Multi-purpose devices, capable of carrying out a relatively large number of functions, have always been quite popular among users, especially those less tech-savvy, who would rather spend some money on a "do-it-all" product rather than purchase separate devices for the functions they require. For this reason, the Epson company has just launched the MovieMate 55 model, a very versatile device that works with pretty much any video source and even plays movies right out of the box, since it has been equipped with a built-in DVD player.

 

Apart from its built-in optical unit, this compact projector offers some rather entry-level features. The MovieMate 55 is built using 3LCD technology (3-chip optical engine with poly-silicon TFT active matrix) and also features a 120 W UHE (Ultra High Efficiency) lamp, which has an estimated functioning life of around 3000 hours.

 

The results? Well, besides the fairly impressive maximum image diagonal size (up to 150 inches), the device has a rather standard light output (around 1200 lumens) and, unfortunately, a very low contrast ratio, of just 300:1.

 

One of the main features pointed out by the manufacturers is represented by the projector's increased level of versatility. Thus, users can watch DVDs (directly on the built-in optical drive), but at the same time connect the projector to a wide variety of video signal sources, including here the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 videogame consoles.

 

Furthermore, the MovieMate 55 can also be used to play music stored onto the user's MP3 players, as well as to view the videos stored in the iPod's memory. And as if that wasn't enough, the MovieMate 55 can even play photo slideshows from photo CDs and USB flash drives and has the necessary connectivity options in order to be hooked up to a PC or Mac system.

 

The new projector from Epson sells for just around 700 US dollars, which makes it one of the most affordable products of this type available on the market, despite of the fact that this is not exactly the kind of device most true videophiles would purchase for their home entertainment center.

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