In this article, we’ll take a look at two impressive projectors that can be your options for a powerful entertainment system. They are Epson Home Cinema 2100 and Epson Home Cinema 2150. At first, Epson Home Cinema 2100 vs 2150 look very similar to each other. So, what things make them different? Which one is better for the money?
This article will discuss further about:
– The design and build quality of each projector
– The connectivity features on each model
– The user interface and remote control of each model
– The special features available on both projectors
– The image quality of Epson Home Cinema 2100 vs 2150
– Which projector that is generally more recommended
Design
Epson Home Cinema 2100 and Epson Home Cinema 2150 have been introduced into the market to replace their popular predecessors, Epson Home Cinema 2040 and Epson Home Cinema 2045. Although their predecessors were impressive, these new models are certainly even better. They come with updated features and new technologies to deliver the best home entertainment experience. See also: KDlinks A400 vs Himedia Q10 Pro.
In terms of dimensions, these two projectors are pretty similar. Each of them measures 12.2 inches x 11.2 inches x 4.8 inches. There is just a slight difference in the weight. Epson Home Cinema 2100 is a little bit lighter at 7.5 lbs, while Epson Home Cinema 2150is a little bit heavier at 7.7 lbs. Nevertheless, you won’t find any problem in lifting and placing either projector.
Both projectors have good build quality. The housing feels quite durable. The lens mount is solid. The housing has lots of vent holes on the sides, which can get quite hot during extended use. Unfortunately, Epson Home Cinema 2100 vs 2150 come with a white finish, which will show any dust buildup quickly. You will need to clean the housing, especially the vent holes, every once in a while.
Both projectors can be mounted on the wall or ceiling by using an appropriate bracket. Many users have successfully mounted their Epson Home Cinema 2100 or Epson Home Cinema 2150 projectors with universal brackets. However, note that the mounting holes are placed pretty closely to each other, and they may be incompatible with a few universal mounting systems.
Connectivity
One of the differences between Epson Home Cinema 2100 vs 2150 is the connectivity features. Well, they come with similar input and output ports. The difference is the wireless connectivity. Let’s first take a look at the inputs and outputs on each projector.
On the rear panel of the unit, you can find all the connectors that you need to set up a home entertainment system. It has a USB Type-A port and a Service port, a VGA connector for a traditional connection with a computer, and two HDMI ports (one of which supports MHL for a direct connection to a compatible mobile device). The lower row has the power port, an infrared receiver for use with a remote control, and an audio output port.
You should consider using external speakers for the best audio performance. Each projector here has an internal speaker, which can be a pretty good solution when you can’t use a dedicated audio system, but such a built-in speaker can only do so much. The projector only has one audio output. So, if you want to get a stereo or surround performance, using the audio from the source device will be more convenient.
Epson Home Cinema 2100 does not have built-in Wi-Fi. As the effect, this projector can’t connect directly to your home’s wireless network. You need to run a cable from your computer or media player to the projector.
Epson Home Cinema 2150 has built-in Wi-Fi with Miracast. It can connect to your home’s wireless network. In addition, the Miracast feature will allow you to wirelessly mirror the screen of your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
In order to do this, you just need to head to the Network Settings and change the Wireless LAN option into Screen Mirroring. Afterwards, it will start the step-by-step process for screen mirroring. This is very convenient, as it will allow you to watch videos from your computers or mobile devices quickly and easily.
User Interface and Remote Control
On the back of each unit, there are several control buttons including the power button, the menu button, and volume controls. There are vertical keystone correction buttons which will allow you to adjust the shape of the projected image without going through confusing menu screens. There are also light indicators that will tell you the power status, Wi-Fi status, lamp condition, and temperature.
The on-screen user interface is pretty basic, but it is definitely intuitive and efficient to use. You can quickly understand them all and easily navigate through the menus.
Epson Home Cinema 2100 vs 2150 come with similar remote controls. It is plain and relatively simple. On the top, it has a power button along with buttons for switching between different sources quickly. Then, there are the usual playback controls such as Play, Rewind, Fast-Forward, Pause, and Stop.
Then, there are buttons for cycling through your media collection, Link Menu, Mute, and volume. By pressing the HDMI Link button, you can use the remote to control a HDMI-connected device that supports the CEC standard. The next section is the Enter button and the directional keys, while the bottommost section is for several functions including 2D/3D switch, Color Mode, Image Enhancement, Auto Iris, and Frame Interpolation.
Features
Both Epson Home Cinema 2100 and Epson Home Cinema 2150 has a maximum lens shift of 60%. This is really awesome. Other budget-friendly projectors in the price range don’t really have reliable lens shift capabilities – usually only 5% or so. So, you will be able to place either projector here with great flexibility. That said, keep in mind that it will only adjust the vertical placement of the image.
Both Epson Home Cinema 2100 and Epson Home Cinema 2150 are also capable of Creative Frame Interpolation. This feature will make the projector add additional frames to the projected images, hence improving the fluidity of movements. This is especially great for watching sports. However, it may make some movies look weird, so it is generally not recommended for watching films.
Both models have a built-in media player which will allow you to play content directly from a USB stick or hard drive that is formatted in FAT16 or FAT32. You can also plug a smartphone or digital camera. This capability will allow you to perform a PC-free presentation. Just plug your storage device, export the powerpoint slides as ordered JPEGs, and move between them.
These projectors are able to play 3D content. Since the lack of 3D support can be a major deal breaker for many projector buyers nowadays, this is great. The 3D performance is generally great.
However, you need to make sure that you use the right pair of 3D glasses. Different 3D technologies require different 3D glasses. Epson Home Cinema 2100 and Epson Home Cinema 2150 work with active-shutter non-polarized 3D glasses. The company does sell the optional Epson 3D glasses, but they are relatively expensive. Fortunately, both projectors can work with compatible Samsung 3D glasses which are quite cheaper.
Performance
In general, both models have exceptional image quality. Epson Home Cinema 2100 has a contrast ratio of 35,000:1, while Epson Home Cinema 2150 has a contrast ratio of 60,000:1. Although there is a difference in the contrast ratio, both projectors are nonetheless capable of delivering very sharp and detailed images with smooth movements.
The effect of the different contrast ratio is not always noticeable, but it is there if you compare their images carefully. Epson Home Cinema 2100 certainly have solid colors, but the colors displayed by Epson Home Cinema 2150 are even deeper, more vibrant, and generally more vivid.
Both models have several display modes. Most of them except Dynamic have pretty much accurate colors. The Dynamic mode will deliver enhanced greens and yellows. The Natural mode is accurate but with a warmer tone, while the Cinema mode is accurate but with a cooler tone. Both models will deliver excellent image quality right out of the box, so there is no need for extensive manual tweaking.
The black performance of both models is generally good. It is not really impressive, but it is notably better than most other models in the class. The blacks never reach a true black level, but they come close. You can tweak the contrast and brightness to achieve darker blacks. There is actually a feature called SuperWhite which can greatly increase black levels, but at the cost of losing lots of shadow detail, so this feature is not recommended.
Epson Home Cinema 2100 vs 2150
Conclusion
These two projectors are quite similar, but there are two things that make Epson Home Cinema 2150 a better choice, which are the built-in Wi-Fi with Miracast and the higher contrast ratio. It will allow you to mirror the screen of your computer or mobile device easily. It can also deliver better image quality, with deeper and more accurate colors.