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Epson PowerLite U50 Business and Education Projector Review

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Nikki Zelinger
Epson-PowerLite-U50_Featured-Image

The Epson PowerLite U50 is a 3LCD, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution projector with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This Epson is well suited for bright classrooms and conference rooms, thanks to its high lumen output and 3LCD technology. Unlike its DLP competition, the U50 has as many color lumens as it does white ones, making colors pop even in the face of ambient light. Whether you are looking for a projector for business or education environments, this Epson is certainly one to consider.

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Highlights

  • 3,700 Claimed Color and White Lumens
  • Ideal for Bright Classrooms and Conference Rooms
  • Great Color in Multiple Modes
  • Powerful 5-Watt Speaker Fills Medium Sized Spaces
  • WUXGA Resolution Gives a Sharp, Clear Image
  • Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • Low Maintenance (10,000 Hour Filters, 17,000 Hour Lamp)
  • Accepts Video Signals via USB from Windows and Mac

Overview

Lamp ModeHoursEstimated Time Before Lamp Change
Normal10,0006 Hrs/Day in 180-Day School Year = 9.25 Years of Use
ECO17,0006 Hrs/Day in 180-Day School Year = 15.74 Years of Use

The Epson PowerLite U50 is a lamp-based projector, with a lifespan of up to 17,000 in its ECO modes. At full power, the projector has a lamp life of up to 10,000 hours, which is on the high end for lamp-based projectors operating at full power.

Epson PowerLite U50 projecting a scene from Journey to Space.
The Epson PowerLite U50 has good color in multiple modes.

As mentioned, the PowerLite U50 has WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200), which is the business and education world’s 1080p. The aspect ratio, or width/height ratio of the projected image, is 16:10 instead of 16:9 (the aspect ratio of 1080p), so make sure you get a 16:10 screen if you’re buying a new screen.

16:9 Aspect Ratio

Aspect-Ratio-16-9

16:10 Aspect Ratio

Aspect-Ratio-16-10

WUXGA is more than enough resolution for K-12 and business applications. Many projectors in this market have the lower WXGA resolution, which is plenty for presentations and text. The higher resolution is a major plus in the case of this Epson, and makes it a fine choice for high school video production, photography, yearbook, or graphic design classes. This projector will be especially fitting for higher education, where the need for WUXGA may be higher (medical films, scientific renderings, simulation, architecture, film and design applications).

The Epson PowerLite U50 projects an extra sharp, clean image, thanks to its WUXGA resolution and 3LCD technology.
The Epson PowerLite U50 projects an extra sharp, clean image, thanks to its WUXGA resolution and 3LCD technology.

The Epson PowerLite U50 claims 3,700 color and white lumens, which is bright enough to handle the ambient light found in most classrooms and conference rooms, even in those really bright conference rooms where the walls are mostly windows. Later in the review, there is a deeper discussion about ambient light and some photos for reference.

The PowerLite can be purchased for the low price of $1,149.99, and if you're in education, you can expect a hefty discount that brings the price of the projector down to just $899. That is through their Brighter Futures Education Program. For school districts purchasing in bulk, that is a steal of a deal for a WUXGA projector.

Thank you to Epson for sponsoring the 2021-2022 Education Report and Guide!

Projector Specifications

Epson Specs
Price
Technology 3LCD
Native Resolution WUXGA (1920x1200)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) 3700
Contrast 16,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Lens Shift
Lamp Life
Weight
Warranty

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