The Epson PowerLite 805F is an ultra-short-throw (UST) 3LCD laser projector priced at $2,825 MSRP.
It uses three 1,366 x 768 RGB LCD chips to show a Full HD (1920 x 1080) image.
This bright laser projector delivers 5,000 ANSI lumens and a dynamic contrast ratio of over 2,500,000:1.
I’ve reviewed many Epson projectors for home, education, and business, but this is my first time reviewing one made mainly for digital signage—and I’m excited to try it!
| Epson Specs | |
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| Native Resolution | |
| Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | |
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| Zoom Lens Ratio | |
| Lens Shift | No |
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Overview
The PowerLite 800 series has two models: the PowerLite 800F and the PowerLite 805F. Besides the cabinet color, they are the same.
From what I’ve seen in the marketing materials and the projector itself, the PowerLite 805F looks very similar to the Epson BrightLink 1485Fi—just without the digital whiteboard and extra features. You can check out my detailed review of the 1485Fi.
The PowerLite 805F is a Full HD (1920 x 1080) projector. It uses three 1366 x 768 LCD panels and shifts the pixels to create the full HD image. It can project onto a 16:9 screen up to 130 inches diagonally.
Some people debate pixel-shifting vs. native resolution, but Epson’s pixel-shift technology produces a sharp image that’s hard to tell apart from a true 1080p projector when viewed from a normal distance.
The PowerLite 805F uses a blue diode laser and an inorganic phosphor wheel to create red, green, and blue light. These colors shine through the three LCD panels, then through the ultra-short-throw lens, and onto the screen.
Epson says the laser light source lasts up to 20,000 hours in NORMAL mode and 30,000 hours in EXTENDED mode.
Laser light sources have many benefits: they’re brighter than traditional lamps, offer better contrast and color range, require almost no maintenance, and never need lamp replacements!
The Epson PowerLite 805F delivers up to 5,000 lumens thanks to its powerful laser light engine.
This projector is a great choice for digital signage because of its flexibility. It works well in many different settings, which I’ll explain below.
The PowerLite 805F is bright and offers an excellent dynamic contrast ratio of over 2,500,000:1. Good contrast is important in places like retail stores, where lighting can make it hard to see rich, detailed images.
It has many connection options, including three HDMI ports, HDBaseT, an optional 5GHz wireless adapter, a built-in speaker, and direct playback via USB.
The optional wireless adapter (model V12H005A02) plugs into the projector’s USB port and lets you connect to a network without cables. This allows network admins to remotely control and manage the projector using Epson’s software. You can buy this adapter from Epson retailers worldwide.
Using projectors like the PowerLite 805F for digital signage is becoming more popular as their picture quality improves and prices get better. With its high brightness and vivid colors, this projector helps you grab customers’ attention with vibrant, eye-catching signs that you can update easily from your business or anywhere your Apple phone has signal.
The Epson PowerLite 805F can turn dull spaces into exciting and engaging displays with sharp, true-to-life images up to 130 inches diagonal. You can even use multiple PowerLite 805F projectors together with Epson’s built-in EDGE BLENDING to create larger, seamless images. It also supports GEOMETRY CORRECTION, SCALE, UNIFORMITY, and COLOR MATCHING.
Whether you use one projector or many, the PowerLite 805F brings your in-store displays to life, makes gallery walls pop, and can make your restaurant’s menu look irresistible.
EPSON SOFTWARE
Epson offers four easy-to-use software tools for the PowerLite 805F, including mobile apps:
Epson Projector Management Software:
This lets you monitor and control multiple projectors on your network from your computer. You can check power status, errors, and get alerts if anything goes wrong.Epson iProjection Software:
A free app that lets you wirelessly share content from your PC, Mac, Chromebook, Android, or iOS device to the PowerLite 805F and other Epson projectors.Epson Content Manager Software:
This software helps you create playlists of images and videos saved on external storage. You can control playback, add effects like transitions, loops, brightness, color, and customize filters.
Epson Creative Projection App:
This exclusive iOS app lets you create custom content with built-in templates and stamps. You can wirelessly send your creations to the projector if it’s connected to Wi-Fi or using Epson’s optional $99 WiFi adapter.
Third-Party Software Compatibility:
The PowerLite 805F works with popular third-party control and monitoring software:
Crestron Connected: Control and monitor your projector through a web browser. (Note: Epson’s Message Broadcasting tool doesn’t work with Crestron Connected.)
PJLink: A standard protocol that allows central control of projectors from different brands.
Extron XTP: The projector is XTP Certified, making it easy to integrate into professional AV systems.
RS232: Allows remote control of the projector via PC, tablet, smartphone, or remote control. You can power it on/off and change inputs.
SNMP: Network admins can monitor projectors connected to the same network.
USB Display Software: If you don’t have HDMI or VGA ports, this software lets you send images to the projector via a PC’s USB port.
Other Epson Projector Models:
Besides the PowerLite 800F/805F, Epson offers:
| Model Number | MSRP | Brightness (Lumens) | Dynamic Contrast | Lens Throw | Light Source | Zoom Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerLite L255F | $1,631 | 4,500 | 2,500,000:1 | 1.33 – 2.16 | Laser | 1 – 1.62 (Optical) |
| PowerLite 800/805F | $2,825 | 5,000 | 2,500,000:1 | 0.27 – 0.37 | Laser | 1 – 1.35 (Digital) |
| PowerLite 730U | $4,181 | 7,000 | 2,500,000:1 | 1.35 – 2.20 | Laser | 1 – 1.6x |
The PowerLite 805F offers wired LAN and HDBaseT connections, allowing audio, video, and control signals to run up to 328 feet (100 meters). It has three HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.3) inputs and supports a wide range of video signals, including 4K content. There’s also an RS232C control port for easy remote management.
Highlights:
5,000 lumens color and white brightness
Epson 3LCD, 3-chip technology
Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080)
Dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1
Supports 4K content (Blu-ray and UHD)
Laser light source lasts up to 20,000 hours (Normal mode)
Can run 24/7 continuously
Split screen feature
Advanced networking built-in; optional wireless adapter ($99)
HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.3) and HDBaseT support for long cable runs via CAT6
Dynamic contrast adjustments
Color display of up to 1.07 billion colors
EDGE BLENDING and IMAGE WARPING for perfect image alignment
Epson Projector Management app for Windows
Keystone correction: vertical and horizontal ±3 degrees
Fan noise: 36 dB (Normal), 27 dB (Eco mode)
Comes with a 3-year limited warranty
Hardware
The PowerLite 805F is the black version, and the PowerLite 800F is the white version of the same projector.
The PowerLite 805F is smaller than most ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors. It measures 18.1″ wide, 17.7″ deep, and 9″ high. The lens adds about 4 inches to the height compared to other UST projectors. It weighs 21.4 lbs, which is similar to other projectors in this category.
UST projectors are great for places like galleries and retail stores where space is limited. They’re also perfect for any spot where you want to avoid people walking between the projector and the screen.
The lens position depends on how the projector is mounted — it can be at the front, center, top, or bottom. For this review, I had the projector sitting on a table. On the back, there’s a panel that opens to show the control panel, focus control, and built-in stereo speakers.
At the front, a removable cover hides the inputs and cables. The right side has the air intake and filter cover, and the left side has the exhaust vent.