Epson PowerLite 85+ XGA LCD Multimedia Projector Review
The Epson PowerLite 85+ was awarded the Best In Classroom Award in our annual Classroom Projector Comparison Report -May 2010.
Update 6-30-11: We recently reviewed the Epson PowerLite 96W, an indirect replacement (with a more advanced feature set) of the 85+. Click here to read the projector review of the new Epson projector, which, like the PowerLite 85+, received our Best In Classroom award, in this year's Classroom Projector Comparison Report.
April 2010 - Anthony Arrigo
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Epson PowerLite 85+ Projector Overview
Epson has designed yet another great projector for both conference rooms and classrooms. The Epson PowerLite 85+ is in the moderately bright category with a specified light output of 2600 lumens. What is uncommon is Epson's claim that not only does it project white light at 2600 lumens, but it also projects colored light at 2600 lumens. In our section called Image Quality we will test and explore the claims to see how close to accurate they are. Most projectors do not put out the specified light shown in the specs so it will be interesting to see how this unit performs.
The PowerLite 85+ is definitely packed with features. Just looking at the input panel in the back, one can tell this unit was designed to be versatile. Portable enough to travel with, I still find this unit to be more suited for fixed installation in a conference room or classroom. It is fully networkable via a RJ45 input, but is also wireless capable so you can present from your laptop without any wires. Not to mention, you can use a standard USB cable instead of a bulky VGA cable. I will get into the benefits on that when we talk about the projectors setup.
Projector Displaying Web Page
Maintenance is a breeze with the Epson PowerLite 85+. Epson, realizing schools with potentially large numbers of projectors would need a very cost effective way to maintain their AV equipment, designed the projector to be easy to maintain. The lamp is easily cleaned without the use of any tools. Simply pull the filter out, vacuum or replace and you are done. Basically, anyone near the projector could handle it. The lamp is replaceable from the top of the projector. So if ceiling mounted. A screwdriver is all it will take to open the hatch and place in a new lamp. And with its long life lamp, replacement won't be necessary for quite a long time.
The projectors native resolution of XGA (1024x768) makes it more than capable in your typical K-12 or University environment. It will work equally well in a vocational environment, but depending on what you are teaching, if you need a machine to do higher resolutions for many hours each day, I would recommend looking at a projector that has a higher native resolution. Classroom environments that teach CAD or other engineering software that usually requires a lot of screen real estate might find XGA to not provide the space for all the buttons and interface elements.
Below you will find some highlights and specifications. Next we will take an in-depth physical tour of the Epson PowerLite 85+ and discuss its setup.
Epson PowerLite 85+ Projector Highlights
- 2600 lumen color output and 2600 white light output
- 2000:1 Constrast ratio
- Optional wireless presenting
- Networkable for presentations over an IP network
- 6000 hours lamp life in ECO Mode
- Instant shut-off. No waiting for the lamp to cool before unplugging.
- Closed captioning
- Moderately short throw lens
- Security bar to provide even more protection against theft
- Microphone input
- Presenting via USB cable
Specs for the Epson PowerLite 85+
View the full specifications of the Epson PowerLite 85+
MSRP: $899.00
Brightness: 2600 ANSI Lumens
Imaging Technology: 3 LCD
Resolution: 1024x768 XGA
Contrast: 2000:1
Zoom Lens:1.6 Optical Zoom
Lamp Life: 6000 Hours in ECO Mode
Dimensions: 12.9''W x 9.8''D x 4.3''H
Weight: 7 lbs.
Sound: 10 Watt internal speaker
Warranty: 2-Years limited parts and labor.
Epson PowerLite 85+ Projector Special Features
Filter is easy to replace by simply sliding it out. No need for tools. Just pull the filter out, vacuum, and slide back in.
Has a microphone input so the presenter can either use a standard or wireless mic for extra mobility. Remote has volume control to raise or lower the 10 Watt internal speaker.
Metal anchor bar for added security. Also includes Kensington lock hole.