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Epson Powerlite Pro G5450WUNL 3LCD Projector Review

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Art Feierman

Epson G5450WUNL Projector Highlights

  • Good Brightness – 4000 lumen rating
  • Wired or wireless networking capability
  • PC-free presentation capability
  • Flexibility of installation – Vertical and horizontal lens shift, plus choice of five optional lenses
  • DICOM medical imaging simulation mode
  • Rapid Power up and nearly instant shut off

Epson G5450WUNL Projector Overview

The Epson PowerLite Pro G5450WUNL is a high brightness (4000 lumen rating), high resolution (WUXGA - 1920 X 1200) LCD projector that is targeted for use in a large venue like an auditorium.  The G5450WUNL has a complete set of connection options for a PC, Mac and other video sources, including the traditional VGA cable, DVI-D, HDMI, 5-BNC component video, S-video, composite video, PC-free USB and network presentation.

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The G5450WUNL  is network connectable, both wired and wireless (requires optional module), allowing for control of one or more networked projectors, as well as monitoring the projector’s status, scheduled maintenance and problem notification remotely.  In addition to the monitoring functions, there is the ability to allow others on the network to display images and video from their computers, even simultaneously using the G5450WUNL’s split and multi screen capability.  For medical school training and medical imaging presentations, Epson has included a DICOM simulation picture mode.  This is used to provide a clearer picture of X-ray images (see details in the Special Features section).

The G5450 does not come with a lens, instead giving the customer the option of choosing between five different lenses, which are explained in more detail later.

The G5450 picks up one of our Hot Product Awards. The combination of solid performance, wide range of capabilities, and a very competitive price, offset the slightly disappointing brightness measurements.

As usual for Epson, the G5450WUNL is one of a family of similar projectors.  These include (from bottom to top in features and price) the G5550NL - an XGA (1024 X 768) projector rated at 4500 lumens, the G5650WNL - a WXGA (1280 X 800) projector rated at 4500 lumens, the G5950NL – an XGA projector rated at 5200 lumens, the G5450WUNL – the subject of this review and the G5750WUNL – a WUXGA projector rated at 4500 lumens.  All of the above projectors have vertical and horizontal lens shift, can use the same interchangeable lenses and have the same networking capabilities.  Only the G5450WUNL and the G5750WUNL have a DVI-D input.

Epson G5450WUNL Projector Special Features

EasyMP

Short for Epson Administrative System for Meeting and Presentation, EasyMP allows for flexibility in presentations with such features as follows:

  • Slide Converter (which allows you to perform a slide show without connecting to a computer.
    A PowerPoint file is converted into a scenario file which can then be transferred to a USB storage device and installed in the projector.)
  • Multi-Screen Display (which allows connection to up to 4 projectors for a wide spreadsheet or flowchart).  This mode also allows for the display of a PowerPoint slide, while the presenter’s monitor is also displaying the PowerPoint tools.
  • Presentation Mode (which allows for display of PowerPoint or Keynote slide shows)
  • Distribution Function (which allows for display from a remote computer on the network)

Email Notification - When using the networking ability of the G5450WUNL, either wired or wireless, it can be set to notify the owner of the projector status, reminders or any problems via email.

PCFree – This feature enables you to display photos, videos, PowerPoint presentations and other files stored on a USB storage device, without the use of a PC.  Presentations created with Slide Converter (above), can also be used with PCFree.

Multi Screen, Multi Source Capabilities

The G5450WUNL has the capability to display side-by-side split screen from two video inputs, as well as the ability to simultaneously display up to four (of a possible sixteen network connected) PC sources in four quadrants of the screen.

Interchangeable Lenses

For the ultimate customizability of installation, Epson offers a choice of five bayonet-style lenses to choose from, depending on your installation needs.  The standard lens (which typically comes with the projector and was used for this review) has a throw ratio that ranges from 1.3 to 2.36 (this means the projector can be placed at a distance from the screen that equals 1.3 to 2.36 times the screen width).  By contrast, the long throw zoom lens has a throw ratio ranging from 5.3 to 7.2.  There are two middle throw lenses whose throw ratios fit in between the standard and long throw lens at 2.4 to 3.6 and 3.5 to 5.4.  What does this all mean?  It means that by choosing the appropriate lens, the projector can display a 100” wide (125” diagonal) image at distances ranging from as little as 10’-10” (130”) or a far as 60’ (720”), though the recommended maximum distance is 49’.

There is also a wide lens (fixed at 0.78 throw ratio) available for rear projection applications.  List prices on these lenses are $1399 for the standard lens and $1899 for the other lenses.

Quick Corner Keystone Correction

In addition to the usual horizontal and vertical keystone correction, the G5450 also features an option to adjust each corner of the projected image called Quick Corner.  This can come in handy if the projector is tilted up (as much as 30 degrees) or placed at an angle.  We’ve tried this feature with other Epson projectors and it works well, with less image degradation compared to basic keystone correction.  As such, it is quite useful for making minor corrections, especially in non-permanent installations.  However, if the projector is to be mounted, it’s better to get it placed properly to provide a square image without the use of keystoning or Quick Corner.

DICOM Simulation Mode

In addition to the usual Picture modes, Epson has added a special mode to the G5450WUNL that displays images approximating the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) Part 14 Grayscale Standard Display Function used with B/W medical imaging (such as X-rays).  This mode optimizes black/gray/white detail with a custom gamma curve.  While not intended for actual medical evaluation, this mode allows for more accurate training of medical students, as well as more detailed medical imaging presentations.

Crestron RoomView Network Service/AMX Device Discovery

In addition to the control capabilities provided by Easy MP, the G5450WUNL also supports Crestron’s RoomView management system.  This allows for centralized access and control over a single projector or multiple projectors simultaneously, as well as notifications which can be distributed to each projector.

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