Epson is not just printers. Home cinema lovers know well that the Japanese brand has also made a specialty of video projectors of all kinds. In the compact and transportable category, this EF-22 model was accompanied during its presentation by the EF-21, presenting almost the same characteristics (it does not have a passive radiator), but without a support.
However, this is the most visible quality of the EF-22: its swing allows it to be rotated vertically, while its 360° rotating support can orient it horizontally. This system is a guarantee of ease of installation. You then just need to place it on a coffee table, a small piece of furniture or even the armrest of your sofa if it is wide enough for the automatic adjustment system to adapt the image to the projection surface (a screen is d 'elsewhere always recommended rather than a simple wall). If you move it, it only takes two seconds to obtain a clear, rectangular image thanks to the sensors placed on the front alongside the lens.
Perfect finish and 3 kg on the scale
Be careful though, the EF-22 is not quite a picoprojector. It does not have a battery (the compact external transformer provided is essential) and still weighs 3 kg for dimensions of 236 x 191 x 193 mm. We are therefore closer to transportable than to portable. Under the support, a universal screw thread also allows it to be attached to a stand or better yet to the ceiling. In this case, again the image adapts by turning over.
The finish is simply impeccable. The adjustments are perfect and worthy of a device that is certainly intended to be affordable, but which still costs 1,100 euros. If plastic is exclusively used for the body of the device, the rotating foot and the swing are made of metal, ensuring perfect stability. The version lent here by Epson for our test was metallic blue in color, very dark and perfectly invisible in the dark. For those who want even more sobriety, it is also available in a black version.
On one side of the stand, the power socket, on the other a Kensington slot to secure it if necessary. On the back of the device, you will find all the connectivity: HDMI 1.4 ARC, USB-A, 3.5 mm jack audio output and a mini-USB port exclusively reserved for service. The power button is also arranged next to them. Some will find it limited, but it deserves to offer the essentials and above all allow you to continue to easily manipulate the video projector rather than multiplying the cables which could hinder it.
Google TV to enjoy (almost) everything
Especially since the EF-22 will not necessarily require a wired connection, since it has Wi-Fi and the Google TV operating system (certified for Netflix). We therefore have access to all the applications necessary to take advantage of our VOD or SVOD accounts (myCANAL, Disney+, Apple TV+, Max, Paramount+, etc.). To play video files, simply plug in a USB key containing them and use, for example, the VLC application. It is also Google Cast compatible for streaming content from a smartphone. Finally, for those who are worried about the obsolescence of such a connected device, Epson guarantees software updates for 7 years.
The interface is not necessarily the smoothest, but it is in any case absolutely responsive and does not present any annoying latency in use. At the back, a fabric surface covers two 5-watt speakers arranged at an angle. Not enough of course to compete with a dedicated installation, but sufficient to offer a more than honorable result. You can even use the EF-22 as a speaker thanks to its Bluetooth 5.2 connection. For those who want more, you can then connect it to a soundbar via the HDMI ARC output. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to benefit from Dolby Atmos, the projector only manages a stereo signal. Regarding acoustics, let's also note its relative silence with barely 35 dB measured at a distance of one meter. Plenty to be covered by the soundtrack of the film you are watching.
To control everything, the supplied remote control is light and ergonomic. Connected via Bluetooth, it does not need to be pointed at the device to control it. On the other hand, if no backlighting is offered, certain essential buttons are white, making it easier to spot in the dark.
-Technological limitations…
And darkness, it's going to be necessary to get the most out of the EF-22. Indeed, Epson has chosen to use LCD technology and not DLP which generally offers more faithful colors and higher contrast. However, DLP has a fault: producing an annoying rainbow effect that is more or less visible to certain people. Even with its laser light source (rated for 20,000 hours), this video projector needs to be used at least in relative darkness.
Once installed and the automatic keystone correction carried out, we also see that the autofocus is very effective, presenting no imperfections, even in the corners of the image. The device is also equipped with an obstacle avoidance system (poster, board, electrical outlet) and deactivation of the light when passing in front to avoid catching it in the eyes. Too bad, however, no adaptation to the color of the wall is offered. However, it is very practical for obtaining faithful colors when you do not have a screen and your wall is not perfectly white.
…But quality to match
Its 0.62-inch LCD panel can project an image from 30 to 150 inches depending on the distance from the wall. To reach 100 inches, for example, you must place the EF-22 at a little more than 3.30 meters. The maximum brightness is given at 1,000 lumens, while the definition is unfortunately limited to Full HD. Another limitation is that the video projector is only HDR10 compatible (no HDR10+ or Dolby Vision HDR).
Despite these limitations, the overall rendering is entirely up to par with this type of range. Even in Full HD, we see a lot of detail and we benefit from fairly natural colors; the whole thing is clearly flattering. Same thing for the contrast which is not crazy good, but which is enough to obtain image depth and blacks which do not turn gray. Fast movements, for example in action films, are also handled very well, with no apparent lag.
For users who want to go further, several image modes are offered in the “Projector” section of Google TV. Dynamic, Vivid, Natural, Cinematic and Personalized. The latter has the merit of offering warmer colors, but also of adjusting the contrast, saturation, sharpness, gamma (according to three levels) and the three primary colors. Enough to meet most of the needs.
No, the EF-22 is not the most efficient video projector. Lacking 4K, it also requires relative darkness for its use. It is therefore aimed more at users looking for a model to use occasionally and which is likely to be moved often. For this use, its practicality and ergonomics are unparalleled, especially since it offers very good image and sound quality for this type of device.
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