent installation in a boardroom or conference room. However, it is light (15 lbs.) and its positioning is flexible enough (horizontal and vertical lens shift) (horizontal and vertical lens shift) to be used on a cart for more portable presentation needs. The G5150NL has a great number of connection possibilities for a PC (or Mac) via the traditional VGA cable (or DVI to VGA for Mac users), USB, component video (including 5 BNC and HD15), HDMI or wired or wireless networking.

Epson has included full networking capabilities in the G5150, both wired and wireless (requires optional module), to enhance the projector’s flexibility in presentations, as well as monitoring the projector’s status. These networking capabilities includes the ability to allow others on the network to display images and video from their computers, as well as allowing for monitoring the projector’s status, scheduled maintenance and problem notification remotely. See the G5350 for more information on the G5150’s networking capabilities.

The G5150 does not come with a lens, instead giving the customer the option of choosing a lens that works best for their needs. As such, Epson offers a choice of five bayonet-style lenses to choose from. There is a standard lens (which was used for the G5350 review), a long throw zoom lens, two middle throw lenses and a wide lens for rear projection applications. By choosing the appropriate lens, the projector can display a 100” wide (125” diagonal) image at distances ranging from as little as 10’-10” (130”) or a far as 60’ (720”), though the recommended maximum distance is 47.8’. List prices on these lenses are $1399 for the standard lens and $1899 for the other lenses.

The G5150 is rated at 4000 lumens. While this will likely vary greatly depending on the lens used, our tests of the G5350 would lead us to believe that the G5150 will likely not achieve that rated output. With the G5350, which is rated at 5000 lumens, we measured a maximum 4471 lumens. While not close to its 5000 lumen rating, it was still very bright. Based on this we would expect the G5150 to measure at least 3500 lumens, which is bright enough for many applications.

The G5150 has Epson’s excellent warranty coverage. This includes a three-year parts and service warranty on the projector and a 90-day warranty on the lamp, as well as their Extra Care Road Service. With the Extra Care Road Service plan, if the projector fails and you can’t wait for it to be repaired, a phone call to Epson will send a replacement projector on its way to you. When the replacement unit arrives, you simply use the prepaid airway bill and packaging provided to send the defective projector back to Epson. For questions and problems not requiring warranty service, there is also a PrivateLine technical support card with a special phone number and PIN for fast access to a support technician.

The Epson PowerLite Pro G5150NL has a street price of around $4000 (about $1000 less than the G5350), so if you don’t need the additional lumen output, the G5150 is a wise choice.