EpiqVision mini ef12 guide Description
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector is a more refined version of the Epson EF-100. It has a higher resolution, at 1080p (1920-by-1080), and lower brightness, at 1,000 lumens. Both are smaller than typical for laser projectors, both are designed for streaming, and neither supports 3D. But the EF12 offers integrated Android TV instead of a bundled dongle, adds support for 4K UHD (3,820-by-2,160) input for downconverting, and adds HDR support for both HDR10 and HLG. Color accuracy is excellent and the stereo speakers are impressive for the size. Overall, the EpiqVision Mini EF12 has a polished feel, and it's impressive enough to earn an Editors' Choice nod for streaming projectors.
Epson EF-12 review
A smart, small and seriously punchy projector Tested at £899 / $900 / AU$1768
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
The Epson EF-12 is one of an increasing number of devices that aims to fill the gap between true home cinema projectors and truly portable projectors.
Unlike a true home cinema projector it has a proper built-in sound system and a smart platform, enabling it to perform as a self-contained cinema system. It's compact and light, too, so can be picked up and moved on a whim.
But, unlike a truly portable projector, it lacks an integrated battery so requires proximity to a mains socket. Think garden cinema rather than campsite cinema.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 projector review: Laser-powered picture cube
This tiny projector makes big pictures and sound, but the price is steep.
The Epson EF12 is a tiny projector with built-in streaming and surprisingly loud speakers, all packed into a slick-looking cube. It's a one-stop shop for movie nights anywhere you can run an extension cord. The downside? For $1,000, its picture quality is no great shakes, with below-average contrast ratio and a rather dim image compared to other projectors in this price range.
As you can guess from its design, however, the EF12 doesn't intend to compete with traditional home theater projectors. For one thing, it's tiny: way less than a foot cubed. So it can fit just about anywhere. There are multiple HDMI inputs, Wi-Fi and Android TV. It can even double as a Bluetooth speaker . And it also uses a laser light source, so you never need to replace a projector bulb.
The EF12 is similar to the Epson EF-100 we liked, but with better sound, sharper resolution and less brightness. It costs more than our Editors' Choice BenQ HT2050A, but that projector is much larger and lacks built-in streaming and good speakers. If you want something easily portable with everything you need for a movie night, the EF12 can fit that bill. But if you can fit something larger or don't prioritize built-in sound quality, the same money or less will get you a far better picture with another projector.
Honestly, the EF12 is one of the best-looking projectors on the market. With laser projection and portable functionality, it offers a great marriage of form and function too. The laser-powered picture is colourful and clear, with a distinct lack of blurring in fast-moving images. But as great as it is for sports and films, gamers will be disappointed by the long lag, which makes many games unplayable.
Epson EF-12 review
A smart, small and seriously punchy projector Tested at £899 / $900 / AU$1768
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
The Epson EF-12 is one of an increasing number of devices that aims to fill the gap between true home cinema projectors and truly portable projectors.
Unlike a true home cinema projector it has a proper built-in sound system and a smart platform, enabling it to perform as a self-contained cinema system. It's compact and light, too, so can be picked up and moved on a whim.
But, unlike a truly portable projector, it lacks an integrated battery so requires proximity to a mains socket. Think garden cinema rather than campsite cinema.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 projector review: Laser-powered picture cube
This tiny projector makes big pictures and sound, but the price is steep.
The Epson EF12 is a tiny projector with built-in streaming and surprisingly loud speakers, all packed into a slick-looking cube. It's a one-stop shop for movie nights anywhere you can run an extension cord. The downside? For $1,000, its picture quality is no great shakes, with below-average contrast ratio and a rather dim image compared to other projectors in this price range.
As you can guess from its design, however, the EF12 doesn't intend to compete with traditional home theater projectors. For one thing, it's tiny: way less than a foot cubed. So it can fit just about anywhere. There are multiple HDMI inputs, Wi-Fi and Android TV. It can even double as a Bluetooth speaker . And it also uses a laser light source, so you never need to replace a projector bulb.
The EF12 is similar to the Epson EF-100 we liked, but with better sound, sharper resolution and less brightness. It costs more than our Editors' Choice BenQ HT2050A, but that projector is much larger and lacks built-in streaming and good speakers. If you want something easily portable with everything you need for a movie night, the EF12 can fit that bill. But if you can fit something larger or don't prioritize built-in sound quality, the same money or less will get you a far better picture with another projector.
Honestly, the EF12 is one of the best-looking projectors on the market. With laser projection and portable functionality, it offers a great marriage of form and function too. The laser-powered picture is colourful and clear, with a distinct lack of blurring in fast-moving images. But as great as it is for sports and films, gamers will be disappointed by the long lag, which makes many games unplayable.
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