Epson recently introduced the PowerLite 5000-Series of large venue projectors. This new series is designed for use in lecture halls, auditoriums, house of worship and other large-venue entertainment applications. They feature multiple digital connectivity options and vertical and horizontal lens shift for easy installation.

The PowerLite 5000-Series includes several advanced connectivity features including HDBaseT2, Dual- HDMI, VGA, BNC, and LAN digital inputs. With HDBaseT specifically, users only need one CAT-6 cable to carry full HD video, audio, network, and control commands for installation. In addition, the PowerLite 5000-Series can integrate with Creston, Extron, and Control4 systems for added networking capabilities. Featuring the Epson EasyMP monitoring tool, the PowerLite 5000-Series has built-in remote access to Epson Monitor software, which provides added control, and the ability to troubleshoot and monitor up to 1,024 Epson networked projectors. In addition, EasyMP allows access to view the status, including input sources, power on/off, lamp life, and more of all networked projectors and schedule filter and lap timer settings, ideal for school districts, and corporate or enterprise environments.

Wireless screen mirroring with Miracast2 allows PowerLite 5000-Series users to stream Full HD movies, videos, photos, and music from Android mobile devices or Windows PCs to the projector. Advanced wireless security helps keep personal information safe, by leveraging a wireless LAN module which is sold separately.

The new series includes four models – all of which are 5,500 lumens. There are two WUXGA models – the PowerLite 5530U (white case) and the PowerLite 5535U (black case), which will have an MSRP of $2,899. The WXGA model is the PowerLite 5520W (white case) which will have an MSRP of $1,999. Finally, the XGA model is the PowerLite 5510 (white case) which will have an MSRP of $1,799. All will begin shipping in January 2017.

Recent findings from PMA Research show that on a worldwide basis, projectors with 4,000 – 6,000 lumens grew by 6% in 2016Q3 when compared with sales from 2015Q3. During that same timeframe, widescreen projector sales grew by 2%.