The EMP-TWD1 makes way for the TWD3, a new arrival in the world of multifunction projectors with an added DVD player and speakers.  On the outside, except for its gray body (more elegant than the sterile white) and the added VGA input for the connection of peripherals, this new effort seems identical to its older sibling.  With a native resolution of 854 x 480 pixels, it’s perfectly suited for the projection of DVDs.  And this is actually what is emphasized by the manufacturer : ‘’Simply connect your Epson EMP-TWD1 to the power, insert your chosen DVD and watch movies the way they were meant to be seen – on the big screen.’’  And in fact, it is very practical for this purpose.  There is one question lingering question however: what is the viability of such a product with the coming of HD?

At 20 cm high (foot included), the TWD3 will not go unnoticed on your coffee table.  However, the double-sided projector + DVD player/speakers design gives you the option of placing it on a shelf for use as a backup Hi-fi stereo system.  Ergonomics are similar to the previous generation’s with a lens-shift for positioning the image on the wall as well as zoom and focus dials on top of the projector.  The remote is still the same and features glow-in-the-dark buttons.  It’s better than nothing but it doesn’t allow making too many modifications during a movie as this effect fades after a while. 

In terms of connectivity, there was no change of the interface compared to the previous version.  For inputs we find two RCA audio, one S-Video, and one component connection.  For outputs we find a subwoofer jack (for an additional bass speaker) and optical sound connector. There has been, however, one major improvement: the VGA connection on the side of the projector.  Why is this such a big advantage? Quite simply because this is the input that will allow you to connect your PC, latest generation console and even HD player (see box) to the projector. 

Finally, we finish this product’s ergonomics on a rather sour note involving the TWD3’s noise levels.  Besides the Cinema mode, which is indeed silent, all the other modes quite simply produce an unbearable amount of noise (for our ears anyway).

And compared to a native HD projector?

We should keep in mind that the normal and manufacturer recommended use for this projector is displaying DVDs directly on its integrated player.  And in this domain, the TWD3 does a good job.  Also, compared to the previous version, we even noticed an improvement in presettings resulting in more neutral and a greater variety of colors.  The small disappointments in this area included a green dominance in lighter tones and a little too much contrast. 

After these differences in color rendering, the remaining question is the justification for the higher price compared to a 720p model like the TW700 from this same company.  We can start by comparing the visibility of the matrix.  As it disappears quickly on a 720p image when we step away from the screen, it’s highly visible from a distance of 3 meters with this model.  Next there is the level of detail.  The HD version has a sharper image and the stair effect (aliasing) on an object’s edges is better controlled.  So overall and given the results, the HD version actually surpasses the TWD3.  However, we wouldn’t tell you not to buy this multifunction projector despite its lower quality display.  It still offers good projection of movies as long you aren’t obsessed with the visibility of its matrix.

As usual we finish with connection to a PC and game console.  Without holding you in suspense too long, this PC/projector combination was relatively catastrophic.  We say « relatively » because in 800x600 pixels, the setting where the image is the sharpest is very exhausting. More and more websites and applications are optimized for 1204x768 or higher and navigating in such a small resolution means having to scroll in all directions.  We did however find a setting of 1360 x 768 in the control panel and with this mode the entire projection zone is filled.  Even if is sharpness is inferior, it’s much more enjoyable given the amount of simultaneous information displayed on the screen. 

Finally, we hooked up our Xbox 360 via the VGA connector and provided adaptor (see box).  We have to say that we were pleasantly surprised.  The image was displayed in 16/9 and even if the matrix remained visible, gaming was entirely possible.  In addition, the facility of connecting a speaker to the interface is an undeniable bonus for gatherings with friends around the console.   All is needed is a white wall and console to get the party started.