Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Summary Posted on April 23, 2014 By Mike Rollett 1. Ask Proxima E1655U LCD Projector Review - Overview of the ASK Proxima E1655U Projector - Highlights2. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Special Features - Interchangeable Lenses - Power Focus, Lens Shift and Zoom - Dual-Path Cooling - Closed Captioning3. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Hardware Tour - E1655U Projector Appearance - Setup and Menus - Remote Control4. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Picture Quality - Color and Picture Quality - Readability - Video Quality5. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Performance - Brightness - Noise - Wired Networking6. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Warranty - Warranty and Support7. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Summary - Summary - Pros - Cons8. ASK Proxima E1655U Specifications E1655U PROJECTOR SUMMARY: The Bottom Line, Pros, Cons SummaryThe Ask Proxima E1655U is an excellent performer that produces a sharp, bright image with very good color fidelity. With easy setup via its power zoom, focus and lens shift, as well as its variety of available lenses, it is easily integrated into any installation. Both the Normal and Cinema modes are well suited to presentations that require accurate color. Its black levels will not remind anyone of a home theater projector, but then no home theater projector could handle the amount of ambient light the E1655U can, while still providing a pleasing image. While there is no wireless network capability, that’s probably less of a concern for a projector that’s not intended for portability. Similarly, the lack of network presentation capability is a negative. While the 1655U’s network control ability is fine for most installations, a large corporation looking to equip a number of rooms with projectors in this class are likely to lean more towards projectors that offer more advanced networking, such as being Crestron compatible. That, however isn’t critical to most installations, including Houses of Worship, entertainment venues (restaurants, bars, clubs, small concert venues), and a host of stand alone type of installations, as well as rental and staging. Good as it is, the E1655U suffers in comparison with some of the competition in this price range, which offer similar performance, but with more features at a lower price. For example, the Epson G6550WU has the same brightness, resolution and interchangeable lenses, but also includes USB presentation ability, edge blending for multiple projector use and a DICOM simulation mode, all for $1000 less (MSRP) than the E1655U. With the exception of Ask Proxima’s excellent lamp warranty, the warranty and service plans are similar as well That being said, if additional features are not important, you could still spend more and do a lot worse than the E1655U. It has a very good set of features and solid performance, with no weaknesses. Feature set is solid, with a good amount of lens shift. To top it off, this projector actually measured more lumens than claimed, a rarity in our reviews. If you’re in the market for a large venue projector that can handle a fair amount of ambient light while still providing a clear presentation, the Ask Proxima E1655U certainly deserves your consideration. As such, it is well-deserving of a Special Interest award. ProsHigh brightness Very sharp image with any resolution Easy setup with power lens shift, zoom and focus Very good color balance, even with the brightest picture mode Lens removal and replacement is very easy Dual-path cooling keeps internal temperature down If mounted, both lamp and filter can be changed without unmounting the projector Has different colorboard settings Click Image to EnlargeConsHas dust filter that must be maintained No network display capability Manual available digitally only Somewhat limited feature set for this price range (ie: no network presentation or PC-free presentation) This projector review is included in our 2014-2015 Best Classroom Projectors Report, which is sponsored by Epson America. 1. Ask Proxima E1655U LCD Projector Review - Overview of the ASK Proxima E1655U Projector - Highlights2. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Special Features - Interchangeable Lenses - Power Focus, Lens Shift and Zoom - Dual-Path Cooling - Closed Captioning3. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Hardware Tour - E1655U Projector Appearance - Setup and Menus - Remote Control4. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Picture Quality - Color and Picture Quality - Readability - Video Quality5. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Performance - Brightness - Noise - Wired Networking6. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Warranty - Warranty and Support7. Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Summary - Summary - Pros - Cons8. ASK Proxima E1655U Specifications Ask Proxima E1655U Projector Review – Warranty ASK Proxima E1655U Specifications