Epson PowerLite 955WH Projector Review - Special Features

Network Based Functions

The Powerlite 955WH comes with an optical disc that contains network related software plus additional software is available from Epson’s web site for several network enabled functions including:

• EasyMP Network Projection software sets up your computer for network projection
• EasyMP Monitor software (Windows only) lets you monitor and control your projector through the network
• EasyMP Multi PC Projection software allows you to hold interactive meetings by projecting the computer screens of users over a network
• EasyMP Network Updater software (Windows only) allows you to update firmware for a projector over a wired LAN.

The Powerlite 955WH is also compatible with Crestron RoomView(TM) network monitoring and control systems.

Moderator Functions

The PowerLite 955WH supports a “Moderator Function” that Epson describes as:

“Multi-PC projection and Moderator function allows up to 50 devices to connect over a network and then select up to 4 to project simultaneously.”

As illustrated below, this allows the teacher/moderator to select the content to be displayed from up to 4 devices (i.e., PCs, MACs or mobile devices), from a maximum of 50 connected devices.   The network connect can be either wired or wireless, with the optional wireless adapter.

PC-Free Slide Shows

A flash drive can be plugged into the projector’s USB connector to display photos, slideshows and videos without having an attached computer.  The projector’s remote includes the buttons needed to navigate through the photo slide show or video.  This can be useful when the projector is being used as a portable unit for doing a quick setup for hassle-free presentations.  The PowerLite 955WH supports the basic types of photo files (i.e., jpg, bmp, gif, and png) as well as avi video files.  While some other business or education projectors may support more file types for PC-free presentations, such support for Microsoft Word/Excel/Powerpoint files, this projector's more limited file support should be adequate for most education or business applications.

Support for Mobile Devices

MHL Support

MHL is essentially mobile HDMI.  The Powerlite 955WH supports MHL devices on its HDMI #2 port.   MHL is relatively recent, so it may see a lot more capabilities down the road.  To be effective, since MHL supports video, audio, and command and control, a projector really should have its own sound system, which the 955WH does (with a mono speaker).

Some phones and tablets, as well as all kinds of other smart devices are being designed with MHL.

Instant On and Direct Power Off

This is an not a common feature for a lamp-based projector.  While Epson refers to “instant on” it is really more of a quick turn on.  Also the projector turns off the cooling fan very soon after powering off the projector.  This feature allows the projector to be connected to a electrical circuit that can be switched to turn the projector on or off.