Epson Brightlink 585Wi Projector Review - Pros and Cons

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Art Feierman

BRIGHTLINK 585WI PROJECTOR: PROS AND CONS

Brightlink 585Wi - Pros

Very bright 3300 – handle most classrooms, training rooms without difficulty
Exceptionally sharp image for an ultra short throw projector
Good to excellent color across all picture modes
Extensive built in interactive controls
Lot’s of supporting interactive software, templates, coursework, Apps
iOS and Android apps for BYOD use and interactivity
Of course, ultra short throw design, so as not to blind presenter, reduce installation costs
Powerful 16 watt speaker system to cover all but very large rooms
Audio out to easily interface with a room audio system or external powered speakersGood remote control, in terms of layout, and range
Very good menu structure
Extensive, advanced networking, including Crestron RoomView compatible, capable of network (PC free) presentations, push notifications, monitoring…
Easy wireless networking, via plug in module (which is included)
Multiple Eco features – timers, to feel good and reduce operational costs
Lamp life is excellent at 4000 / 6000 hours, for low cost of operation
$79 lamp replacement cost for education market, plus life keeps overall costs far below that of led or laser projectors
Extensive collection of inputs and connectors including 2 HDMI. 3 audio in, two computer…
Digital zoom allows zooming in on a small area of the screen
One HDMI supports MHL, which adds a whole extra level of access using mobile devices
Keystone correction with Quick Corner for quick setups
At home table top, wall mounted above the projection surface, or mounted directly to a whiteboard, drafting table, conventional table
Moderator software allows any four of 50 networked to computers to be displayed at once, great for collaboration or classwork
2 year warranty with 2 years replacement is very good, Education gets 3 years of each, which qualifies as a really fine warranty - better than most offer.

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Brightlink 585Wi - Cons

Ultra short nature requires precise placement of projector to fill the projection surface accurately (no zoom, but no ultra short throws have optical zoom)
Remote lacks backlight
Contrast and black levels could be improved, although since normally used in not fully darkened rooms where the difference would be significant
At 11+ lbs, not particularly portable, which is too bad considering the great interactive capabilities
Filters to change (not very often), which like replacing lamps is a factor in overall cost of operation/maintenance
Not inexpensive – ultra short throw design, feature laden, all adds up (but huge education discount really helps for schools)
Lacks the even more impressive finger touch control found on the Brightlink 595Wi