First impression of the Epson EB-U04
What's in the box
The scope of delivery of the Epson EB-U04 is manageable. The projector itself is in a comfortable and precisely fitting carrying case. It also includes a VGA cable, a remote control with two AA batteries and a power cord for power supply. A detailed operating manual can be found on the CDROM supplied. The optional WLAN module is not included!
Design and workmanship
With a size of only 297 x 244 x 77mm and a weight of 2.6kg, the EB-U04 has a compact design. The design is modern, but at the same time reserved and simple. The processing is convincing. The projector, which is made entirely of plastic, has no unsightly gaps or uncleanly processed areas, and the individual controls can be operated smoothly and the control buttons on the top of the housing have a pleasant pressure point.
connection options
The Epson projector supports almost all common connection options. In addition to two HDMI sockets, the device also has two USB sockets (USB type A and B), a VGA socket, a composite input and a cinch audio input.
One of the HDMI sockets is also MHL compatible. MHL stands for Mobile High-Definition Link, which enables mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet to be connected to the projector using a cable. This interface can be used to transmit high-resolution audio and video files, and the mobile device is also charged at the same time.
The WLAN function advertised with the EB-U04 is optional. A special WLAN USB stick is required for this (ELPAP09 or ELPAP10), which must be purchased separately. The “iProjection App” available for Android and iOS can only be used if the projector is connected to the WLAN.
Other
On the underside of the Epson EB-U04 there are screw options for an optional ceiling mount. An additional device for a safety cable is attached to the side of the housing. On the back there is also a loudspeaker through which the sound of the playback material can be reproduced.
- Manual zoom by a factor of 1.2
- Manual focus
- Keystone Correction Automatic Vertical: ±30°, Manual Horizontal ±30°
- Projection ratio 1.38 - 1.68:1
- Projection size 30 inches - 300 inches
OPERATION
The commissioning of the projector is extremely easy and does not require any prior knowledge. After connecting the device to the power supply, the projector is ready to go. When the device is switched on, there is a short warm-up phase of around 45 seconds. The projector is then in the main menu. The EB-U04 is controlled via the enclosed remote control or the control buttons on the projector housing.
main menu
Here is an overview of the available and also connected sources. In addition, you can select the most important functions (keystone, split-screen, ECO settings and color mode), you can switch to the settings, call up the help and you will get the assigned WLAN data.
Settings
The settings menu is extensive, but nevertheless clearly arranged. Here is a rough overview of the most important settings.
BILD
There are a total of 5 different color modes to choose from. These amount to a presentation mode, a dynamic mode, a cinema mode, an sRGB mode and a board mode. Once you have selected the appropriate color mode, you can also adjust the brightness, contrast or color saturation individually. Settings for the adaptive IRIS diaphragm are also made here.
Signal
Here are settings for the active source. Among other things, the aspect ratio can be adjusted, or the overscan can be activated.
Settings
The menu item "Settings" contains the general settings of the beamer, such as the volume, the split-screen mode, settings for the IR receiver or the "keystone".
Erweitert
Here are special settings for the start screen, the hints displayed or to the language.
Network
This menu item is optional and is used to configure the WLAN stick.
ECO
The ECO menu item regulates the projector's energy-saving functions. Here you can choose between normal mode and ECO mode, and you can also set sleep mode.
Information
Display of the porjector information, such as the lamp hours or the serial number.
Reset
This can be used to reset the EB-U04 to the factory settings.
Business application
The fact that the Epson EB-U04 is not just a home cinema projector can be seen after switching on the device for the first time. By default, the projector is in the so-called "normal mode" with active "presentation mode" as the color mode. The image output here is very bright (maximum 3000 lumens), which is why the projector can also be used in a non-darkened room without any problems. The loud fan turning up is clearly noticeable.
In the active "presentation mode" the color display is very cool. Colors appear extremely pale, which is why this mode is mainly suitable for pure text projection. The same applies to the dynamic mode, in which the colors are significantly more distorted.
Home theater capability
The home cinema suitability of the Epson EB-U04 is convincing from the point of view of price-performance. If you switch from "normal mode" to "ECO mode", the fan volume is audibly reduced. In return, the picture is slightly darkened, which is why a mostly darkened room is required in this mode.
If you also activate the "Cinema" color mode, the color display also appears much warmer and more accurate, which is also thanks to the 3LCD technology, which ensures a more natural and intense color display. However, despite the improved color fastness, the black value appears greyish instead of a rich black. Especially with dark film scenes, a grayish veil covers the picture.
To improve the black level, the adaptive IRIS diaphragm can be switched on in "cinema mode". However, this only improves the black level minimally. On the other hand, a loud creaking of the IRIS cover can be heard with every change of light, which in the long term is more annoying than useful.
The native resolution of the projector is 1920x1200 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:10. Full HD video material is reproduced accurately and razor-sharp. The smallest details remain clearly visible.
Opinions of other testers
For the test, the opinions of other test persons were obtained, to whom the Epson EB-U04 was presented and who actively operated and used the projector themselves. For this purpose, the test persons were asked to write down their opinion on the projector in just 3 sentences, naming what they like and what they like less or not.
"The picture is as sharp as on my HDTV. I especially like the mobility. I do not like the loud IRIS aperture. "
“Super easy to use, great picture and easy to transport. I think the sharp image is great. I didn't like the loud fan and the creaking noise."
"The picture is bright, the colors are full and the resolution is good. I particularly liked the versatile connection options and the high-resolution picture. "
"The projector is inconspicuous and you can put it anywhere or take it with you. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to set up. The presentation is very sharp and looks natural, but black colors are a bit too gray for me. "
Epson EB-U04
Clear image
Strong colors
Multifunctional
Compact design
connection options
usability
WiFi only optional
Loud iris aperture
Black level below expectations
The Epson EB-U04 hits a good midfield between presentation projector and home cinema solution. Thanks to its compact design, the projector is extremely mobile and, thanks to its high light output, is very well suited for outdoor public viewing.
The native Full HD resolution makes the picture crisp. In addition, the 3LCD technology ensures accurate color yield. The black value, however, remains below expectations. Improvement is also the very loud IRIS aperture, which can be particularly disturbing in the cinema mode. It would also be desirable to integrate the WLAN module in the projector and not offer it as an option.
In spite of everything, the Epson EB-U04 is an affordable projector.
Tom
26. September 2016 17 to: 22
Unfortunately, this Epson projector has no lens shift, so the exact orientation on a screen in the home theater is particularly important. Otherwise, a great projector for the price.
Boris
24. March 2017 17 to: 17
The new projectors are class. Above all, one knows that everything works out on the business presentation. I know enough people in the circle of acquaintances who had more theatrical performances with the projectors in the presentation rooms than anything else.