Big Picture Big Sound

Just because you're broke, it doesn't mean you have to settle for a teeny tiny TV. Epson is trying to squeeze a projector into every home -- as well as every budget. The sub-$750 price tag on the new MovieMate 60 and the PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD isn't necessarily cheap, but it certainly is bringing home theater into the reach of the common man or woman.  And if you pair either one with a large screen, the cost per inch is downright affordable.

Epson's PowerLite Home Cinema 705HD promises a huge high definition picture for only $749.99. OK, that HD picture is 720p (1280x720 pixels), but it's still pretty. Joining the rest of Epson's 3LCD projector line, the 705HD is an affordable solution, whether it's for movies, gaming, TV or just blasting iPod content on a big screen.

Boasting a bright 2,500 ANSI lumens of light output, the unit also features four preset color modes, a 1.2x optical zoom and Instant On, Instant Off technology.  For maximum compatibility, the projector offers connections for HDMI, component video, S-Video and USB devices.

The Epson Home Cinema 705HD will be available through select retails, online A/V specialty retailers and Epson's online store, starting next month (October, 2009).

In case you need something with a bit more oomph, the MovieMate 60 is a complete all-in-one home entertainment solution. We are slightly sad that it doesn't have Blu-ray capabilities, but it does pack a projector, DVD/CD player, a microphone input, and stereo speakers into one $699 box. And that's not too shabby.

Able to project a 60-inch image from six feet (or 120 inches from 12 feet), the MovieMate 60 also features 2,000 lumens of color and white light output, Dolby Digital audio decoding, and HDMI connectivity.  At a recent trade show, our editor Chris Boylan was told by an Epson rep that the MovieMate 60 offers "540p resolution" (960 x 540 pixels) which is at least half as good as 1080p, right?  It even has a handle so you can bring it along on family outings and a microphone input so you can rock out with some karaoke.  

"These days, families are looking for more affordable ways to entertain themselves and share good times," said Marge Ang, Epson's senior product manager. "Whether watching a movie, hosting a gaming night or singing karaoke, Epson's unique MovieMate all-in-one projectors help bring families and friends together with a big screen entertainment experience anywhere - in any room of the house or in the backyard."

Where to Buy:

• Epson MovieMate 60 Home Theater Projector (Amazon.com)